Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 11/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Not interested in seeing the show, but intensly intersted in building sets and moving during production-costumes, especially big period in 8/week stage shows-how clean-fit to actors,pyro-back stage, miking, intercoms for stage hands, prop masters job, boredom between scenes, stand-in rules. All also refer to back of house control booths. Best, would like corespond with retired person who has workes back satge, is bored and wouldtsll with me.

ANSWER: Hi Bill...Thanks for writing.  So if I am understanding you correctly, you are interested in becoming involved in productions and want to learn from someone who is retired?  Are you also retired?  Would this be a second career for you?

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sure am retired. Am 89 and don't want a new career but have intense interest in above for some comunity theatre
involvement.Like to think of myself as invisible spirit going anywhere backstage during productions disturbing nobody. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi there, Bill.  You are amazing :).  Thank you for being willing to work in community theatre behind the scenes.  We need more people like you who are willing.  

The best way to go about this would be to go through your phone book or go to your village or city office to find out about community theatres in your area.  Most of the time, they will have a phone number and a contact name of someone to get in touch with.  

What I would do is check them all out and choose the one that suits you best in terms of location and in terms of having someone that you could learn from or help.  Community theatres, in my experience, are always looking for someone to help.  So I am sure you will be able to find someone.  

If you are particularly interested in working with someone who is retired, ask about that.  Ask if there is someone who works in their theatre who is retired that you can learn from.   If they have someone, you probably have a match.  

Does that help you?  

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have stupidly misled you Wanda. I know all about community theatres because am charter memmber and held every office and job for 30 years in this tiny town of 7000.In first question was thinking big Broadway shows BACKSTAGE only and the activities I mentioned there and the huge pressures on actors waiting to go on and crew,
rapid moves. Still want to be invisible spirit. For some reason have special interest in huge show (Cinderella?)costume constant use, cleaning (huge skirts& resting between scenes).Backstage fun and pranks.
Bill

Answer
Hi there Bill...Oh wow.  You have been in community theatre a long time.  That's marvelous.  Good for you.  

So you are thinking of moving to more professional shows then eh?  That's wonderful.  Broadway shows work differently then community theatre shows for the most part.  Those on staff are trained professionals.  Rarely will they take on anyone who is not.  It is big business.  Their integrity hangs in the balance with each show they do.  There are expectations to meet.  

That said, you do have experience in theatre and that may work in your favor.  

I would take a similar approach to finding out if there is opportunity.  Phone and see if you can find out.  Theatres like volunteers and if you are interested in volunteering and being a part of their company, there could be a way in for you.  

Another way is to usher at their shows.  Sometimes this is a volunteer position and sometimes it is paid.  When you are ushering, you can meet people very familiar with the organization.  What I would do is inquire as you meet people if they know of opportunities.  

Another way is to look on the websites of the Broadway theatres and/or companies.  Sometimes they will have volunteer opportunities listed and/or they will have anything they are needing listed as well.  It will take a bit of looking on websites as every single one of them are different, but you should be able find out something from that.  This is also a great way to find out who is the Production Manager.  More than likely, they will know of places where you can fit in.  Having a name when you call is very helpful and respectful.  Everyone likes to hear their own name :).

Ok.  So does that help you now?

Wanda