Author Topic: Non-Theater lady looking to work in touring Theater  (Read 3947 times)

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SaintMarnie

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Non-Theater lady looking to work in touring Theater
« on: Nov 07, 2013, 03:24 pm »
Hey there,

I've got almost 8 years of experience in Live Entertainment, but none of it is in Theater. I did mostly concerts but also festivals, comedy and boxing peppered in. I'm trying to get into the theatrical touring circuit as a PA (I know tours do not hire SMs without prior touring experience and I am happy to work my way up the ranks.) My experience is as an Administrative Assistant, Production Coordinator, Promoter Rep, Technical Director, and Stage Manager.

Here's my question: I don't know what qualities I should be putting in my Cover Letter to these companies. The don't exactly bulletin the job requirements on their webpage. I'm not really sure where to begin.

Any advice, thoughts, input would be appreciated. Thanks so much!  :)

Melissitchka

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Re: Non-Theater lady looking to work in touring Theater
« Reply #1 on: Nov 17, 2013, 05:56 pm »
If you're just starting to build theatrical experience, have you looked at smaller tours like children's and educational theater? They are where lots of people seem to start. Companies like ArtsPower, Two Beans Productions or Chamber Theater Productions (and there's another one that somehow has Food in the title, but I can't remember it... it's driving me crazy) might be willing to take a gamble on you if you structure your cover letter to emphasize your organizational and live performance experience. Dinner theater is another area to gain some entry level theatrical experience before trying to hit the road.
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ejsmith3130

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Re: Non-Theater lady looking to work in touring Theater
« Reply #2 on: Nov 18, 2013, 11:54 am »
 
(and there's another one that somehow has Food in the title, but I can't remember it... it's driving me crazy)
Foodplay? I believe I have applied for them before.

I would probably stress the fact that you have worked in many capacities before, and that you are flexible. It seems that you have worked as an SM before, so related the skillset. And I had several interviews with some of the companies Melissitchka mentioned without any previous touring experience, so sometimes it works out on a smaller scale. Check out theatre's educational touring companies too, like Surflight Theatre's Surflight to go, or Pennsylvania Shakespeare's touring educational group.