Jobs in Theater
When we think about the experience of theater, usually we think about it from being a member of the audience. Even if we are an active participant in the creation of theater, we spend more time in the audience than we do on stage. Even the best of us in the industry do more watching than doing.
That means that our experience of theater from the perspective of an audience member is how we first think about a play. We see the actors and the sets, we hear the sounds of the performance. Our emotions are effected by the lighting and music. What we don’t think about are the people who have made that production possible – the everyday people in the trenches.
The Unsung Heroes
Yet, for you to see a show you first have to know about it. Someone needed to design a marketing campaign in order to generate publicity. Someone needed to sell you a ticket. Someone has to make sure you are in the right seat and that you have a program.
When the performance is over someone has to make sure the production’s books are balanced, that everyone is paid, and that the theater is ready for the next performance. Before the first audience steps into the theater, contracts have to be negotiated to rent the theater and to hire everyone.
All these jobs are as important to the success of a production as the more visible ones. Yet it seems that when we talk about increasing diversity in theater, the only jobs that get talked about are the visible ones.
Yes, it is important to increase the number of black actors, directors, and designers, but I believe it is equally important to increase the number of black general managers, stage managers, and box office managers.
As an organization Rhymes Over Beats is committed to doing just this.
Interested in working with us? Let me know in the comments below.