Paying Summer Jobs for college MT's

divetrav · 01-02-2008, 12:04 PM

Anyone have any suggestions for summer jobs for MT majors. I've heard that there is a resort/inn in New England where the help are all performing majors and that they put on shows for the guests. (after making beds, etc.) It'll be a nice change from paying for summer camp where she performed all summer. I'd be thrilled not to be paying anymore.

srw · 01-02-2008, 12:09 PM

Google Strawhat auditions. There are more, but I am not sure of their names, but I know others will weigh in.

freedom_fri911 · 01-02-2008, 02:05 PM

A lot of towns and cities have seasonal dinner theaters. I live in Williamsburg, VA and there are at least 4 that I know of. I used to work in a restaraunt that hosts one. There were 2 casts (other cast was an understudy cast) and they got paid $75 a show. They performed once a night, 5 nights a week. The show was about 3 hours. I'm thinking of auditioning for one this summer, but I can't work on Friday nights... we'll see how it all works out.

cartera45 · 01-02-2008, 05:33 PM

Freedom - I spent many years in Williamsburg getting various degrees. I always wanted to be a singing wench at Chowning's Tavern. Do they still have Rosie Rumpe's Regal Dumpe in town?

freedom_fri911 · 01-02-2008, 06:22 PM

I'm pretty sure they still do. I found their website a while ago and I searched for their building but I cannot find it. I heard it's over near the new Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, but I can't find it to save my life!

*KatMT* · 01-02-2008, 08:32 PM

Look at the New England Theatre Conference (in MA), and Outdoor Drama Auditions (in NC) as well. Southeastern Theatre Conference, and Midwest Theatre Audition application dates have already passed.

Are you (or your child if you are a parent inquiring for your child) already in college AND over the age of 18? I believe that both NETC and StrawHat have this as a requirement for applying (although I could be mistaken -- it is worth checking).

There is at least one (if not two) ice cream parlors with singing waiters on the Jersey Shore. Iam sure that other communities have opportunities such as this. Theme parks could also be a possibility... as could being paid staff at a summer camp. Although most of these (again... I believe -- it is worth checking) are more comfortable hiring staff who have been out of high school for at least one year.

Good Luck!

cmujohanna's mom · 01-02-2008, 09:38 PM

My daughter was well paid and earned her Equity card while in college performing four shows during the summer months for the Pittsburgh CLO. Auditions are in February and they seem to like MTs, especially from CMU and Michigan. Summer stock at the MUNY in St. Louis is also a great job if you can get it!

SingerNLmusic · 01-02-2008, 10:39 PM

If your in Ohio there is the Carousel Dinner Theatre. One of the best dinner theatre's in the country I believe. They cast all their actors out of NYC and then pay them to come to Ohio for however long the show is running for. I know alot of past cast members that I saw were current MT majors at BW and other MT programs throughout Ohio. They pay you GREAT! However it's really tough work...you basically learn your staging, vocals, choreography and everything within a 4 day period and then you put on the show. I've had a few friends who have worked here before.

khsstitches · 01-03-2008, 03:07 AM

There is a summer resort in Maine exactly as you are describing. I think its in the Sebago Lake region but I'm not positive. I don't remember the name off the top of my head but a friend did it and got valuable experience, good $$. He went to Hartt. I'll find out and get back to you.

chelle · 01-03-2008, 06:18 AM

I just posted a new thread about "Summer Stock" and then I noticed this one. I guess I'm still sleeping this morning. Straw Hat does stipulate that you have to be 18 by the time you start working. We have a Stone Cold Creamery (ice cream) parlour coming this Spring. They are singing waiters. D already put an application in. I think she would prefer to do a show.

alwaysamom · 01-03-2008, 07:50 AM

If the Maine resort is Quisisana, yes, they do hire talented actors, as well as musicians, to entertain nightly. Their staff tends to return year after year so the openings can be quite limited. Also, this is not the place for everyone. Very remote, few amenities, but gorgeous.

There are many opportunities for these college theatre kids. If they truly want to perform during the summer months, being a singing server at Stone Cold Creamery isn't likely to cut it. If you're talking about the summer between senior year and college, that's different. Earning $$ is most kids' top priority that summer.

A search for summer stock, StrawHats, etc. should turn up one of the threads from previous years.

tiffw · 01-03-2008, 08:19 AM

I was just reading old posts under the thread about "Books and other resources for MT Students" and saw a link to the most fabulous resources -- take a look at:

Theatre Directories - Summer Theatres - Regional Theatres - Theatre Training Programs

One of the books they publish is the "Summer Theatre Directory, a directory of opportunities at over 350 Summer Theatres, Theme Parks, Summer Training Programs." They have a link where you can pre-order the 2008 edition, or the 2007 edition is currently available.

They also publish the "Regional Theatre Directory 2007 - 2008: Profiles of over 400 theatres, and an employment guide to regional theatre."

And finally, the "Directory of Theatre Training Programs: College, Conservatory, University programs, Graduate & Undergraduate degrees, Admissions & Financial information." That one looks great for researching college MT programs, and was highly recommended by several people some time back on this board.

Don't we love it when we find that someone's already compiled all the info we're looking for?! Yea!

JIJane · 01-03-2008, 08:29 AM

Interesting to read this thread, in the UK it is against drama school rules to do any type of performing (amateur or pro, MT or other) while you are training - even during the holidays to earn some extra cash. I know some exceptions were made but usually very few...

NotMamaRose · 01-03-2008, 08:52 AM

That *is* interesting, JIJane. Americans would likely find it, well, unAmerican, for anyone to tell them what to do and not to do as far as employment, other training, etc. during times when they are not in school!

MusThCC · 01-03-2008, 08:58 AM

NMR, My guess would be that the policy JIJane mentions is similar in reasoning to college programs who don't allow students stage time in freshman (or, in a couple of cases) fr - soph. years. It's been debated tons in past threads as to whether or not the reasons are good or valid - but they do exist.