Give yourself an Introduction
A theater professor and I were chatting about my potential involvement with a professional theater company this summer and next year, struggling with what to say to their director about who I am and why I am of value, of merit to be there as a person, not just a technician. And I've always been interested in getting involved with them, but then I found out that they're bringing Rocky Horror back to Columbus and I was all in.They have plenty of technicians that can sing, dance, and act, too and I can do none of those things to a people-pay-to-see-this-worthy extent. I can dance a bit, but I'm retired and out of practice and if I pursued a traditional spot in their company my audition would be early May.
So my professor told me to pretend I had been hired and was asked to introduce myself to their metaperformers. Imagine what you would say, then write about that.
I'd give my name and say how ecstatic I was to be working in the same room with such talent (trying to reel in the fan-girl) then move to this:
I'm new to a lot of things, but I'm a very fast learner. If nothing else, I'm hardworking and dedicated to my responsibilities and commitments. I'm a pharmaceutical science major at Ohio State, I'm a florist mechanic nurse tutor seamstress councilor. A good friend of mine once asked me “Ty, is there anything you can’t do?” to which I said “I’m sure there is, but give me an hour and a half and youtube and I could probably figure it out.” As artists of your type I’m sure you can relate. I've worked in health and nutrition clinics and programs in Haiti, Honduras, and The Dominican Republic with my primary state-side base being in Cleveland where I tutor high school students in Math, Science, English, GED test taking, and Spanish (of which I'm semi-fluent). I'm very young, but I've had a lot of life in my years. I'm an adventure-seeker, fearless to a decent extent and value honesty in all its forms above almost anything else.
As a technician I’ve been granted the opportunity to be the costume designer for eleven productions, and other various positions of leadership and design for what is now 50 productions. I was awarded the American College Theater Festival award of honor and merit for my costume design for “The Crucible” last fall. As for my place here, I am yours to use for whatever you need help with. Anything from coffee and laundry to assisting backstage to waiting tables, making costumes, running the soundboard, making phone calls, listening to you vent about your crappy day, anything and everything. I’m all yours. Nothing is too small or too big, it’s what I signed up for. After balancing three and four jobs at a time on top of being a full time student I’ve made a habit of making time for what is important to me. Your work is important to me. /You/ are important to me. And words cannot accurately express how honored I am to be a part of your team.
Then I'd sit down and hope for the best.
