1. ‘What We Do: Working in the Theatre,” by Bo Metzler

“What We Do: Working in the Theatre” provides background information on every backstage job in theatre, what goes into each one and how they all work together to create a perfect performance. Read this book to find out what interests you and which skills you need to develop to work in one of these areas. It also has advice about acting, so it’s great for performers, too!

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2. ‘Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People,’ by Drew Campbell

“Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People” is great for people not usually involved in the technical process, such as actors, directors and producers. It gives a clear explanation of what and how technical elements work to facilitate better communication and understanding among all involved in a theatrical production.

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3. ‘Stagecraft Fundamentals,’ by Rita Kogler Carver

Highlighting the history of stagecraft, career advice and how-to information on special effects, lighting and more, “Stagecraft Fundamentals” is a great addition to any backstage aficionado’s bookshelf.

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4. ‘Basic Sewing for Costume Construction,’ by Rebecca Cunningham

Want to work in costumes but have no idea where to start? “Basic Sewing for Costume Construction” is great, no matter which area you want to pursue in the costuming field. This book gives you the lowdown on basic sewing skills and small projects to test your sewing skills. All in all, this book is a great building block toward a career in costume design or dressing.

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5. ‘Out of Style,’ by Betty Kreisel Shubert

If you’re designing a show or planning on pursuing a career as a designer, “Out of Style” is the book for you. Its amazing color illustrations of garments in the 19th and 20th centuries will show you great examples of clothing/costuming ideas for the period you’re working on. It will remain a great reference for you for years to come.

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6. ‘Stage Makeup,’ by Laura Thudium

“Stage Makeup” is great whether you want to pursue a career in makeup or are a performer looking to create your own magnificent look for the stage. This book gives you a step-by-step guide through many looks.

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7. ‘The Stage Manager’s Toolkit,’ by Laurie Kincman

With insider tips, forms, processes and things to consider, “The Stage Manager’s Toolkit” has it all, for beginner or experienced stage managers.

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8. ‘Tips, Ideas for Directors’ by Jon Jory

“Tips, Ideas for Directors” is great because it gives short, easy-to-follow tips that help budding directors streamline the rehearsal process.

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Which books did we miss? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 8 Great Books About Working Backstage appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Theatre is a collaborative art form, and it takes a cast of thousands onstage and offstage working together as a team to make a show go off without a hitch.

Life Lesson: Be sure to include teamwork in your real life, whether it’s in another career endeavor, playing a sport, relationships, family or even achieving life goals. There’s no need to go it alone. So much can be achieved with a little help from a friend, colleague or mentor.

2. Problem-Solving

If you can’t problem-solve, you certainly can’t work backstage. You must not be afraid to fix an issue quickly when sets, costumes and props break or something else goes amiss.

Life Lesson: Bring this type of problem-solving into your real life. Take initiative to act quickly to fix things when they go wrong, whether it be at home, at school or at a job.

3. Multitasking

Who says you can’t do two things at once? How about three or four? How about doing a quick change with an actor while presetting another change for a different actor and safety-pinning a rip in a third actor’s costume? Think this hasn’t happened? Think again!

Life Lesson: Multitasking not just backstage can help you achieve goals faster, use your time more wisely and get so many things done. Even your parents will be impressed!

4. Trust Your Instincts

Trusting your instincts while you are problem-solving backstage is imperative when you only have 30 seconds for a quick change or a very short blackout. The show won’t stop to fix a mishap!

Life Lesson: Remembering to listen to your inner voice will always be the right choice, whether you’re choosing the right audition song, picking your future college/university or aiming to make a big life decision.

5. Be Nice to Everyone

Doing theatre means working closely with everyone onstage and backstage for long hours. Creating a positive working environment is a must and is the direct result of everyone being nice to one another despite individual idiosyncrasies.

Life Lesson: Remembering to be nice to everyone no matter your environment will bring you many friends, supportive teachers, mentors and colleagues who will help guide and support you throughout your life journey.

6. No One’s Job Is Easy

Looking at the other guy hooking up a microphone while you’re handling a costume emergency may make you think he has the easiest job in the world. Think again! What if that mic goes out or is positioned in such a way that the sound doesn’t work correctly?

