5 answers
hannah
Student
Tallahassee, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
4804 views
How do I have a career in technical theatre?
I am a junior in high school and I got into tech (specifically set and props) last year through our spring musical and i am doing the musical this year as well. I still am not sure what I want to do, it’s between tech and law, but I don’t know much about how to have a stable career with tech. I love to create and the variety of working in theatre really appeals to me. I don’t know much about doing theatre professionally, but I really enjoy it and can see myself doing it for a long time, but i’m worried about job security and financial stability. Does anybody have some advice?
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Hannah,
It sounds like you're in an exciting place right now, exploring your passion for technical theatre while thinking about the future-that is ambition! Balancing your love for the craft with concerns about stability and job security is a big decision. 🎭✨
So here is something I call a little breaking of the guudance of How to Build a Career in Technical Theatre
1. Get Formal Education (If You Want to Go All In)
College Degrees: Many universities offer specialized degrees in technical theatre, stage management, lighting, sound, set design, and more. This can give you the skills you need and open doors to bigger opportunities. Think of it like going to Hogwarts for techies—except your wand is a toolbelt! 🛠️🎓
Certifications and Training: If college isn’t your thing, you can also get certifications from places like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This is like the backstage VIP club, with access to all the important gigs! 👑🎬
2. Network, Network, Network
Get involved with local community theaters, summer stock productions, or even internships with professional theater companies. You’d be surprised how many people get their start by just showing up and offering to help behind the scenes. It's like being part of a super-secret society of cool people! 🤫✨
Social Media & Portfolios: Have an online portfolio that showcases your work. Instagram, LinkedIn, or even a personal website can help. You'll want to show your skills and your style—think of it like your technical theatre Tinder profile, but instead of matching with people, you're matching with opportunities! 💻🎨
3. Understand the Industry & Job Options
Freelancing & Contract Work: A lot of tech professionals in theatre work on a project-to-project basis. If you’re flexible and can jump from show to show, freelancing can be a great option! Think of it like being a theatrical nomad 🌍✨. You'll get to work in different cities, meet tons of people, and experience all kinds of productions.
Union Jobs: Joining a union like IATSE or the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) can help provide job security and benefits. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the professional world of theatre! 🎟️💼
4. Find a Niche
You can specialize in areas like lighting, sound, set design, stage management, or costume design. The more you know about a specific area, the more you’ll stand out. It’s like being the master of your craft, like a tech wizard! 🧙♂️⚡
5. Financial Stability—Yes, It’s Possible!
Steady gigs: While tech theater can have its ups and downs, larger venues like Broadway theaters, touring companies, or regional theaters can offer consistent work.
Side Gigs: Many tech theater professionals also do freelance work for corporate events, concerts, and other live performances. This could give you a chance to supplement your income. 💸🎤
Be Smart About Budgeting: It's not the most glamorous part of being a creative, but learning how to manage your money as a freelancer or contractor is super important for long-term stability. 💡
Positives of a Career in Tech Theatre
Creative Satisfaction: You'll get to contribute to creating magic on stage! There’s nothing quite like watching your work come to life in front of an audience.
Constant Growth: Theatre is always evolving, and so will your skills. The more you work in it, the more you’ll learn, adapt, and develop your style.
Flexibility: Unlike a traditional 9-5, theatre gigs often have different schedules, which can be great if you love variety and working on different projects.
Skills which I think will help you around! If you want to know furthrr or I miss a hit let me know!
Communication: Working with directors, designers, actors, and other crew members requires clear communication. Be comfortable voicing your ideas and listening to others.
Problem-Solving: Tech theater is all about finding creative solutions on the fly. If something breaks, or a set piece doesn’t work as planned, you’re the problem solver. It’s like being a backstage superhero. 🦸♂️
Attention to Detail: Every light cue, sound effect, and set piece has to be perfect, and being meticulous will get you far.
Patience: Things can go wrong, and projects might not always run smoothly. But keeping calm under pressure is key to surviving the unpredictable world of theatre!
