Summer Jobs

[ricc0luke]

Hey, I was just wondering what jobs are there on touring shows in the summer.

I wouldn't mind touring with some band or anythning.... but I would perfer to tour with a theatrical company. It does not even have to be a touring show, just a production that could possibly provide housing?? I don't know. I just really want to go and see if this is something I want to consider professionaly.

I live about 2 hours outside of Chicago where there is only the high school drama program, (which is a peice of crap) and the kick butt, award winning community theatre, where I have finally managed to get myself a name as one of the top 2 or 3 LD's in town. (It also helps when you can do not only their lights, but also all of their sound) There is nothing professional anywhere near me.

How hard is it to get a job as an intern or a stage hand or somthing with a professional company? And are they willing to take somebody one just for the summer?

Thanks.



Oh yea.... I am only 15 until next augest, and i am a sophmore...
I will try and post my resume soon....

[techieman33]

your not going to get a job on the road your way to young. you need to be at least 18 to work, and even then the chance of going on the road is slim, when you turn 18 you should call some local road houses, and try to work as a local stage hand, i do a lot of that and it's a blast, a really good learning experience, you learn something new everythime a show goes through, and make a lot of valueable contacts for the future. I know it sucks but just hang in there, and keep learning everything you can.

Another great place to get experience is at a local rental house. It gives you a bit of the road life taste, not that you'll be on the road so much, it'll teach you how to load a truck, push a road case, and set-up and break down gigs real fast (there are techniques to all of these). Also its great experience working with all sorts of different equipment so you will be familiar with anything you many encounter later in your career.

-dan

[digitaltec]

Your not going to find anything touring unless you are 18 and probably not even a rental house. Your best best is to find a local theater and ask to help out. I'm not sure of the laws in Chicago, but some states/cities require you to be 16 before working. At your age, I would look into learning situations rather then work. An Internship would be a great starting place.

I could give you names of places that have internsips in Chicago but Ship might be a better help because I believe he is in the Chicago area and into Lighting.

[TechWench]

I live about 30 minutes from the city and i recently finished a job downtown as a spot op.
it was pretty sweet for only being a spot op job but i made AWESOME connections that got me a large amout of jobs after that.
you will probably have a hard time finding a steady everyday job.
you may want to look for shows that are going up and then call and see if they need help.
and since you are 15. i would say volunteer.
dont ask for money.
and be VERY willing to help.
most of the jobs im woring on dont pay much at all.
and im alright with that right now cause im only 18
i need to build up my resume.
and right now its lookin pretty good cause i wasnt picky.

but ya, you will definitely have some problems because of your age but dont give up.
and let us know if you find anything!
happy hunting!

[ccfan213]

if you have a friend in a rental company that helps, we dont do the lighting and sound and sets for our show by ourselves, we have a rental guy who does some pretty major shows (rock the vote tour is one of them) who comes to basically direct us in building our set, we do what he needs us to as far as that goes, we hang his lights cause ours sucks and brought in sound this year cause our new system wasnt in yet, basically hes in charge cause hes a pro, but we are still the board ops. anyway, that was a very roundabout way to get to this: we know and have worked with him before so we may intern with him this summer where he wouldnt take a random 15 year old. if you have any companies come in to do a show talk to them, get to know them and ask about internships. i always help rental guys when they are used cause its a great way to get contacts, if im running sound and they are loading in their own lights i help out in my free time, that way if i need a favor, like a job they are more likely to give it to me.
i have already contacted the guy who does our shows, a local theatre used on touring shows and a dj about summer jobs/internships.

[bdesmond]

In Chicago (likely Illinois actually), at age 15, you can work however you need a work permit, I forget if its from the city or state. I know in the city, Chicago Public Schools has them, and I'd expect suburban school districts to be able to help you with this - talk to your counselor. Given the permit, I forget if it restricts you to twenty hours a week, or if you can do more, but you have to decalre how many hours/week you will work, and I believe your employer can get in trouble should they employ you for more.

At 16, you do not need a permit, and can be employed as an adult. I don't know what hte specific laws governing working between your 16th and 18th birthday are as far as labor and that sort of thing. I drive a desk.

Unions and apprenticeships are going to want you to be 18 before you can join/get an apprenticeship and thats not an Illinois or Chicago issue.

The best person to consult on this is your high school counselor. I'm not a lawyer and thus anything I've said here about the law is solely my opinion, not necessarily fact.

[Sombra2]

one of the restrictions i know for nj, is that you can't do anything that is hazardous, espically working with hazardous materials.

[ccfan213]

by hazardous materials i hope you mean like nuclear waste, not like large amounts of electricity

[Sombra2]

depends on the state. i remember a friend telling me he couldn't work in a carpentary shop since there open blades and he can cut himself