Life Lesson: No one’s job is easy. Reminding yourself that everyone has challenges and obstacles to overcome can help you when you’re struggling. You are not alone.

7. Rest

Theatre is exhausting, and rest is imperative to ensure you are at your best so the show can go off smoothly.

Life Lesson: If you don’t get enough sleep before that big test, upcoming audition or even a vacation, you won’t have as much fun or be able to fully enjoy the experience or carry it out with vigor. Take your time to treat yourself kindly and get some zzz’s to recharge your battery.

What life lessons have you learned from working backstage? Let us know in the comments below

The post 7 Life Lessons Learned From Working Backstage appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Learn Your Trade and Get Work Experience

Perhaps you have just graduated high school and are entering college. Perhaps you are changing your career to pursue your first love of being a backstage technician. Either way, you may be wondering how to build a resume and get experience if no one will hire you without it.

The answer is simple. If you are in school, work in the theatre department. Delve into any and all aspects you can. That work experience counts, since everyone has to start somewhere. Also, take the time to ask your teachers and professors about their lives in the theatre, what they enjoy about it and how they have built up their resumes.

If you aren’t in school or your school doesn’t offer theatre education, seek out local theatres in your area. Many need volunteers or have internships, apprentice/mentorship programs or production assistants. All of these are geared toward those with little to no experience. Show your interest through an application phone call or written inquiry. Then, get in there and start working. Those entry-level positions and internships could lead to a very lucrative career with that theatre if they like you and your work. Who knows, a paid position may open up and you might be able to put yourself in the running for it.

Also, remember many theatres bring in artists and designers from across the country you can work directly with. It’s possible you may start to develop a successful working relationship with one or more of them. In turn, this newfound connection may allow you to be put in the mix for when a job opens up at another theatre company they are affiliated with. You just never know! If nothing else, you build up your resume, network and overall skill set to apply for bigger jobs.

Get Those Resumes Out

Is your skill set up to the professional level? Do you have the hands-on experience and theatre credits to book regular backstage work?

Your next step is to format a clean, concise and clear resume listing all your experience. Get someone to help you if you don’t know how, or find sample resumes online with your similar skill sets and copy their formatting. Once your resume is complete and you have a professional cover letter stating your interests, it’s time to start applying for paid jobs.

Watch notices daily on Backstage and Playbill. These two sites are the go-to spots for backstage theatre job postings throughout the country. Be bold and brave and see which theatres bite once you send out your resume.

Connect With Your Local Unions

Have the skill set and resume and are working in your local performing arts scene? The next step in the career ladder of a backstage artist eventually moving toward Broadway is to consider joining your applicable IATSE union.

Wardrobe, sound, stagehands, hair, makeup, etc., all have union locals in cities nationwide. Joining is a great stepping stone to a lifetime in the theatre as a backstage professional. Not only is being a union member a must for working on Broadway, but it can be your opening to higher-paying work, as well as protection against workplace mistreatment/injury and great long-term benefits such as health insurance and money for retirement.

The Broadway touring shows that travel from city to city all use union stagehands who are based in the local city in which the show is playing. Many professional regional houses also use stagehands. Visit or call your local union for more information about requirements, how to join and how to apply for positions.

The Bright Lights of Broadway

You’ve built up your experience and resume to the level of a solid working paid professional and you’ve perhaps joined your city’s local union. You’ve moved to the Big Apple and are now dying to get to work in one of those beautiful theatres along 42nd Street. What do you do?

First, visit your New York City union office to join or see whether you can transfer your membership from your previous city to the New York one. Once you are a member (and in some cases, registered), you can start to look for work on the Great White Way.

Broadway job openings aren’t really announced, so you have to be smart and have some strategy when getting your resume out there. First, ask the union how to best apply for jobs in your field, since your membership may get you access to contact lists and job openings.

Second, do resume/cover letter drop-offs at the stage door of theatres addressed to the specific supervisor you want to hire you. This information can be found at the union or on the back of the Playbill you get when you see a show.

Third, ask someone in your field on Broadway to refer you. This referral may come from someone you worked with in the past or someone you’ve met while on the job hunt or even in your social life.