Anyways Hannah,
There’s no doubt that working in tech theatre can be financially unstable at times, but if you’re passionate about it and willing to hustle, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Plus, the skills you develop in this field are transferable to other industries like live events, film, and even corporate production, giving you more ways to make it work. 🎬💼
Whether you lean towards tech or law, just remember that you can always pivot later if you need to. And if you love it, go for it! Job security isn’t guaranteed anywhere, but a career you enjoy is worth a lot. 🚀
Good luck with your journey—whether you’re behind the scenes or leading the charge in a courtroom, you've got this because I know you do bud! 👏 Remember just post your feedback if you feel I kisses something or you want to know a little more!
It sounds like you're in an exciting place right now, exploring your passion for technical theatre while thinking about the future-that is ambition! Balancing your love for the craft with concerns about stability and job security is a big decision. 🎭✨
So here is something I call a little breaking of the guudance of How to Build a Career in Technical Theatre
1. Get Formal Education (If You Want to Go All In)
College Degrees: Many universities offer specialized degrees in technical theatre, stage management, lighting, sound, set design, and more. This can give you the skills you need and open doors to bigger opportunities. Think of it like going to Hogwarts for techies—except your wand is a toolbelt! 🛠️🎓
Certifications and Training: If college isn’t your thing, you can also get certifications from places like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This is like the backstage VIP club, with access to all the important gigs! 👑🎬
2. Network, Network, Network
Get involved with local community theaters, summer stock productions, or even internships with professional theater companies. You’d be surprised how many people get their start by just showing up and offering to help behind the scenes. It's like being part of a super-secret society of cool people! 🤫✨
Social Media & Portfolios: Have an online portfolio that showcases your work. Instagram, LinkedIn, or even a personal website can help. You'll want to show your skills and your style—think of it like your technical theatre Tinder profile, but instead of matching with people, you're matching with opportunities! 💻🎨
3. Understand the Industry & Job Options
Freelancing & Contract Work: A lot of tech professionals in theatre work on a project-to-project basis. If you’re flexible and can jump from show to show, freelancing can be a great option! Think of it like being a theatrical nomad 🌍✨. You'll get to work in different cities, meet tons of people, and experience all kinds of productions.
Union Jobs: Joining a union like IATSE or the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) can help provide job security and benefits. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the professional world of theatre! 🎟️💼
4. Find a Niche
You can specialize in areas like lighting, sound, set design, stage management, or costume design. The more you know about a specific area, the more you’ll stand out. It’s like being the master of your craft, like a tech wizard! 🧙♂️⚡
5. Financial Stability—Yes, It’s Possible!
Steady gigs: While tech theater can have its ups and downs, larger venues like Broadway theaters, touring companies, or regional theaters can offer consistent work.
Side Gigs: Many tech theater professionals also do freelance work for corporate events, concerts, and other live performances. This could give you a chance to supplement your income. 💸🎤
Be Smart About Budgeting: It's not the most glamorous part of being a creative, but learning how to manage your money as a freelancer or contractor is super important for long-term stability. 💡
Positives of a Career in Tech Theatre
Creative Satisfaction: You'll get to contribute to creating magic on stage! There’s nothing quite like watching your work come to life in front of an audience.
Constant Growth: Theatre is always evolving, and so will your skills. The more you work in it, the more you’ll learn, adapt, and develop your style.
Flexibility: Unlike a traditional 9-5, theatre gigs often have different schedules, which can be great if you love variety and working on different projects.
Skills which I think will help you around! If you want to know furthrr or I miss a hit let me know!
Communication: Working with directors, designers, actors, and other crew members requires clear communication. Be comfortable voicing your ideas and listening to others.
Problem-Solving: Tech theater is all about finding creative solutions on the fly. If something breaks, or a set piece doesn’t work as planned, you’re the problem solver. It’s like being a backstage superhero. 🦸♂️
Attention to Detail: Every light cue, sound effect, and set piece has to be perfect, and being meticulous will get you far.
Patience: Things can go wrong, and projects might not always run smoothly. But keeping calm under pressure is key to surviving the unpredictable world of theatre!
