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Will doing a show on a cruise hinder my career?

Or I guess I should ask, Will putting a cruise show on my resume keep me from getting jobs? I'm thinking about going to an audition for Royal Caribbean in a couple of weeks, but I've heard that cruise ship performers are kind of frowned upon by stage professionals (like equity shows). So should I not put something like that on my resume if I get the job?

Public Comments

1. I would. all pros start somewhere. its a great idea so why not put it on your resume
2. i woulkd deffinnently put it on it wont hhurt your career at alll... it only means tht u have tht kind of experience but u deffninently arent going to get less jobs becuz of it
3. people who perform cruise ship shows are terrific singers and dancers and I don't see why it would not be a good credit on ones resume.. Cruise show performers also work all day as part of the Cruise Director's staff. It is very hard work.
4. As a director, I would be happy to see any experience on your resume. Go for it!
5. I don't know who told you that.. but I would disagree with them. Actually, doing shows on cruise ships is good training for other types of shows because it's a real grind. You are either doing shows or entertaining the passengers on deck on in the bars or you are in reheasal for the next show.. IT'S A REAL GRIND. I did a couple of cruise shows when I was younger. The contract was for 6 months each time. I shared a nice cabin with another musician and we got along very well. Of course, all your food is free and your costumes are furnished and a lot of people stay doing cruise shows for years . The two tours I did went something like this: I played piano and guitar for the stage shows.. played piano for lunch and supper and in the piano bar when I wasn't playing in a stage show. I also played the guitar and walked around the deck a lot playing for the passengers. Its a 24/7 grind, so if you think you are going get paid to lay out on deck and sunbathe.. then you are delusional.. you are there to WORK and they will constantly remind you of that.