How can i network as a Lighting designer for Theatre?
musiclover08 asked:
I’m a junior in high school and I am the only student lighting designer at my school. How can i network to get my name out there for different theatres to hire me.
I’m a junior in high school and I am the only student lighting designer at my school. How can i network to get my name out there for different theatres to hire me.
Well it all depends on the market, and what skill level you are at. The way the professionals do it is they have portfolios that include things like some rendering, pictures, and lighting plots. It is best if there are some examples that follow the creative process for concept to the finished product. Think of it the same way the you do when you design, you want to tell the story. Some designers I know have created slide show type things that they include with their cover letters and resume.
With you just starting out the best thing for you I think is get involved with some community theatre and your school plays. Learn as much as you can about design AND the electrical work that is required to make you plot happen. You need to have a great mastery of the technology that is involved in lighting, not just the computers and consoles, but electrical theory. Now put your portfolio together and find a great University that can help you put it all into focus. (ha a pun I crack myself up!) Personally I like NCSA, DePaul’s The Theatre School, and CMU as my top picks to a BFA in Lighting Design.
Now for the boring stuff. This Field you are looking at is one of love, not money or fame. If you are passionate about it, and are good, there is no way to know if you are going to be able to pay the bills. But this should not stop you if you want it badly enough. I am excited every day that I go to work. I cannot see myself doing anything else. I would not trade it for anything.
In closing Good Luck, and Follow You Heart!! [who] Lightguy911
Working with people is a great way to network. Look into all the theatres in your community and see if they need electricians or production assistants or interns. Working in the field (for money or not) is the best way to get your name out there.
Some theatres probably have some intern/apprentice program available. Usually don’t pay, but gives you experience and your name out there…
Being reliable, eager to work and consistent are attributes I would look for. [who] LRfellah
First I agree with everything that was stated in Lightguy911’s post. I just want to add two things, in addition to all the aspects of your skills that will need to be developed I want to add two that are sadly often overlooked by many young design students. Read plays, not just ones you are working on, but know the text, know the classics, know the field. Also learn to speak as an artist. Go to museums, study art, develope the vocabulary.
Good luck. [who] Steven K