How to find the right mentor

What is the best way to find a mentor. I used to live in Nashville TN and well let just say that looking there would be a 'duh'. Not to mention my dad was the best at teaching me the ropes and how to roll them up. We split paths and now I live in Southern IL. I had a friend of a friend who needed some help at a local production. A small play. Then he took me to a union show, David Copperfield I think it was. Well that was it for me I was hooked again. Now there is no denial, its my calling. I worked with this guy for a few months. It became clear that he did not act professionaly. Att least not to the standards I had learned from my father. Turn out I wasn't the only one who thought so..So I join a long list of people mislead by him. Now I want to persue a career in lighting and need a new and proper mentor. I can't even find work exept when the union calls. I am tring very hard. I even put a call into Oa professor at SIU but my call was unreturned. So tll me 'How do you find a good mentor in this industry?'

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Permalink Reply by Leslie Goldberg on May 6, 2010 at 4:45pm

I've always been lucky enough to just stumble upon them. I met my 1st mentor hitch hiking when i was 16. I don't recommend doing that though...lol.

Permalink Reply by Kristina LaRocco on May 6, 2010 at 8:28pm

now thats funny

Leslie Goldberg said:

I've always been lucky enough to just stumble upon them. I met my 1st mentor hitch hiking when i was 16. I don't recommend doing that though...lol.

Permalink Reply by RICHARD P PRATHER on May 6, 2010 at 9:36pm

Hi. Years ago when I first started in this business it was also with the union. What I did was ask the steward and the leads if I could come in and work on shows that I wasn't called in for. This gave me experience and also showed the union that I was eager and willing to work. Then later on when I moved to another state and wasn't with the union I would go to local roadhouses and either volunteer for (one) show or give them a reduced rate so they too would see my abilities and put me on their call sheets. But finally I found a full service lighting company that needed new people and hired on. I always said yes to every job that came up. Wherever you can, show that you are willing to work and learn.

Permalink Reply by Kristina LaRocco on May 6, 2010 at 9:52pm

so far that has been my tactic. It earned me a chance to do a liitle work for the "Four rivers Carson Center" in paducha KY. Also a dance recidal for a local group I worked for with "The Other Guy". I just explained my position let them knw he was no longer my employer. Then I kept calling until the next show came up. Got it. But I had lots of little questions when I was planing the show and no one to turn to. turned out great though.

RICHARD P PRATHER said:

Hi. Years ago when I first started in this business it was also with the union. What I did was ask the steward and the leads if I could come in and work on shows that I wasn't called in for. This gave me experience and also showed the union that I was eager and willing to work. Then later on when I moved to another state and wasn't with the union I would go to local roadhouses and either volunteer for (one) show or give them a reduced rate so they too would see my abilities and put me on their call sheets. But finally I found a full service lighting company that needed new people and hired on. I always said yes to every job that came up. Wherever you can, show that you are willing to work and learn.

Permalink Reply by Ray Castro on May 7, 2010 at 6:04pm

Hey,
I've found that "cutting your teeth" at a rental house works. I started working at one and made a lot of good contacts. I was recently laid off but thanks to all the contacts I made I'm staying very busy. Sometimes people need to see what you can do to take a chance. Just keep it at it.

Permalink Reply by Kristina LaRocco on May 7, 2010 at 10:46pm

So how would I go about locating all the rental houses? Ooo how do I find somewhere to buy the gels? Southern IL isn't exactly an entertaing area.

Permalink Reply by Kristina LaRocco on May 17, 2010 at 10:12pm

Thanks! I will always be willing to learn. It’s one of my dominate traits. I wish I owned my own Library! In the mean time I keep looking for alternate means of education. Keep up all this good advice! I crave more.

I am accepting applications for the open mentoring position

Permalink Reply by Christinaqu89 on December 13, 2011 at 8:43am

I think it is really improtant to find a good mentor in our life ,or I'd to say a good mentor is a good teacher , a good guide .

I am lucky in my past 23years , I met some people who teach me ,and gave me good suggestion .

My father is a obstinate person . but his strong character influenced me ,hold on , try again if you fail.

At the same time I need to give my "thanksgiving " to my teacher Mr Peng ， he is handsome , but he told me when I meet difficult I need to hold on , stand on .

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