Anyways Hannah,
There’s no doubt that working in tech theatre can be financially unstable at times, but if you’re passionate about it and willing to hustle, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Plus, the skills you develop in this field are transferable to other industries like live events, film, and even corporate production, giving you more ways to make it work. 🎬💼
Whether you lean towards tech or law, just remember that you can always pivot later if you need to. And if you love it, go for it! Job security isn’t guaranteed anywhere, but a career you enjoy is worth a lot. 🚀
Good luck with your journey—whether you’re behind the scenes or leading the charge in a courtroom, you've got this because I know you do bud! 👏 Remember just post your feedback if you feel I kisses something or you want to know a little more!
Fazal Elahi
online assignment writer and content writer
70
Answers
Chitrāl, N.W.F.P
Updated
Fazal’s Answer
Hello
A profession in specialized venue includes working in the background in live creations, including plays, musicals, shows, and occasions. Specialized performance center remembers jobs for lighting, sound, set plan, stage the executives, props, outfits, and embellishments. This is the way you can fabricate a lifelong in this field:
1. Acquire Pertinent Schooling and Preparing
While a degree isn't generally needed, formal preparation can help. Choices include:
Degree Projects:
Lone ranger's or partner degree in specialized theater, showmanship, creation plan, or theater expressions
A recognition or declaration in stage the board, lighting plan, or sound designing
Studios and Accreditations:
Stage lighting and apparatus courses (ETCP confirmation is significant)
Sound plan studios (Dante Accreditation for sound systems administration)
Carpentry, welding, or grand artistic creation courses for set development
2. Foster Active Experience
Join School or Local area Theater Creations - Work on school plays, musicals, or local area theater to acquire insight in various specialized regions.
Temporary jobs and Apprenticeships - Numerous expert theaters, show houses, and diversion settings offer entry level positions for active learning.
Independent and Volunteer - Help with nearby creations, church exhibitions, or autonomous film projects.
3. Pick a Specialization
Specialized auditorium offers different profession ways. A few normal regions include:
Lighting Originator - Makes lighting impacts and works lighting sheets.
Sound Professional - Oversees receivers, speakers, and audio cues.
Set Originator and Woodworker - Fabricates and plans stage sets.
Stage Chief - Facilitates every single behind the stage action and guarantees smooth activities.
Props and Outfit Specialist - Plans and oversees props or ensembles.
Embellishments and Projection Planning - Works with fireworks, video projections, or mist impacts.
4. Fabricate a Portfolio and Organization
Make a Resume and Portfolio - Incorporate photographs/recordings of your work, plans, or specialized arrangements.
Go to Theater Shows and Studios - Occasions like USITT (US Establishment for Theater Innovation) offer systems administration potential open doors.
Join Proficient Associations - Gatherings like IATSE (Global Collusion of Dramatic Stage Workers) can assist with work arrangement and preparing.
5. Go after Positions in the Business
Provincial and Visiting Theaters - Search for specialized team positions in nearby or public venue organizations.
Shows and Occasions - Work in live amusement, amusement parks, or corporate occasions.
Film and television Creation - Some specialized theater abilities move to film set plan and creation.
Broadway and West End - High level professionals can chip away at high-profile creations.
Could you like proposals for explicit projects or preparing in view of your area?
A profession in specialized venue includes working in the background in live creations, including plays, musicals, shows, and occasions. Specialized performance center remembers jobs for lighting, sound, set plan, stage the executives, props, outfits, and embellishments. This is the way you can fabricate a lifelong in this field:
1. Acquire Pertinent Schooling and Preparing
While a degree isn't generally needed, formal preparation can help. Choices include:
Degree Projects:
Lone ranger's or partner degree in specialized theater, showmanship, creation plan, or theater expressions
A recognition or declaration in stage the board, lighting plan, or sound designing
Studios and Accreditations:
Stage lighting and apparatus courses (ETCP confirmation is significant)
Sound plan studios (Dante Accreditation for sound systems administration)
Carpentry, welding, or grand artistic creation courses for set development
2. Foster Active Experience
Join School or Local area Theater Creations - Work on school plays, musicals, or local area theater to acquire insight in various specialized regions.
Temporary jobs and Apprenticeships - Numerous expert theaters, show houses, and diversion settings offer entry level positions for active learning.
