Summer Employment while in College

monkey13
Tue, 10 May 2016 11:31:45 +0000

@artskids, your son doesn’t have to wait to turn 21 to get TIPS certified or take bartending classes. My D did it at 19, and got a paid job bartending at 20. You only have to be 18 to get the certification.

RE: summerstock…many of them pay very poorly. But IMHO, you have to look at the whole picture…the kids are gaining experience, making contacts, learning, and building their resumes. There are certain theatres that are known for their great pay (like Quisisana). The theme parks pay well, too. But for the ones that don’t pay great, look at the whole package. Is it a role that your kid has always wanted to play? Does the theatre treat your kid like a slave (12 hour days, scrubbing toilets, sewing and washing costumes, cleaning, etc.?) Are the director/choreographer etc. good contacts? Does the theatre tend to hire you back for more money if they like you?

I am NOT opposed to the “pay for points” places, if they have a good reputation and give you good experiences/contacts. Those theatres OFTEN hire apprentices back in following summers, and the contacts the kids make are invaluable. And, before people start yelling about how it’s only for rich kids…no. They all offer scholarships for kids who need it.

One of my D’s profs told her the goal is to have all her college shows bumped off her resume (due to space limitations) by professional shows. My D is a rising senior, and she has worked professionally all 3 summers, and she doesn’t regret one minute. The place she is working this summer doesn’t pay wonderfully, but housing is fabulous and rehearsals are only M-F 1-6 p.m., and they are encouraged to get real world jobs mornings and/or evenings. It’s the best of both worlds. No additional duties…they JUST act. (And it doesn’t hurt that the NYC director is well-connected and well-known.)

So, the devil is in the details…But I think IF it is financially feasible, getting to NYC (or Chicago, or Boston, or wherever) after graduation with a resume containing professional credits and EMC points puts you in a good position. But maybe that’s just me. I think, like choosing a school, there are different paths for everyone. There is no right or wrong.