Last March, The Guild of Scenic Artists introduced a brand new tool for its members to add to their Scenic kit, Mighty Networks. But what exactly is Mighty Networks and how can members get the most out of this new resource?
Mighty Networks is an all-in-one software platform that is specifically designed for communities like The Guild. While you can still access it via the website from a desktop or laptop, the platform’s app gives members the Guild’s wealth of resources right in the palm of their hand. You can be on the jobsite and pull up an article on how to do the very technique you are working on, watch a video from a Scenic Master on your flight to your next gig, or get advice from fellow Scenics about the next project you’re researching and sampling while you are at the mixing table.
You’ve Joined, Now What?
When you first join Mighty Networks you want to set up your profile. Let everyone know who you are, and if you like, link your website or any social media. You even earned your first badge, just for becoming a member! Badges help identify and recognize members of our community. Keep an eye out for different badges when connecting with fellow Scenics. Speaking of connecting let’s jump into our first Mighty Networks feature, The Community Hub
Get Connected: The Community Hub
In this section you’ll find standard features including our Welcome and Frequently Asked Questions, Guild Announcements, and the Paint Crew (more on that later). But the real star of the Community Hub is The Paint Sink. This is where the social features of The Guild allow you to engage with the Scenic Art community, ask questions, get guidance, and make connections.
- Chat: Here you can share current projects, lament over Scenic grievances, and connect in a more informal manner. When you join, be sure to introduce yourself here and get the conversation started!
- Forum: This is our traditional internet feed feature. This space should be used as a formal space to seek advice about our industry. Ask questions, share new tools, techniques, and other specific information. As the feed continues to be employed, users will be able to search for topics and the Forum will serve as a continuous information resource for all members.
- Member Directory: Your direct link to other members. Use the drop down options to customize your view. Choose between top contributors, new, all, or members near you. There you can click on a member to view their profile, or send a direct message.
We want to hear from you, so share your current projects in the Chat, post your paint dilemmas in the Forum, and react and respond when you see something you like or can offer a solution.
Free for all: Resources Hub
The Resources Hub is home to our collections accessible with a free public account. If you were an early joiner to Mighty Networks you will be happy to note that both the Safety and Educational directories have been completely updated and are now fully functional! These along with the Video and Library directories are provided free to the public as part of our commitment to increasing accessibility to Scenic Arts Education.
- Scenic Safety: This is where you’ll find a host of printable infographics, videos, and links to other safety resources from various categories that are specifically relevant to Scenic Artists.
- Videos: Houses curated playlist from our community on topics from color theory to celebrations of Scenic Artists. You can watch in succession on Mighty Networks or click “Watch on YouTube”. Videos created specifically by the Guild are located in the Scenic Vault which we will unlock in the next section.
- Library: The library is a comprehensive list of books with information about the skills, techniques, and history of Scenic Art. The books are arranged by topic/category.
- Educational Directory: This is a living directory of Scenic Art specific opportunities in:
- Higher Education
- Internships
- Apprenticeships/Fellowships
- Workshops/Training programs
- Teen Opportunities in Technical Theatre with Scenic Art inclusion
The information provided is routinely updated as new information becomes available.
*Pro Tip: you can collapse down a category in any directory by clicking the arrow next to the title for easier navigation.
Members Only: The Scenic Vault
This section is made just for you. Packed full of premium content produced by the Guild and exclusively for our members. Here you’ll find some familiar favorites as well as some brand new features we can’t wait to share with you.
- The Scenic Route Blog: First introduced in 2017, The Scenic Route Blog is the official publication of The Guild of Scenic Artists. Members can access the complete catalog of articles, from how-tos to Artist Spotlights and so much in between. We have some really exciting articles lined up this year and some special brand new features headed your way. If you would like to write an article or have an idea for a Blog please fill out The Scenic Route Interest Form.
- Scenic Sessions: The Craft in Conversation- This Docuseries by Andrea Heilman centers on four Master Scenic Artists: Susan Crabtree, Claire Dana, Rachel Keebler, and Karen Maness, and invites the Scenic Art community into a deeper conversation about craft, identity, and the current and future state of the field.
- The Scenic Studio Podcast: Through interviews, guest hosts, and bonus episodes, the Scenic Studio Podcast hopes to be entertaining, educational, and enlightening for anyone interested in Live Entertainment and a career in Scenic Art. Currently you can check out our pilot episode, but we need your help to keep bringing you episodes. Send us your pitch for someone to interview or get involved in the podcast production by filling out our Get Involved Form.
- Webinar Archive: Access all of our recorded webinars, including those that are part of past Webinar Summits here in this easy-to-use interactive space. Center yourself and release workday tension with Yoga for Scenics, brush up on Creating a Backdrop, get an indepth look at Art as a Business, or select from one of our many other topics.
- Roadbox: Still under construction, the Roadbox is where you’ll find recipes, build plans for paint carts, quick-tips sheets and lots of other printables to make your Scenic life easier.
Face To Face: Events
Whether virtual or in person Events is where you’ll find a variety of occasions scheduled throughout the year to engage and build relationships with your fellow Scenics. Events range from more casual gab sessions to more structured gatherings. Some of our Events include:
- On Stage Forum!: Ask questions, share stories, connect with artists across the country and this month meet the Board of Directors.
- From Portfolio to Paint Deck: Get expert tips on everything it takes to land your first or next job.
- Photo and Design Contests
- Scenic Socials
- USITT Conference & Stage Expo Specific Events
You can also find links to Guild Favorites: The Jobs Board and our Scenic Swag Shop. Search job listings, or post a new position and then swing by the shop for a new paint shirt or the latest Scenic themed merch.
We are really proud of all these features, new and old, but we need your help to make Mighty Networks really thrive. To get the most out of your membership, let us know what resources you want to see, who you want to hear from, how we can improve, what you think of the platform or get involved in the production of it all by joining the Paint Crew. The Paint Crew, located in the Community Hub, is where you can find information on the Guild’s coalition of volunteers and learn how you too can get involved.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about what the Guild and Mighty Network has to offer you a member, and remember:
The more you engage, the Mightier the platform- and our community becomes. See you at the Paint Sink!
