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Job outlook for producers in the United States
Producer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected producer job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 12,800 new jobs for producers are projected over the next decade.
Producer salaries have increased 8% for producers in the last 5 years.
There are over 24,087 producers currently employed in the United States.
There are 10,610 active producer job openings in the US.
The average producer salary is $72,202.
Are producer jobs in demand?
Producer job and salary trends over time
Producer jobs over time
Producer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24,087 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 20,918 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 22,491 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 20,851 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,689 | 0.01% |
Average producer salary over time
Producer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,202 | $34.71 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $70,330 | $33.81 | +3.8% |
| 2023 | $67,741 | $32.57 | +0.1% |
| 2022 | $67,684 | $32.54 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $67,051 | $32.24 | +3.7% |
Producer jobs by state
Most common states for producers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 103 | 15% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 22 | 4% |
| 3 | California | 39,536,653 | 732 | 2% |
| 4 | New York | 19,849,399 | 470 | 2% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 157 | 2% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 156 | 2% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 126 | 2% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 115 | 2% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 111 | 2% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 104 | 2% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 74 | 2% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 71 | 2% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 69 | 2% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 54 | 2% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 37 | 2% |
| 16 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 23 | 2% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 16 | 2% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 12 | 2% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 12 | 2% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 25 | 1% |
Most common cities for producers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 11 | 18% | $113,060 |
| 2 | Culver City | 6 | 15% | $94,742 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 15 | 3% | $58,052 |
| 4 | Bristol | 2 | 3% | $95,539 |
| 5 | Burbank | 2 | 2% | $95,236 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $68,639 |
| 7 | Chicago | 19 | 1% | $56,820 |
| 8 | San Francisco | 9 | 1% | $113,952 |
| 9 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $91,874 |
| 10 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $68,722 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $112,924 |
| 12 | Tampa | 4 | 1% | $49,343 |
| 13 | Glendale | 3 | 1% | $95,000 |
| 14 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $92,723 |
| 15 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $48,058 |
| 16 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $46,253 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 16 | 0% | $94,815 |
| 18 | New York | 5 | 0% | $95,295 |
| 19 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $90,098 |
Producer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of producer experts
California State University - Los Angeles
University of the Pacific
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Olympic College
LaGrange College
West Liberty University
Converse College
University of Toledo
Maryville University
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bradley University
Susquehanna University
Wagner College
Michigan State University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Connecticut College
Webster University
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Joseph Pignato D.M.A.: Dream Big. Focus pragmatically. Graduates with degrees in music, music industry, or related fields have a lot of opportunities if they cast a wide net. Look for ways your education, experiences, and skills apply in music but also in media, entertainment, fashion, sports entertainment, gaming, film, television, radio, advertising, or marketing. Employment in any of those fields could provide transferable knowledge, experiences, and skills to get graduates to achieve their ultimate career aspirations.
What Producer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Pignato D.M.A.: Inquisitiveness and adaptability. The music, media, and entertainment industries have always been marked by and will continue to experience rapid and unsettling change. Be curious and continue to learn. Professionals with wide-ranging knowledge have the scope to adapt to future scenarios in their chosen fields.
What will help Producers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Pignato D.M.A.: Flexibility. Bringing a portfolio of diverse experiences to negotiations helps you make your case.
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Uziel Colón Ramos: Find a way in and take it. Most likely, the jobs available won’t be what you expected once you are done with school. The market can be somewhat unpredictable, and the music industry is an ever-changing one. However, there is an opportunity waiting for you; you must look for it. Apply to the jobs you want and to ones that are in the vicinities. Then say yes! Once you get the new job jitters, go back, and review your notes from school, ask a friend, or use online resources to better prepare you for your first few days. Get ready to impress them, but don’t forget kindness and professionalism. Also, you will have an incredible source of knowledge in friends and family; take them out for a coffee and pick their brain. You will be surprised how many people will lend a hand if you ask them. Technology has taken communication to another level, but still nothing replaces the effectiveness of a face-to-face meeting.
