Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Rickard, Patty wrote: E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? Don't call them hobbies (pay doesn't matter) - they're legitimate skills! and start thinking in terms of 'creating a portfolio' (removing the 'sort of' kind of thinking and the quotations around portfolio which make it seem like not a 'real' portfolio). check out the difference: I'll create a portfolio of my projects that showcases my skills I'm sorry I cannot advise you otherwise. Good luck! liz young ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Thank you...I appreciate your comments :) and you're right...I need to change my mindset on it. . /' // . // |\//7 /' \ . . . | (\ '._ | '._ ''. ' /\'-'_---. ) ) . :.' | \ | .. . . ' .| | | \^ /_-': / / | |'\ .' / /| | \\ | \ \( ) // / \ | |// / ! ! // / Joan B [_] |[_| [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Young Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 12:32 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path Rickard, Patty wrote: E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? Don't call them hobbies (pay doesn't matter) - they're legitimate skills! and start thinking in terms of 'creating a portfolio' (removing the 'sort of' kind of thinking and the quotations around portfolio which make it seem like not a 'real' portfolio). check out the difference: I'll create a portfolio of my projects that showcases my skills I'm sorry I cannot advise you otherwise. Good luck! liz young ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Ok, Joan I'm 53 and have started over several times. You aren't too old unless you think you are, and isn't 40 the new 30? The advice you've received so far is good, you must think of these attributes as skill sets (as indeed they are) and look about for a job that would utilize them. Don't expect to translate them exactly. For example, you could perhaps begin as a receptionist/clerical person at a florist shop and train to do floral arrangements (a blend of creativity and practical office experience). Or you could go directly into the artistic field and perhaps begin as a trainee for window displays in department stores or other retail outlets. These are not meant to be specific examples, but rather examples of how you can stretch your imagination to apply what you do to practical ways to make a living. I've been a costume designer for 17 years, a job that developed directly out of throwing Halloween parties and making costumes for my kids as they grew. I became the volunteer mom who did costumes for their shows and was good enough that the opportunity arose to turn it into a professional design career for which I feel very blessed. I have semi-retired now to pursue my paralegal career (kid in grad school = necessity, pay is much better) and as a creative outlet have finally begun work on my long-delayed novel. Writing legal briefs or discovery is hardly fiction, but I've done creative writing on the side for years. Anyway, not exactly the point, except to say that one can find creativity in any endeavor if one is naturally creative. Best of luck~ angela - Original Message - From: Joan Broneske [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: h-costume@mail.indra.com Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:47 AM Subject: [h-cost] Question regarding career path I'm not sure where to start with this, but I figured you kind people on this list may be able to point me in the right direction. Without getting into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding my personal life at the moment, I find myself in a situation where at age 44 and after being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker for 14 years, I may need to start my life over. My great love over the years has always been costuming, making things, building things, helping with events, putting on elaborate Halloween displays in my garage, helping with school plays and things of that nature. I have never been paid for any of it, and it has always just been a hobby, never anything professional. I have no college education in anything (other than a few college courses over the years in various general things like English, Logic and Anthropology) and no real work experience other than a few stints as a clerical worker, medical typist and retail clerk. I am seriously thinking of pursuing some type of career where I can use these strengths that I have, because I know that I have them. What I could really use some direction and assistance on is: A) Am I too old to pursue this? B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents? C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist) D) What types of schooling should I be looking into? E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? I appreciate any insight, assistance, suggestions.. I currently live near Sacramento, California, but there is a chance I may end up near Utica, NY or near Winston-Salem, NC. Thank you all for your time. Joan B ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Joan, Here is my input: A) Am I too old to pursue this? D) What types of schooling should I be looking into? Joan, you are never to old to pursue a career or go to school. I went back to college to finish my degree at 38 yo with six kids at home. I finished when I was 40 y.o. I started my business in my last year of college. My sister went back to college when she was 39 and finished at 42 and is teaching elementary school and going to college for her masters. She was a stay at home mom and went back after a divorce. Take advantage of student loans and grants to go to college. If you move out of state, you may have to wait to establish residency to get in-state tuition. Depending on the age of your children, you may receive state grants. I receive state grants because I had three children under the age of 12 when I was a student. One thing I always suggest is to have a good support system when at school. There are going to be times