How do you break into a theater clique?

Question

I just moved to a new town with a really vibrant theater community. Well, like with most vibrant theater communities, they are very close knit and the same little group of people are in most everything...

Well, I have more experience and knowledge of the craft and the industry than most of them but I'm still afraid that, like other people who aren't in the little clique, no matter how hard I try I can't get past the line up of people in front of me who have been involved with a zillion different shows in the area and are naturally going to be chosen first for jobs (I mean behind the scenes jobs, by the way)...

Has anyone ever experienced this? What did you do?

Answer 1

It's tough, you're going to have to be patient. So, you don't mean auditioning for the shows, you mean working tech (or SM, AD, etc)? Many directors on the community theatre level have their own people that they usually work with, the key is networking and getting to know these people and tell them your interest in helping out.

I would first try emailing the theatre to see if they need any help in ANY capacity for their next production. Even the smallest of the small jobs. At least you'll be able to get in and get to know some of the staff. Just keep doing that and as you build relationships let people know that you have experience as <whatever it is you're trying to get into> and would love to work on a show here. If you're a lighting or sound designer, maybe you could work board ops for a while and then a director will let you design for them. Same for directing or SMing. Offer your services as an assistant to get to know the people.

The 2 main things are to be patient and to get involved as much as possible so people get to know you. Help with set painting and load in, usher, do box office, help with marketing, whatever. After a while, once people see that you're a hard worker, have the desire and are talented, they'll be more apt to consider you for higher positions.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

since i graduated college in 2000, i've been traveling the nation working for professional regional theatre...but i've never had to do something as hard as break into an already established community theatre group. and theatre groups are tight knit. i would personally treat it like you were in any other urban city in the nation. treat the propsect of getting connected and finding a house to work in with respect and the proper status, even IF you feel like you have more experience. mail the ole resume and go see the local shows. i'm usually the goob that watches the show and then find the people afterward and awkwardly introduce myself. it's awful and i always get sweaty lip BUT it totally works. you can discuss the work that was just presented to you and express appreciation and then interest in getting involved. i've never had anyone hold out. being an actor, they'll usually mention auditions or at least the next show. and for behind the scene jobs (i'm not exactly sure in what capacity) but they ALWAYS need people. especially in community theatre, i've played double duty several times because they simply needed more people to participate. if you're willing to work and you do a good job, you really shouldn't have a problem at all. i've gotten to where i enjoy the nerves of finding a new group to work with...finding where i fit in, or in some cases, DON"T. do not worry about anyone else but yourself...you know what you can do...you just need to show these other people what you already know. if that doesn't work, do you own thing! if you're a director especially. good luck