What will help Producers increase their earning potential?
Uziel Colón Ramos: Make sure that you acquire as many skills as possible, and don’t stop learning once you get a job. This way you will be ready to tackle anything that comes your way. You need to be ready to wear many hats in the music universe; long are the days when you only focused on one thing. This will also give you the opportunity to have extra income by having a second job where you consult or get hired for small projects.
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Benom Plumb: Take any opportunity that is close or adjacent to what you really want to do. A career in the music industry isn’t always linear, and it’s all about getting experience and building good relationships that will lead you to your dream. One gig always leads to the next in music, so stay open-minded and keep the long game in mind.
What Producer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Benom Plumb: Maximizing salary potential when starting a career is certainly possible if someone has more experience than their entry-level peers. For example, if someone worked live shows consistently through all four years of college, they are much more likely to maximize the starting salary with an experienced resume.
What will help Producers increase their earning potential?
Benom Plumb: The music industry is built on trusting relationships, so having soft / people skills will always be #1. Aside from that, it really depends on the sector of the music industry. Staying ahead of the curve on AI developments is definitely at the top of the list, whether you’re on the creative side or business side of music. Also being skilled in industry standard technology specific to each sector (like DAW’s for creatives, MasterTour for tour management, or Quickbooks for business managers).
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Embarking on a career in news television broadcasting is a thrilling journey, filled with opportunities and challenges that will push you to grow and excel. The students must develop strong writing skills. I'd appreciate it if you could practice writing scripts for various news stories to hone your skills in delivering information effectively to your audience. They also need to focus on building a diverse demo reel. Showcase your versatility by gaining experience in different areas of broadcasting, such as reporting, anchoring, producing, and editing. And watch the news to stay informed. Stay updated on current events and what is going on in your community. Finally, practice your on-air presence. Practice in front of a camera and ask for feedback from mentors or peers. Work on your delivery, tone, and body language to build confidence and credibility on camera. One last thing, it's crucial to develop a thick skin. Journalism can be a demanding and sometimes stressful field. By developing resilience, you can handle criticism, rejection, and pressure with grace and composure, feeling more prepared for the challenges you may face.
David Elke
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
David Elke: Diversify your skills. Create a portfolio find people you can work with and make projects together. network-network-network. Attend conventions. Build real relationships off-line. Use technology but keep a human connection.
What Producer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Elke: Entrepreneurial skills. Building community. Editing and mixing for film and video. All aspects of live performance Including live sound, production, and the integration of technology.
What will help Producers increase their earning potential?
David Elke: Most of what you do in the field of music will be independent work so diversify your skills, Build and maintain contacts and raise your level of knowledge and expertise so that you can deliver the best product. Your work Is your calling card.
Dr. Brandon Vaccaro
Associate Teaching Professor of Music Coordinator, Sound Recording Technology University of Massachusetts LowellUniversity of Massachusetts - Lowell
Music
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Dr. Brandon Vaccaro: Specifically in music technology and sound recording, there is a lot of buzz about AI, particularly AI tools that can facilitate workflows. Rather than replace creatives in the field, we will likely see these tools used by creatives as part of a streamlined workflow.
Also, immersive mixing is very much in vogue, with a strong push from Apple and others to increase the amount of available content. It remains to be seen whether this will be a lasting trend or another flash in the pan.
Amy Hesketh
Full Time FacultyOlympic College
Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Division
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Amy Hesketh: Ability to work with a variety of editing software (Avid, Adobe Premiere Pro/Audition, Resolve). Screenwriting and story development.
What soft skills should all Producers possess?
Amy Hesketh: -Collaboration.
-Teamwork.
-Project management.
-Crew management.
-Professionalism.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Producers?
Amy Hesketh: -Film production.
-Videography.
-Video editing.
-Video streaming.
-Budgeting.
-Scheduling.
What skills will help Producers earn the most?
