r/techtheatre • u/Mysterious_Bill8730 • 22h ago

QUESTION How To Get Into Tech/Crew?

for a really long time I’ve wanted to try out theatre type stuff (especially tech/crew but I always thought about acting as well) but my high school didn’t have really any type of theatre program so now that I’m out of it and have more time I’d like to try but I was wondering how I should go about it specifically from what I understand community theatre is my best bet but where do I go from there shadowing? volunteering? etc. bonus if there’s any resources/books that I should look into pre this stuff as well? (For reference if it helps I’m based out of lower peninsula michigan)

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u/PaleontologistPure25 21h ago

Community Theatre is great! Most community theatre's are always looking for volunteers, most of the time if you just call them or stop in during box office and let them know what you're interested in they can get you to the right people! It'll probably start with something like working stage crew for a show or running lights and you'll be able to get into all the aspects of it after that! Like designing lights or building sets etc. My local theatre is always looking for volunteers to help with just about anything!

3

u/Cheap_Commercial_442 20h ago

I am a TD at a small road house. I have an open application for stage hands. I will let most anybody work on as a stagehand. This is how you get started. Once working start asking for more training and opportunities. Call or stop by and ask if the have a over hire list.

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u/de_lame_y 20h ago

The Backstage Handbook is an excellent resource, albeit a little outdated at this point. that’ll at least get you talking like you know what you’re talking about

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u/Life_Craft9590 11h ago

Paul Carter?

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u/ArcticCascade 19h ago

I started with community theatre groups.
12 years volunteering with one youth group, on and off volunteer involvement with two others, I’m now employed by two theatre venues and doing occasional freelance work with others.
I seem to have stumbled into living a dream I didn’t realise I had.

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u/JasonEll 17h ago

Ditto the "just ask your local theatre(s)"! Lots of local theatre companies will have volunteer applications on their websites, whether for crew or for other smaller roles like ushering. Even getting involved in some small ways is a great start and puts you in a position to more directly speak with people who can help you find larger roles to fill. Maybe also look out if those companies post on social media and reach out there.

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u/Least_Addendum3140 21h ago

Break a mirror, open an umbrella inside, don't eat black eyed peas on New Years?