[ruinexplorer]

I agree with Kyle. OK, so I do work professionally and have been doing so for the past 15 years (I'm not counting work I did in college or HS). What I often tell people is that theater is a much more limited job field than many other industries. Consider how many theaters you have in your town vs. how many theaters. Now figure out how many full time employees. One of the worst things about working in theater is retirement. Most stagehands work on-call or seasonal positions which don't contribute towards retirement (beyond your own savings). Also, since theaters have fewer employees, your benefits will cost you more. For instance, I worked for a theater complex in Phoenix as a TD (full time) and my insurance for me and my family was over $600/month. I was considered to be making a good wage for full time theater in that city of around $30k. Roughly 1/4 of my income was just going to my benefits (not including a 401k which I couldn't afford to contribute to) so I was forced to also take other calls on my days off. While that employer didn't mind, I have had others who would have terminated me for working for someone else. Even here in Las Vegas, I know of many stagehands who have a hard time getting by, while others are making a decent wage. Then again, I know of many stagehands who work into their 70's, not for the joy of what they're doing, but to keep on living.

I'm not saying that you won't be successful in theater or in cooking. I just offer that you have more options following your other desires than theater. In the mean time, you probably can continue to work with theater in your spare time if you choose. It won't be easy since if you are really successful as a chef, then you will probably be working all those same wonderful hours we work in theater, nights, weekends, and holidays. After all, both of your career choices are striving towards disposable income. It really depends on what kind of lifestyle you want to have and how much money it will take to achieve that lifestyle.

I used to say: Actors without stagehands are standing naked in the dark trying to emote, while stagehands without actors have marketable skills. What I have found is that so many people "did theater in high school" and don't take what we do seriously. Many people don't understand what relevant skills are needed for successful productions, and that can dramatically impact your career options.

I hope that you are successful in whatever you do. If you are still undecided, go out and try to get work in both and see if you like what you are doing.

Good Luck!