Amy Hesketh: -Certification in DaVinci Resolve.
-Motion graphics.
-Ability to create a finished, professional video from script to screen.
Dr. Mitchell Turner Ph.D.
Professor of Music, Coordinator of Digital Creative Media & Film, Coordinator of MusicLaGrange College
Music, Digital Creative Media and Film
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Dr. Mitchell Turner Ph.D.: A written resume is less important than a good sizzle reel or Spotify Playlist highlighting examples of your work. In the written resume, you might want to list the DAWs in which you are proficient (Logic, ProTools, Ableton Live, etc.), also list the instruments you play. Being fluent in at least one DAW (Logic, ProTools, Ableton Live) is critical. However, you should be able to work in all three. You might highlight your artist coaching ability.
Dr. Matthew Harder
Professor, Director of Music TechnologyWest Liberty University
Department of Music and Theater
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Dr. Matthew Harder: The most impressive credential on a Music Producer's resume will be the list of projects and artists you've worked with. This is also the most challenging for a young and inexperienced student who has just graduated. That's why it's so important to be open to collaborations and be proactive when opportunities arise. In a university setting, some of the best opportunities occur outside of class - a graphic design student needs music for an animation they're working on, a music student wants to record audition material, etc. Keeping track of these projects is a great way to start building your professional resume.
What soft skills should all Producers possess?
Dr. Matthew Harder: Do your best to be positive and accommodating while still remaining true to your own ideals about music. Disagreements will still occur, however. The old saying, "the customer is always right," is a good starting point, but you can also offer suggestions based on your own experience. Also, network, network, network.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Producers?
Dr. Matthew Harder: Make it your job to know at least a little bit about everything. You will also need to be able to learn new gear/software/techniques quickly on the job.
What skills will help Producers earn the most?
Dr. Matthew Harder: That depends on your career goals, but the most important skill is adaptability. Take the gigs that come along. Do the extra work to impress someone in your chosen field. Meet as many people as you can and be friendly. Finally, be a good musician. Being able to perform music in some capacity will serve you well throughout your career. Gigging is an excellent "side-hustle" to complement your studio work, freelance composing, etc., etc.... even if you have a full-time job!
Christopher Vaneman
Director of the Petrie School of Music; Associate Professor of FluteConverse College
Converse College’s Petrie School of Music
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Vaneman: Our music education majors, who have been preparing to teach music in school classrooms, are doing fine: flexibility is of the essence for them, since they need to be comfortable teaching online and accommodate themselves to social distancing requirements. But there are plenty of jobs out there for them.
The same is true of music therapists: they're having to adapt all the ways they interact with clients, but they're finding work both in the southeast and throughout the country.
Performers, songwriters, and composers are having a tougher time with it, thanks to the pandemic. Established groups and artists who had already established an online presence have been able to successfully monetize that presence, but younger artists entering the field have found themselves in a temporary holding pattern. They're like a bunch of airliners circling around a crowded airport, waiting for a chance to access a runway.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Christopher Vaneman: As far as place, performers and composers have been pouring out of Brooklyn and Manhattan for more than six months now. "Place" is online in 2020 and 2021. All those with the online skills to prepare audiences for themselves in '21-'22 will find audiences all over the country waiting for them, and eager to gather in concert halls again.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Deborah Orloff: Working remotely and meeting via Zoom (and similar video conferencing platforms) is obviously a huge trend, and I expect it to continue.
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Deborah Orloff: Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and new technology has become more important than ever! Creativity and entrepreneurship are also very important!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Deborah Orloff: Large cities (like New York) have always offered the most opportunities, and I expect that to continue. However, with companies downsizing and consumer demand being lower due to the pandemic, entrepreneurs can do well anywhere!
Scott Lyle
Director of the Music Program, Assistant Professor of MusicMaryville University
College of Arts & Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Producers?
