Your Reputation is Everything

In an industry built heavily on relationships and reputation, as a theatermaker, your reputation is everything. 

You must present and maintain a professional ethos around you and your work, your collaborations, your work ethic and your aesthetics.

Networking is essential for all theatremakers to build connections, gain visibility, and create opportunities for themselves in the theater industry, but your reputation as a professional will sustain those opportunities over the long haul of your career.

Some Ways to Build and Maintain Your Reputation

First, I always say that the “work speaks for itself.” Always strive for excellence in your scripts, presentations, and in your collaborations. Your work may often be people’s first impression of you, so make sure to deliver and maintain high-quality work in everything you do or are associated with.

Second, make sure that your work ethic is professional. What do I mean by this?

• Be reliable and punctual. Be prepared for your rehearsals. Show up on time for all rehearsals, meetings and events, where others often depend on you. The theater world values dependability and professional conduct.
• Communicate professionally. Respond to emails promptly (my personal nemesis), do what you say you’ll do, respect other’s opinions and always clarify expectations in collaborations.
• Be open and gracious to all feedback. Accept constructive criticism; listen, and use it to improve your craft. Remember this response, “Hmm, that’s interesting. Let me thing on that for a bit. Thank you.”
• Be open to changes. When three different people point out the same scene with differing criticisms, you may have to look at that moment again with an open mind. Your audience is catching something that you should know. Nothing should be precious.
• Always acknowledge the contributions of others and express gratitude for opportunities, advice and support. It’s a small sandbox, and everyone likes a team player.
• Maintain your integrity at all times. Your honesty and transparency in your dealings with others in this industry will serve you well over your career. People have long memories, and everyone knows each other.
• Support your peers. No one advances alone, and by attending others performances, readings, and workshops you’ll be making those collegial friendships that often pay off later in innumerable ways.
• In other words, build relationships and meaningful connections in this industry, not transactions. People are never to be viewed as “stepping stones.”
• It takes time. It always takes longer than you think, and costs more than you planned.

Respect other’s time and boundaries. As artists we never have enough time in our lives; understand that with every request you make of a colleague, you’re asking them to part with a precious bit of their time to give to you. Show your appreciation and accommodate their schedules.

Stay positive in your outlook. We all have bad days, even bad years (or decades). We may feel like a cloud of misfortune has permanently taken up residence in our life. Yet, still remember that we chose this life, and being a part of this industry isn’t easy. You may need to supplement your life (and income) with another pursuit for a while. Whatever you do, being a “Debbie Downer” will never help in doing anything except isolating you from others.

Finally, a pro keeps growing. Attend workshops, masterclasses, and seminars. Read books to spur your creativity or to learn something new. Demonstrate your commitment to learning and honing your skills. Not only will you be a more interesting person, this is how you meet other professionals who will respect your knowledge and experience.

Community is Important

You will be known by the company you keep. Make sure that your circle is known for their professional integrity and for their good work. One of the good things about adulthood is that we can choose with whom we spend our time and our collaborations.

Choose wisely.

And if you’re interested in learning more about the community here at CreateTheater, get on our email list to participate in our professional theater company.