when you will want to quit. Things will get crazy and you will think you can't cope. You need a friend or family member who will give you that assurance and kick in the pants. I joined h-costume when I was a student and a lot of members gave me a lot of inspiration. The type of education you enter depends on what you want to do with the degree. If you want to design clothing, do a fashion degree. If you want to design costumes, go for a degree in costume design in the theater department. There is a good program at FIDM. I think it has a two year program. There is also an online fashion degree through a Californian art school. I can't recall their name. You can also do their degree on campus. Don't be put off that you are an older student. I enjoyed being around the college age students and they treated me with respect. I believe older adults take college more seriously because they see how you can apply these skills in the real world. Take classes in everything that you are interested in. Universities seem to be more accommodating to older students in this manner. When I returned to school for my third decade, I had no idea that I would be doing what I do now. But the other students knew I would. My career evolved with the more classes I took. I took classes in business, computers, costume design, fashion, and film depts. I use all of this education in my business. You can float between departments. B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents? See above. While you are trying to get into a college, you could work the Halloween season at a store like Spirits Halloween. They love people who can build and make sets. My son works as a manager for them every season. Right now is when these types of stores are hiring. These stores are setting up right now. Their season ends mid-November. Contact info is on Spirits website. Also, theme parks in our area have big Halloween events. If there are some in your area, they should be hiring crews about this time. You can also work at a bridal or alterations shop. You want to obtain jobs that will build your skills in the professional world. C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist) The jobs I mentioned will help temporarily and pay more than $10 an hour. You might also want to check dinner theaters to see if you can be a stitcher. In the summer check out your city's parks and recreations to see if they have plays in the summer. You could be a stitcher for them. Universities theater depts. look for wardrobe managers and stitchers. I see a LOT of theater dept. job posting on the email list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/costumeinfo/ . Don't be put off that it is USITT's email list. Just lurk. Earlier in the summer there was a discussion about how they are begging for stitchers and wardrobe managers. E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things Most definitely create a portfolio and include photos, renderings, etc. Don't make the portfolio look like scrapbooking. Go to an office supply store and buy a professional portfolio case. Make sure to organize the portfolio. For interviews bring the portfolio and some of the costumes or garments that you have made. The interviewer will want to see how good your skills are. Good luck Joan. When one door closes another one opens. It can be scary and exciting! Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Put together a resume, with pictures, if possible, of your work. Pictures are worth 1,00 words. One of the best costumers I've known was self taught. I'm a stay at home mom who has done community theatre for the past 25 years or so. While interesting and fun, it has not paid well, stipends usually being in the money for gas range instead of the making a good living range. You may be able to find a job at a community college or university working in their costume or sewing departments. Again, I'm not sure about pay range, but probably around minimum wage. You could start your own seamstress business or maybe a costume sewing/rental business, but those might be seasonal. You could sew wedding/bridesmaids dresses. That can be very lucrative. I don't know if you're familiar with the TV show Ace of Cakes, but for those fancy custom cakes shown on the show, they START at $1,000 and go up from there (according to their website.) Dresses take a lot more time/effort, so that may be one avenue for you to explore. I will add that you should remember to watch out for yourself during all this. Medical insurance is a good thing to have. My friend got full medical, dental and vision insurance for herself and her kids when she was working half time at Starbucks! So, something else to consider. All the best to you, Sharon C. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joan Broneske Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:48 AM To: h-costume@mail.indra.com Subject: [h-cost] Question regarding career path I'm not sure where to start with this, but I figured you kind people on this list may be able to point me in the right direction. Without getting into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding my personal life at the moment, I find myself in a situation where at age 44 and after being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker for 14 years, I may need to start my life over. My great love over the years has always been costuming, making things, building things, helping with events, putting on elaborate Halloween displays in my garage, helping with school plays and things of that nature. I have never been paid for any of it, and it has always just been a hobby, never anything professional. I have no college education in anything (other than a few college courses over the years in various general things like English, Logic and Anthropology) and no real work experience other than a few stints as a clerical worker, medical typist and retail clerk. I am seriously thinking of pursuing some type of career where I can use these strengths that I have, because I know that I have them. What I could really use some direction and assistance on is: A) Am I too old to pursue this? B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents? C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist) D) What types of schooling should I be looking into? E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? I appreciate any insight, assistance, suggestions.. I currently live near Sacramento, California, but there is a chance I may end up near Utica, NY or near Winston-Salem, NC. Thank you all for your time. Joan B ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
