From Elias:
I'm a recent college graduate with a solid body of experience in production management (including a lined up job, thank GOD), but I'm really much more interested in artistic department work on the nonprofit level - literary, producing, artistic direction, etc. I have a little bit of directing and new play development experience, but I feel like I struggle actually being able to break into the specific set of jobs I really want to do. Any advice on making that kind of pivot?
From Clay Dog:
As a fresh grad in directing and dramaturgy, I am struggling to advance outside of my educational experience. How do you begin your career when your resume is mostly from college?
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Dear Fresh Grads,
Congratulations! Welcome to the “real” world!
If your resume is all college, that’s fine! We were all there once. Ask to observe rehearsal, get to know directors and dramaturgs. I’m 97% certain that no one is asking dramaturgs to be their assistants. Find a way to get in the room, even if for a day. The career begins however you want it to begin. The industry isn’t going to hand you a map or a start.
There’s another question here, the “how do I make a role jump?” one. That’s the tricky one. Do you go where people want you, or do you go where you want to? Do you stop working in the area where you already have a foot in the door to make space for the other work? Do you hope/pray that the non-profit institution will listen to your career goals and help you advance into the job you want to be in?
Ugh, I really don’t know.
Here’s what I did do, though. I forced myself to stop stage managing, even though it got me in rooms that weren’t open to the director-me. Those were the jobs that people were offering me, because I’m organized and can lead a room, and no one had to listen to my artistic dreams; they only thought of me in one way. I learned that people only want to hire you for what you’re good at, and then you hit the ceiling, and you have to make space for the next goal.
If you don’t want to be a production manager, then don’t. It’s so easy to get stuck and resentful. Don’t expect your company to offer you anything besides what they’re paying you to do.
Let me know if the career advice works,
Fefu