Scott Lyle: My assessment is no. Will the graduates remember and be forever affected by the impact of COVID-19? - Yes undoubtedly. But will the pandemic make our graduates less resilient? - No, I believe they have indelible foundations and a strong drive to succeed and influence their respective futures as well as the future of our global society.
What experience really stands out on Producer resumes?
Scott Lyle: Proof of comprehensive fluency and immersion in all of one's musical abilities and a strong foundation in academic understanding. An acquired knowledge of the technology mentioned above is no longer a "plus," but a necessity. The more diverse one's academic and performance portfolio is, the more recognized and prized the jobseeker will be.
Kevin Hartman
Chair, Department of Music, Professor of Music, TrumpetUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Department of Music
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Kevin Hartman: First, we have to take a broad look at careers in music. When we think about careers for students who major in music we immediately think about performance, and our second thought is probably music education. While those remain viable options for some of our students, there are many other paths students can take. There are dozens of opportunities - arts administration, instrument building and repair, music cognition research, music criticism and journalism, and stage management are just a few from that extensive list. The vast majority of performers are independent contractors but other music careers - administration, publishing, technology, education - are most often set up in a traditional employer/employee framework.
With that broader view in mind we can look at what has changed in 2020 and what the industry could look like going forward. Opportunities for performers have obviously been limited by the current public health crisis, but as the COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out many of those opportunities will return. I think that audiences will be eager to get back into the concert halls, theaters, and clubs, and we'll see a revitalization of live music performance. That being said, some smaller arts organizations and some popular music venues will be casualties of the pandemic. However, the pandemic has also increased awareness and usage of recording and music production technologies in ways that may be permanent, and careers are now being built around new platforms and new ways of presenting performance to the public.
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Kevin Hartman: For performers the resume is essentially just an experience tracker. The quality of performance is the real determining factor as to whether a musician will work or not. But for jobs that have traditional interviews much of the work student musicians do correlate directly with many universally desirable skills. Students who perform chamber music are imbued with leadership, communication, organization, collaboration, and time management skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Kevin Hartman: For the most part, the professional arts world exists in cities. Highly-skilled freelance performers can earn a living in medium to large cities, and full-time work in the arts (outside of performance) is primarily found in cities. However, K-12 music education happens in virtually every school district in the country, and most universities have very high music education placement rates.
A growing exception to the "arts in cities" general rule is in fields based in electronics - recording, composition (including film and video game composition), and even small publishing ventures can happen anywhere there is an internet connection. Again, most of this work is freelance and entrepreneurial, but it is certainly a growing area of the music industry.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Producers?
Dr. David Vroman: Music is a strong reflection of our daily lives through all kinds of interactions, so the isolation students have had to endure will help them to value many activities that were quite often taken for granted. Collaborative music-making as well as traditional family gatherings will be looked at in a more vital and positive way for years to come. (Don't some say you don't know what you have until it is taken away?) Young people who emerge from the pandemic with a positive attitude and relentless work ethic will be the ones who help all of us overcome the difficulties in the music fields. It won't be easy but it has never been easy.
What type of skills will young Producers need?
Dr. David Vroman: Successful young graduates will not only need the expertise and experience required for their field of study, they will also need to be passionate collaborators and creators. Successful music careers, regardless of the field, are built on day-to-day success that continues to grow over time. Those who embrace creativity and new problem-solving methods will be attractive whether they are going to be teaching, performing, composing or working in the music industry.
Craig Stark Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Department Head of CommunicationsSusquehanna University
Communications Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Craig Stark Ph.D.: Probably more remote work opportunities. I would expect many employers will find it more cost-effective to have employees work from home or remote sites, which means employees have to have a good working knowledge of time management and technical skills.
What Producer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Craig Stark Ph.D.: If a graduate needs to take a gap year from work, the best thing I think they could do is stay involved with the industry. Subscribe to email and text updates from trade magazines, follow regulatory agencies like the FCC and FTC online, and stay in touch. Maintain contact with anyone that you've networked with and attend any virtual job fairs or conferences that you can. Use the time to practice and hone any technical or professional skills that you're interested in. The most important thing is to stay up-to-date and involved as much as you can, so that when the gap year is over it will be easier to get back into the swing.
