Getting into backstage work

[geekgirl06]

Getting into backstage work#1

Posted: 11/10/08 at 4:07pm

So I know everyone ever has heard how hard it is to break into acting. Too many actors, not enough roles, yadda yadda yadda. Now I'm wondering how hard is it to get a great tech position in theatre. I'm looking into lighting design and am wondering about what the competition is looking like for the work force. Thanks!

Dancing through life... For the next ten minutes

[geekgirl06]

re: Getting into backstage work#2

Posted: 11/22/08 at 2:12pm

Anybody have any information?

Dancing through life... For the next ten minutes

[Perfectly Marvelous]

re: Getting into backstage work#2

Posted: 11/22/08 at 6:19pm

Not sure if this will help, but you can always try getting an internship. Some theatres have intern programs geared towards the specific area of tech you want and can help you build connections, which can help lead to other possible job offers.

"I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams." - Doctor Who

"Yes, the brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over, men recognize that the human race has been harshly treated but it has moved forward." - Les Miserables

[erinrebecca]

re: Getting into backstage work#3

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:44am

Get good training in a well-respected college theatre tech program and you won't have any difficulty getting work.

[WOSQ]

re: Getting into backstage work#4

Posted: 11/24/08 at 2:32pm

Yes, go to school, but also learn by doing.

For starters, actors are a dime a dozen. Good techies are not.

If you show up to any summer venue and have some experience and it is not a union house, you're in. You may end up "lighting for food", but you'll learn a lot. Try to find someplace that switches shows/events a lot. The more shows, the more experience.

Learn to tech, hang, focus, assist the designer, and maybe someone might cut you a break.

"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable." --Carrie Fisher

[xoangel2789xo]

re: Getting into backstage work#5

Posted: 11/25/08 at 3:54pm

This girl at my school is in stage management and apparently has already worked with alot of companies and has enough connections that she could leave school and get a job right now if she wanted to.

So yeah...I say school.