Looking for a job in the theatre and entertainment industry can be daunting, especially when you are newly entering the work market. How do you take the skills and experience acquired through study and present them to prospective employers in the arts industry? Where does your search begin and what should you consider as you plan your future career steps? What is expected in a portfolio and what should you expect in an interview?
This book provides straightforward strategies and practical exercises to turn anxiety into excitement and help you develop the job search skills and materials that will empower you to go after the job you want, and get it. If you are about to graduate or just ready to make a change, this book will teach you how to plan for your career as a designer, technician, or stage manager, and put your best professional persona forward when applying for jobs. Topics include resumes, cover letters, business cards and portfolios that will get you moved to the top of the pile; what to expect at an interview and how to answer any interview question; the how and why of negotiating for your worth; long term career planning, financial implications and much more. Filled with practical advice, examples of letters, resumes, CVs and portfolios, and with guidance from industry professionals, it will equip you to plan and succeed in your job search and career development in the entertainment industry.
List of Illustrations List of Tables Acknowledgments and Dedication A Note on the Text Introduction: Owning Your Own Business — Yes, This Does Apply to You 1. Where Are You Going and How Will You Get There? Do I Need a College Degree? Is Graduate School Right for Me? Internships Freelance Staff Positions Touring Cruise Ships Jobs in Academia: Faculty or Staff, Tenure, and Promotion What Else Can You Do with a Theatre Degree? Finding Job Openings Figuring Out What You Need and What You Want Long-Term Planning Networking and Mentors 2. Creating Your Marketing Materials and Establishing Your Professional Persona Professional Email Choosing a Typeface and Fonts Choosing a Color Palette Logos Letterheads Business Cards Writing Your Bio Headshots Artist Statement Managing Your Online Persona 3. Resumes and Curriculum Vitae The Differences Between a Resume and a CV What Resume Style Is Best for My Purposes? How Many Resumes Do I Need? What Should I Include on My Resume? What Not to Include How Long Should My Resume Be? Organization Organization by Job Title Organization by Employer Organization by Level of Experience Formatting and Layout Prioritization Headings and Subheadings No Centering Avoid Long Descriptive Sentences Be Consistent Spacing Setting Tab Stops Instead of Templates or Tables Placing Your Content Education Layout Skills Layout References Layout Sending Your Resume 4. Cover Letters and Other Correspondence Formatting Your Formal Cover Letter What Goes in My Cover Letter? Opening Paragraph Details Wrap Up Closing Salutation Professional Emails Thank-You Notes Letters of Recommendation 5. Portfolios Choosing What to Include General Guidelines Photographs Portfolios for Graduate School Applications Breakdown by Specialty Technical Positions Designers Presentation Portfolios Planning Your Design, Order, and Layout The Construction Process Supplemental Materials Selecting Your Case Website Portfolios What Is Good Design? What You Need to Know to Create Your Website Planning Your Website Compiling and Preparing Your Content Putting It Together 6. The Interview What to Expect at an Interview Worst-Case Scenarios Personal Appearance and First Impressions What Makes a Good Answer to an Interview Question? What Are They Really Asking? Remember to Interview Them Illegal Interview Questions Portfolio Presentations Follow Up Phone Etiquette Phone Interviews Video Interviews Informational Interviews Graduate School Interviews Academic Job Interviews Dining Etiquette Receptions and Networking Events 7. Talking About Money Setting Your Fees Negotiating Accepting the Job Offer … or Not Contracts, Riders, Letters of Agreement, and NDAs Unions Taxes and Business Deductions Important Terms Business Income and Deductions Planning and Protecting Your Financial Future Types of Money Basic Budget Protection: Insurance and Legal Documents Eliminating Debt Disciplined Saving Hiring a Professional Tax Preparer Financial Advisor Entertainment Lawyer 8. Career Profiles Ryan Gravilla — Principal Lighting Designer for Disney Parks Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World Meredith Tomkovitch — Director of Costuming, Resorts World Genting, Malaysia Yuri Cataldo — Co-Founder and General Partner at Athenian Venture Capital, Innovation Engagement Manager Jeramy Boik — Scenic Designer, Technical Director, Landscape Architect, Builder of Tiny Houses Shawn Boyle — Projection and Lighting Designer, Instructor, Yale School of Drama Charles “Chip” Perry — Director, Lighting and Television Production, World Wrestling Entertainment Jenny Sargent — Opera Stage Manager Turned Banquet Director Claudia Lynch — Broadway Stage Manager, College Professor Aaron Jackson — Lead Set Designer, Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800 Jerrilyn Lanier-Duckworth — Costume Designer, Educator on African American Hair and Makeup for Theatre Ted Ozimek — Senior Project Manager II, Electronic Theatre Controls Bailie Slevin — Stage Manager Turned Financial Advisor for Theatre Artists Brad Berridge — Director of Sound Operations, Feld Entertainment Index
Kristina Tollefson is Professor of Costume and Makeup Design in the Department of Theatre at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA, in addition to her freelance work. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, and has an MFA from Purdue University, USA, and a BA from South Dakota State University, USA.
Reviews for Get the Job in the Entertainment Industry: A Practical Guide for Designers, Technicians, and Stage Managers
Get the Job in the Entertainment Industry: A Practical Guide for Designers, Technicians, and Stage Managers is a much needed addition to the resources for theatre practitioners who are considering a career in theatre and live entertainment industries. Professor Tollefson addresses all aspects of the job hunt from education through internships and to the dream job. * Dr. Anne Toewe, University of Northern Colorado, USA * Where was this book 30 years ago! Kristina gives sound advice to those entering the entertainment industry and many tips for the experienced. It was an easy and informative read. * Jack Feivou, Keene Consulting, USA *
