Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2005 - 62

you're middle aged. Then imagine how your early career decisions will move
you closer to or further away from your mid-life bliss.

Picking Career Paths
If you've done your work well you now have a list of skills and experiences that may be included in your résumé. You've also determined
where you would like the next few years to take you. Now it's time to examine how you can present yourself in the most favorable light. In theatre there are three very broad paths leading from the world of the
undergraduate to a career in the profession. Additional training in a
graduate program is an option for many. For others, who like the creative
challenges associated with mounting and running shows, production
companies are sensible choices. Often overlooked are the manufactures,
dealers, and service providers. These companies, which support educational programs and production companies, offer a wide variety of opportunities for young professional to be involved with the real business of
show business.
Career choices available to students with degrees in theatre are
amazingly abundant and varied. Design majors will likely start out building models, selecting fabric, finishing props, running a sound board or
otherwise being a part of a larger design team. Students with technical
skills can find work in many areas of production and stage operations.
Manufacturers and dealers are always looking for employees who have
had theatre and public performance exposure during their academic
training. If we expand our view of the industry to include film, display,
dance, night clubs, operations and management the employment possibilities become virtually endless.

Students entering the workforce in the entertainment industry must
do their homework. Study sectors of the industry or specific companies
to find out what they find valuable when considering potential employees. Take for example the following ad that appeared in the SETC Job
Contact Bulletin a few years ago. The bold selection illustrates an honest attempt by Bob Thurston of Stage Decoration and Supply to inform
potential applicants what it's like working for his company.

PROJECT MANAGER - SALES ASSISTANT
A stage decoration and supply company seeks energetic person with
technical theatre experience. Degree in theatre studies with strong liberal
arts background preferred but not required. This is an 8-5 position involved
with producing the finest stage curtains in the United States. Benefits
include free health insurance. If you must work on productions during
the day to be happy, you need not apply. We don't do shows but
we work closely with those wonderful people who produce
theatre throughout the country. Salary depends on personality,
experience and aptitude for this position.

Survey of Employers
This ad prompted the author to try to find out what was important to
people in the entertainment field as they examine application forms and
résumés. He prepared a survey to identify a range of qualities that various segments of the profession find desirable when considering hiring
recent undergraduates. Responses were solicited from the following general areas:

4-c Ad option

TD & T

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2005