Big Theaters In Metro L.A. Keep Business-Minded Artisans Working
Actors that aspire to break into the television and film industry will continue to face stiff competition for jobs in coming years. Performing artists that have earned a bachelor's degree in theater may have a greater chance of landing a stage role at a large theater, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To secure employment stability, many thespians choose to embrace life in the theater, which allows them to land positions in many areas, including business management.
"Theaters need performing artists to assume supportive roles as directors, managers, marketers, fundraisers, backstage employees, security guards, medics and teachers," said Talena Mara, Vice President of Education and Community at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. "Life in the theater goes well beyond the stage."
Mara said the performing arts complex has been unyielding in its quest to help make multi-talented performers increasingly employable.
"For more than two decades, the center has been providing professional teaching artists the opportunity to work in schools and community organizations," Mara said. "The center works closely with qualified theater performers to create impactful programming, residences, assemblies and theater for youth."
What impact does a teaching artist have on youth?
"Instruction in the arts is not only an essential part of a child's education, the arts open up avenues of learning to standard curriculum not found in general teaching methods."
How should talented theater performers prepare for a lasting career?
"I encourage them to study and learn how to use the tools and skills the arts provide. They should make a plan, knowing that their vocational path to a sustainable career will be different from anyone else's has ever been. They must be ready to accept the fact that they may not always be on the stage, but can make a living in the arts."
What is your message to struggling artists?
"One can absolutely be successful at pursuing life in the theater. Theaters need passionate supporters and employees to help them thrive. These performers must be open-minded to the many opportunities beyond the stage, where their additional skills and talents can be put to extraordinary use, as well."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
