How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#0How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 11:54amI'm not an actor or singer or dancer (although I'm all three in my fantasy world), but I feel truly driven to try and find a job being a house manager or, hell, even a secretary. I'm in Chicago and have no idea where to begin. Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions/snide comments that I should stay out of the theatre?
BwayTheatre11
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/03
#1re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 11:59amYou have many opportunities in Chicago!
Thesbijean
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/9/04
#2re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 12:04pmSadly, you need to have some direction. The best thing to do is find an internship you like, and then that will lead you on the path to employment...
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#3re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 12:36pmI would love to do the internship thing, but, sadly, I'm now trying to pretend to be a grownup after graduating college. The rent must be paid and my roommate and cat must be fed. Other than internships which pay little to nil, any other thoughts?
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#4re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 12:48pm
"I'm now trying to pretend to be a grownup after graduating college."
Can I quote you?
#5re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 12:51pm
See if the theaters in your neck of the woods have volunteers---I used to volunteer as an usher, and ended up working as a floor manager for some shows ($20 a show). This way you get to see the show!!
Also, try community theater---having no ambition to act, I actually auditioned for a show and got a part! It's a lot of fun, and you get to be part of the theater!
#6re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 1:25pm
Pick up a copy of PerformInk, the local paper for the theatre community or even the Reader and check the classifieds (also online at www.performink.com). With Chicago theatres, most staff below the Equity level is unpaid and works for the love of the art. However, if you grow with a company as a volunteer, you may just find yourself on a payroll eventually should the company last long enough to actually have a paid staff.
Many of the theatres also offer volunteer ushering opportunities as a way to see theatre for free.
#7re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 2:42pmSorryGrateful, where did you graduate from?
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#8re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 2:49pmIf you want to work at any of the Broadway in Chicago venues, you'll essentially have to settle for working as an usher. I know most of the House Managers (they rotate from theatre to theatre) and they are essentially usher managers. If you you were going to volunteer, I would suggest the Chicago Theatre, which is owned by an actual Broadway producing company and of the commercial theatres in Chicago, it's the only one that might open other doors for you (Broadway in Chicago is very corporate, hence, very heirarchial.
#9re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 2:50pmPractice
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#10re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 4:52pm
EvelynNesbit--
I graduated in 2004 from The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. It's a fairly small private college. Thanks for asking!
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#11re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 4:58pmhttp://chicago.craigslist.org/tfr/79896822.html
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#12re: How does one go about getting a job in a theatre?
Posted: 6/21/05 at 5:36pmI just want to thank all of you who've responded as you've been very helpful. Any suggestions at this point are very appreciated, so thanks for taking the time!
Videos