Traveling and Seeing Friends

Yesterday I talked about seeing other theatres and setting up meetings. Today I also encourage you to see friends you wouldn’t normally see when you travel. Go through your Facebook and find that friend you never have time to see when you are in their city and make time and see them.

I have had two such meetings and it is not only great to see old friends but help keep your network expanded. You never know what great things could come from meeting up with old friends.

Learn While Away

I am traveling around Missouri this week and part of my trip will be checking out other theatres and trying to meet with other theatre managers to compare notes about the business and economy.

You never know what a meeting might lead to. I try and make at least one meeting per trip. When I was in Denver last year I met with the Production Manager of the Denver Center Theatre and got a tour. It was a great so se other operations and spaces.

When you are traveling take time to set up one meeting and see how it goes. Who knows what might come from it.

Ask My Friends - How To Keep Working

Today our guest blogger is Jenni Bowman. One of my best friends from Webster University. She is a freelance stage manager in New York and seems to always be working, so her question is, "What are some tips you would give anyone wanting to freelance in New York?"

"There are 3 main ways I find work and stay employed:

1) Maintain Contacts
You meet loads of amazing, talented, lovely people in this industry, and a great way to continue to work for and with such people is to stay in touch with them. If you don't know them well enough to go out a grab a drink or coffee, you can always pass along an updated resume every few months. Also, keep an ear out for exciting projects these people may have coming up, drop them notes saying you'd love to be considered cause you lovvvveeeee working with them!

2) Search Online Theatre/Production Job Sites.
These sites include, but are not limited to, Playbill, Actors' Equity, Mandy, and Craigslist. Sometimes you stumble across an amazing gig that you're perfect for, and you'll totally nail the job. Many times you'll drag through dozens of listing for projects that don't pay anything. It can be a little frustrating because you may only find one good listing a day. Don't sweat it- write them an enthusiastic cover letter, send them your resume, and call all your friends who have ever worked for them or know them and tell them to put in a good word for you.

3) Stay Creative and Flexible
Sometimes....many times....you may find yourself UNemployed. THIS HAPPENS TO EVERYONE IN THIS INDUSTRY! The best thing you can do for yourself (and your friends who have to put up with you) is stay creative and flexible. Perhaps all you've ever wanted to be is a Broadway Stage Manager. This isn't my personal fantasy, but you get my point- You move all your thespian trophies and yourself to NYC only to realize you don't know a single Broadway Stage Manager who can get you in the door. OMG! What ARE you going to do? You can't sling coffee forever waiting for Broadway to call. Take Theo Roosevelt's advice, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." You're in New York with the most talented people. If you see a posting for a gig that you think you can do- apply for it! If someone calls and wants to know if you can be a production assistant for some crazy big MTV event- do it! If you wanna see theatre but can't afford the ticket- usher! There are so many opportunities in this city, you just have to maintain an open mind! Then, as my Grandma says, "The world is your oyster," or stage, or however it applies to you!"

Actions Speak Louder

The other day I was talking with someone in the industry about an up and coming theatre producer. I said I thought he was smart and consistently improving. My colleague said he thought he was too much of a self promoter and wanted to see the results of his work. He went on to talk about how great leaders let their work speak for them.

As I was driving today I heard “Louder Than Words” from “Tick, Tick… Boom.” It reminded me about that conversation. When you are working remember that people are watching and noticing what you do. Even if you are not rewarded for it every time know that people are taking notice and that you should consistently be improving. People focused on climbing the ladder lose focus of their work and can get side tracked.

Focus on the work in front of you and do it the best you can. People will take note.

Constantly Improving

Yesterday, I went to Silver Dollar City in Branson and ran into my High School Drama Teacher. He was working as an actor in one of the shows. Not to brag but Nixa High School is one of the best theatre departments in the state and I think it was impart to our teachers passion to continue working in the summer.

In college at Webster University our professors worked professionally as well as taught. I think this was another reason that program was set apart by others. They were constantly out in the field learning and improving there craft then sharing with students.

I think we can all do something to improve. Read a book, take a class or if you’re a student, get a summer job in your field. Those that work to improve will set them selves apart from the rest.