“Don’t be afraid. Don’t defeat yourself.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

I was a video assist tech/24 frame playback. I set up video village, and bridged the gap between camera and the rest of the crew by setting up video feeds from my computer. From there I sent the signal to monitors as well as wireless devices. 

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

I transitioned into a dev-ops engineer for an ATM outsourcing company. I write programs to update machine functionality and security and keep a fleet of over 1700 machines up and running. 

How did you approach the transition?

I always had an affinity for computers and I began to learn computer programming during the pandemic. With rumors of the strikes in early 2023, I decided to enroll in a programming boot camp. This one was a non-profit that works with adults and state programs to help with financial assistance for their eight month program. 

What have been positive aspects of this transition?

The main perk is work-life balance. Being able to keep a similar schedule with my wife has been fruitful for our relationship. Being able to plan and schedule events have been a pleasant change of pace. 

What challenges did you face during the change of career and how did you overcome them?

One of the largest challenges is the relentlessness of a 9 to 5 gig. I spent 15 years working long gigs with nice stretches of time between shows. Weekends have become valuable, knowing that Monday is looking around the corner and I am going to have to repeat the cycle. 

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

Part of boot camp was the job hunt aspect at the end of the program. We did mock interviews, LinkedIn curation and extensive resume revisions. Here is an example of how I translated my film experience into quantifiable and attractive bullet points:

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Don’t be afraid. Don’t think you are not worthy. Most importantly, don’t defeat yourself. Let THEM tell you no. Stay determined.

“Own your expertise. If you can work in entertainment, you can work anywhere.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

I was a theatre stage manager. I became interested in health and safety after a critical injury involving an actor. That experience made me curious about how our industry could take creative risks not safety risks.

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

Occupational Health & Safety Consultant specializing in the arts, entertainment and live events.

How did you approach the transition?

I applied for a theatre Health & Safety Coordinator role that paid too little for a health and safety professional to apply. After I got the Health & Safety Coordinator role I learned how much was involved and I went back to school part-time to get my Occupational Health & Safety Certificate, followed by professional health and safety certifications. I joined many committees and working groups to meet people with similar interests.

What have been positive aspects of this transition?

I’m passionate about supporting theatre and live events, and I genuinely care about people who work in this industry. This has been really rewarding and I feel I make a difference. I enjoy the research, writing, and training, as well as problem-solving to ensure unique projects can be completed safely.

What challenges did you face during the change of career and how did you overcome them?

I had to get out of my comfort zone and learn how to talk to groups of people and people in government. As an introvert, I had to figure out how to network in a way that worked for me. I had a steep learning curve to become a subject matter export. After ten years in my role at the theatre I became an OHS consultant and had to learn how to run a small business.

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

The skills of stage management (organization, multi-tasking, meeting deadlines, writing production notes and schedules, dealing with people in many departments) were hugely applicable. I started my OHS work in a theatre where I’d been working for 15 years so people knew me and I had credibility. When I began consulting, I had to work out how to describe my experience and expertise to others who would hire me for projects.

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Own your expertise. If you can work in entertainment, you can work anywhere. Know your value. I talked to a lot of other consultants before setting my hourly and daily rates. Initially they seemed really high, but I learned that not all work is billable so it’s important to charge enough to be viable. Do great work and you’ll find that “word of mouth” is the best form of marketing. Whenever possible, work on projects you like with people you like.

“You don’t need to live to work, its okay to work to live.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

Union stagehand in NYC

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

Ph.D. student and researcher

How did you find your new role/position?

Out of necessity, looking at other interests of mine with a new lens, looking for new possibilities I may enjoy.

How did you approach the transition?

With a lot of research and talking to those who either also made the change from entertainment to academia, or those who were in the programs I was potentially applying to.

What have been the positive aspects of the transition?

The biggest thing is for my physical and mental health. I found out in 2023 I have 10 herniated disks in my back, all degenerative so having a long career as a stagehand wasn’t in the cards any more. By changing to academics, I’m still able to do important work for the industry, I can teach classes and workshops to our workers, without putting myself into a position of physical or emotional stress.

What are/were the challenges and how did you overcome them?