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Craig Stark Ph.D.: Be flexible and willing to change goals and perspectives. The industry is constantly changing and evolving but fortunately you can do anything with a communications degree. Use that flexibility to your advantage and do the best you can to prepare for any industrial, professional, and personal changes in your life.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Thomas Juneau: I'm asking myself these same questions! Given the pandemic, I think we are going to see a trend of audience members who really want to go to a performance but might be afraid to. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the hybrid model (in-person/online) of presentation for all engagements. Whatever your project is, how can you hybridize the presentation?
I've been working on keeping all of my groups moving and growing. I'm a conductor/composer, and I have a wonderful position at Wagner College where I oversee 175 singers. I also have a full-time church job at Saint Joseph's, Carteret, and a wonderful community choir, Summit Chorale. The most important way to keep things growing and moving is sincere communication and hard work. As you can see, which I mention later, I have diversified my resume.
I also think that, post-vaccine, we will be in a new, bright era for the arts. So performances will be on the up!
For those looking for teaching, church, or club gigs, they will all return, so make yourselves competitive! Practice your piano, or take voice lessons regularly. Learn how to play for yourself while singing and not be nervous about it. But if nothing else, practice. The new world will see a lot of new talent, and you will need to be able to compete. And remember, while you may have those one or two skills you are proud of, diversify and think about what other skills in the area of the arts and music you can strengthen. You don't have to be an expert at all of them!
I'm trying to use Zoom to my advantage. With that type of direct contact, a musician can literally have conversations with their audience.
We will all continue to see the need for hybrid engagement in our workplaces. So become fluent in digital media, especially Zoom, Google Classroom, and digital recording, for example. Find a friend who knows something about this, take them out for a beer (outside with a heater!), and ask for help. You'll be glad you did.
What Producer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Juneau: If a graduate needs to take a gap year, then work on diversifying your music resume. Practice your piano (a lot!). Think about what other areas of music you are interested in. If it's digital music, ask some friends and colleagues what they do, get the software subscription, and get to work. As a composer, find your favorite pieces of music, get the musical scores, and copy them down! So many of the famous composers learned how to write by getting a notebook and copying down the music of their predecessors. It's a great way to learn structure and orchestral color.
For those who want to do live performance, work on making a digital performance notebook. Record yourself practicing, and when you think something is good, try it out by sending it to a few people. You may have friends who are into digital work and might want to help you make a video. The great thing about the arts is that we work better when we work TOGETHER. The term "one man show" should really be called the "best team show"! I love working with people, and it took me a long time to learn that a great team is worth everything. Most of my college instructors thought it was always a one-man show, so I've always worked to build teams. I think it has paid off greatly in my career!
What general advice would you give to a Producer?
Thomas Juneau: DIVERSIFY YOUR MUSIC RESUME! I personally believe that musicians need to continue to do what musicians always do - adapt to the world they are working to make art and a career in. Diversification of musical and artistic skills is always the best thing an aspiring musician can do to adapt. Those who are experts in digital music should take time to practice their piano, and traditional musicians need to become experts (albeit reluctant) in the digital mediums of the modern world. While social media is still a good way to market one's self, the traditional means of networking are still the best. Think about who you know, who you studied with (even your kindergarten music teacher, you never know!), and send them your work, your thoughts, and your dreams. Odds are that it will inspire them to help you and to help you network. Remember, ALWAYS keep it positive. The world of music is as much about building and maintaining personal and professional bridges as it is about the music itself.
Anonymous Professor
Director of Career Services and Music EntrepreneurshipMichigan State University
College of Music
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Anonymous Professor : Typically opportunities are concentrated around urban areas, but the answer to this depends on what field you are in. For instance, many jazz musicians find the bulk of opportunities in New York City. Recording tends to be concentrated around Nashville and Atlanta. Film and studio work is most prevalent in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the pandemic has taught us that many creative products can be produced from anywhere.
