Numerous people have asked me where they need to live to find the most work. “Where do I need to live so that I can find touring work?” is an often question from the 20-somethings that I run across while out on the road. These are most often, the greenhorns who are willing and able to relocate to wherever they will be most useful. At first, it seems odd to ask where we need to live so that we can travel, but the answer is important. Entertainment is everywhere. It’s difficult to answer this question because wherever you are is the easiest place to make entertainment happen. That doesn’t mean that any location is a good place to make money while making art though. I cannot speak for everyone, but I can talk about how difficult it is to find work from different locations. During my career, I have lived in California, Nevada, Canada, The Middle East, and back to Nevada. I’d like to go over some of the reasons that location matters and delve into the importance of how your location can shape your journey and opportunities within the industry.
Location isn’t Everything… at First
At first, we are all forced to play with the cards we have been dealt. We can’t all be born into the entertainment hubs of the world. Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Mumbai have thriving populations, but most of us won’t be born there. Coming from a small town, the best opportunities will be regional repertory theaters, county fairs, and small parties. Although they can be fulfilling, these minor events are hardly enough to reach our full potential. Taking the time to learn as much as we can in these small venues is crucial, but eventually, we will have to go where the big shows are. These are the venues and events where we can learn core skills like hanging lights, pushing boxes safely, remembering safeties, which tools we need, and basic networking skills. Forging these fundamental skills in a relatively low-stress environment can give us the confidence necessary to progress.
Networking Comes First
Like most, in the early years of my career, I had to chase work. As a young, single, motivated technician in the industry, I was willing to go to great lengths to get work. My skills were few, and my vocational resources were limited. I had no resume to speak of and only a handful of contacts that would vouch for me. Gaining a reputation as a hard worker is key, but if no one knows who you are, your efforts are in vain. We need to meet more people and forge connections. For me, in the mid 90’s, the best way to do that was to attend shows and loiter in the showroom afterwards. Don’t be shy. Wait for the show to be over and greedily pester anyone who works there. Ask if they can briefly explain what they do and how they do it. Be brave enough to ask for connections and see if they need any help. Most modern networking has moved online, but even today, face to face interaction is the most useful tool to advancement. I can’t emphasize enough how important networking is. Networking opportunities are extremely limited in small cities. There are fewer concerts to attend, fewer industry mixers, and a low density of industry professionals. After reaching terminal saturation in your local area, it’s time to move on to bigger and better.
Reputation Comes Second
Use the knowledge and skills that you have accumulated from the local scene to slide your foot into bigger doors. Don’t be afraid to venture into larger cities and use the limited contacts that you have obtained to seek more opportunities. When I lived in Reno, I would use my Reno contacts to reach out to people in Las Vegas. Reno is great, but it doesn’t have the infrastructure necessary to put on world-wide events like Vegas. I knew that Vegas had the conventions, rental houses, and production companies to advance to the next level. This is where your work ethic will become most useful. At this point, it’s more about what you know than who you know. Our reputation is what propels us upward. We are only as good as what our last client thought of our skills. Eventually, you will be in such demand that your location won’t matter as much. People will seek you out and fly you to wherever they need you.
Relationships Trump Location
Now you’re ready to kick down doors. Once people know who you are and what you can do for them, they will call you. After a few years of living where the action is, you will be liberated from the necessity to live in the high-density areas. Your reputation will precede you. I must admit that sometimes it feels awkward. I have been flown into major cities around the globe only to think to myself “there is no one in The Middle East that can do what I do?” This is mostly just my ego coddling me, but it’s true. My clients have enjoyed working with me for so long that instead of seeking out a new person to work with, they would rather fly me out, put me up in a hotel, and taxi me around instead of forging a brand-new relationship with an unknown character. This is when it is safe to move to a state with lower taxes, closer to family, or even a remote destination. Never move too far away from a large airport, but feel free to explore new priorities in your life. At a high point in my career, I was afforded the luxury of moving internationally to a small town in Southern Ontario: Stoney Point, Ontario, Population 600. This move could have devastated my career if not for the solid relationships that I had formed in larger cities. My commute was longer, and the airport layovers were more numerous, but my children had the best education possible in a small community. Admittedly, once the pandemic hit, most of my privilege was revoked. There were no events within a thousand-mile radius. Once again, thanks to my relationships, it was time to pack up and move again. I ended up moving to Dubai to take part in World Expo 2020. When the going gets tough, the tough get moving.
If All Else Fails, Go Digital
We live in an era where even the live entertainment industry can provide remote work. Drafting, visualizing, and producing paperwork can all done over the web. Given the necessary bandwidth, we now have the luxury of living and working wherever we desire. If you love putting on large events but hate getting on planes, then you are alive in the correct era. Post pandemic, many professionals have realized that the internet is how we advance shows. Nowadays, we even have remote production managers who don’t leave their home office.
The entertainment industry holds immense power in shaping cultures, influencing trends, and captivating audiences worldwide. Behind the glitz and glamour, these crucial factors play a significant role in our success—location, location, and vocation.
Reach Chris Lose at close@plsn.com
