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This one goes out to my fellow backstage workers!
As backstage professionals, we spend most of our time behind the scenes. As a result, many of us default to being generally reserved at work. When I make career trajectory plans, I often think about where I draw inspiration from as motivation, and my mind kept falling to my actor friends. I am not an actor (I tried, and discovered we all have talents and acting is definitely not one of mine), but I genuinely admire the bravery and gumption performers have when designing their careers and putting themselves out there on a daily basis. If you work backstage, I’m not suggesting you immediately start singing and dancing on TikTok tomorrow. But here are some things that we as backstage professionals can learn from our onstage friends in order to nestle yourself into the industry.
Network. Go to classes. Keep learning. Keep growing. Hire a coach. Do what needs to be done to keep moving forward and not feel stuck. Don’t be afraid to spend money, or invest in yourself. If you’re an IATSE member, you can take development classes as part of their work programs. Remember that whatever you put in to your career will pay itself back tenfold, and that includes time, energy, and money. Thinking like an actor in this way will open doors for you because actors are NOT shy in investing in themselves.
Want to get better at your socials? Follow an actor. I draw so much of my reels inspo from watching performers KILL it in the social media game. I know so many backstage professionals who have said they want to get better at social media but they just don’t know what to post and aren’t great at doing it consistently. Guess what? Actors post things they’re doing backstage ALL THE TIME. There is content to be had. And if you feel it’s not professional to be on your phone at work, recreate it at home! A black sheet and black clothes and a joke about making calls over the intercom, and you’re all set.
Bring that “I’m an actor” energy to the next party you go to. If you’ve ever been to a cast party, you know exactly what I mean. I learned a while ago that I don’t talk nearly enough about what I do, and when I say I work backstage most people outside the theatre find it fascinating and want to know everything. One thing about networking is that you never know who other people will know. So learn to brag!
Now, I say this with the caveat of not getting so addicted to working that you sacrifice days off you’ve been looking forward to. But you can 100% leave time open in your schedule for something that might pop up and if it’s interesting and new, go for it! One of the best parts of working in theatre is the ability to take on new and interesting projects on a regular basis. And often what’s new is very last minute, so allow yourself to be open to receiving what the universe might throw in your lap.
This is not specific to actors, but I see my actor friends support each other’s performances, attend art shows and concerts when they can, and generally show up and pull up when there’s work to be done. Remembering how grateful you are to be working in the industry means being supportive of those who have helped you get there in any capacity. Be kind. Make closing night cookies. Go see a staged reading workshop even if it’s not “your thing.” And if you are doing something unusual or unexpected, don’t be afraid to invite people to it! Even if most people are busy, you will be eternally grateful for the 2 that show up and you can pass on that energy the next time you work a show together.
What have YOU learned from your performer friends? I want to know!
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Rachel Stiles is a union member, makeup/wig artist, dresser, and industry/career coach residing between Milwaukee and Chicago. She is passionate about creating a sustainable future for theatre careers and helping people navigate the industry for success. She recently launched Stage Creatives Network, a community networking site for theatre makers to meet each other and engage with one another in a safe, no stress atmosphere OUTSIDE of work.
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