Student Blog: It's What You Make of It

Is it possible to work in a Broadway or Off-Broadway theatre while in school in New York? Absolutely! It’s not only possible, but it can be an incredible experience that is extremely valuable in your theatrical education. Not only do you have the opportunity to learn skills in an area outside of your educational focus, but you also have the chance to learn in a much more hands-on approach.

The best way to get your foot in the door is to apply for a job as a sub usher or another sub position. Many if not all of these positions are part of a theatrical union, so you'll eventually need to join  With a sub position, you can work at multiple theatres and sort of build your schedule around your classwork. It is not the most consistent work; however, you have the chance to meet people in a magnitude of different theatrical settings as well as still have the flexibility you’ll need with classes.

I am currently a part of the St James front-of-house team as a line attendant. This position is one of the only non-union positions in the theatre and is considered a sub-position; however, this role is ATG (formerly Jujamcyn) specific and is only needed at two theatres, the St James and Walter Kerr. I work primarily alongside security and the box office to control the flow of traffic as patrons come to pick up tickets at will call. Another part of my job is to answer questions prior to curtain. Most of the time those questions have to deal with: when will doors open, or how do I get to XYZ, but sometimes I get to talk about the show and what I love about it. One of my favorite parts of this role is the fact that I have had to learn a bit about each of the 41 Broadway theatres. It’s imperative to know what shows are playing where and where the theatres actually are! This information may not feel important but knowing about the New York theatre scene can help you learn about creative teams and future artists you may want to collaborate with.

It is pretty unlikely, albeit not impossible that you will be working in your specialty on the Broadway scale while in college; however, that does not mean you can’t still be a part of the team. You may even have Off-Broadway opportunities during the summer or slower months. It is truly all up to how you plan and schedule, but working in a larger-scale theatre is definitely not out of the question. These jobs may just lead you to a show in the future!

While you learn a lot about the theatre and space around you, if you are willing to reach out you can also learn a lot from the other employees and artists. I’ve been lucky enough to form relationships with the people around me and have learned so much about all the different aspects of theatre: lighting, house management, choreography, you name it! It is truly astonishing the things you are able to learn by asking just a few questions, not to mention the relationships you can create. Being present in the work you do even if it feels like a smaller role can make the experience. We are all here because we love what we do and sharing that passion is ultimately the goal! Like any job, it truly is what you make of it, but working in a theatrical environment while in school is a great way to gain experience, earn money, and learn while you work.