Fourth, keep working! The New York market offers plenty of opportunities both Off-Broadway and beyond. Keep working and meeting people. You might be surprised how many of those gigs or connections can help take you to Broadway as well.

No matter what, don’t give up. Your Broadway gig might not happen right away, but if you are professional, proactive, passionate and pervasive, it’s bound to happen one day.

How did you get your first job working backstage? Leave a comment below…

The post Here’s How To Work Backstage On Broadway appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Lint Roller

Lint rollers keep the costumes clean of any dust, dander, feathers, glitter and/or anything else that may collect both onstage and offstage.

2. Safety Pins

These are the answer to most costume emergencies, since you can use them to hold almost anything together. Keep a full box on hand.

3. Scissors

These are needed for immediate repairs involving most of the items on this list. You can even use them if a zipper gets stuck or you can’t untie a shoelace. Use the scissor to cut the zipper open or the laces off so you can get the actor out of the piece of costume that is causing the issue. This may sound extreme, but it this happens in the middle of a quick change, it may be the only way to remedy the issue. Don’t worry — the costume shop can fix all cut things once the show is over so they’re as as good as new for the next performance.

4. Seam Ripper

You can use this handy tool to gently rip open stitches or a hem on any garment. Keep this on hand when scissors will do too much damage.

5. Needle and Thread

This is a must-have no matter what! Use these to sew up rips, tears, holes or any other clothing pieces that need some TLC.

6. Baby Wipes

These handy wipes aren’t just for babies. Use them to take the stains out of the costumes. Keep a little jug or box on hand, and when you see a stain, grab one and scrub gently.

7. Duct Tape

Duct tape is probably one of the greatest inventions ever made. Keep a roll on hand, especially some that has a bit of a smaller width. This way, if a hem falls out and you don’t have time to repair it, you can quickly duct tape it from the inside to get through the scene or show and then fix it when it’s over.

8. Closures/Fasteners

Extra buttons, snaps and hooks are good to have on hand in a tin or storage container to replace any that break during a show. Having them at the ready sure beats having to find them in the costume shop when you’re in a pinch during a performance.

9. Vodka

Yes, vodka, the alcoholic beverage, except you won’t drink it. Instead, place in a spray bottle and use to spray any stinky costumes. It fights bacteria, keeps odors away and is way gentler on clothes and the environment than ready-made clothes refresher sprays. No one wants to be close to a cast member who smells, so keep this trick in mind to help keep odors away.

10. Static Guard

This invention works great on those hot and humid days when static cling is running amok backstage. Spray on clothing that might need it to prevent your dancers’ flowy costumes from clinging to them and others during the big dance number.

11. Hairspray

Not only does it help to keep hair in place, but it can also help you solve a stocking run. Spray a little on the run, and you’re good to go. It’s also another way to stop static cling. Just be sure to spray on legs/tights and not on the garment itself, as it can stain. This little trick prevents skirts and pants from clinging to your legs.

12. Nail Polish

Similar to hairspray, nail polish can solve runs in stockings or garments with a netting texture. Just paint some on, and all will be remedied. Of course, make sure to use clear polish. In addition, you can paint clear polish on any costume jewelry (especially fake gold and silver) to give them a nice shine and keep it from turning an awful tarnished color after coming in contact with skin.

13. Extra Tights/Stockings

Have some extra on hand in case a performer gets a run or hole and needs a quick replacement. You certainly don’t want to have to go digging in the costume shop when you need an emergency pair.

14. Shoelaces

Shoelaces break, so be prepared and have extra pairs on hand in case you need them. In an emergency, they can also be used to replace similar closures for other garments, such as corset ties, and to replace belts in a pinch.

15. Band-Aids

It’s a good idea for both your actors and dressers to have these on hand. If someone cuts themselves, you can prevent him or her from bleeding all over the costume.

16. Top Stick

This is another amazing invention that is basically scotch tape but much stickier and sticky on both sides. Usually, it’s used to apply fake facial hair, but with costumes, it can be used to keep them in place by adhering parts of the costumes to the actors’ skin. If you have ever wondered how movie stars keep their gowns in place when there is nothing to hold them up in the appropriate places, this is it.

17. Shoe Horn

For anyone who has tight-fitting shoes, have a shoe horn on hand to help them slip them on and off. This is especially helpful during a quick change when you have to change the performer’s shoes.

