Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 14:40:44 -0400
From: Liz Evans <liz-AT-etherboy.com>
Subject: Re: PUPT: Careers in puppetry?


RaraBird,

Absolutely agree with Chris, right down the line.

Tried the building scene exclusively, and like Joe, found that it was
almost
all seeking work with the occasional good gig thrown in.  So, I went the
way of building up my own performance company.  If you go this way, be
prepared for some very lean times while you put together you repertory.
We are fortunately approaching the end of our two years of building up
our
rep.  Starting this November we will be promoting more heavily and
building
less.  This does not mean that we will not build for others.

I just bid a job yesterday for a project that could end up being a fun
and
sustaining job. But the problem is that those kinds of jobs seem to be
to
few and far between.

We are also applying to the Young Audiences Organization (First
interview went well, thank God).  If you are serious about earning a
living, these kinds of organizations that rep artists to schools can be
the difference between success and waiting table.

But I feel very good about where we are right now overall.  We have 5 
educationally based productions and two that are not really, but the
stretch
could be made.  Plus we have been building up a walk around base of
characters to help fill in the lean months, we hope. 

But it is not an overnight.  I have been plugging with my company for 8
years
now (puppetry only) and most of those eight years have been in the red.
You just have to love it enough to keep going when the doors get slammed
in
your face (over and over and over....)

Best of luck,

Liz 
K. Elizabeth Evans, Artistic Director
Renaissance Artist Puppet Company

Puppeteers of America
Mid Atlantic Regional Director 2001/03

http://www.RenaissanceArtist.com
We provide Puppet Theatre performances and Art Residency programs.
We can build your Puppets, Props, and Mascots.


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