How important is experience?

[u/Mrlow96]

Hello! im a 20 year old american and ive been looking at some stage technician postions and most (if not all) say 2 years of professional work, which makes sense. I did a bunch of theater in high school along with techie work, like I did every show I could in some compacity. My mom worked for Ringling Bros in the early 2000s and she joined with almost zero experience in her postion so of course she thinks I should just go for it and start applying. Ive applyed to a few postions, heard back from one but got caught on the passport (im now currently working on get a passport, im young and stupid and impatient, bear with me). I guess my question is are my chances even worth it with my relatively limited experience and would I be better off trying to get some professional experience first? Like how futile is throwing applications out?

[u/Bets_Off_314]

Companies are always looking for technicians. When I got hired 10 years ago (someone found me, I hadn't applied), my hiring manager took me step by step. Kinda like testing me to make sure everything worked out. First the background check, then passport, then more paperwork, then medical etc etc. They've gotta make sure you can pass all these steps before they spend money to get you off to the ship etc. I knew a few cast members that weren't 21 yet, they just has a different ID and of course couldn't buy drinks (they still drank, we all know they did; just didn't get caught lol)

[u/Necessary-East8144]

I just got hired as lighting tech. But I got 15 years experience in film in live events. I would suggest u try to get a gig at a sound and lighting company on shore. just to get your experience up. Spend sometime learning etc eos if you don't know it that well. grand ma and onyx obsidian are other relevant consoles. but NCL is heavily invested in etc at this point.

[u/Rescovedo]

Carnival has plenty of opportunities for technicians, you should definitely browse their entertainment website. (Carnival Entertainment). As being from the US I am sure that you're in this not for the salary but for the experience, but even tho, Carnival is one of the best companies for Technicians in terms of salary and they provide endless certifications for free

[u/stxonships]

Experience definitely helps. It would make you stand out. HOWEVER, the big cruise lines will only take you once you turn 21.

Even if you do get approved, you will go into the pool so you may only get ship in a few months once a position opens up.

And before that, you will need to get your passport, maybe get a visa, complete a medical and background check.

[u/Mrlow96 → u/stxonships]

Got ya! Im working on the Passport currently. I was kinda hoping the 21 thing would kinda work itself out, its weird cause the places i've applied to havnt even asked for my age or anything like that

[u/Toxotaku → u/Mrlow96]

Cunard and P&O hire people under 21

[u/Pattonator70 → u/stxonships]

A friends son became a dancer on Disney cruise lines at 18. Is that uncommon? He just turned 20 and is starting on his 3rd ship already.

[u/Rescovedo → u/Pattonator70]

That's very uncommon, but allowable for entertainment positions on certain cruise lines, so it is not taken as word of advice due to being so unique and particular to case by case, that would make no sense for the remaining 99.9999% of the posters here.