Messages

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: set changes

« on: Jun 07, 2007, 07:10 am »

Thanks.

Generally what I do is run a shift once, and see what happens. Then depending on how well it went, I'll assign certain tasks to everybody, and make sure everybody knows never to run during a shift, and once you're done moving an item get off stage.  I find that giving people a time goal keeps them from hanging around on stage once they've moved an item, and by saying 30 seconds, people don't run because everything can fit into that time, no problem.  Of course, if the shift is just moving a chair, we don't take 30 secs. 

Some people have brought up good points about not interrupting the flow of the show by having super fast changes or leaving an empty stage while cast members change costumes.  I'll definitely take those points into account with this show.

Kate

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: set changes

« on: Jun 05, 2007, 07:32 am »

I'm not sure how many people I have yet, I'm still at college for another couple of weeks, the producer just emailed me and asked if I would organise the shifts.  I'm waiting to hear what the set looks like and who I have on crew.  They're definitely not getting paid.  I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible so when I get there I can be of use.
The reason I ask about reasonable scene change times is that in the past I've had crews who have never done theatre before, and they think I'm crazy when I tell them we need to construct a house on stage in 30 seconds.  I picked that time because with a couple of practices it is easily attainable, but I would like to cut down on time even more this time around.
Thanks for the responses!
Kate

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / RUNNING: set changes (how long is too long?)

« on: Jun 04, 2007, 05:28 pm »

What is the maximum time people set for scene changes?  I have always told my crews that everything is done in under 30 seconds, and we've always managed to do just that.  But should I be setting higher goals?  Obviously, if a change can be done in 20 or 10 that's great but should those by my standards?  I'm talking mainly community theatre here.  Thanks for any opinions!
Kate

4

SMNetwork Archives / help! advice, listeners, something!

« on: Mar 09, 2006, 07:54 am »

Hi -
That's a tough situation you're in.  It does sound like you and you're fellow techies/actors are still grieving for your old director.  And it sounds like she probably died suddenly, if the cause of death was a blood clot.  Try and put yourself in this new directors shoes though.  She's new, inexpierenced it sounds like if she used to be a middle school choir director, and taking the spot of another beloved director.  That's also hard.  I've seen a new band director and spanish teacher get driven away from my HS because the students missed the old teachers and made the new ones miserable.
 As for what to do in this situation, talk to her.  See what expierence she has had directing theatre, and what type of theatre.  Community, high school etc.  Maybe she doesn't know that techs normally only show up for tech week.  Is there another student at your school who is interested in directing?  Would the director be interested in having an Assistant Director?  If a respected student was also partly in charge would that change people's attitudes?  
 And as for the techs etc threatening to walk out on the show, remind them that if they walk now they will be letting everybody else down, not just the director they don't like.  By all means, don't tell them they have to do shows in the future, but tey and show them how it is irresponsible to leave a show in the lurch.  Hope something there helped!
Kate

5

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PEOPLE: dealing with theatre romance

« on: Feb 18, 2006, 11:02 pm »

Hi everybody -
Question for you all.  We all know that theatre romance happens, but how do you deal with it when it occurs between members of your crew?  I have a couple of good techies, who have suddenly become far more interested in each other than the show.  It is annoying for me to have to keep dragging them back to the task at hand, and I feel bad about being a grouch, but on the other hand they have a job to do and I don't want them setting a carless example for others.  Techs are supposed to be the ones on top of things.  How do you deal with this?  Thanks!
Kate

6

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PEOPLE: help with show (too close to the material)

« on: Jan 28, 2006, 10:46 pm »

Hey everybody -
I'm on the running crew for a show at my college.  We open in a couple days.  The show is actually a bunch of one acts one after another.  I really like doing tech and the problem I am having this time is a new one for me.  One of the one acts hits too close to home for me and I can't watch it without wanting to throw up or starting to tear up.  Of course, I can't very well do tech at the same time.  Anybody ever had a similar expierence and know how to deal with it?  
Thanks!


p.s. I told the PSM that the show hits really close to home but she does not know that I can't watch it.