Thanks for the response! To answer ruinexplorer first, I'm not under any delusions that I will be numero uno in designing for a large show for a while, in college I was essentially the Student ME. I was the only LD student in the whole department and if the one and only one
Stage and Lighting Professor could not get time to hang lights and patch it was generally left to me and whoever I could hog tie into helping. Luckily all my professors know me by name and I know that the SD/LD professor holds me in good regard, I have gotten about 3 jobs through him while in college and I have several friends in the
IATSE out of Birmingham, AL, I actually just called a few days ago to get on the non-union workers list for the upcoming season and a friend of mine told them I was calling and gave me good recommendations. I have also heard of a company by the name of First Tech or Tech First, have you heard anything about them before?
JChenault: I went to school at University of Montevallo, I have my BA in Design/Technologies, they offered a BFA program there and I applied several times but was rejected, mainly because they said I had not "found my style", however since I was the only LD student I designed for roughly 4 shows in college, and assisted 2, that I was credited for, and ran and patched board on several more. Mainly my professors said it was a good idea to work alot before applying to grad schools, because the schools want to see that I am committed and capable before admitting a student. However as to jobs, there wasn't much of a support for designers, actors got help left and right but, all the designing professor could do was to give advice as where to look and said that he will keep his ears open to anything I might have interest in.
Though luckily since the school was a small public school, I have no debt to speak of and I do have a job so I'm not in a bad place, just not where I want to be exactly. I actually just recently got back from a Production Assistant volunteer position in Connecticut for the benefit concert for the Sandy Hook kids, so I'm working at least.
Also Ruin I am reading the thread you posted. I wish I knew this existed when I was in highschool, it would have come in handy.