Making Money in Theater Even if You’re Not a Theater Person
Ever wanted to know if you can make money in theater without having any prior theater experience? You’d be surprised to know the answer is yes! Even if you speak no “theater language”, and the mere thought of working in that sector seems daunting, you have probably got hidden skills that the theater industry needs.
Basically, there’s a term called ‘overhire’ in the theater world. It simply refers to temporary hiring done when there’s a need for extra hands. Theaters often have a permanent crew, but at times they require additional assistance.
So, why should this excite you? Here’s the deal. Theater has numerous casual jobs. They need a wide range of skills – and they don’t always require you to have a theater degree or any theatrical experience at all.
Don’t mind a bit of hard work? You might fit well on a stage crew, where your job may involve tasks like unloading and loading trucks. If you’re a handyman at heart, with a knack for assembly, this could be your gig.
Know your way around a toolbox and can read assembly plans? You could be a brilliant fit for a carpentry job. A lot of people, including myself, absolutely dread it. So if you enjoy it, there are plenty of opportunities in theater for you.
Good with needle and thread? Overhire stitchers are often needed in high demand, especially when last-minute alterations pop up.
Have an eye for the quirky and unique? You might consider a props person role, where you’ll get paid for your creativity and knack for finding fascinating items. I once spent a few hours transforming a handtruck into a “cart” for a production, and it was a lot of fun (not to mention, the pay wasn’t too shabby).
As much as joining a Broadway show sounds grand, starting small at local theaters could be the best move. You’d be able to identify if this kind of gig might be worth pursuing. Smaller theaters may pay less but if you enjoy the work, the experience could be invaluable.
Of course, like any job, working in a theater has its ups and downs. It delivers fantastic flexibility, often offers handsome pay and you get to wear jeans to work (that’s a big win for me). But it does demand long hours, can involve heavy lifting, rushing to meet deadlines, and dealing with big personalities.
Still eager to give it a try? Good! You can check out theater jobs on websites like Offstagejobs and Playbill.com. Do explore Gigs and Crew on Craigslist for opportunities in your area.
In conclusion, your existing skills might be the perfect match for a side job in theater. You never know – it might even turn into a career path!