Author Topic: How to ask for information  (Read 3410 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

DeeCap

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 319
    • View Profile
How to ask for information
« on: Nov 09, 2010, 02:05 pm »
I am in the very early planning stages for my masters' thesis.

My research requires me to ask questions from various theatres and local unions all over the US. In a way I have to "cold call" them.

I feel a bit ridiculous asking this, but how do I do it without sounding like I want a job from them?

(I feel ridiculous even asking about it here)

Thanks for your help!

MatthewShiner

  • Forum Moderators
  • *****
  • Posts: 2478
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA, SMA
  • Current Gig: Freelance Stage Manager; Faculty for UMKC
  • Experience: Professional
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #1 on: Nov 09, 2010, 02:20 pm »
by saying its for a thesis project.

theaters are very used to be contacted for such things.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

DeeCap

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 319
    • View Profile
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #2 on: Nov 09, 2010, 03:46 pm »
I figured it was a ridiculous question, and that I have to get over myself and just flippin do it.

Thanks!

MatthewShiner

  • Forum Moderators
  • *****
  • Posts: 2478
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA, SMA
  • Current Gig: Freelance Stage Manager; Faculty for UMKC
  • Experience: Professional
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #3 on: Nov 09, 2010, 10:42 pm »
No, I remember when I was in grad school I did a travel grant to NYC to shadow on shows, I was terrified to ask the first SM to shadow - thinking he would think I was trying to get a job - imagine my surprised when I realized the have shadows all the time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

cschott

  • BTDT Editors
  • *****
  • Posts: 27
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA, AGMA, SMA
  • Current Gig: adjunct SM faculty at Carnegie Mellon University
  • Experience: Professional
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #4 on: Nov 10, 2010, 11:37 am »
And the good thing about it is that if you make a good impression with the questions you ask and your demeanor, if you are then later interested in working at any of those theatres, you might have a bit of an "in" or an ally in an interview.  And if you don't want a job at any of those theatres, you've still made a contact who you might be able to pull out of your pocket in some other situation in the future.  This business is about making contacts and knowing people.  That's how I get most of my jobs now - through the people I've met and worked with over the years.  I can't tell you how long it's been since I got a job based on submitting my resume "cold."

DeeCap

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 319
    • View Profile
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #5 on: Nov 10, 2010, 12:46 pm »
Thanks for the advice! Not to get too personal or psychoanalyze myself, I need to get over the "fear of success/fear of failure" that I'm dealing with. The only way to do it is to....do it.

 

AlanDKnight

  • Tourist
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: Western Michigan University
  • Current Gig: My One and Only
  • Experience: College/Graduate
Re: How to ask for information
« Reply #6 on: Nov 10, 2010, 02:30 pm »
I'm the same way, but have learned to just go for it and ask what I need to. Everyone I have asked to shadow or just answer some questions have been very helpful.  It's been helpful with meeting new people and learning from other SMs.

 

riotous