A life-long performer, Atchison impersonates both Cher and Lady Gaga—when she’s not stilt walking.
Where do you live? Orlando, Florida
Is there any formal training required to be a celebrity impersonater? The only formal training was the dance classes I took as a child and voice lessons I took during college. I auditioned and was chosen for the college entertainment workshop program offered by Disneyland/Walt Disney World my senior year and have continued performing professionally ever since.
You impersonate both Cher and Lady Gaga—why them? Both are incredibly talented, outspoken, empowered female icons of their generations. To impersonate them, one has to be able to sing, dance, and act well enough for audiences to feel close to them. They are both famous for wearing outrageous costumes, so it is imperative to recreate those outfits with excellence.
What’s your favorite Lady Gaga song? Born This Way. I love the message, and it inspires me every time I hear it!
Do you make a living as a celebrity impersonator or do you supplement with a side job? I make my living as a full-time performer. This includes being a celebrity impersonator, dancer, actress, balloon artist, and stilt walker.
How much do you make? Enough that I don’t have to pursue other employment!
What’s the best part of your job? The opportunity to perform. I really do love it!
What’s the worst part of your job? Travel. It just wears me out!
Would you recommend this line of work to anyone else? It is a tough business, so I recommend it only to those who have the right combination of talent, ethics, business savvy, and motivation. It looks easy, but most people do not realize the countless hours of training and rehearsals; the thousands of dollars spent on dance lessons, voice lessons, costumes, music, and wigs; the creativity needed to produce a product people are willing to pay money for; and the management skills needed to sell yourself to agents and clients. Not to mention the pressure of keeping yourself looking and sounding your very best at all times. We are judged instantly when we walk through the door. It is a lot of pressure—not for someone who has their feelings easily hurt.
If you can survive all that, it can be incredibly fun and rewarding!