Taking Time Off (different situation)

[Cedes]

I know there is another thread here about this, but my situation is a bit different, and I wanted to get some input:

I am currently working at Hersheypark as a technician for their show "Beyond the Dragon Gate" Operated and maintained by SRO Associates, Inc. I was in line for an internship at Meadowbrook Theatre back in Michigan, but that fell through. Basically, here is my current situation:

 I have 2 classes I need to finish before I can officially get my degree from WSU. I also am getting married in May. He is a Navy sailor based in Gulfport, MS. I haven't had much luck in finding other work up there. I can't go to an internship/apprenticeship somewhere else, my classes are not available online. Also, next summer I don't want to work [theatre] so that I can focus on getting my marriage started.
Plus, there is next to no theatre work within driving distance of there, so Nothing can even be feasible until the fall, when I would move temp. to work.

My questions are how do I explain that to employers when they ask why I have not worked in almost a year? And since I have just gotten out of college, my professional experience is very limited(I had things happen EVERY summer before this one, so I couldn't go out and work) so that  means I have very few contacts. I have a couple, but not many.  And, There is some opportunity for working for some local decent community theatre companies. I have heard that community theatre is not a good idea to put on resumes.

I would greatly appreciate any advice. 

[lauria]

After college, I didn't work in theatre for about a year. I didn't have a problem getting a paid internship and having completed that in January, I'm freelancing. I've found that most of my jobs have come from word of mouth and networking. My resume isn't that extensive in terms of professional experience, so getting to know people where I'm working now and having them refer to me to people in other companies is how I'm getting jobs. I did get a few interviews from people who looked at my resume, but no job offers.

So I would say that when you're ready to get back into stage management, getting that first job is most important and it might be something low-paying like an internship, but if you make a good impression, that will help you in the future.

Right now with so many theatres closing and the ecconomy being so bad, I wouldn't be surprised if employers didn't bat an eye at a year without you working any gigs. If it did come up in an interview, you could explain the situation of getting married and moving and needing time to get settled and save up a little money outside of theatre.

Alternately, I wouldn't be surprised if you were able to find a non-paying part-time theatre gig where you're moving to. Community theatre maybe? Something that you could do in your free time and that would still build your resume.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and graduation!

[Cedes]

Thanks so much! You really lifted my spirits tonight! I will definately be working on networking, to get my foot in the door. 

[MatthewShiner]

This is one of those reasons not to put years or dates on your resume.

Periods of time off in theatre are the norm; either a show fell through, you have trouble locating a job, or you just want to take time.  It happens in the world of freelance.

I think a quick explanation of either "I was finishing up college" or "focused on family issues" if there was any question about the time lapse - if there is even a question.

[SLY]

I purposely take breaks in between shows so that I can tend to my personal life, travel, rest and etc. When asked about that I say that very thing. As of right now I include dates on my resume but they can see from previous shows that I've worked shows back to back and at the same time. So now, me making the choice to take breaks isn't a reflection of my professionalism but just personal choice.

[avkid]

I recently read about a rather large casino that was built in Gulfport, MS.
It had several venues inside it.

Might be something to look into.

If you are very desperate I know a production company in Gulfport.