goodcorn

I usually get "got" a couple few times, but not like most. I've worked in the theater industry and built out a house before. I kinda know where things are likely to happen and such. That being said, I usually find myself going with a few girls who are happy to put me in the lead. So when I turn that blind corner and see something/someone, I'll give a little head nod or point with my thumb behind me to communicate prime targets approaching. I've found it works a lot and is hilarious cuz the girls think it's all good...

This is one reasons I'm glad I "wandered" out of Indiana years ago. Bother your elected officials about it. Not that it will help, but they shouldn't get to think that things are okay for their constituents. Best of luck to you.

I've heard countless stories from friends and acquaintances in various fields that have returned to work. Albeit with cuts to hours and pay. Say 3 days a week instead of 5 at 20% less the previous hourly. Service industry folks are getting hammered too. Limited hours at limited capacities resulting in fewer overall work shifts. Considering that 3 out 4 Americans get by paycheck to paycheck, I fail to see how this is a tenable scenario for the foreseeable future. Because it simply isn't.

Not OP, but have worked in and around the industry for nearly 20 years. If your focus is, as you say, rigging and carpentry, then you should be able to move forward in that direction quite easily. Think scenic shops rather than specific theaters. (Unless its a large theatre with its own large scene shop.) Sending resumes, or even better, stopping by places with a resume is a good way to start. A better way to start is to know some people. For example, stay in touch with the folks who are graduating now and see what they're up to when you graduate. This is the number one way to get hired - having somebody who can vouch for your abilities. Expect to take whatever at first in the carp world. You may just get hired at first to be on site for unloading the truck(s) and installing the set. You may get put in the shop but end up doing the more menial things at first. Ie. unloading and putting away stock materials, sweeping up, being other people's "cut bitch" at the chop saw all day. Once people figure out you're not an idiot, you'll get more of a chance to shine.

As far as picking up other stuff, that's mostly alright too. Hey, you gotta eat. Just be wary of time commitments and such. A lot of opportunities that will present themselves at first are near universally crap from a pay standpoint. Sure, you COULD do props or stage manage a show, but how many weeks of your life are you willing to give up for some 10 - 12 hundred bucks? (And not allow you to take other work. You say "no" a few times and a lot of shops will stop reaching out.) The only times I've seen that sort of cross pollination backfire is when the individual wants to be a designer. For whatever fucked up reasoning, if people see you working as a carp, or an electrician, even a MC or ME, they will deign you just that. As if you can't also be a designer that needs to eat and doesn't have rich parents.

Anyway, good luck. And if there's one word of advice that's worked well for me, it's this: Play well with others. Nobody wants Johnny Jackass around fucking up crew vibe. And while there are many ways to skin the proverbial cat, however the boss says is the way is the way you do it. It's alright to offer up alternatives in the right situations, but for the most part, do what you're told, how you're told. At least until you get some clout by proving yourself worthy. And even then don't come off as "smarter" than them. Even if you are...

I agree. Weed can provide quite the liftoff for LSD. That being said, I'm a regular user and suffer near zero anxiety in general..

Combo related from 20 yrs back: Had just dropped and the roommate comes in with 100mg tablet of morphine. (Briefly had a connect but usually just 15s or 30s). He asks if I want to split it as he had no interest in doing the whole thing. At the time, I thought perfect! The LDS will do it's thing and the morphine will mellow me out. Like some sort of psychedelic speedball!

End result: Sat glued in a chair for 4+? hours dazed. At some point, I convince myself to go lay down as I can barely keep my head up. Make my way to bed and spend the next ? hrs drifting in and out. The morphine wants my body to sleep, but the LSD is keeping my brain awake. Invariably, at some point behind my eyes I would end up somewhere very, very dark and would jerk myself awake as from an extreme nightmare. This happened dozens of times before I finally zonked out.

Verdict: Very not recommended. It was a complete waste of both drugs.