technology and connection to theatre

I know what you might be saying. "What does a computer have to do with acting? You are a stupid fool for connecting the two." Or more likely you are saying "I guess it makes sense." Anyone involved in theatre needs to be networked with other people. As many lunches as you can eat in one day, will indeed get your name out there, and will sucessfully network you to a decent sized group of people. Now think for a moment if you had a computer how much easier networking would be. "what do you mean?" let me explain in a few examples.
Your memory is good, of course it is you are an actor, so when you go out to lunch with someone or have an audition you of course can remember every name and phone number you ever get, and you will never forget those numbers ever. Right? No? A computer comes in handy for this. Everyone experiances interference with their memory, and as good as an actors shot term memory is, you will forget things. A computer can be your friend. A palm pilot or a laptop to record this information in can become handy. "why not paper?" Paper is wonderful tool, but it rips, smudges, and unless you carry around a notebook at all times it is difficult to fit all the information in those small planners. A computer can store the information faster, more efficiently, and for longer periods of time. If you also want to hold on to your paper ways the computer can print out your network cards and even create different groups of networks so you know how you know the people.
E-mail helps keep you in touch with all those networks you have made over the days/months/years. It allows simple non-discriminate communication, and is faster than letters and sometimes even calling people. "Why do I need a computer to email? Can't I just use other people's?" You can, but the information you recieve may have expired by the time you use someone elses. With your own computer you can check emails whenever you want, and with a palm pilot, where ever you want. Increasing your response time by quite a lot, making you look more interested to the people you respond to.
Internet auditions. I believe fully that you can find out what company is holding auditions for what show. The questions is how many companies can you find. With a computer you could constantly be looking up auditions, and not just for your own specialized field, but also outside of your usual market. The number of jobs available through online data searches is incredible. Plus with a computer you can not only find out where auditions are being held, but also how to get there. A problem I know many new actors face. This expands your network beyond your physical reach.
Other such pluses that can be obtained by owning a computer are: media tools (listening to that new cast recording); you tube ( seeing how shows are done); research (online databases stuffed with goodies for the character you are researching); local restaurants (for those lunches); and news (so that in the future you will know the source material of the plays).
So in conclusion, actors may not need computers, but computers do increase an actors odds and in a world where we are slowy shifting to computer dominence, who knows someday you might not be able to get hired without one. Best start learning now!!!