How Hard is it To Balance Two Careers?

Hi Ozyria!

I love your career choices and that you want to dovetail them to offset the off season lull of the theater. A friend of mine works multiple jobs, including managing a summer season outdoor ampitheater, doing production for a major city's Thanksgiving Day parade, and working in box offices at performance venues. Honestly, it seems an amazing feat of organization and timing but she is proof that it can be done. Because timing is going to be important, you will have to spend some time negotiating the push and pull feelings during your transitional time between gigs. Keep in mind, if you truly excel in Technical Theater, you may find yourself augmenting one theater gig with another, and possibly another, and another, and so on. That's the way it is once you prove yourself and develop a reputation. Depending on where you are, you could find yourself in a travel situation for anytime between a few days to a few months. The possibilities are endless.

For now, concentrate on the Technical Theater and don't tie yourself to just a community orchestra situation. Depending on what music you love, you could be a recording session player, which could work well with working in theater. And, as I've recommended to others, I'm a big fan of busking. When the whim hits, find a busy street, open your case, and blow till your heart is content, and your case is full of cash. You have no idea what a random busker has done to my mood when walking in town. And, that is a career fully in your control and at your convenience.

Always remember, your reputation is EVERYTHING in the entertainment business. Keep learning. Embrace change and challenges. Always be a team player. Know the value of your skills and abilities more than anyone else will.

You're going to do great and have a wonderfully fun and interesting life with both of these careers. Always follow your heart. It will guide you to where you want to be.

Hi Ozyria! Are you sure about there not being a steady position as a tech person? I think you need to research this more. There are theatres that have performances the whole year. They would need you for the whole year. As for being a part-time musician, you would have to coordinate whatever your tech schedule is with your orchestra gig. You would have to manage that. I believe it would be possible. You will have to fit it all together like a jigsaw puzzle time-wise. If you are good at managing your time, then it can work! Also, if you are gigging on the side, be sure to include time to practice your instrument! Schedule that into your calendar as well. Get as much experience as you can. If you are in college, work some shows for free for the experience. Keep at it. Get a mentor in the field. I wish you all the best!