Messages

1

Tools of the Trade / Re: What goes inside a SM Kit?

« on: Nov 12, 2011, 03:20 pm »

NOOOoooooo...... Masking tape is EVIL! Especially the cheap kind. So many people use it for marking up cases and desks etc. WHITE ELECTRICAL TAPE + PERM. MARKER. Others use it for marking sets - SPIKE TAPE PEOPLE. I can see no other use for masking tape - except for set painting (when you need to mask whilst painting... and then you are better off using the expensive stuff.

HA! Now that I think of it, I haven't used masking tap since I was in middle school. Gaff is almost the simplest sign to determine if you're a 'theater person' or not. Once asked a roadie for some gaff because my shoe broke and he looked at me curious how the hell I knew what gaff was.

2

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student SM Challenge #15: Her Method is Madness

« on: Nov 12, 2011, 03:22 am »

Hey,
I'm fresh out of school and asming in an internship, rotating shows with another intern. We had this situation happen on the first show of the season and this is what I observed:

If the script/blocking allows, send the other actors with the asm to work on their material while the director and said actress work through her character choices. I feel that an SM can talk to the director to remind them of the timeline and what the SM can do to help the director out. Rehearsal is valuable time for everyone to work and if one person is holding up the show, then its time to help find multiple solutions to use the time wisely.
As for the jokes about leaving the show, that can be tricky depending on the humor/comfort level. If everyone is comfortable with each other and knows that is only a joke, then let it roll of the shoulders. If its from someone I'd think would actually walk out, then I'd address it with the director or PM.

Those with experience, whatcha think? Am I being to idealistic that we can "all just get along?" lol

3

Employment / Re: How To stand Out

« on: Aug 08, 2011, 01:00 pm »

I was in the same boat a bit ago. I was applying for SM internships everywhere under the sun with not many results. I had several interviews and follow ups but it was a few months after graduation that I finally got a good offer from the internship I'm heading to now. In the interview with the PM, she asked me a series of 'what do u prefer? this or that?" and as I responded, I relaxed and just had fun with it. It was by far the most fun I had in an interview.
 An SM from NY told me that she looked for a qualified person but also someone she could get along with and want to have a beer with at the end of the day. I believe that all the hard work I put in during college paid off but the "selling point" was my personality. I was made an offer less than 2 weeks after that if I remember correctly.

Job hunting is like dating. Both sides want good chemistry.
Both take practice and honesty.
Happy hunting!

-Alex

4

Employment / Re: To tattoo or not to tattoo

« on: Aug 08, 2011, 12:45 pm »

this was definitely helpful to read, as someone who loves tattoos (1 medium size one on shoulder) and wants more. A professor once told me 'actors never own their bodies'. As harsh as that sounds its true. Once you're cast the directors are going to decided how you look. And if you want to keep getting cast, that 'canvas' better be workable, so to speak.
As an aspiring SM, I still hold to that philosophy. If I can't cover it, I'm not going to get it done. Tiny wrist tats, they're doable. Like the others said, a watch or a chunky bracelet or arm band can do the trick.

Do the gig, be a pro 

-Alex