<p>Thank you all so much!</p>
<p>P.s. Onstage, I am not saying that I am only looking to work a safety job for “just a few months”, rather I am only looking to work a job outside the theatre (such as waitressing or some other temp job) for a few months until I build up my network to supply theatre related jobs. I totally understand that I will encounter lulls in between performance jobs, but I am hoping to have other “artsy” jobs to fill those gaps. A waitressing job would only be needed for a few months until I can have enough connections to supply me with musical directing, voice coaching, singing, acting instructing,etc. Jobs.</p>
<p>Oh yes, I understood that, BwayDreamer. And if you can manage to make that many connections and snag those desirable jobs, more power to you! Just be aware that, there is a great deal of competition for these “artsy” jobs as well. I don’t want to sound like Debbie Downer, but realistically, it is probably going to take a bit longer than just a few months to establish yourself. I’ve seen too many young performers get discouraged and depressed because they didn’t have a true appreciation of just how tough things are once you’re out in the real world.</p>
<p>soozievt alluded to something earlier that is another important aspect of forming a theatre network and that might relate to choosing a school. </p>
<p>It’s great to have a solid network of actors, but in order to have steady work it’s also important to develop a wide-ranging network of directors, casting agents, music directors, vocal coaches, stage managers, writers, designers, professors, etc, as all of these people can be instrumental in helping find all manner of work. In this sense, students graduating from larger programs, as soozievt mentioned, might have some advantage over kids coming out of very small programs. Clearly a small program can offer other advantages, but might offer a more limited school-related network.</p>
<p>I envy all of you with strong piano skills, as I imagine that will always be a huge advantage in finding theatre-related survival jobs.</p>
<p>I swear it was I who mentioned networking with agents, directors, etc!
Seriously, when thinking about “survival jobs”, I have often suggested to students that they get involved with box office, front of house, props, costumes, and particularly, stage management when not performing. How much better is it to ASM a show - getting to know and be known by directors, producers, and such - than waiting tables for non-show-business folks? Much better to be in the biz than delivering pizzas. As Momcares pointed out good keyboard skills are great - another way to stay close to the Business when not singing, dancing, or acting for a living.
So when the opportunity arises in college - takes advantage and learn some “related” fall-back skills while honing your performance skills. By the way, nothing bad about waiting or delivering - just that show-related jobs might do you better. I do know of several folks that got breaks later on after these sort or "show biz’ part time engagements earlier on in their career. Also, know some folks who, when they could no longer kick their face, took longer term jobs in management, costumes/wardrobe, dressing, and so on.</p>