What do you keep in your emergency dresser kit for emergencies? Let us know in the comments below…

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Here are 18 ways to pass the time backstage:

1. Stretch

It’s important to stay warm before and during a performance. Take as much time as you need to stretch and limber up to avoid injury. Also, don’t forget to stretch those vocal chords. It’s just as important to warm up your voice for a show to avoid damage.

2. Review Lines or Choreography

If you’re waiting to go on, run the show or the upcoming scene in your head and practice saying your lines to yourself. The more you commit the show to memory, the less likely you are to freeze onstage and forget what comes next. Do the same with choreography — run the dance in your head and mark it. If you are unfamiliar, marking means to run through the choreography using limited movement. For instance, you might use a finger spin or a head roll to mark a turn.

3. Hydrate

This point cannot be made enough. It’s easy to forget to drink water, especially when the adrenaline of a live performance kicks in. But it’s crucial to hydrate throughout the show to keep your voice and body in good shape. Make a point of grabbing a drink each time you get off the stage. If you do it first, you are less likely to get distracted and forget.

4. Get Into Character

Immersing yourself in the show will help give you a strong performance. For those few hours, forget any real-life stress, empty your mind and inhabit your character. One way to help set the mood is to create a playlist for your character and listen to it before you go onstage.

5. Meditate

Another way to clear your mind and focus solely on your performance is to meditate before you go onstage. Some actors do this in their dressing rooms, while others will find a quiet spot in the theatre before the doors open to the public.

6. Color

Feeling stressed or anxious during your performance? Try out a coloring book. Coloring can have a calming effect and help you center yourself. Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, so finding one that strikes your fancy shouldn’t be too difficult. Grab some crayons, and you’ll be ready to rock!

7. Write Your Own Play or Musical

Why not try your hand at creating original work? Many writers have been known to create incredible work during snatches of time between their real-life obligations.

8. Tweet About the Show

Help create buzz for your show by tweeting during the performance. Spreading the word through social media helps generate interest in your production and put more butts in seats every night.

9. Read a Book

Whether you’re reading a school textbook or the latest bestseller, you can catch up on your reading while you’re sitting and waiting backstage.

10. Play Cards or Games

Cards and games are an excellent way to bond with your castmates. Just don’t get so caught up in the game that you miss your cue! It happens more than you think.

11. Reorganize Your Costumes and Makeup

In the frenzy of preparation and quick changes, costumes and makeup can get strewn everywhere. If you have a few minutes, reorganize your things to avoid losing important items.

12. Take Up a New Hobby

Use your free time to improve your skills. Learn to knit, fold origami or learn a new language. Who knows, it could be something you can add to your resume! You never know what the next director could be looking for.

13. Listen to a Podcast

No matter what your interests are, there’s likely a podcast out there for you. To keep up-to-date with theatre news, BroadwayRadio’s podcasts are a great way to get all the information every weekday in 30 minutes or less.

14. Research Other Auditions

Don’t wait for the show to be over before you line up your next one. Use any free time to find other auditions in your area so you never have to be show-less.

15. Journal About Each Performance

This can lessen the sting of post-show depression. Each night, write down things that happened during the performance, funny moments, what you want to remember or how you’re feeling. Even bullet journaling works if you’re short on time. When the show is over, this will be a meaningful keepsake you can reread when you’re feeling blue.

16. Write Encouraging Post-Its to Your Castmates

Grab a stack of Post-Its and write encouraging messages to members of your cast and crew. Stick them in places they’ll see them, such as their spot in the dressing room. Tell them something you like about them or something that was excellent about their performance that day. This will help keep morale high when exhaustion starts to kick in.

17. Take Photos

Don’t forget to snap a few pics when you’re hanging out backstage. Like journals, photos are a great keepsake that will help you battle the post-show sadness when it’s all over. Just be sure to ask people’s permission before you take a photo of them, just in case they’re camera-shy.

18. Have a Dance Party

This idea comes care of Daveed Diggs of “Hamilton.” Check out this video, where he explains the cast’s tradition of having a dance party in the wings during the show.

Use one of these ideas, or try them all! Just remember to enjoy every moment of your experience, both onstage and offstage.