Independent and Volunteer - Help with nearby creations, church exhibitions, or autonomous film projects.
3. Pick a Specialization
Specialized auditorium offers different profession ways. A few normal regions include:
Lighting Originator - Makes lighting impacts and works lighting sheets.
Sound Professional - Oversees receivers, speakers, and audio cues.
Set Originator and Woodworker - Fabricates and plans stage sets.
Stage Chief - Facilitates every single behind the stage action and guarantees smooth activities.
Props and Outfit Specialist - Plans and oversees props or ensembles.
Embellishments and Projection Planning - Works with fireworks, video projections, or mist impacts.
4. Fabricate a Portfolio and Organization
Make a Resume and Portfolio - Incorporate photographs/recordings of your work, plans, or specialized arrangements.
Go to Theater Shows and Studios - Occasions like USITT (US Establishment for Theater Innovation) offer systems administration potential open doors.
Join Proficient Associations - Gatherings like IATSE (Global Collusion of Dramatic Stage Workers) can assist with work arrangement and preparing.
5. Go after Positions in the Business
Provincial and Visiting Theaters - Search for specialized team positions in nearby or public venue organizations.
Shows and Occasions - Work in live amusement, amusement parks, or corporate occasions.
Film and television Creation - Some specialized theater abilities move to film set plan and creation.
Broadway and West End - High level professionals can chip away at high-profile creations.
Could you like proposals for explicit projects or preparing in view of your area?
Thank you, this is really helpful.
hannah
Michelle M.
Actress
2255
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hannah !
I am happy to know that you are interested in Law and Theatre Tech and would be happy to give you some advice about what you're thinking about. I was required to do Tech in college, but preferred the Acting over tech. I had a lot of Tech friends who loved it and what you've expressed rings rather true.
Well, when you say tech, it could mean Lighting and Sound, Set Construction, Costuming so I am not sure which aspect of it you're thinking of. In any case, you may be right about the stability part of going into this field and you may not work at theatres all the time, maybe convention centers or music halls and such. You'd have to join the union, The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and that would cover you to work in television and film also. Depending on which aspect of Tech you mean, there's a lot to learn.
Consider that there aren't many theatres in Tallahassee, Florida and there's a possibility you'd have to relocate to either New York City or Los Angeles to be part of the tech world there for more consistent work. It's just a career that one can't tell what will happen or how often you'd work.
Law has a more focused and specific path that would lead you to becoming a specific professional. You could always become an entertainment Lawyer, but I think that Law may be a better choice. We don't always have to have a career in everything we like and it seems as though you somewhat realize that. The good thing is that you can always do tech during your free time or on shows during high school and college and that would be enjoyable for you.
Law is a good choice because you can eventually lead up to having your own firm or obtaining a future high position. It would be consistent and you may not have to relocate. It's up to you to decide, however.
So remember, we don't have to turn all of our interests into careers and you must make your choice based on how you want your life to be in the future. I hope this helps a little and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to know that you are interested in Law and Theatre Tech and would be happy to give you some advice about what you're thinking about. I was required to do Tech in college, but preferred the Acting over tech. I had a lot of Tech friends who loved it and what you've expressed rings rather true.
Well, when you say tech, it could mean Lighting and Sound, Set Construction, Costuming so I am not sure which aspect of it you're thinking of. In any case, you may be right about the stability part of going into this field and you may not work at theatres all the time, maybe convention centers or music halls and such. You'd have to join the union, The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and that would cover you to work in television and film also. Depending on which aspect of Tech you mean, there's a lot to learn.
Consider that there aren't many theatres in Tallahassee, Florida and there's a possibility you'd have to relocate to either New York City or Los Angeles to be part of the tech world there for more consistent work. It's just a career that one can't tell what will happen or how often you'd work.
Law has a more focused and specific path that would lead you to becoming a specific professional. You could always become an entertainment Lawyer, but I think that Law may be a better choice. We don't always have to have a career in everything we like and it seems as though you somewhat realize that. The good thing is that you can always do tech during your free time or on shows during high school and college and that would be enjoyable for you.
