Career Advice Getting back in the game

So, I was a theatre major, specializing in tech theatre, in college. Attended for 2.5 years when money issues (as well as a small helping of health issues) pushed me to drop out, with the intention of returning and completing said schooling.
Returning became impractical, and I have been bouncing around doing non-related jobs since (about 9 years, I'm turning 30 soon). I have done some theatre, on and off stage at the local theatre (mid-size, well-to-do) community theatre, but haven't done any design work. Physical health has prevented me from getting into what I wanted to do, that being stagecraft and work my way to technical director.

...Now that the background is laid out.

I'm wanting to get back into the business via lighting or scene design. I can't return to a college or do online courses. I can self-teach, have access to text books and plenty of free online knowledge. And possibly in the upcoming season I can convince them to let me do something (although I'll probably have to get a starter portfolio of paper examples prior to asking, to show that I am capable and serious.)

I know it won't be easy, but that it is possible...So...
what advice can anyone offer?
what path would be ...not easiest, but the best way to accomplish this goal?
are there any things that I may have a blindspot for that I am missing and should definitely work into my plan?

(I used to attend and read the boards often in college, but have been away so, definitely going to scan the posts from the last year or so to catch up in the next few days. EDIT: Evidently it was on a different account. Made this one via Fb back in 2016.)
 
I think learning and growing on design requires doing work and having it reviewed with constructive criticism by experienced and successful designers. It requires mentoring. It's not like a computer program you can learn on your own and see the success or failure of.

So, build a relationship with journeymen (journeyperson?) designers who will review and critique your work.

Not an easy way to learn set and lighting design admittedly.
 
I'd start by asking the people who are doing the design work at this theater if you can work as an assistant designer on whatever production is happening. Do that for a year and see where that gets you. They'll see you're serious about designing and you'll soak up whatever knowledge they drop on you. See if someone will take you under their mentorship wing and build relationships with whomever is available to work with you. That's the fastest way I can think of to get your foot in that design door.
 
Thanks
If life allows, I definitely do want to do some assisting work with the TD there. We don't get too many guest designers at the theatre, the one who we just had was a student and he came and left in-between the two shows I worked on. But hopefully he will be back next year and I can make that connection then.

New season got announced for next year and we have 4 musicals, so an assistant designer spot may be very welcome.

I think I had another thought or two, but mind is still settling after today's 9am show. Going in a few hours early to sweep and mop front and back stage as well as clean some drapery with a lot of dust/dirt on it.
 
Have you considered projection design?
 
I agree with everything that's been said so far become friends the lighting designer, offer to help and just see what happens. Volunteer as much as possible, find a way to get time programming on the rig and ask the designer for feedback.
 

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