WHERE DO I START?!



i want to get into stage management and technical theatre, but there is so much competition, where on earth do i start?! i have done voulentry work for proffesional companies before but dont know how to get a permanant (paying) job in it, anyone got any ideas?!

I would do a course at one of the renowned drama schools. Always a good start. But in the end, success is also all about who you know.

Have you looked at Rose Bruford? They do really good technical side of theatre courses, I have a friend there who's really happy. Try www.bruford.ac.uk

It might have changed in the past year, but I was under the impression that there was a shortage of staff in technical theatre, on account of most people going into theatre 'wanna be a star, innit', and the technical side gets neglected.

I suppose it depends on what you want to do- stage management (ASMs in particular) are probably most affected by ACE cuts, but I'd have thought if you wanted a steady job in a regional theatre as an operator (Sound/LX), you wouldn't have too much difficulty (though it would probably be shift work).

You are presumably aware that unless you reach the very very top of your game (long running WE/Broadway shows etc.), even as a successful designer you'll never make more than enough to live on, and you'll probably need to supplement your income with something else. Doubly so for being an operator.

If you're looking for training, yep, Rose Brueford do stuff, as do most of the larger drama schools these days- there is a booklet published by Conservatoire which details different institutions and courses that you would probably find useful.

Otherwise, write a letter to the technical manager of your local receiving house asking if there is any work to be done- initially perhaps on a part time or trial basis.

And as JIJane suggested, have lots of friends in high places and you can't go wrong!

Good luck!

I trained in a ND in Technical Theatre at Newcastle College then went to Edinburgh to do a further training for a year but also did alot of stuff for local drama groups in my spare time to keep the practical experience coming too. The qaulifications in this field, at least pay off but employers are also looking for a certain amount of hands on experience too so do as much of that as possible as well, even if it is for local am dram stuff! Hope that helps, good luck

 
David is correct in that it harder to fill theatrical tech jobs these days - the distraction being not that everyone wants to be a turn but that corporate event and conference work pays more for the same skillset.  That said, there is money to be made in theatre.  West End techs are paid by the hour - if you go into overnighters because the PM has fucked up then you're quids in.  I'm not aware of shift work - the days start at the beginning and end when it's done.  That could be four hours or it could be forty-eight - i'm not joking.

Unfortunately in theatre, a lot of the time people are hired based on who the know and not on what they know however it is definitely worth going to a drama school or university. Drama schools tend to specialise in one area of technical theatre however, Trinity University College Carmarthen does a Theatre Design and Production course there which explores all areas (stage management, scenic construction, lighting, sound, scenic art, props, costume, theatre styles and model making). They give you the training without the fees of drama schools. I know someone who works in the wardrobe department at Oliver! and she trained at Trinity and a few members of their staff both teaching and admin trained there too. It's definitely worth looking into. There's always plenty of work experience with local companies who need volunteers and the opportunity to study in LA in your third year as well as work experience with professional companies throught the university.
I hope this helps.