Messages

1

Employment / Re: UPTA's?

« on: Sep 21, 2008, 11:26 pm »

I'm considering it.  I've never been before--are there a lot of SM positions available, or is it mostly acting?

2

Employment / Re: Education Required to get a job?

« on: Sep 21, 2008, 11:25 pm »

It sounds like you've still got the experience needed, despite having a different major.  I say that if stage managing is really what you want to do, go for it!

3

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Is an AA degree enough?

« on: Sep 04, 2008, 07:18 pm »

As much as I personally believe that getting a degree is well worth it, I think a lot of it depends on what companies you'll be applying for and who you'll be applying against.  If I was choosing a stage manager strictly off a resume (ie, never having met the person) and my top two choices were someone with a BA or someone with an AA, I would probably choose the person with the BA.  Having the BA makes you a bit more marketable.  However, if you have an in to a certain company who will hire you based on having worked with you before rather than just your resume, that might be an alternative as well.  If not, I would say get your Bachelor's--it may come in handy later on, and you'll probably learn quite a bit more about stage management than you currently do.  Professors and other students are also great resources!  They might be able to help you find jobs or provide references.

4

Employment / Re: Leaving a job

« on: Aug 20, 2008, 08:05 pm »

It sounds like this just isn't the job for you anymore.  That's fine--if the company's worth anything, they'll understand.  Just make sure you give ample notice.  Helping to find a replacement wouldn't hurt either.  Just do what you can to make it a smooth transition.  That will buy you a lot of leverage.  I would also ask around within the company to see if anyone there could possibly help you with developing your lighting/sound portfolio.  If you maintain some of your current connection and leave on good terms, those people will remember and possibly help you out in the future.

5

The Hardline / Re: Being offered my card, good idea?

« on: Aug 16, 2008, 10:29 pm »

I think it also depends on where you want to work.  I'm new to New York theatre, but it seems helpful that I have my card.  However, I come from St. Louis, and there it wasn't necessary at all.

6

The Hardline / Re: ASMs as understudies

« on: Aug 16, 2008, 10:25 pm »

I would agree.  It seems like understudying would not be allowed either.

7

Employment / Resume question--current show

« on: Aug 12, 2008, 11:03 pm »

I'm a young stage manager, and I'm curious to see whether it's ok to put a current show on a resume.  The show I'm on right now does not actually open until late Sept., but I just moved to New York, and it's one of the few New York credits I have.  Is it ok to put it on, or is it better to wait until the show is actually open?

8

Tools of the Trade / Re: Headset Headaches?

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 11:53 am »

I get headaches every so often, but I find that if I just keep shifting the muff around my ear (I have extremely small ears) it helps to relieve some of the pressure.  The trick I've found is just to not wait until it hurts to shift the muff, but to do it every so often regardless.

9

Employment / Re: Dear Abby: Negotiating contracts

« on: May 23, 2008, 10:11 am »

I've always been fairly successful in negotiating the points I need.  There's always a lot of give and take, but I have yet to find a company that won't work with me on it.  I would ask politely if there's anything else they can do for you in the way of housing and travel pay; if you can prove to them that you're worth what you're asking for, I would hope they would try to reach a compromise.  If they can't or won't, I would agree with ljh007; pass on it and look for the next one.

10

Employment / AEA...to be or not to be?

« on: May 16, 2008, 11:19 am »

I've recently been offered the opportunity to receive my Equity card from a local summer theatre, but I'm not sure if it's worth taking.  I've been job hunting for awhile, and it seems that there are a lot of theatre that hope to get someone without their Equity card because it's less hassle.  Can anyone advise me on what to do?  Is it really easier to find a job with an AEA card?

11

Employment / Re: how long do you wait for a response?

« on: May 16, 2008, 11:16 am »

Usually I'll send my resume, wait a week or so, and send a follow up email inquiring as to whether or not they received my application.  Most of the time, I do get an email back stating that my application was received and they'll contact me if needed.  Beyond that, I don't generally expect a response, and I don't think it should be taken personally when I don't get one.  I would hate to be the person trying to respond to hundreds of people, and I don't think it's worth employing someone particularly for that job just to make me feel validated.  We've all worked at busy theatres, and we know how crazy things get.  If I haven't heard back and that's the worst problem I'm facing, I'm going to be ok.

12

Employment / Re: Wanting to move up in NY ranks

« on: May 07, 2008, 11:36 am »

I've been stage managing locally for a year or so and am preparing to move to NYC in August 2008.  I will be receiving my Equity card over the summer with my current theatre, but I'm not quite sure how to get started there.  Any suggestions?