To move or not to move?

[elspeth]

I've been invited to applyh for a job at a theatre in Cambridge and I really don't know whether to or not! It's only an application, no guarantee of interview much less the job. It'd be to run a theatre there, which'd be fab.

On the other hand Cambridge is a long way. I'd have to sell my flat and I probably wouldn't be able to afford a comparable one in Cambridge because it's that much more expensive. The theatre is a good one but it's not of the calibre of the one I'm working in at the moment - which is also a venue that's very close to my heart and is just in the process of reopening after a refit so there's masses to do where I am. The money in Cambridge'd be a bit better but I'm not sure it'd be enough better to cover the relative expense of living in the south. My family are here but my friends are spread over most of the country so although I wouldn't see my family so much I wouldn't fall out of contact with friends.

To apply or not to apply? It'd be a good opportunity, but I really don't know if it'd be financially or practically sensible.

[lostinidlewonder]

It always depends on what you are offered. If the work in Cambridge is no different to the work you are in now, then why bother going? If there are challenges and things to learn from working in a theatre in Cambridge then go for it! Expenses are of course an important consideration, there is no point just eating bread and butter every day to break even.

The theatre you are in at the moment seems to be picking up and reopening so why leave it? Why not help build it back up? If you are passionate about it then you are in the right place. You should move on if you get bored, unchallenged, find it too easy but it sounds like where you are there is a lot of developments happening. If you are too comfortable you cannot learn enough though.

And not seeing family? I for one couldn't deal with that hehe.

[arensky]

1. Theatre in Cambridge is not as good as yours is now.

2. Cambridge pays better but cost of living there is higher.

3. Your current theatre is brand new in a sense, as it's reopening after a remodel

4. Friends spread out but UK has extensive rail system that works (jealous  ) family is where you are now (North I presume).


Stay where you are! 

[johnny-boy]

Flip a coin. That always worked for me.

If you're considering moving anyway, why not submit applications all over, then select the best prospect. Maybe you’ll find an opportunity you can’t turn down.

Sorry, I wasn't much help, was I?

Best, John

[elspeth]

Hmm, I still don't know... I filled the appilcation in but I'm still not convinced that overall it'd be sensible. We'll see what happens... there are pros and cons to it like everything else... gahh, hate decisions like this!

[pianistimo]

sounds like you would have more control over what goes on at the theater.  after many years of working for others - you'd be working for yourself.  perhaps finding out what the budget is would convince or unconvince you.  how much do you think it will take to run a decent theater?  or, do you also plan on doing some fund raising, too, which i think you're probably good at.  here in philly - seems that many theaters work out of the goodness of their hearts.  the drive to create some interesting shows.  but, there is always competition around the corner.  maybe finding out the competing theaters in the general area, too?  it's probably not like they have to be mortal enemies.  maybe a 'coming together' is sort of what is needed - to support each other.  you know - a way to work out a trade occasionally of talent.  or is this a 'no no' in the theater business?

you seem to be talented enough, and business savy enough to run your own theater.  maybe you're also not sure how much time you are willing to invest only in that pursuit.  perhaps you are wise to think about this and the return that you will get.  are you personally happy no matter the financial return - or will the up and down risks balance each other enough to cover losses when they happen?  what if you also told them that to accept the position - you would also need a teaching contract for drama or theater arts/set creations/costumes.  if you create these things inhouse - don't you save a lot of money?  or do theaters pass things around and old ones have closets full of stuff?