3 answers
Sara
Student
Columbia, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What knowledge and skills are important for a woman entering the audio and technical theater industry? Is there anything I should be worried about or aware of??
I know I'm entering a male-dominated field, but I love audio and technical theater and don't want to be pushed aside due to being a woman. Is there anything I should know or do to make sure I'm not brushed off?
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3 answers
Matthew Bearor
Stage Manager/ Light Tech
6
Answers
Blue Island, Illinois
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
My earliest experience in Theatre, circa 1990, was working with a female Director and Stage Manager team.
Women are very present in the professional community. At least that's been my experience in Chicago.
Get a good grounding in the basics. Try out every position on the team. I always tell students they should have a good understanding of how each job is done, so that, when or if they choose to specialize they'll understand how all the pieces fit together. Theater is a collaborative process. Nobody does this alone.
In over thirty five years of my experience, I have never once cared about the gender or sexuality of my teammates. I only care how they are going to help us accomplish our collaborative goal. End of story.
If you run into small minded people, don't work with them again. You might actually be able to take legal action if it's blatantly discriminatory.
Lastly, learn how to tie proper knots. This is often the weakest skill I see in noobs. Get a length of tieline and put it in your work bag or whatever you carry with you all the time. Learn how to tie a bowline, a clove hitch and a square knot at the very minimum. Practice, practice, practice until you can tie them without thinking.
Women are very present in the professional community. At least that's been my experience in Chicago.
Get a good grounding in the basics. Try out every position on the team. I always tell students they should have a good understanding of how each job is done, so that, when or if they choose to specialize they'll understand how all the pieces fit together. Theater is a collaborative process. Nobody does this alone.
In over thirty five years of my experience, I have never once cared about the gender or sexuality of my teammates. I only care how they are going to help us accomplish our collaborative goal. End of story.
If you run into small minded people, don't work with them again. You might actually be able to take legal action if it's blatantly discriminatory.
Lastly, learn how to tie proper knots. This is often the weakest skill I see in noobs. Get a length of tieline and put it in your work bag or whatever you carry with you all the time. Learn how to tie a bowline, a clove hitch and a square knot at the very minimum. Practice, practice, practice until you can tie them without thinking.
Charles Rajnai
Engineering Specialist, Consumer Services
1
Answer
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Years ago, my best audio teacher was an inspiring woman. She taught us everything about the basics of audio engineering in the first semester. We learned how to choose the right microphone for each instrument, how to place it correctly, and explored concepts like proximity effect, comb filtering, and phasing. Second semester, we recorded music, and it was good because of what we had learned.
I've seen many talented women working on mixing boards and backstage. If you don't see this in the town where you are seeking work, consider moving to a place where it's more common.
It's important to master the basics until they become second nature. Know how to properly set up and fix a mic stand, arrange a drum kit, set risers, and organize all kinds of kit. Make sure cables are laid out safely to prevent tripping. By mastering these skills, you'll feel more confident when working with demanding directors and stage managers.
Practice coiling mic cables at home. Consider an internship at a studio or theater to gain experience.
Remember, anyone who judges you based on gender is outdated and not worth working for. Plus, they might be breaking the law. Keep pushing forward with confidence!
I've seen many talented women working on mixing boards and backstage. If you don't see this in the town where you are seeking work, consider moving to a place where it's more common.
It's important to master the basics until they become second nature. Know how to properly set up and fix a mic stand, arrange a drum kit, set risers, and organize all kinds of kit. Make sure cables are laid out safely to prevent tripping. By mastering these skills, you'll feel more confident when working with demanding directors and stage managers.
Practice coiling mic cables at home. Consider an internship at a studio or theater to gain experience.
Remember, anyone who judges you based on gender is outdated and not worth working for. Plus, they might be breaking the law. Keep pushing forward with confidence!
Thank you very much!!
Sara
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sara !
The first thing that you may want to do is realize that women are very much capable and successful as lighting and sound designers and in set construction. If you are already in a good theatre program you should be finding out that theatre is very collaborative and professionals all work together not against one another. If you are having trouble with this, find a better theatre program at a different college. This should never be an issue and in all my years I have never witnessed it being an issue.
It seems as though you have a predetermined mind set that involves your place in theatre. If this is made to be an issue that you carry around with you, you will indeed meet conflicts and issues. No one is looking at you and thinking that because you are a woman you shouldn't be in tech. As a matter of fact, when I had to work some tech as a Theatre Student, the men were extremely supportive and helpful. Try not to create issues where there are none. People are not "brushed off" in theatre because they are a man or a woman, you'll soon find out.
The knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional Theatre Tech are not exclusive to being a woman. All theatre tech people need to be confident with and expert in lighting, sound, set construction and all aspects of theatre so they will understand their role in the production. There will be times when men will help you and you will help men.
It just boils down to some women are just not attracted to tech. Some women are. I had to do two tech practicums in college and I really was stressed over having to do electrics for one number (it was a musical) and use the pully system ! I was pretty nervous because I am in acting, not tech. The other practicum was in Costuming for a three act play and that was fun, but the area that you are going into is commendable because to me it is something I could never do. Not all women feel that way, however.
So focus on gaining the skills and experience, developing your creativity and ability to design tech according to the show's script. That is the more important thing. The work. With a strong foundation in theatre, experience and possibly joining the union after you graduate, you should go far. Always think positive. You can do this.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in this super awesome career !
The first thing that you may want to do is realize that women are very much capable and successful as lighting and sound designers and in set construction. If you are already in a good theatre program you should be finding out that theatre is very collaborative and professionals all work together not against one another. If you are having trouble with this, find a better theatre program at a different college. This should never be an issue and in all my years I have never witnessed it being an issue.
It seems as though you have a predetermined mind set that involves your place in theatre. If this is made to be an issue that you carry around with you, you will indeed meet conflicts and issues. No one is looking at you and thinking that because you are a woman you shouldn't be in tech. As a matter of fact, when I had to work some tech as a Theatre Student, the men were extremely supportive and helpful. Try not to create issues where there are none. People are not "brushed off" in theatre because they are a man or a woman, you'll soon find out.
The knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional Theatre Tech are not exclusive to being a woman. All theatre tech people need to be confident with and expert in lighting, sound, set construction and all aspects of theatre so they will understand their role in the production. There will be times when men will help you and you will help men.
It just boils down to some women are just not attracted to tech. Some women are. I had to do two tech practicums in college and I really was stressed over having to do electrics for one number (it was a musical) and use the pully system ! I was pretty nervous because I am in acting, not tech. The other practicum was in Costuming for a three act play and that was fun, but the area that you are going into is commendable because to me it is something I could never do. Not all women feel that way, however.
So focus on gaining the skills and experience, developing your creativity and ability to design tech according to the show's script. That is the more important thing. The work. With a strong foundation in theatre, experience and possibly joining the union after you graduate, you should go far. Always think positive. You can do this.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in this super awesome career !
Thank you very much! I think your for sure right, just some pre-career nerves with audio being a male dominated field. Your advice is really helpful! ❤️
Sara