Author Topic: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?  (Read 5801 times)

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NomieRae

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Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« on: Jan 26, 2009, 07:54 pm »
Hello All--

I've gotten very comfortable in my world of freelance stage managing for non-union gigs. I'm confident in my skills in these small, controlled venues where being right out of college with a small-ish resume is alright because most companies aren't looking to hire AEA SM's.

That being said--I miss a challenge! So as part of my New Year's resolution I decided I would do everything in my power to get myself on a bigger production to expand my skill set and be reminded that I have a lot left to learn...

I picked up the recent Theatrical Index, and have been toying with the idea of sending my resume/cover letter to the management departments in hopes of a PA position since I'm not Equity... Has anyone here done this to any success? I've heard it since high school that some people get jobs this way, but wanted to test the waters to see if it was tacky to some degree to fish for a job that may or may not exsist...

I've learned so much that getting jobs in NYC can be greatly dependent on who you know...and I've met and worked with a lot of great B'way and Off-B'way designers--but I have yet to work under directors or other SM's with the connections to get me where I'm looking..

Advice? Should I send resume's & cover letter and hope for the best, or is there a better way to go about it?
« Last Edit: Jan 26, 2009, 08:00 pm by NomieRae »
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DeeCap

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Re: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« Reply #1 on: Jan 27, 2009, 11:05 am »
I did the same exact thing you did many years ago. I think I did get a few responses, but it wasn't worth the money ($25 a copy was a bit steep for me!)

With any job, it is all about networking. Sending resumes won't hurt, but don't expect a high return from them.

MatthewShiner

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Re: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« Reply #2 on: Jan 27, 2009, 12:28 pm »
Just know that a lot of PA positions are actually held by young AEA SM's.  Often time, AEA SM's will take a PA position in hopes to get bumped up to replacement SM's or sub on the show.  I know many of AEA SM who takes these PA positions in hopes to get an inside track to the a Broadway gig.

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Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

SMrose

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Re: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« Reply #3 on: Jan 27, 2009, 01:23 pm »
Are you absolutely set on an AEA/PA job in NYC?  There are plenty of large productions both AEA and non-AEA throughout the country. If you applied as an SM or ASM to their ad and were succesful in being hired, you could still learn a lot from a non-Broadway large production.


With any job, it is all about networking.

As was said in this quote by DeeCap, you may also want to ask around...see if anyone is looking for a PA, ASM or SM.  There is lots to be said for the "networking thing"

nystagemanager26

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Re: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« Reply #4 on: Feb 09, 2009, 02:05 pm »
The climate is changing and I think AEA is looking to cover PAs who are actually AEA members.  That might be a long way off in the meantime, just keep plugging away.  Volunteer for benefits - it's your best way of meeting AEA stage managers who, if you are good, will remember you and want to work with you again.

Since you are not AEA, try to get work outside of NYC to get your card.  Bringing a show into town is sometimes the best way to get on Broadway.

Good luck

Libby

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Re: Sending resume/cover letter to Broadway shows?
« Reply #5 on: Feb 09, 2009, 06:29 pm »
I found that cold sendings never seem to work for me. The bway shows I've PAed I have all gotten through recommendations or by knowing someone on the SM team. I still had to interview, but I find the PSM feels more comfortable hiring knowing that someone they trust has recommended you. I will also echo that I have yet to meet a non-AEA PA on broadway, they are all, like myself, young eq-SMs who are trying to get their foot in the door. Also, since it is very common the the PA will become the sub once the show is up, most PSMs want the PA to be eq.
If you are dead set on nyc, try looking at companies that have the different levels (ie -MTC or Roundabout). Since they have different spaces it is possible to PA, say at City Center (with MTC) or the Laura Pels (with Roundabout) and then move up from there. There are also tons of off-broadway theatres that might be easier to get into as a non-eq PA.
Also, summerstock is a great way to make connections, a lot of ny SMs go outside the city limits to stage manage during the summer. There are tons of internships and PA positions out there where the contacts you meet can be extremely helpful. Places like Williamstown, Hangar,  Goodspeed, most Shakespeare Fests, etc, etc. (this list can go on) have well known directors and SMs who are nyc based that become great contacts when you return to the city.