Obtaining a work visa, prior to getting a job...?

I am just curious how to go abouts getting a temporary work visa for the States. Obviously I know some of the answers, TN, H2B, H1B..

Quick Backstory:
Next spring (2010), I am hoping to audition for a role in a theatre/stage show. The only thing is, is that to have a chance to be hired (get the part) you have to be eligible to work in the US for them to consider you. At this moment I am not. I live in Canada and would be returning to Canada afterward, with no intention of staying (the show is 4 months long, including rehearsals). As I am returning to school for the next 3 years. I am qualified to do it, but need the to be eligible to work in the states before I even consider auditioning. I will also try contacting the company, but I know other Canadians have auditioned previously without a visa (or eligibility to work in the states) and have not made it for those reasons. This show is a once in the lifetime experience (and one time experience), and I'm hoping that I'll be able to at least be considered.

I have heard of travel working visas, but you need to be a student beforehand (I will be one afterward). As well, I have looked into temporary working visa's with no luck so far. Anyone have any idea where to start? What to apply for? If this is possible? Is there anyway to apply for a get a visa, prior to actually having a job?

You'll need the job offer first in order to get a work visa. The audition should not be a problem however, as you would not need a visa for this.

Even if you were to get a work visa thru some other job, you would still need to switch visas to do the show.

Sounds like the theatre company doesn't want the hassle and expense of having to sponsor for visas.

Unfortunately, there is no category available to you that I can think of that you can get a work visa on your own, without employer sponsorship.

Sorry.

unrelated to the work issue, how does one go about applying for a student visa? what are the restrictions on student visas? Are they overly expensive and is there a tedious process involved with getting one? thanks very much!

You get admitted to a school, scholl gives you paperwork (i-20), you go to border.

You would have to be admitted into the college academically otherwise there should not be any applicable visa restrictions to obtain an I-20.

You would be obligated to abide by the regulations set out for F-1 Status when you receive your I-20 and admitted into the U.S. There were new rules set out after 9/11 so if you drop out of your program and don't tell the college or university, the institution is required to notify CBP that you are no longer in Status. Then you could become deportable or subject to expedited removal.

The I-20 is often conditional upon the proof of funds sufficient to pay for college and room and board, which often exceed $36,000 or more for the first year. Check with the applicable college to verify their policy and/or tuition requirements.