Law is a good choice because you can eventually lead up to having your own firm or obtaining a future high position. It would be consistent and you may not have to relocate. It's up to you to decide, however.
So remember, we don't have to turn all of our interests into careers and you must make your choice based on how you want your life to be in the future. I hope this helps a little and I wish you all the best !
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
162
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
I worked in technical theatre and it allows for a board range of skills to learn. Sound design, lighting design, set, prop and costume design as well. All require a lot of hands on experience to become proficient at. Many of the skills you will need are transferable to other career paths too. Being able to travel to participate in tours or to be where the work is will be a great benefit in this line of work. The more experience you can acquire now will help you become employable. You should consider law as a minor if you take theatre in college. Or consider theatre as a minor course of study. You will have a better chance at a career path if you pursue both in your Bachelor studies. By the time you graduate you can fully engage in theatre or pursue law school and be ready to do one or the other. Good luck, you will do well.
I worked in technical theatre and it allows for a board range of skills to learn. Sound design, lighting design, set, prop and costume design as well. All require a lot of hands on experience to become proficient at. Many of the skills you will need are transferable to other career paths too. Being able to travel to participate in tours or to be where the work is will be a great benefit in this line of work. The more experience you can acquire now will help you become employable. You should consider law as a minor if you take theatre in college. Or consider theatre as a minor course of study. You will have a better chance at a career path if you pursue both in your Bachelor studies. By the time you graduate you can fully engage in theatre or pursue law school and be ready to do one or the other. Good luck, you will do well.
Thank you so much for the advice.
hannah
Harold Gross
Staff Technical Writer, Author, Actor
12
Answers
Issaquah, Washington
Updated
Harold’s Answer
Hey Hannah!
There is already lots of good advice in the thread.
Having a backup isn't a horrible idea, but both of the career paths you're looking at are major time commitments and you're going to have to choose at some point (as a career, anyway). That you love both could make that reality a win-win. But initially you can try out both while in university. Get involved in the campus shows and, if available, off-campus as well. As someone else pointed out, networking is everything and it will get you a peek at the real world realitites of tech theatre. You may not get many paying or well-paying gigs, but experience is what you need to start out.
As some background, I was a professional actor for 16 years. I did some tech on the side, but usually only as back-up or to help out friends on their shows. Ultimately, my back-up career in software became my primary career...it wasn't planned, it just sort of happened. It's a tough situation to juggle and one of the efforts usually takes over naturally. Doesn't mean it isn't a good idea to have a fallback, but when you do, it's easier to fall. But I also learned that when you're younger, it's easier to fall flat and get up again if there wasn't a net. And not having a fallback forces you to work harder.
But you've time to make that decision. Take advantage of your school years. It's the safest time you'll have to try out different avenues. And tech theatre can always be a hobby that you go to in order to unwind from law duties. It isn't totally an either/or. But arts careers take a lot of time, effort, and focus (and contacts, in my experience).
There is already lots of good advice in the thread.
Having a backup isn't a horrible idea, but both of the career paths you're looking at are major time commitments and you're going to have to choose at some point (as a career, anyway). That you love both could make that reality a win-win. But initially you can try out both while in university. Get involved in the campus shows and, if available, off-campus as well. As someone else pointed out, networking is everything and it will get you a peek at the real world realitites of tech theatre. You may not get many paying or well-paying gigs, but experience is what you need to start out.
As some background, I was a professional actor for 16 years. I did some tech on the side, but usually only as back-up or to help out friends on their shows. Ultimately, my back-up career in software became my primary career...it wasn't planned, it just sort of happened. It's a tough situation to juggle and one of the efforts usually takes over naturally. Doesn't mean it isn't a good idea to have a fallback, but when you do, it's easier to fall. But I also learned that when you're younger, it's easier to fall flat and get up again if there wasn't a net. And not having a fallback forces you to work harder.
But you've time to make that decision. Take advantage of your school years. It's the safest time you'll have to try out different avenues. And tech theatre can always be a hobby that you go to in order to unwind from law duties. It isn't totally an either/or. But arts careers take a lot of time, effort, and focus (and contacts, in my experience).