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Brizna
Student
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
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What kind of entry-level jobs should I look into if I want to be a theatre manager?
I just graduted college and got my BA in theatre. I found a love of event planning and managing a theatre. I want to know what is the best way to find a job and what type of roles I should look into.
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Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brizna !
Event Planning and an administrative position in Theatre are two great careers !
To work in Theatre as a non-performer, it seems as though you would look into becoming a Stage Manager. During your Bachelors degree, if you took a practicum for Stage Management, you will have had some experience. If you do not have any experience, you will need to work /train for this position at a local community theatre. You would first have to get to know the people there and once they get to know you, you can ask if you could stage manage their next production. You can contact the Unions that do cover Stage Managers, as they offer networking opportunities and job listings. The unions are Stage Managers Association, Actors Equity Association (yes, stage managers can join), and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. They require membership. Go to their website and find out how much it costs to join and what the dues cost. You will probably get a lot of information about where to apply for work by being a union member.
As for Managing a theatre, that would be great ! You would either rent or own a space and you would be in charge of all the decisions for the season, what shows to mount, have a part in the casting, etc. You would be the boss ! Yey ! Now, I have a suggestion based on the general climate of live theatre today, but it's just a suggestion. Go for a small space in a neighborhood where there are no other live theatres within 40 miles. Get a space that will accommodate 50 - 100 seats. Yes, this would be an intimate theatre and I have performed in one very special one when I was training as an Actor. It worked very well, but the owner used basically the same guidelines that I mentioned here. This will be a great investment and you don't have to do it tomorrow, but it is certainly something to strive for down the line.
The actors, tech, costuming people would be students from a nearby college who would love to get some experience and have your theatre on their resume. I've been there, done that. It will take careful planning but it can be done.
I would also say to not overlook regular employment websites like Indeed and Linked In for theatre management positions.
Experience as an Event Planner will greatly enhance your skills as a theatrical manager. My first suggestion is to offer your Event Planning services as a freelance planner, working independently for yourself. Again, you would have your own business. List yourself in trade directories online. I have left two links for lists of these websites. And as I have mentioned, use Linked In and Indeed to see what type of positions are available.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best in an exciting and satisfying career !
HOW TO OPEN YOUR OWN THEATRE AND BE OWNER AND MANAGER https://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-own-theater-company-2406.html
WEBSITES FOR EVENT PLANNERS TO LIST THEMSELVES https://www.bizzabo.com/blog/event-planning-websites
LIST YOUR EVENT PLANNING SERVICE IN THESE DIRECTORIES https://www.eventcertificate.com/websites-event-planning-business/
Event Planning and an administrative position in Theatre are two great careers !
To work in Theatre as a non-performer, it seems as though you would look into becoming a Stage Manager. During your Bachelors degree, if you took a practicum for Stage Management, you will have had some experience. If you do not have any experience, you will need to work /train for this position at a local community theatre. You would first have to get to know the people there and once they get to know you, you can ask if you could stage manage their next production. You can contact the Unions that do cover Stage Managers, as they offer networking opportunities and job listings. The unions are Stage Managers Association, Actors Equity Association (yes, stage managers can join), and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. They require membership. Go to their website and find out how much it costs to join and what the dues cost. You will probably get a lot of information about where to apply for work by being a union member.
As for Managing a theatre, that would be great ! You would either rent or own a space and you would be in charge of all the decisions for the season, what shows to mount, have a part in the casting, etc. You would be the boss ! Yey ! Now, I have a suggestion based on the general climate of live theatre today, but it's just a suggestion. Go for a small space in a neighborhood where there are no other live theatres within 40 miles. Get a space that will accommodate 50 - 100 seats. Yes, this would be an intimate theatre and I have performed in one very special one when I was training as an Actor. It worked very well, but the owner used basically the same guidelines that I mentioned here. This will be a great investment and you don't have to do it tomorrow, but it is certainly something to strive for down the line.
The actors, tech, costuming people would be students from a nearby college who would love to get some experience and have your theatre on their resume. I've been there, done that. It will take careful planning but it can be done.
I would also say to not overlook regular employment websites like Indeed and Linked In for theatre management positions.
Experience as an Event Planner will greatly enhance your skills as a theatrical manager. My first suggestion is to offer your Event Planning services as a freelance planner, working independently for yourself. Again, you would have your own business. List yourself in trade directories online. I have left two links for lists of these websites. And as I have mentioned, use Linked In and Indeed to see what type of positions are available.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best in an exciting and satisfying career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: