working overseas

[lampie2728]

how can I start workicng overseas as a lighting technician. I am in the uk at the mo and am looking to go anywhere to speaks english. I do mostly theatre lighting and have just finished working for the rsc in the westend. where is the best place to look for contacts?

[mutley]

Two years ago I was working in a holiday resort complex in Lanzarote, and before that, I was working on a world cruise...

Is that the sort of 'overseas' you're after, or something more concert or theatre based?

 

It all depends on your experience, background, and most of all, your contacts! If a position does become available, it is likely that it needs to be filled on a "right now!" basis. Do you have commitments here in the UK that you would need to organise first, or could you just pack your bags tonight and fly out tomorrow?...

 

To be able to give even a half-decent response, people will need more info, but then this may become a 'personal' thread.

 

Basically though, you need to decide what sort of work you want to do (or more importantly, have sufficient relevent experience in) - cruise ships, holiday resort, touring theatre/shows, concerts, TV/film, theatre (what scale?), etc. A lot of English-speaking shows/resorts/ships use English-speaking technicians. Find out what agency supplies their staff and apply to them, making sure you "wow" them to even be considered...

 

Be prepared to go the the other end of the country, just to go to an interview, or a venue to demonstrate your abilities.

 

Agencies get a lot of people who fancy going working abroad as a way of getting a free "working holiday". But don't expect to get a lot of free time, wherever you go! It's quite likely you'll be working long hard shifts, 6-7 days a week, with barely enough time to wash your work clothes before you need them again, never mind going out partying!

Only if that doesn't bother you, should you even consider it...