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Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton
The show must go on. Actors get the limelight but those working
backstage also must share in the glory. Without people building sets,
designing costumes, directing the production or looking after
everything that goes on during a performance, theatre would be a much
less engaging event.
The skills required for theses jobs behind the curtain, beyond
collaboration and communication, are many and as varied as the
different theatre companies in Calgary. Here's a look at some local
education/training opportunities, volunteer opportunities, businesses/associations and some job tips. Jump off here and begin your career
research.
Education/training
The University of Calgary (U of C) offers bachelor and
master degrees in drama allowing specialized focus on directing or
the design/technical side of theatre.
Mount Royal College offers a two-year diploma in
theatre arts allowing students to concentrate on the technical
aspects or performance.
The Banff Centre for the Arts has numerous theatre related programs in a variety of disciplines.
Theatre Junction, with the help of the local
business community, offers a mentorship program for those interested
in a behind-the-scenes look at theatre.
The International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees requires a basic "set
etiquette" knowledge course be completed before anyone applies to
begin the membership process.
The Southern Alberta
Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers courses in carpentry and
for those wishing to become electricians and welders.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offers
information on the requirements to become certified journeymen in
numerous trades including carpentry, cabinet making, electrician and
welding. For those in high school, the RAP (registered apprenticeship program) allows you to earn credits and get paid while you work toward one of these trades.
Volunteer opportunities
All theatre companies rely greatly on the contributions of
volunteers. For most jobs featured in this month's issue of nextSteps
any experience gained in almost any aspect of the theatre will help.
Many consider volunteer work a right of passage. The companies listed
here offer opportunities beyond the basics.
The Loose Moose Theatre offers volunteer opportunities
to those 16 and over to look after everything from selling tickets to
running the lights.
Theatre Calgary offers volunteer opportunities,
including working front of house.
StoryBook
Theatre offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities from
lighting and sound to directing.
Businesses/associations
Jobs
-the best way to find jobs in this industry is to volunteer at a
theatre company and get some experience, get to know people
(networking) and keep your ear to the ground
Although not directly a theatre production, a local program
provides some realted and transerable skills for those interested in
possible backstage work. Calgary Vocational Services, with funding
from Human Resources Development Canada, is offering the Shooting For
Success project. This project requires people 15-30 who are not in
school, employed or receiving Employment Insurance to shoot a
video.
Participants will work with a professional producer/director to
create and help produce a video on a topic, such as youth
sub-culture. Participants are required to work in many aspects of the
production, including script writing, directing, editing.... The
program, which also includes spending time working on
résumés, job hunting, job interviews and life skills
last six months. Participants must attend 30 hours a week and will
receive a bi-weekly stipend and a completion bonus at the end of the
project.
Screening for a November 2002 project start will begin in September.
For more information contact Brie Thorsteinson at 273-2822.
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