The change felt like I was losing a huge part of who I was. I still am a stagehand at heart, I always will be. And realizing this transition didn’t change that portion of who I am, really made it a lot easier in the end.

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

Making sure you don’t use industry specific terminology outside the industry. Make it clear what skills you used in a general sense, not just in an entertainment environment.

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Our jobs are commonly our lives as entertainment workers. We live, breath and function as entertainment workers. It’s okay to transition to something that’s just a job. Not everything you do needs to touch your soul. If it’s something you don’t mind, and it pays the bills, that’s okay! Use that stability and money to DO what actually makes you thrive. You don’t need to live to work, its okay to work to live.

“Half the battle is showing up – the other half is HOW you show up.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

Producer

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

Business Owner / Training Services Provider

How did you find your new role/position?

Self created

How did you approach the transition?

I kept an open mind – aiming to solve specific issues in the industry and eventually across industries. I stayed humble and open to learning. I asked more questions & listened to all kinds of feedback that informed my journey.

What have been the positive aspects of the transition?

I have more control over my life which is important to me as a parent. I am mentally and creatively stimulated in a way that is super fulfilling to me.

What are/were the challenges and how did you overcome them?

I have had a lot challenges!! But mainly it was about learning how to operate outside of entertainment – the culture, the expectations, the procurement opportunities.

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

So basically what I do now plays to my skills as a producer. I just do it in a different way: collaborating, building stories, understanding audiences, understanding media distribution and production.

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Half the battle is showing up – the other half is HOW you show up. Sometimes in transition we feel like we are gasping for air but take the time to slow down and spend time doing what resonates for you.

“Let other people help you. Most people enjoy being of service when they can.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

Makeup Artist

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

Analyst – Office Staff

How did you find your new role/position?

Word of mouth

How did you approach the transition?

I took career counseling from the Entertainment Community Fund to discover what I might enjoy and be good at.

What have been the positive aspects of the transition?

Less stress, both physical and mental.

What are/were the challenges and how did you overcome them?

The first job I took was not the one for me. I stayed there 18 months while I obtained a state teaching license.

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

The Entertainment Community Fund work program helped me to understand how my skills might translate. They are pros at this.

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Let other people help you. Most people enjoy being of service when they can. Be patient. Make a budget and keep an open mind about what you really need to live.

“Making less money but having a higher quality of life is worth more to me now than a higher paycheck.”

What was your previous entertainment industry role/position?

Props Person

Into what role and in which area did you transition your career?

Multiple roles including wedding/event decorator and freelance home stager for real estate. Trying to get into teaching weekend art classes through my city’s Rec and Parks department.

How did you find your new role/position?

I thought about what I did as a props person – working with furniture and items, having an eye for detail and an enjoyment of helping create events and then started looking at what jobs use those skills. I had a friend who does wedding photography who suggested wedding events and I have always wanted to try a city art class, so I thought, why not apply?

How did you approach the transition?

I started by reaching out to event companies in my area to see if they needed set up crew or even someone to lead teams for event set up. I also realized pretty quickly the pay was going to be really different than what I used to make, so I know that I had to do a new budget that reflected the change. For the real estate staging, I actually called realtors my family had used and kept asking around! I showed pictures of shows and pieces I had worked on to demonstrate my work.

What have been the positive aspects of the transition?

While I sometimes still work long hours, it is not as demanding physically. I also really enjoy the opportunity to have different types of work and get to travel a bit while also sleeping in my bed every night.

What are/were the challenges and how did you overcome them?

Challenges are definitely still financial as my family makes lifestyle adjustments. But now, I set my own hours now and it’s a huge relief. If I can’t take a job, I don’t and I worry much less about burning a bridge as I freelance. I am beginning to see how much happier I am doing my own thing rather than waiting for the next gig to come to me.

Can you give any practical examples of how you adapted your experience/job titles into skill sets for your resume?

When I was speaking to the event companies, I highlighted my eye for detail, color, and work ethic. I also told them about my experience leading a team, organizing multiple projects under tight deadlines and my quick fix capabilities (I know my adhesives!). I actually put adhesives in a “special skills” section in my resume! It has gotten some looks but always starts a conversation!

Is there any advice you’d like to share?

Making less money but having a higher quality of life is worth more to me now than a higher paycheck.