The Tommy in the Family

(Originally posted August 6, 2013)

Sound Engineer

AV Technician

Technical Director

Stage Hand

Lighting Designer

...all job titles that some people just don't understand what they are. If you work in AV, production, theater or the like - you know when it comes to explaining your job to some family members they just don't know what you are talking about. Unless they are familiar with the industry just get comfortable with the fact that they will never know what you do. After trying to explain AV Technician to an aunt once I gave up and just said I install cable. My mom thinks I work at a school doing "computer stuff" and my in-laws have stopped asking.

I am the Tommy in the family.

What do I mean by that? In the 90's there was a show called Martin starring Martin Lawrence and one of the characters was named Tommy. For the entire show series it was a running joke that Tommy didn't have a job because no one knew what he did. I now know how he felt when he responded to their comments over and over again with "I GOT A JOB!" Yes - I too have a job family members and friends! I am a Technical Director! And what is that you ask? I work with performers & event planners on their show specs; put together quotes based on their rider; make sure all the gear is in-house for the show date(s); schedule sound check and rehearsal; make sure the crew knows their call time; operate sound, video and/or lights for the show; help with load in/out; make sure all rentals are returned and bill back services as needed. What is so hard to understand?!

I know some folks just wont understand....and parents just don't understand...... I bet Pacy would though. OK, I'm getting carried away with the 90's references.

And that's not all - I married a Tommy as well. People think my graphic design husband "does magazines and signs and stuff".

I would keep writing on this extremely serious and important matter but I do have to go to work.

Cheers!