How do you pass the time backstage? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 18 Things To Do While Waiting Backstage appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Running a Track

Whether you work backstage in costumes, props, sound or one of the many other departments, your specific movement and job during the show is defined as a track. For instance, you might be on the Stage Right (SR) Deck Track if you move sets on the right side of the stage. You may be on the Female Ensemble Dresser Track if you dress women in the ensemble. The word “track” is added so that those working around you know the movement you make in the show and/or where to locate you if there is a problem.

2. Wigs Styled Daily

The wig team at a Broadway show keeps everyone’s hairpieces looking absolutely pristine with upkeep and restyling/resetting happening on most show days. In addition, in order to ensure wigs and other hairpieces don’t start to look messy during the actual performance, the wig team helps the actors get them on and off during quick changes and throughout the show. They also check in with performers after big dance numbers and/or portions of the show where wigs could be affected. This way, those who wear the wigs always look their best.

3. Bunkers

Most shows that require many costumes and/or changes among a large group of people create a bunker-like area in the wings, behind the stage curtain or in the basement of the theatre. These bunkers are essential to ease costume storage, since many Broadway dressing rooms are too small to hold a lot of costumes, and to help keep the actors close to the stage during quick changes. The wardrobe dressers are then assigned to many of these areas during the performance to help the actors change their clothes.

4. The ‘Coordinated’ Dance Backstage

Just like the choreography happening onstage, backstage movement is as intricately choreographed. Backstage technicians from all departments work together during tech to make sure they all move set pieces, costumes and props in a set pattern. This “dance” ensures everyone has the opportunity to do their jobs in the time allotted so no one gets hurt and the show looks seamless onstage. Then, once the backstage choreography is figured out among the technicians, it is set in stone and carried out the same way every performance.

5. Heavy Lifting Required

Broadway theatres may look opulent and large from the audience side, but backstage is not at all glamorous and offers very little room to play with.  Since wing and backstage space is usually small, much of the scenery is stored hanging from the ceiling and flown in on sides of the stage in the wings, placed on tracks and then moved onto the stage during the scene change. This work is done by the stagehands, and it certainly is not for the faint of heart. Many set pieces can be large, bulky, awkward and difficult to move.

6. Other Jobs

Because no one knows how long a show will run or when your next gig will be once a show closes, people who work both onstage and backstage multitask with other jobs or ventures to stay afloat and financially secure. Many are also teachers, coaches, exercise/dance instructors, artistic team members or backstage personnel of other productions, or they own businesses, wait tables, do temp work, do administrative jobs and much more.

7. Daywork and Work Calls

Backstage workers do “daywork” (as defined by the wardrobe department) and “work calls” (for all other backstage personnel) during the daytime hours. With eight shows a week, everything tends to get a lot of wear and tear. In order to keep a show looking like it did when it first opened, this time is needed to reset and repair costumes, props, set pieces and more.

8. They Have Fun

Fun activities such as Dollar Saturday, door holiday decoration contests, Secret Santa and more are all participated in by those who work backstage and onstage. Activities like this help break up the monotony of doing eight shows a week and doing the same track daily.

9. Automation

All moving parts that you see onstage are usually controlled by the automation department, which, in most cases, is someone in the basement or back of the house running the computer, which controls the machinery. Once this person is given the cue by the stage manager, he or she pushes a button on the computer and things onstage move. It’s not as easy as it seems. One wrong moving part at the wrong time or a computer glitch can have a domino effect. The scenery may not fly in or out or roll onstage at the right time. It can also cause possible problems for the actors who have to maneuver around the scenery as it enters and exits the stage.

10. Makeup Department

Sometimes there is a makeup department on a show. Other times, those that work in the wig department also do the makeup. And, other times, there is no makeup department at all. Pictured here is the “Lion King” cast. Their makeup is very specific, and thus, that show has a team that helps them to apply it. On other Broadway shows, the performers will do their own makeup after getting some basic instruction during tech from the creative team about how they want the performers’ faces to look. This is why it’s imperative for performers to know how to apply their own basic makeup for the stage, because you may still have to do your own, even on Broadway.

What are your tricks from backstage? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Working Backstage On Broadway appeared first on Theatre Nerds.