WORKING ON THE NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS – PART 2

While on Navigator of the Seas, I was able to chat with several theatre techs just briefly.  (As you may recall, Royal Caribbean won’t allow anyone to “officially” interview their staff.  NCL is the only cruise line I’ve found so far that is willing to support this.)
 
I met 4 technicians.  Two of whom were working the shows in Studio B, which is the ice rink(!) on board ship, and two of whom were working in the main theatre.

 
Danilo – Royal Theatre lighting tech - from Montenegro.
Willington – Royal Theatre sound tech - from South Africa. That’s the back of his head there in the photo!
Syd – Studio B sound tech – from The Philippines.
And the Studio B light tech – unfortunately I didn’t catch his name nor where he was from.

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Their backgrounds, and how they got their start in tech theatre, ran the spectrum from having purposely studied it in school, to starting out helping a friend. Willington, who was the person I was able to chat with the most, got his start with the Dubai Opera, and has had several theatre jobs around the world.  Many of which were outside concerts, which got old fast, and he longed for an inside job.  Whatever their start in tech theatre, they are now all accomplished sound and lighting theatre technicians.
 
All four technicians were on 6-month contracts, which is typical for this position.  Their work hours – as on most ships – are most enviable.  Theatre technicians primarily work afternoons and evenings.  Sometimes late evenings, but nothing out of the ordinary for a theatre person. Whereas restaurant staff, cabin attendants and other staff work 14-hour days. Willington commented how everyone wants to be on the theatre tech crew because of the hours.  We had a laugh – as if you can just work in the theatre on a whim!!!
 
All four techs clearly enjoy their jobs.  If you’re curious about jobs in theatres on cruise ships, check out the Starboard Spotlight monthly newsletter, and visit the Blog archives. 
 
If you’re serious about working on a cruise ship, consider at DISCOVERY CRUISE, where you will get a chance to visit a ship’s theatres and venues in person, and learn about the lifestyle and career choice of a ship’s theatre technician!
 
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP A TECH THEATRE STUDENT SET SAIL TOWARDS A REWARDING CAREER!  As little as $10 helps a boat load!
 
Please Like and Comment – I’d love to hear about your experiences too!