I just got offered the most incredible opportunity. I am not sure if I can take it yet, but I am so excited about the possibility.
I emailed a designer in the area and told him I was interested in assisting him. He didn't reply for 2 weeks, then he replied and said he had some projects coming up he needed an assistant on and he'd love to sit down and talk portfolios.
I replied honestly saying I was excited, but as a recent graduate my print portfolio is a work in progress, but I'd still love to get his feedback on it. In the meantime he could view my website portfolio.
He didn't reply so I figured he was like "silly kid I need a real assistant."
16 days later he emailed me and offered me an assistant position. He said he was sorry about the delay with his emails - he's planning a wedding. He's designing A Broadway Christmas Carol and won't be there for 6 1/2 hours of tech so he needs an assistant who can cover those hours and be at the rest of tech. He offered money... to do what I really want to do.
I told him I was excited about the opportunity, but I wanted to make sure I was clear on how he uses an assistant before I committed. (I wanted to see if he would have me drafting or updating paperwork, which would be a problem since I no longer have student versions of that software.)
He said he needs someone to write cues (!!!) while he's not there during tech and then lots of other assistant-y type things when he is there (taking notes, tracking the follow spot, etc). He said since I would be writing cues he could make me an associate (!!!) instead of an assistant. (This is nuts, kids.)
I am so pumped about this. So incredibly pumped.
Here's my hesitation: I assumed there would be a programmer (I have no idea what kind of board they have) but I did a little research - aka I texted the people I knew in DC asking if any of them had worked at this particular theatre. V (sound designer) said she hadn't but a friend (a lighting designer, how convenient) had. He said the designers there typically program for themselves.
See, I refuse to take the job if I know I will slow down tech at all when he leaves so I have to be super prepared. And I know I can be prepared by memorizing the paperwork and knowing the plot like the back of my hand. I also know I can pick up on his aesthetic to be consistent and efficient, but if I'm also programming I need to already know the board.
SO I'm waiting to hear what kind of board they have and if this show in particular will have a programmer or not. I asked the designer these questions (and also told him everything sounded great and I was excited to be involved.) I also emailed the ME at the theatre, asking if they employ programmers and sending him my resume (because, hey, if I don't get this job might as well apply for another, also I like programming and could perhaps do it for them in the future).
IN ADDITION I did a little stalking. V gave me the MEs information when I asked her about the theatre so I googled and found him on LinkedIn. I looked at his special skills and he is proficient in ETC Express and Strand520i - both of the boards I know from college. Express is the board I have worked on for every show so far in DC as well. He also has "limited working knowledge" of Eos and Ion - boards I don't know well. I am assuming that since he is the ME of the space he is proficient in its board so it is PROBABLY one of the first two - which I know. SO that'd be great. I am getting to be very excellent at people research.
I want to take it so badly.
So there's that.
I'm also working on Ameriville, which has been really exciting. Post about that later.
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