I wrote: If you set your sights low, you are likely to fall into some career traps, by which I mean careers that look appealing, but where you really have to fight hard to get the wages and the respect you deserve. Custom dress- making is one -- many people have made a success out of it, but as I think this list can testify, many wind up working long hours for very little money, because customers often think they should get Yves Saint-Laurent clothes for sweatshop prices. Theater costuming is another place where we've heard a lot on this list about lack of respect, impossible expectations from management, no budget, unpredictable crises and low wages. I know there are good shops, but you have to look for them and be firm about what you will and will not accept. Just to clarify, before I start a flame war: I don't at all mean that these are somehow lower careers! Many people have been very successful at them. What I mean is, if you set your sights low, AND you get into one of these fields, you are likely to have problems -- as others can testify -- if your low expectations lead you to accept pay that's too low and treatment that isn't good enough for how good YOU are. _That_ is the trap to avoid. You ARE good, but you have to believe it. 0 Chris Laning | [EMAIL PROTECTED] + Davis, California http://paternoster-row.org - http://paternosters.blogspot.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Oooh! Another idea! You sound like you might make a good wedding planner. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joan Broneske Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:48 AM To: h-costume@mail.indra.com Subject: [h-cost] Question regarding career path I'm not sure where to start with this, but I figured you kind people on this list may be able to point me in the right direction. Without getting into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding my personal life at the moment, I find myself in a situation where at age 44 and after being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker for 14 years, I may need to start my life over. My great love over the years has always been costuming, making things, building things, helping with events, putting on elaborate Halloween displays in my garage, helping with school plays and things of that nature. I have never been paid for any of it, and it has always just been a hobby, never anything professional. I have no college education in anything (other than a few college courses over the years in various general things like English, Logic and Anthropology) and no real work experience other than a few stints as a clerical worker, medical typist and retail clerk. I am seriously thinking of pursuing some type of career where I can use these strengths that I have, because I know that I have them. What I could really use some direction and assistance on is: A) Am I too old to pursue this? B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents? C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist) D) What types of schooling should I be looking into? E) Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? I appreciate any insight, assistance, suggestions.. I currently live near Sacramento, California, but there is a chance I may end up near Utica, NY or near Winston-Salem, NC. Thank you all for your time. Joan B ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Definitely a Wedding planner!!! ♫ Chiara Francesca -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sharon Collier Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 2:24 PM To: 'Historical Costume' Subject: Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path Oooh! Another idea! You sound like you might make a good wedding planner. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joan Broneske Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:48 AM To: h-costume@mail.indra.com Subject: [h-cost] Question regarding career path I'm not sure where to start with this, but I figured you kind people on this list may be able to point me in the right direction. Without getting into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding my personal life at the moment, I find myself in a situation where at age 44 and after being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker for 14 years, I may need to start my life over. My great love over the years has always been costuming, making things, building things, helping with events, putting on elaborate Halloween displays in my garage, helping with school plays and things of that nature. I have never been paid for any of it, and it has always just been a hobby, never anything professional. I have no college education in anything (other than a few college courses over the years in various general things like English, Logic and Anthropology) and no real work experience other than a few stints as a clerical worker, medical typist and retail clerk. I am seriously thinking of pursuing some type of career where I can use these strengths that I have, because I know that I have them. What I could really use some direction and assistance on is: A)Am I too old to pursue this? B)What kinds of things could I do with these talents? C)Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist) D)What types of schooling should I be looking into? E)Would it help me to create a sort of portfolio of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.? I appreciate any insight, assistance, suggestions.. I currently live near Sacramento, California, but there is a chance I may end up near Utica, NY or near Winston-Salem, NC. Thank you all for your time. Joan B ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
I am in a similar position--restarting my education and looking for new employment at 40. It may take you a while to discover whether you want to pursue a college degree or certificate or whether you want to do something else. In the meantime, check out your local community college, if there is one, and through their advising center find out what basic classes you should take if you are interested in a college education. They probably have some placement tests that you can take in English and math and they also may offer some aptitude or interest evaluations. Basic math and English classes are courses you will probably be required to take no matter where you go or what decide to do. You could also consider introduction to art, introduction to psychology and introduction to business. Introduction to theater would be good too, if it is offered. Many schools also have classes that orient you to what college is and what skills you need to succeed in college. Best wishes in whatever you do! Joan ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For all of your replies...you have all been very, VERY helpful and have given me a lot to think about. I think I will start out by creating a portfolio...I've already begun collecting photos onto my computer of my stuff. As for family/friends support...that was part of the reason I may end up in either NY (not near the city) or NC...I have parents in NY and a sister in NC. Since things are still up in the air at present, I haven't made a decision either way. More than likely I won't be staying in California because of the situation, not really having that support and the sheer cost of living here. That kind of also complicates the issue of living in a city where these kinds of jobs are available. I don't really relish the idea of living in a city, and ESPECIALLY not in LA, Chicago or NY...LOL! I'm a small town girl and large cities make me nervous and paranoid. I have two boys, but my oldest is 20 (so I don't have to worry about him) and my youngest is just about 14so it's not like I have small children, thank God. I never thought about being a Wedding PlannerI will have to look into that. Thanks for the suggestion! Ginni, I am in Roseville; however, I may not be staying here...not sure at this point. I appreciate your offer and will keep it in mind. Right now, I'm just kind of preparing for the worst in my situation and gathering information. I am going to print out all of your responses and keep them with methank you and thank you for the support and encouragement! . /' // . // |\//7 /' \ . . . | (\ '._ | '._ ''. ' /\'-'_---. ) ) . :.' | \ | .. . . ' .| | | \^ /_-': / / | |'\ .' / /| | \\ | \ \( ) // / \ | |// / ! ! // / Joan Broneske [_] |[_| [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joan Mielke Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 5:20 PM To: h-costume@mail.indra.com Subject: Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path I am in a similar position--restarting my education and looking for new employment at 40. It may take you a while to discover whether you want to pursue a college degree or certificate or whether you want to do something else. In the meantime, check out your local community college, if there is one, and through their advising center find out what basic classes you should take if you are interested in a college education. They probably have some placement tests that you can take in English and math and they also may offer some aptitude or interest evaluations. Basic math and English classes are courses you will probably be required to take no matter where you go or what decide to do. You could also consider introduction to art, introduction to psychology and introduction to business. Introduction to theater would be good too, if it is offered. Many schools also have classes that orient you to what college is and what skills you need to succeed in college. Best wishes in whatever you do! Joan ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Joan, I forgot a couple of possibilities... If you are in a city that the Broadway plays tours, they hire local dressers and stitchers. My 4th son does lighting. We couldn't find out who was in charge at one of the venues that has the tours. I dropped him off at the venue a day before a Broadway show. He walked in and kept asking who was in charge until he found the right person. This opened the door wide for him. The crews move from venue to venue. It is hard to catch up with the crew chief. Sometimes, the crew chief is at several venues in one day. Each city here in Virginia have a different local for the union. My son works in VA Beach, Richmond (four venues), University of Virginia, ODU, Virginia Commonwealth University, and was just hired permanently for the DC area. The Stage-hand Union that he works for includes costuming. He works all sorts of shows from country to rock concerts, WWE (wrestling), Cirque du Soleil, Dancing w/ Stars and American Idol tours, ice shows, conventions, etc. All need dressers and stitchers. Cirque begs for costumers year-round, http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/jobs/offstage/recruitsoft.htm . If this site doesn't show costuming/wardrobe, let me know. My son has the direct link for crew members. The last time my son checked, they were looking for costumers for their Vegas shows. Also Ringling Bros. technical crews are based Palmetto, Florida (next door to my sister's house) and Northern VA. The gig he has in DC sounds like what others are suggesting for you. He is setting up events for conventions at different venues in the DC area. It is a full time job...so full-time, it is 60-80 hours a week at $32 an hour. Convention is a huge industry. If you can get in a location that hosts big conventions, you can do well. I have watched my son working a convention and it amazes me how many people are required for the set-up. He is 23 years old and has been setting up and loading out conventions, here and there, since he was 19. You don't need a lot of experience to work the conventions. My son has brought all his friends and two of his brothers into working all these jobs. Some work full-time and others part-time when they need extra money. One of the main qualifications the unions are look for is safety conscious people..safety for all...themselves, other employees, performers, and the audience. Safety is first in the business. Some Stage-hand Union locals offer in Virginia offer insurance, some don't. This varies from state-to-state, area-to-area. Some states and venues require the insurance. Others only have insurance on you while working the gig. If you can get a film commission directory from your state or the state you are interested in moving to; you will find a listing of all kinds of entertainment industry businesses. It is amazing all the different types of businesses involved that work all fields in world of entertainment. My suggestion is to read through it the listings and select the businesses that you want to send resumes. Remember that the majority of the businesses do other genres besides film. The casino industry is in several states. Some casino areas look for full and part-time costumers for shows. It not just Vegas and Atlantic City for casinos anymore. My niece was working for a casino in Biloxi, MS until Hurricane Katrina moved her casino across the highway. The company moved her to a casino in Nebraska. They transferred her back to MS last month. Shows in casinos are a big part of their industry. My youngest son goes to University of Southern Mississippi and they have a undergrad degree in casino gaming industry. Think of it this way, the world is your oyster and you are the pearl! Good luck and keep us updated. Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
Penny, I did a costume job search with Cirque and came up with nothing. I'd love to go work with them for awhile. Sylviz On Aug 15, 2008, at 8:00 PM, Penny Ladnier wrote: Joan, I forgot a couple of possibilities... If you are in a city that the Broadway plays tours, they hire local dressers and stitchers. My 4th son does lighting. We couldn't find out who was in charge at one of the venues that has the tours. I dropped him off at the venue a day before a Broadway show. He walked in and kept asking who was in charge until he found the right person. This opened the door wide for him. The crews move from venue to venue. It is hard to catch up with the crew chief. Sometimes, the crew chief is at several venues in one day. Each city here in Virginia have a different local for the union. My son works in VA Beach, Richmond (four venues), University of Virginia, ODU, Virginia Commonwealth University, and was just hired permanently for the DC area. The Stage-hand Union that he works for includes costuming. He works all sorts of shows from country to rock concerts, WWE (wrestling), Cirque du Soleil, Dancing w/ Stars and American Idol tours, ice shows, conventions, etc. All need dressers and stitchers. Cirque begs for costumers year-round, http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/jobs/offstage/ recruitsoft.htm . If this site doesn't show costuming/wardrobe, let me know. My son has the direct link for crew members. The last time my son checked, they were looking for costumers for their Vegas shows. Also Ringling Bros. technical crews are based Palmetto, Florida (next door to my sister's house) and Northern VA. The gig he has in DC sounds like what others are suggesting for you. He is setting up events for conventions at different venues in the DC area. It is a full time job...so full-time, it is 60-80 hours a week at $32 an hour. Convention is a huge industry. If you can get in a location that hosts big conventions, you can do well. I have watched my son working a convention and it amazes me how many people are required for the set-up. He is 23 years old and has been setting up and loading out conventions, here and there, since he was 19. You don't need a lot of experience to work the conventions. My son has brought all his friends and two of his brothers into working all these jobs. Some work full-time and others part-time when they need extra money. One of the main qualifications the unions are look for is safety conscious people..safety for all...themselves, other employees, performers, and the audience. Safety is first in the business. Some Stage-hand Union locals offer in Virginia offer insurance, some don't. This varies from state-to-state, area-to-area. Some states and venues require the insurance. Others only have insurance on you while working the gig. If you can get a film commission directory from your state or the state you are interested in moving to; you will find a listing of all kinds of entertainment industry businesses. It is amazing all the different types of businesses involved that work all fields in world of entertainment. My suggestion is to read through it the listings and select the businesses that you want to send resumes. Remember that the majority of the businesses do other genres besides film. The casino industry is in several states. Some casino areas look for full and part-time costumers for shows. It not just Vegas and Atlantic City for casinos anymore. My niece was working for a casino in Biloxi, MS until Hurricane Katrina moved her casino across the highway. The company moved her to a casino in Nebraska. They transferred her back to MS last month. Shows in casinos are a big part of their industry. My youngest son goes to University of Southern Mississippi and they have a undergrad degree in casino gaming industry. Think of it this way, the world is your oyster and you are the pearl! Good luck and keep us updated. Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
