Resumes and Portfolios

As a backstage theater technician working in corporate events, having a well-crafted resume and portfolio can significantly impact your career. A resume is an essential tool that summarizes your skills, experience, and education. On the other hand, a portfolio is a collection of your work that demonstrates your abilities and showcases your best work. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the value of having a written resume and a portfolio for backstage theater technicians, including the available positions, notable companies that hire them, and how they can benefit from these tools.

The Different Positions Available

Backstage theater technicians working in corporate events have several positions available to them. These positions include technical production, lighting design, audio design, video design, stage management, technical production, and stagehand. Technical position titles include stage electrician, lighting programmer, stagehand, A1, L1, V1, FOH operator, programmer, light board operator, sound operator, cue caller, stage carpenter, and production manager. Each of these positions requires unique skills and experience, and showcasing them on your resume and portfolio is essential.

The Value of a Resume

A well-crafted resume is a conversation starter that can get you an interview of some sort. It’s essential to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the position. Your resume should include your education, relevant work experience, skills, and achievements. It should also be formatted in a way that is easy to read and visually appealing. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully and have someone else review it for errors.

The Value of a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your work demonstrating your abilities and showcasing your best work. It’s an essential tool for backstage theater technicians because it allows you to demonstrate your skills and experience visually. Your portfolio should include examples of your work, such as lighting designs, sound designs, video designs, or stage management plans. You can also include photos or videos of events you’ve worked on and any reviews or testimonials from clients or colleagues. A well-curated portfolio can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Notable Companies That Hire Backstage Theater Technicians

Several notable companies hire backstage theater technicians for corporate events. These companies include PRG, NMR, PSAV (now known as Encore), Blackbird, and 4Wall. These companies offer a wide range of services, including lighting, sound, video, and staging. They hire technicians with various skills and experience levels, so having a well-crafted resume and portfolio is essential to stand out in a competitive job market.

How to Create a Strong Resume and Portfolio

Creating a strong resume and portfolio can be challenging, but doing it right is essential. Here are a few tips to help you create a strong resume and portfolio:

1. Tailor your resume and portfolio to the job you’re applying for. Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
2. Use clear, concise language on your resume and portfolio. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might be confusing to someone outside of your field.
3. Include specific examples of your work in your portfolio. This can be in the form of photos, videos, or written descriptions.
4. Highlight any relevant certifications or training you’ve received. This demonstrates your commitment to continually improve your skills.
5. Proofread your resume and portfolio carefully. Have someone else review them for errors or inconsistencies.

Corporate Resumes

Manager-Tools.com is a site devoted to guiding managers in the corporate world. While not focused on the entertainment world, they offer a fantastic view of what corporate recruiters are looking for in a resume. The link below is to their first of many podcasts covering resumes.