Messages

1

Employment / Re: What comes next

« on: Jul 29, 2008, 10:50 pm »

An update -  if anyone is interested

I just started as an assistant Music Co-ordinator in NYC, working on shows like Jersey Boys, Xanadu, Hairspray and the Drowsy Tour.

It is a straight 9-5 type job,  but lets me stay on the edge of the biz, makes me great contacts, and gives me the time I need to help my family.

I am hoping it turns into something I really enjoy and can do for a long time

2

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Aging in stage management (those late 20's)

« on: Jul 13, 2008, 11:16 am »

I have just reached the point in my life where I am closer to 40 than 30,  closer to 50  than 20,  and I have been doing Stage Management for 13 years.   I came to it late professionally,  knowing I wanted to be involved in theatre, but was not an actor.  I had written and directed, and have designed in just about every possible way,  but I had developed a horrible addiction that needed to be fed, and that was eating regular meals so I began stage managing for friends and discovered that I had a knack for it.  It let me use talents and skills that I enjoyed.

I became the Stageboard Samurai, many of my jobs came about during theatre transitions, where new Artistic and management staff come in.  Three years and out - that was my motto,  I never wanted to be anywhere too long.  I couldn't stand the idea of being a lifer.  I loved the travel, I loved getting to work with so many passionate artists, and making friends around the country. 

But now, I have been completely burnt out, and I am looking for what is next.

3

Employment / Re: Changing lanes.....

« on: Jul 12, 2008, 12:04 am »

Has anyone heard from Erin?  Has she found something?


I have Stage Managed for 13 years, at various levels, including touring, and even 4 summers doing rotating rep musical summer stock, on a shoe string budget (and a union contract!). 

I used to be so passionate about theatre, but the last 3 years especially, but even back to 9/11  I found less and less satisfaction with my work.  I found as I continued to work with younger actors, that they tended to have more and more of a sense of entitlement, and little respect for the work of those who came before, and a tendency to not even realize there is world outside of the industry (Seriously on tour this spring I had to explain primary elections to two of my actors - college graduates)

I have extenuating family circumstances which maybe some of you read about in my rant of a post this morning...

I really don't want to leave the performing arts, and I would like to stay close to NYC, as it really is my home but I am also considering things in other media, print, and even online.  I have thought about exploring the idea of producing, but that does seem like something that might not be easy to transition right into

4

Employment / Re: What comes next

« on: Jul 11, 2008, 11:48 pm »

Thanks for all your feedback -

I was very frustrated this morning when I wrote this,  I had just had an argument with my sister

I really only wanted to ask about ideas of what careers  others have considered?  I have an interest in publishing/editorial
I do write, if only to blog for now.   I have considered looking for a position in arts administration, film and tv production, But
I have been encountering resistance,  mostly due to the fact that prospective employers are hesitant because they feel I will
jump ship for a position with a show as soon as I have the opportunity (and have been told as much, which just added to  my
frustration today)

5

Employment / Re: What comes next

« on: Jul 11, 2008, 02:04 pm »

I have only been at this temp position for about 2 weeks

It is the classic cube dwelling paper pushing type of position with a staffing/career outplacement company

I have already wondered how deep i could push a staple through my temple several times -

I do think there are other issues at work here, stress and health related - I just don't have the time to really address them

6

Employment / What comes next

« on: Jul 11, 2008, 09:36 am »

Hey all -  David here, I am new to the site, but not new to the game.

anyway, I have been stage managing for nearly 13 years, and I haven't really needed to do much else, I have worked regionally mostly, and done my time with theatreworks tours and  since I have come back to NYC I have averaged 2 showcases a year, and I hate to say this, but I have bottomed out. And I am looking for what to do next.   

You would think that with the skills one gains a Stage Manager, that one could easily translate himself into another profession, and that an employer would jump at the chance to gain such a talented, multi-faceted team player, but outside of the industry, not many know the reputation of the Stage Manger and their tendency to be self sacrificing and hard working, and master of many trades.

Maybe its me, though,  I really don't know what to do next.
My drive is completely gone, I have enjoyed working with actors less and less each year.  I am looking to move on to something new.  I am temping now, and its abysmal, but the money is mediocre so at least there is that. 

I am also dealing with all sorts of pressure at home, with a terminally ill mother, and siblings who expect me to match what they can give to support our mother, despite the fact that i make about 1/3 of what each they do, and they all have two income families and own their own house and I live in rent stablized one bedroom in the bronx

I am sorry to throw all this negativity out there - but I don't know what is next.