Hello Controlbooth!
It's been some time since I've last posted here, but I'm looking for some guidance on how to go about this.
I am currently a mechanical engineering student and work as a mechanical designer for a company that manufactures automated industrial manufacturing machinery. I am looking to transition into live entertainment in about a year or two. I'm trying to work my way into the industry as I've found that manufacturing isn't quite the industry I want to be in. Plus, I spent my high school years as a technician, 3 of which I had held the student technical director position.
What would be the best way for me to work my way into the entertainment industry? I know that a major part of getting into gigs is networking and contacts (my brother currently works in the industry which definitely helps on that front). I'm also considering a career in designing fly systems or automated scenic elements, but I really want to get into stage, lighting, and sound type work as those were my focus while I was in high school. Rigging and rope access work is definitely on the table as well.
Quick clarification note: I'm looking more along the lines of music festivals and concerts rather than live theatre, didn't want to cause any confusion!
Please share your thoughts and advice
Thank you!!
TL;DR: former high school student technician is now a mechanical engineering student and wants to get back to doing live events, any advice?
EDIT: Totally slipped my mind, but I'm currently located around Detroit, MI. Oops!
It's been some time since I've last posted here, but I'm looking for some guidance on how to go about this.
I am currently a mechanical engineering student and work as a mechanical designer for a company that manufactures automated industrial manufacturing machinery. I am looking to transition into live entertainment in about a year or two. I'm trying to work my way into the industry as I've found that manufacturing isn't quite the industry I want to be in. Plus, I spent my high school years as a technician, 3 of which I had held the student technical director position.
What would be the best way for me to work my way into the entertainment industry? I know that a major part of getting into gigs is networking and contacts (my brother currently works in the industry which definitely helps on that front). I'm also considering a career in designing fly systems or automated scenic elements, but I really want to get into stage, lighting, and sound type work as those were my focus while I was in high school. Rigging and rope access work is definitely on the table as well.
Quick clarification note: I'm looking more along the lines of music festivals and concerts rather than live theatre, didn't want to cause any confusion!
Please share your thoughts and advice
Thank you!!
TL;DR: former high school student technician is now a mechanical engineering student and wants to get back to doing live events, any advice?
EDIT: Totally slipped my mind, but I'm currently located around Detroit, MI. Oops!
Last edited: