Stage Production Workers

A great deal can be learned by becoming involved in high school or college theatrical performances. If possible, gain experience in many different capacities, including acting, stage design, lighting, and special effects. Another way to get experience is by working as a volunteer for amateur community theater productions or special benefit events. This sort of broad experience may lead to a paid or volunteer summer job assisting in a professional theater.

Experiences gained in other fields may be helpful background for some stage production jobs. For example, aspiring costume designers can learn by working for clothes designers in the fashion industry.

Ask your school counselor to help arrange an information interview with various types of stage production workers. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a stage production worker to learn even more about the field.