Purple Pearls of Wisdom

We asked our resident artists and staff what advice they had for anyone looking to enter the theatre industry. Whether you’re interested in acting, directing, stage managing, design, or arts administration, the thoughts below are sure to give you helpful insights on how to start your theatre career!

“In the current theatrical market – one should be actively ready to create their own work – write, produce, direct… It not only broadens your appreciation of these disciplines but it provides more work opportunities.  When I first moved to LA, I was not getting nearly the number of auditions I wanted. Rather than wallow in the down time, I decided to write a solo show that was supposed to run for two weeks, eight performances. Two weeks turned into 9 years and 1400 performances – and the relationships forged during that time have now enabled me to produce other plays and films as well.  If the work does not come to you, create it or co-create it.  Discipline and define yourself as a creative entity, not just an actor.”

Paul Stroili

PRTC Resident Artist, Actor

“Contact your local theatre. Any local theatre. ‘Doesn’t have to be equity. It can be local. Contact them and if you don’t have any kind of resume or anything, ask them to shadow. There are opportunities all over the place. Work without pay, it’s okay. Always have 2 audition pieces in your pocket. Out work the next guy.”

Tom Whalen

PRTC Resident Artist (Actor & Sound Designer)

“My advice for playwrights looking to have us stage their work is to follow our guidelines, number one. Also, format your submission like a play. Sending in a script is like knowing how to conduct yourself in an audition. A mistake here or there won’t kill things, but the presentation does factor into consideration. We have a rolling acceptance policy and the plays don’t have to come from an agent, so we get a lot of submissions, which makes it difficult to keep up. So, please don’t be afraid to email me and follow up—in an appropriate way. ”

Michelle Mountain

PRTC Apprentice Chief, Literary Manager, Director of Educational Programming, & Resident Artist (Actor & Director)

“Look for an apprenticeship program. Seek opportunities to Stage Manage at a community theatre. You’ll learn more on the job than in class.”

Thomas Macias

PRTC Stage Manager and Former Apprentice

“Properties Design is a very eclectic Art. You need to have a rich Theatre background and learn all you can about design and human nature. Props are all the things that the actors touch and use, so it is very important to work closely with the director and play text to know how the character relates to each prop. There is quite a bit of cross over at our theatre with the set decoration and costumes, so a good helpful working relation with these designers is a must. Apprenticing after college is a wonderful way to get experience in Properties Design.”

Danna Segrest

PRTC Resident Properties Designer

“In administration, one of the most valuable things you can do is anticipate the needs of your team. Keep track of the information you are most often asked for, and find a way to keep it on hand, or even to create a way to get it to people before they need it.”

Adair Whalen

PRTC Administrative Assistant and Former Apprentice

“I find value in being both an actor and a techie, so I recommend learning more than one skill set in the theatre. Even if you only end up doing one of those things professionally, having some experience on both sides of the stage will give you an appreciation and respect for the entire team when you’re all working on a show together.”

Julia Garlotte

PRTC Group Sales & Box Office Manager, Former Apprentice, Freelance Sound Designer, Actor

“Set realistic and tangible goals with an obtainable timeline. Understand your brain, your body, your heart and how you work. If you don’t know how you work, think of the last time you achieved a success (no matter how small you perceive that success to be), dissect and analyze how your actions accomplished that achievement. Breathe, we all forget this one! Run towards fear…if I hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t have even submitted my application to the Rose. ”

Erin Feiner

Current PRTC Apprentice