What are the best practices for building relationships with theater professionals outside of your network?

1 Identify your goals and values

Before you start reaching out to new contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. Are you looking for a mentor, a partner, a job, or a referral? What are your strengths, skills, and interests? What are your core values and principles? Having a clear sense of your goals and values will help you identify potential connections that align with your vision and avoid wasting time and energy on irrelevant or incompatible contacts.

2 Research and target your prospects

Once you have defined your goals and values, you need to do some research and find out who are the theater professionals that match your criteria. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Stage 32, Playbill, or Backstage, to search for people by name, location, role, genre, or project. You can also attend events, such as festivals, workshops, webinars, or panels, where you can meet and interact with other theater professionals. You can also ask for referrals from your existing network, such as colleagues, friends, or mentors, who might know someone who can help you or introduce you to them.

4 Follow up and follow through

After you have sent your message, you should follow up and follow through with your contact. You should not expect an immediate response, as theater professionals are often busy and receive many messages. However, you should not give up or lose interest either. You should follow up with a gentle reminder or a thank-you note after a reasonable period of time, such as a week or two, and show that you are still interested and respectful. You should also follow through with your promises and commitments, such as sending your portfolio, attending a meeting, or providing feedback. You should also keep in touch and update your contact on your progress and achievements.

5 Build trust and rapport

The ultimate goal of networking is to build trust and rapport with your contact, which will lead to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship. You can build trust and rapport by being authentic, honest, and respectful in your communication and interaction. You can also show your appreciation and gratitude for their time, advice, or support. You can also share your insights, resources, or opportunities that might be useful or relevant for them. You can also support their work and achievements by giving positive feedback, referrals, or endorsements. You can also collaborate on projects or initiatives that align with your goals and values.

6 Maintain and nurture your relationship

Finally, you need to maintain and nurture your relationship with your contact, as networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to stay in touch and communicate regularly, but not excessively, with your contact. You need to provide value and support, but not expect or demand anything in return. You need to respect their boundaries and preferences, but not be afraid to ask for help or feedback. You need to celebrate their successes and challenges, but not be jealous or competitive. You need to be flexible and adaptable, but not compromise your goals and values.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?