Hello Ms. In the Biz readers! I know you’re all busy, busy ladies, so let’s get this on the road…
I decided to go back to school and finish my BA in Theatre! In one of my classes I told my group mates they should do as much work behind the scenes as they do in front of the stage/camera. One of them asked me why, and to be honest it’s not hard: appreciation and respect.
Actors need to have an appreciation for those who work behind the scenes because without them performers wouldn’t have anything: staring from a script, costumes, sets, props, lighting, sound, to food, etc. So, let’s discuss some positions you can assist with that do not require prior experience…
Costumes
If you’re planning on going to college for performing arts (especially theatre), you’re likely to be part of a costume class and work costumes for a show. If you’re not in college, you should try and assist the person in charge of costumes for a film/TV/web/play. I’m currently in costume class, and part of costume crew for a show, and let me tell you it’s a lot of work. I’ve learned to not degrade the clothes I get to wear; I’m not the expert in that area, am I? I’ve learned to be grateful and to try and understand why I’m made to wear whatever piece of clothing I get.
Lighting/Sound
I’ve never worked lighting/sound on Film/TV/Web, but I have for Theatre. For theatre it might be more manageable to assist because it’s not as complicated as the other mediums. Or so I’m assuming. Nevertheless, it’s work. You have to be able to hear directions from you Stage Manager (SM), and at the same time remember each light/sound cue during the play in case the computer doesn’t change cues, and you have to do it manually. Yes, you can have notes, but you also need to be present on what’s going on. Not only that, but understanding which light is not responding, or which mic is not working takes a lot of work and deciphering.
Producer’s Assistant
PA is probably the most readily available work position for film/TV/web, so take advantage and do some PA jobs. Yes, you’re more like a gofer than an actual assistant, but nevertheless you get to see what things you shouldn’t do when it’s your turn to act in front of the camera. You also learn how to comport yourself while on set, and it’s just awesome, really. It’s about being in a theatre, or on set, and making contacts. Believe me, if you do a good job, not only will you be making money, but you also get to network. Afterwards, of course 🙂
Casting
Working as a Casting Assistant is important, not only for respecting those making decisions on casting, but for an actors psyche. Seriously. I used to take casting decisions personally whenever I wasn’t cast, even after I kept hearing, “Don’t take it personally.” Well, it wasn’t until after I was behind that table that I truly understood what that meant. I’ve seen good actors not get cast because they have the same coloring as the lead; they’re too short/tall/slim/not slim; nervous or too over the top; just something. So, since you can’t change your preset height, or your coloring, all you can do is learn that casting is not personal, and assisting helped me get to that point.
These are just some position you can work, there are many more, but not enough time to list. My point is simple: ungrateful performers are not attractive and are off putting. Recently, during tech week for the show I was working on costumes for, a dancer was dissing the dress given for her to wear. Not only did I find her criticism offensive to the costume designer, but to those who worked on her dress. Sewing beading onto a dress is not simple–my poor fingers are black and blue from wrestling those needles. So work behind the scenes, and learn to respect people who have those positions. You’ll have a more well-rounded experience next time you’re on stage or in front of a camera 🙂
xoxo
Musme