What does it take to step into the boots of one of pop music’s biggest icons? For Allie Thayer, becoming a Taylor Swift impersonator began with a love of performing and a few unexpected twists along the way. In this talent spotlight, Allie shares how her journey unfolded and offers insights for thriving as a performer.
Becoming a Taylor Swift impersonator
Allie Thayer’s love of performing started early. In high school, she played the flute, joined the drama club, and starred in multiple productions, experiences that lit the spark for a lifelong passion for the stage. But stepping into the spotlight as a Taylor Swift impersonator came later, sparked by a string of unexpected moments and a little encouragement from an agent.
Taking a chance on her wildest dreams
Allie didn’t grow up in a family of entertainers; in fact, they weren’t too thrilled about her pursuing a career in entertainment. “After graduating from high school, I was on a cross-country road trip with my dad, and he asked me what my plans were. I told him that I wanted to act. His response was, ‘You can’t do that. What do you really plan to do?'” Allie recounted. Following a more traditional path, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a teaching license and spent several years teaching bilingual education. Still, the desire to perform never faded. “…I didn’t want to be 90 years old one day, sitting on a porch, wondering why I had never pursued what I really wanted to pursue,” Allie said.
Then came a moment that felt almost cinematic. While walking along Pismo Beach, a passing biker stopped and told her, “What are you doing here? You belong in LA.” This kismet moment changed her life. Reflecting on this, she said, “It inspired me to submit headshots to acting agencies. Within a couple of months, I got signed by a couple of agents, moved to LA, and the rest is history.”
Entering her Taylor era
Once in Los Angeles, Allie dove into the entertainment world. She appeared in film and television projects while also working as a pin-up girl, showgirl, spokesmodel, go-go dancer, and narrator. Becoming a Taylor Swift impersonator happened through a series of events involving Facebook, Disneyland, and one of her agents. “I had played one of those games on Facebook, where you submit a photo, and it will tell you which star you look like. The ‘Taylor Swift’ result was posted to my page,” Allie remembers. At first, she laughed it off. Her agent, however, saw potential and suggested Los Angeles could use a Taylor Swift look-alike. Allie said, “For six months, I had it in the back of my mind, but I honestly didn’t think that I looked enough like Taylor.”
Then, during a break from the rides at Disneyland, she stumbled across a video that changed everything. In it, someone used makeup to transform into Taylor with astonishing accuracy. Reflecting on this moment, Allie said, “I was literally in shock with what an incredible job she had done. So then, I realized that I had no excuse not pursue this.”
Perfecting Allie’s version
Today, Allie has fully embraced the role, putting careful thought into every detail of the transformation. “For look-alike work, in my experience, the first step in creating a character is finding the perfect wig. After that, everything else will just fall into place,” she explained. From there, the process becomes part research, part performance craft. She studies interviews and live performances to capture Swift’s mannerisms and movement. She also keeps a close eye on costumes and current moments from the star’s career to keep the portrayal fresh. Allie said, “Not only is Taylor uber-talented, but, more importantly, she is a kind person with a big heart. It’s an honor to get to impersonate her. Truth be told, it’s a blast!”
She has performed for a wide variety of events, but the most common performance requests she receives are for birthday surprises. She said, “There are so many Swifties out there, and clients get very excited to give this type of gift to their friends and family members.” Beyond continuing to hone her craft, Allie has big plans for the future to bring joy to those who need it most. “I would love to one day put together a non-profit charity organization, bringing together performers who would make surprise hospital and house calls to kids who are undergoing physical or mental challenges,” Allie shared.
Allie Thayer’s GigSalad journey
Allie has been a member of GigSalad since 2016. She’s the most-booked Taylor Swift impersonator in Los Angeles, with glowing reviews from past clients. With 10 years of experience on the platform, she’s provided tips and wisdom for success.
Using GigSalad
GigSalad: How did you first hear about GigSalad, and what made you decide to join the platform?
Allie Thayer: One of my agents mentioned to me that I really should get onto GigSalad. At the time, I was used to my agents handling everything, so at first I was a little unsure about how it would be to handle clients directly. Once I took a look at the site and saw how easy it was to join, to set up a profile, and how user-friendly it is in every way, it was a no-brainer to join. What I also appreciate so much about GigSalad is that payments are timely and hassle-free. Could not be happier!
GS: How has GigSalad helped you grow your visibility and book consistent events?
AT: I am beyond grateful to GigSalad! It has been a game-changer for me. Since joining, I work so much more now. In fact, about fifty percent of my work comes from this site, which is simply amazing!
GS: Do you have a standout experience from a GigSalad booking?
AT: One of my first GigSalad jobs was wild. I was hired to do an improv shoot, and I was told to show up camera-ready. I had never worn my Taylor wig in public before. On the way to the shoot, I was in my car, stopped at a busy intersection in LA. All of a sudden, a group gathered at the corner, and I started hearing some raised voices and what sounded like a bit of a commotion. Then I realized that the commotion was about me.
“Taylor, Taylor!”, “Oh my God, it’s you!”, and “Taylor, I love you!” So naturally, I had to blow them a kiss. Well, next thing you know, the crowd moved into the intersection and surrounded my car, looking blissfully excited. They didn’t seem to notice when the light turned green, however, so it was quite a hairy moment when traffic started to move! I’m very happy to report that no one got run over, thank God, and the experience left me with a burst of confidence that I could pull off this type of work.
🤔 Curious about GigSalad? Read this: Frequently Asked Questions about Booking on GigSalad
Client communication
GS: When you receive an inquiry on GigSalad, how do you approach your response to help turn interest into a confirmed booking?
AT: I am enthusiastic, positive, and direct. I know that we are all busy, so I make my responses brief and concise.
GS: You’ve earned fantastic reviews on GigSalad. What do you think has been key to delivering standout experiences for your clients?
AT: Thank you so much. I truly care about my clients and give everything I’ve got to make their event or project as fun, unique, and exciting as possible. There have been quite a few times, over the years, when the person I am surprising will cry and tell me that it’s the best day of his or her life. It feels unbelievably good to brighten someone’s day like this! I feel beyond blessed to do this type of work. After all, it’s not what you do, but how you make others feel, that truly matters.
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Words of wisdom
GS: Is there a piece of advice from a mentor, peer, or fellow performer that’s helped shape your career?
AT: Relax and don’t sweat the small, and it’s basically all small, stuff. Shine bright. Be flexible and accommodating. Leave with plenty of time to get to your destination, so you’re not stressed. (A MUST in LA traffic.)
GS: What’s one thing you wish you had known earlier in your journey as a performer?
AT: I wish I had known to never let fear keep you from pursuing your passion. Also, never let the limiting beliefs of others determine what you can or cannot do with your life. They’re not living your life, YOU are, so do something that you actually enjoy.
✨ Take your profile to the next level: How to Create a Great Profile on GigSalad (with Real Examples)
✨ Looking for more inspiration and tips? Check out these 10 Proven Booking Tips from Entertainers on GigSalad.
From a chance comment on the beach to crowds cheering at intersections, Allie Thayer’s story reads like a series of perfectly timed plot twists. What started as a simple resemblance has grown into a thriving career creating joyful, memorable moments for fans. Through her work and her success on GigSalad, Allie continues to prove that following your passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.