Dr. Carolyn Sanders
Professor of MusicUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Music
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Dr. Carolyn Sanders: A bachelor's degree in music from an accredited institution is always a major plus. Beyond this, and separate from the specific technical skills required in each of these career categories in music, the attributes that really stand out in a universal way are the application of creativity and communications skills. In this pandemic-influenced environment, prospective music-oriented employers seek employees who can exercise flexibility and creativity in their approach to marketing their services in unique ways that best suit the virtual environment. Highly-developed communications skills have always been important in the job market. During the pandemic, where the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas face-to-face is limited, first-rate communications skills, both verbal and written, are even more critical.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Carolyn Sanders: Landing a job in the music field has always required that one be particularly flexible in connection to job location. This is true to an even greater degree in the current environment. As related to the jobs listed above, some of the largest metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Austin, and Atlanta, stand out as providing the most optimum opportunities for well-qualified musicians.
What type of skills will young Producers need?
Heidi Henderson: At present in the dance world, there are zero opportunities for entering dancers, no matter their skills. Company dancers are laid off, and studios are closed.
What experience really stands out on Producer resumes?
Heidi Henderson: All dancers need to find work beyond dance in order to pay rent, food, student loans, and such. So in this climate, skills that allow a dancer other work are essential. Most of our dance majors are double majors. Dance jobs are obtained by connections and auditions rather than resume. We provide our students with guest artist experiences that help to connect them to the dance world beyond Connecticut College. Summer workshops also provide connections. Dancers graduate from college and then head to a city of their choice, begin to take classes with choreographers they are interested in working with, and make their own work to perform in showcases. It takes some time - sometimes years - to be seen. In this time of Covid, it will take even longer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Producer job market given the pandemic?
Lara Teeter: The most obvious trend is that "Virtual Theatre" is not going to be going away. In addition to television, film, Broadway & Regional theatre, cruise line and theme park work...our students and professionals alike have had to hone special skills in both the performance and technical aspects of virtual theatre. The other given is that the digital audition room (video submissions and even callbacks for projects) will continue to be used by producers, directors, casting directors, and agents. This is a real money saver when you consider the cost of flying someone in (director, casting director, talent), put them up at a hotel, and then rent the space to hold the audition. I do NOT feel that the "in-room" audition will go away, but the virtual audition room is something that is here to stay!
What skills stand out on Producer resumes?
Lara Teeter: People. The casting agents, talent agencies, management companies, directors, and choreographers ALL want to know a) who you've studied with, b) who you've worked with, c) what agent represents you and, d) what casting directors keep submitting you. Broadway? Always. But if you have been part of a staged reading or if you have done a small role in a play or a musical that is being mounted in a regional house and the director or choreographer is someone who has a reputation for doing great work...that counts a lot.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Producers to find work opportunities?
Lara Teeter: Throw a rock over your shoulder and hit 20 in one throw! Literally, everywhere you turn, if you are hungry and smart, there is a place to find work. I like to use "Everything was Possible - the birth of the musical FOLLIES" by Ted Chapin as an example. He was in a position to fetch coffee for Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim, and Michael Bennett. After so many years, he was chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to run their business. He's also the co-founder of ENCORES. There are many "good places" to find work. There are also some "not so good" places to work. A young actor's journey must encounter both so that as they mature in the business, they can, hopefully, begin to choose what places/directors/organizations that they prefer to work with as well as those they don't. Until that day, however, a job is a job. The MUNY, The Glimmerglass Opera, Goodspeed, Pittsburg Civic Light Opera, Wichita Summer Musicals, Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City (these last two is where I got my start in the 1970s!), Barrington Stage, American Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Alabama Shakespeare, Seattle Reparatory Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, TX, Broadway Sacramento (formally California Musical Theatre)....the list goes on and on!