Onstage > The Hardline
Joining AEA
kelbel:
I am curious as to how much experience most Stage Managers have when they join Equity. How did you know it was the right time to join?
I've had a producer ask me about joining Equity to do his show, but I don't want to join and then not get work after that because of lack of experience.
Thanks! -Kelly
SM_Art:
It's hard to say when the 'right' time is... but your question raises some others. First, I think it's great that you're not rushing in to this, because many don't think it through and DO limit themselves.
If a producer likes you, and will continue hiring you, then perhaps the right time IS now. If it's a 'one-shot' offer, perhaps not. If it might be a continuing gig, getting in as a PA or non-union ASM, if that's possible on the particular contract, might give you more insight on whether or not you're ready. I don't know how old you are, or how much experience you've got already, but if you're young enough to feel you have time to get more experience, perhaps that's a good option. If it's just more confidence in knowiing how to deal with things you're looking for, you might jsut get that by jumping in and doing it. Since you didn't mention what contract it was, or other details about the situation, it's hard to offer advice... but what I would say is to get as much information as you can so that your decision is not just based on the emotion of the situation.
kelbel:
I believe the contract would be a CAT Tier 1. I'd be the SM, though I'd probably need a part-time job to go with it. The producer has just started up a company, and from what I understand, he likes to keep people around if possible. Right now, he's flying in a choreographer that he's worked with before. She tells me that he's had trouble with finding good SMs in the past. So that's a good sign for me.
One thing that has bothered me in the past is that I am young and I look even younger. I've had people not take me seriously in the past, though it seems to be more of a non-professional thing. I got out of college a little over a year ago. I know an Equity SM who joined that early as well, but I didn't know if that is unusual. I do feel confident in my abilities, and I know I can do it, but I want to make sure other people will think so too, and will hire me.
Thanks for responding.
MatthewShiner:
First off, this is a business decision, and no one other then yourself will know all the ins and outs of your business life.
The question to ask is do you think you can continue to work at the Equity level? Do you think you are ready for the responsibilites of being an Equity SM? Are you willing to leave behind some of the perks of working in non-AEA theatre?
For me the right time was during grad school. I knew that I was going to do this professionally, I knew that this is what I was good at, and I had the opportunity to work on some top tier Regional shows as a non-equity assistant, and really got to understand the ins and outs of being an Equity Stage Manager. I also spent several months observing other Equity stage managers from Broadway to Regional to Touring shows to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I did not taking getting my card lightly.
For me, once I got my card, I have been able to work constantly. But on the flip side, I am willing to move at the drop of a hat, or travel, and do really consider myself living at any giving place. If you make the decision to make a living at stage management and only stage management, there are somethings you have to forgo (this is true for any committment to the arts.) If you want to work at a certain level, or remain in your hometown, then you need to look honestly what that level pays and how often you will work, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. If yolu have a certain lifestyle you wish to support, then you might have to consider the possibility of moving around, or working a lot more then you feel comfortable.
Is there ever a perfect time to take a contract? No. You have to just weigh everything and take the leap when if feels right.
VSM:
That little voice that we all hear...
We each need to decide when to stop ignoring it
and when to start embracing it...
Here's to your decision...
BRAVO
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