Be more than "one thing" in theatre
Theatre is a distinctly collaborative affair. The number of talented and specialized people it takes to create a stage-worthy production is mind-boggling, the sheer aggregate skill is nothing short of exceptional.
From actors to directors, prop masters to stagehands, there are very few people involved in a production that could be easily replaced. Everyone matters and everyone contributes to the final product in a meaningful and significant way.
It is safe to say, however, that certain roles do get more attention than others. Leading actors and directors, in particular, often command more public and press attention that those behind the stage and in the wings. In some ways, this is to be expected. Public-facing roles are more visible and will naturally become the faces of productions. This does not necessarily mean that they are more important to the production, but rather that they are more recognizable as part of it than some other cast and crew members.
Such is the way of the industry and, in truth, it is unlikely to change any time soon.
However, fame and popularity do not change the fact that every single role in a theatrical production is vital, and most of them require particular skills to execute effectively. Whoever does take the limelight of a show, they could not do what they do without the team around them.
Many people who work in our industry know and appreciate this. Some do not. All of us, however, should make an effort to learn more about what our colleagues actually do on a day to day basis. It will make us better at our own jobs.
Speaking as an actor, director, and producer, I can categorically say that my approach to acting improved once I had been a director, and my directing improved once I had been a producer. Understanding what it means to be in someone else’s role will allow you to better work with them in an environment of mutual respect.
Knowing what a director does might not make you a better actor in and of itself, but it will likely make you more open to the directors with whom you work. Your directorial abilities will not miraculously improve once you have been a producer, but you will gain a far greater appreciation for the opportunities and limitations of theatre as an art form and an industry.
Every single role in the world of theatre is inextricably linked to every other role. There is no such thing as an isolated job in this industry. To make theatre, you have to work with other people, closely and effectively, otherwise, you will fail. It really is that simple.
For the love of it
To succeed in this industry, you have to love it. Long nights, high pressure, and (let’s be honest) cutthroat competition are difficult to stomach without a passion for the craft. There is no such thing as an isolated job in theatre, and there is also no such thing as an easy job either. We do it because we have to, we’re drawn to it, it’s in our blood, and that goes for all of us, not just the actors and creative types.
Being able to see beyond the confines of your own role is useful in every profession. Cooperation is a vital part of most industries, but that goes double for theatre and film. I don’t expect you to go and become a fully qualified technician if you’re an actor. I don’t expect you to take over a wardrobe if you’re a producer by trade.
As I said before, every single one of these roles takes specific skills that you will probably not possess if you haven’t trained to do it. However, making an effort to learn the basics of as many theatrical jobs as possible will only help you in your career. It will open your eyes to the complexities of our industry and will help you understand your place in the beautiful clockwork masterpiece that is the performing arts.
Maybe you already do all of these things. When you work closely with cast and crew, it's hard not to pick up a thing or two here and there. If that’s the case, you might already feel that you are fully clued into your role in the wider theatrical community.
If not, however, I cannot recommend the experience enough. Not only will you likely become a more accomplished and well-rounded theatre practitioner, but you will be able to enjoy the company of your cast and crewmates with a whole new understanding of their work and its challenges.
Additionally, being able to apply even the most basic knowledge of multiple areas of theatrical work will make you very helpful when getting a production out of a bind. You might not be able to take over the wardrobe, but you’ll be able to fix a dress when the costume master is busy. You might not be able to run the lights, but you’ll be able to help out when one of the technicians grabs a coffee or has to dash off.
Who knows how far you’ll go?
Maybe you’ll be able to do more. Finding out more about the other jobs around the theatre is how I discovered that I quite liked producing. I have since been able to build a career doing just that. You might gain skills, sure, but you might go so far as to find yourself a whole new profession if you’re lucky.
The benefits of gaining experience, however great or small, in multiple areas of the theatrical arts cannot be overstated. You will become easier to work with, more attuned to the industry as a whole, and more aware of the trials and tribulations of your fellow practitioners.
If nothing else, theatre is a team effort. People from all walks of life, with all kinds of skills, must come together, night after night, to ensure that the show goes on and takes audiences by storm. Dive headfirst into that infinite pool of varying wisdom and talent, and you are sure to emerge better than you were before.
The closer a team, the better they play. So, learn what there is to learn and then act, direct, produce, design, light, sew, build, and create your hearts out. Together.