1. Start small.  My first summer I did not make much money at all, especially when compared to the hours I worked.  It was a weekly stipend that covered gas, living expenses and a little extra.  The good news was that I saved all of that little extra because I didn’t have time to spend it.  An alternative to summerstock is getting a paid apprenticeship after college.  I know people who have had great experiences in apprenticeship program at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, and there are many similar programs across the country at really wonderful theaters.
2. Start humble.  True humility is knowing exactly where you stand and acting on it.  It is NOT cutting yourself short.  That is false humility meant to invoke pity.  I started in a position where my educational experience guaranteed I would be successful.  I did not aim so high that I would fail.  I also was very honest about my skill level when interviewing.  When I was hired my employers had certain expectations of my abilities, and I was then able to fulfill those expectations.  That went a long way toward starting my career.  They asked me back with a significant pay increase and promotion the following year.  There is a difference between getting a job and getting valuable experience from a job.  Experience will come with positive recommendations from your employers.
3. Sell yourself.  This is part of humility, but the positive part that is usually forgotten, so it bears an extra special ranking.  You have skills, and they are valid.  (Even if you don't have direct experience with a particular discipline, perhaps you have the skills of "ability to use logic," or "quick thinking in a moment of crisis," or "clear headed with minimal sleep," or in a tech theater the skill of "CPR and First Aid Certified" is also extremely helpful.)  Make sure you tell people what your skills are.  Do not criticize how useful your skills may or may not be.  That is for others to decide.  Do not sound like you feel guilty for sharing what your skills are.  If you aren't happy with your skills, why should they be happy enough with them to hire you?  Lay what you have out there for all to see and be proud you have it.  
4. Be flexible.  In the beginning, you may need to work outside of your desired specialty.  If you are applying for Stage Management experience, but you sew your own clothing on the side as a hobby, say so.  You may be more interesting as a potential employee if you are willing to work as a part-time ASM and part-time stitcher.  This flexibility could allow you to get experience in your exact field because your flexibility gave you an advantage over your competiton.
5. Keep a record of experience and skills you have and make it look good.  People who have good looking portfolios and resumes are much more likely to land a job than people who may have done excellent work, but have no record of it. 

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