Paying the Bills

Jump-start your theatre career this summer from anywhere with an Internet connection at Center Theatre Group's free, virtual professional development series. Designed for current college and university students studying theatre but open to all, the Working in Theatre Summer Series is a 10-week course focused on the skills and knowledge emerging professionals need to build a career in live theatre.

This week, we are joined by Jessica Champagne Hansen and Michael A. Shepperd to discuss managing your job(s) and finances as an early-career theatre professional. Learn more about investing in your career, creating a budget, and learning and fighting for your financial worth as an artist.

Panelists:

Jessica Champagne Hansen is full time Faculty at East Los Angeles College and runs the Costume discipline in the Theatre Arts Department. In her time at ELAC, she has created a costume emphasis for the AA Theatre Arts Degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Costume Design and Construction, with over 11 new courses in costuming and makeup. Jessica is a Guided Pathways Facilitator and serves on multiple committees on campus.

Michael A. Shepperd is currently the Artistic Director of Los Angeles’ multiple award-winning Celebration Theatre, as well as a producer, director, and actor. CT credits include: The Boy from Oz, Bootycandy, The Color Purple, Four, The Women of Brewster Place, Take Me Out, Coffee Will Make You Black, [title of show] and numerous others in his 10-year career at the theatre.

Resources and Suggested Pre-Reading

Learn more about the Working in Theatre program.