I’ve talked a lot about how nice it is to not always be broke anymore, but that’s also extended into some of my work options too. While I’m still all about getting the best deals possible, there are some splurges that are part of my work supplies now that definitely weren’t at the beginning of my career.

Express Pants 

The debate regarding which pair of black pants is the best among female stagehands can get pretty fierce. They’re a fairly expensive necessity and over the years I’ve gone through all sorts of pairs to find ones I actually like. For a hot second, Old Navy carried a pair of cargo pants that were amazing, but a little too lightweight to hold up to the wear and tear of theater work. For many years, my go to pair was the Kohl’s black boot cuts.

Before our opening night this year, I splurged on a pair from Express during their semi-annual sale and I love them so much I bought another pair later in the year at full price.

Here are some tips and tricks for keeping the cost of purchasing any black pants down.

Banana Republic T-Shirt

I didn’t expect to love this t-shirt so much, but their t-shirts are slightly thicker and just a little long, so they tuck in well.

It’s definitely in the splurge category, because its a $20 shirt and the Target $10 or less Mossimo brand t-shirt is nearly as good, it’s just not as thick.

Bluetooth Speaker

I started to notice a few years ago that some high tech items were being expected of me, and I definitely do not think this should be norm for companies. However, after doing several gigs where owning a Bluetooth speaker would’ve made things run much smoother, I splurged on one and threw it in my kit.

You could argue I got the thing for my own personal use, and I thought that at the time, but I really can’t recall a time I thought, let me bother with turning on this speaker instead of just using my phone at home after the first week. It’s definitely just used in rehearsals, but I have gotten enough use out of it to feel ok about the purchase.

GoPro 

On the subject of things that companies shouldn’t expect from you – I think if they’re asking for good recordings of their show while you’re on the road, they need to supply the recording equipment. I can’t tell you how many complaints I’ve gotten about the quality of my smartphone videos if I’m asked to send over a dance sequence or an act or something.

LOL. Exactly what am I supposed to do about that? Run out and buy the newest phone every time it comes out so my work videos stay crisp? (And don’t even get me started on what a pain it can be with the internet in so. many. places. to get those videos uploaded. Anyway. I digress.)

Years ago, an ex gave me a Flipvid for some holiday or my birthday and that thing was freaking amazing. I loved using it for work. I lasted about 5 years and I was willing to get another because it had been so useful and you know what I found out? They don’t make them anymore!

So, despite how irritated I am that requesting video without providing any way to shoot the video is a thing, I am also aware that having a video to point to when trying to block someone new in or even to review myself to make sure I’m not losing my mind about something is actually very valuable.

And because the circus ring is pretty wide and the frame needs to pick up what’s happening on the ground and what’s happening in the air, and because I make more than I used to, I splurged on a GoPro.

…not to figure out how to store all those massive video files without crashing my computer.

 Training

You might not think of training as a splurge, but it can definitely get a little costly. Throughout my whole career, I’ve always made sure my CPR & First Aid certifications were up to date.

Lately though, I’ve been setting a goal of adding 2 resume skills a year and the easiest way to do that is to fork over some money and do some kind of training class. You can definitely pick up a lot of skills for free, but I’m also happy that I do things like see our OSHA compliance needs a little work and spring for the class on my own.

Where do you think the line should be drawn regarding what theater companies can reasonably expect you to have as a stage manager? Did you ever upgrade your “tool kit” in your own occupation over time?