What does it feel like to sing 26 Andrew Lloyd Webber songs in one night? In this week’s Tampa Bay Arts Passport Podcast, Julia traces the thread that ties her many hats—actor, visual artist, puppeteer, marketer—into one clear core.

“Art has always been my passion.”

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Episode Highlights

• Carrying a city on your shoulders (and 26 songs): the stamina and storytelling behind a one-woman show.
• Killing the “starving artist” story: how fear blocks expression—and what to do instead.
• Art × capitalism: finding a humane balance when “the minute you start making art with the purpose of making money… all the wheels fall off the track.”
• The 80s Webber time capsule: why this Tell Me on a Sunday leans into an era’s rough-edged honesty.

A one-word wish for Tampa Bay:

“Supported.”

A simple credo:

“Just be good, be kind, make art.”

Why Now

Tell Me on a Sunday is a deeper-cut Andrew Lloyd Webber title, and Rifino’s run at freeFall Theatre puts a local artist center stage at a time when ticket revenue alone can’t keep the lights on. As Julia reminds us, shows need audiences—and the ecosystem needs supporters.

“I would love for the support to come from our state and the leaders in this state… Support in all the ways.”

How to Engage

• 🎟 Go see Tell Me on a Sunday at freeFall Theatre.
• 💌 Subscribe to the Arts Passport newsletter for weekly picks, discounts, and book club invites.
• 🌟 Become a member to fuel local arts journalism (and get perks).

Transcript

Avery Anderson:
Hello and welcome to the Tampa Bay Arts Passport Podcast. My name is Avery Anderson. Today we get to talk to one of the most infectious, bubbly people I’ve ever met: the one, the only, Julia Rifino. You might know her from shows at freeFall Theatre, where she’s currently starring in Tell Me on a Sunday. She’s also performed at American Stage, the Straz, and beyond. Julia is a visual artist, puppeteer, marketing professional—and above all, a human being with a core throughline of making art. This is truly one of my favorite conversations. We even have a little fun with our mutual friend, Matthew McGee.

Julia, thank you for being here.

Julia Rifino:
I’m so happy to be here! Honestly, I thought we’d end up talking for two hours because there’s so much to cover.

Anderson:
You’re in a one-woman show—Tell Me on a Sunday. How are you doing?

Rifino:
I’m doing well. It’s been a big journey to get here, but the music is amazing and the story is wonderful. I love being at freeFall and I’m grateful for the opportunity. To know they thought of me and trusted me with this is incredible. I am a little tired—but joyfully tired.

Anderson:
Who is Julia Rifino? You grew up in Spring Hill, you’re a Tampa Bay artist, and you’ve worn so many hats. How do they all tie together?

Rifino:
When I pare everything down, at my core I’m an artist. Visual art came first when I was a kid, then singing, then theatre. Over time, I layered puppetry, scenic painting, and now arts administration. It all connects: my visual art ties into marketing, painting ties into scenic design. Having a place like freeFall where I can use all those skills at once is such a gift.

Anderson:
What role did art play in your childhood?

Rifino:
It was my escape. I was a sensitive kid, and art gave me a way to express myself before I learned how to be fully present in a room. I’m lucky to have grown up in a supportive family. They never discouraged me with the “starving artist” narrative—I always felt my gifts were valued.

Anderson:
We both know how toxic the “starving artist” stereotype can be. What would you say to someone who’s hesitant to pursue art because of it?

Rifino:
Pursue it anyway. Art is already part of you. It doesn’t have to be about money—it can be the sketch you do at home, the journal entry, a song you hum to yourself. When I’ve centered my art only around money, that’s when I’ve burned out the most. Nurture the core of your art and let it grow authentically.

Anderson:
How do you balance art with capitalism?

Rifino:
It’s a catch-22. Art and capitalism don’t mix, yet to make a living you have to find a balance. For me it’s about boundaries and self-care—making sure I’m spiritually, physically, and emotionally fit to handle opportunities like this one-woman show.

Anderson:
What does it feel like to sing 26 songs in one night and carry a story on your own?

Rifino:
It’s exhilarating. At first, as an introvert, it was daunting, but it’s helped me step into my confidence. It feels like my hard work is being recognized. Vocally it’s challenging—Andrew Lloyd Webber really shows his range here—but telling this story honestly is deeply rewarding.

Anderson:
This show has a very 1980s feel. What’s it like revisiting that era of musical theatre?

Rifino:
It’s nostalgic. Songs like “Tell Me on a Sunday” and “Unexpected Song” were staples in the 80s, and this version keeps that raw, rough-edged energy. It’s vocally demanding, but leaning into that retro vibe has been exciting.

Anderson:
What’s the throughline of all your artistic roles?

Rifino:
Connection. Art has always been my way to connect with people and with myself. My core values are simple: be good, be kind, build something together. Art is the physical manifestation of that for me.

Anderson:
Yes! And speaking of connection—let’s take a moment to compliment our mutual friend, Matthew McGee.

Rifino:
(Laughs) Matthew is so talented. He can make anyone in the room laugh—it’s like breathing to him.

Anderson:
And somehow he convinces everyone that his three favorite restaurants are the only places worth eating in Tampa.

Rifino:
Exactly. He just has the best taste and knows the vibe of a place. We love you, Matt!

Anderson:
Let’s end with a few rapid-fire questions. What does “artistic community” mean to you?

Rifino:
It’s about supporting and celebrating each other, and most importantly, sharing resources. Whether that’s kindness, a stage prop, or a helping hand—resources help us all thrive.

Anderson:
In one word, what’s your hope for the arts in Tampa Bay?

Rifino:
Supported. I want shows to be well-attended, but also for support to come from state leaders and local audiences. Tickets alone don’t cover the cost of producing theatre—support in all forms is vital.

Anderson:
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or past, who would it be?

Rifino:
Sammy Rae, from Sammy Rae & The Friends. She’s vocally brilliant and so authentically playful. Seeing her perform feels like hanging out with a friend. I’d love to pick her brain about her journey.

Anderson:
Let’s manifest that dinner. Julia, thank you so much.

Rifino:
Thank you.

Anderson:
Everyone, go see Tell Me on a Sunday at freeFall Theatre. And thank you for listening to the Tampa Bay Arts Passport Podcast.