sound mentors

as i've mentioned before, sound design is my forte when it comes to theatrical productions. i find it to be such an expressive medium, especially because created sound is such an integral part of any show. the problem with this chosen occupation, however, is that you are constantly living the life of a freelancer. bouncing from gig to gig can get really tiring and frustrating and trying to make enough for rent and food is always stressful. this has been true over the past few years, but is more true these days with the recession.

the first thing (or among the first things... besides banks of course) to go in a recession are the arts. when disposable income decreases, people stop donating money to the "entertainment" industry. of course, i don't view the arts as disposable or simply for entertainment. theatre, for example, is one of the most poignant ways to examine culture and discuss difficult issues. but in this time of economic crisis, gigs are harder to come by and theatre companies are constantly downsizing.

a perfect example of this is a show i am currently designing for the summer. because of decreased support from individuals and grant-giving organizations, budgets are much smaller than normal. i, like other designers, am expected to create a design with the appropriate equipment for a full-scale musical on a budget that might be enough to rent the cabling alone necessary for such a big project. but theatre is a community based endeavor. luckily, i have good resources and friendly colleagues who are willing to spend hours on the phone (or in person) with me discussing possible options for making my design work. they give me practical advice and offer me assistant positions that build up my repetoire (and resume) as a designer. i have never considered myself particularly good at networking, but in the current economic climate, when arts are constantly in danger of being sacrificed, it is necessary to band togetheer with other artists to save your craft. these more experienced, better-connected designers and colleagues are what makes it possible for younger artists like me to make an impact and to show off my talents. they open the door for opportunities while simultaeously providing valuable support and endless encouragement.

it is impossible to be an artist without a community, and these people truly make my position in the theatre community one that i am honored to hold. without their help i seriously doubt that i'd be able to continue existing as a sound designer. their endless advice and encouraging wisdom make theatre an exciting place to be.