Messages

1

The Hardline / Re: Half Hour Call

« on: Jan 19, 2009, 05:29 pm »

In tech, I usually give actors about 15 minutes to get to the stage, unless I know that costumes will take longer.  If we're doing runs before 1st preview, I give them a half hour so they can get into the pattern.  My director and lighting designer asked about this on my last show since they were used to 1/2 hour at the top of tech to get into costume.  I couldn't find a rule in the guidelines, so I called my business rep.  The rep said half hour in rehearsal was a custom, up to the director, not a rule. 

LOA in New York was the contract I was under.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dry Ice

« on: Jan 18, 2009, 09:13 pm »

It'll be used to recreate a music video, so low-lying fog for maybe 30 seconds.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Reading a play for the first time

« on: Jan 18, 2009, 05:34 pm »

I don't read plays for pleasure; I read fiction. 

If I'm seeing a play, I'm the one who sits down before it starts and then immediately turns around to figure out where the booth is, what kind of intelligent lights they have, where the spot ops are, etc.  If there's a really cool effect, the end of Act 1 in Equus for example, the SM in me starts screaming "How did they do that?  Is that safe?  AH!"  I'll almost always comment on the designs before commenting on the story.  I just accept it as who I am and how I view theatre.

The play I read in school and remember geeking out on was Poor Superman which is nothing but a cueing nightmare for the SM because of incessant projections.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROPS: Dry Ice

« on: Jan 18, 2009, 05:27 pm »

Does anyone have tips or suggestions for dealing with dry ice?  Useful websites for research to prepare myself?

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The Hardline / Re: How did you get your card?

« on: Dec 31, 2008, 06:32 pm »

Theatreworks/USA in NYC.  I was working as running crew for another theater, and Theatreworks offered me a contract.  I was convinced I would never work again, but I also knew stage managing was better for me than just being running crew, and I'd have to join AEA eventually.  I took the plunge.  I've worked consistently ever since, so it worked out okay.

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Employment / Re: When is enough enough

« on: Oct 13, 2008, 12:08 pm »

I've stopped working with certain theatre companies when I couldn't be happy working there anymore.  I could still do the job, but I could feel myself becoming cranky, bitter and mean.  When I hit that point, it meant I had to move on.

I guess if I hit that point for every stage management gig I get, it'll be time to find another career, go get that PhD from Harvard I want.

I also have a deep-seated knowledge, a feeling deep in my core, that I cannot do anything but stage manage.  This is what I do.  I can't do anything else without feeling like I'm wasting my life.  So, when that absolute knowledge goes away, I'll stop.

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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Multi-tool advice?

« on: Oct 03, 2008, 12:57 am »

I have a Leatherman wave.  I need to sharpen the knives, the scissors, and frankly re-oil it, but otherwise I like it.  I use the scissors the most probly, but it's handy to have a screwdriver at my belt.  Just wearing it gives me a confidence boost.

My dad gave it to me as a Christmas present, so he had it engraved with my name.  At first I thought it was sweet but cliche, until I realized how useful it was to have my names stamped on it.  It can't get mistaken for anyone else's, so I don't lose it.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PRODUCING: Ricola

« on: Aug 27, 2008, 11:59 pm »

The theater I'm working at says there is some company that will send you a crates of tubs of Ricola for free - a promotional thing, I guess.  Has anyone heard of this, or know how to contact them?  I need more Ricola.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Question For NY SM's

« on: Aug 27, 2008, 01:01 am »

I wear jeans, cute supportive sneakers, and a solid color polo or t-shirt with a hoodie.  During tech, I mix it up with t-shirts that have designs on them... like the name of my alma mater, or a pirate.

I feel like the solid colored t-shirt/polo helps me look like an adult/respectable/professional, but I can still do what I need to do.

10

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Question about DePaul

« on: Aug 17, 2008, 05:57 pm »

I hope I'm not too late to answer this.

I went to DePaul.  You do have to take 1 religion course, so I took Hinduism.  There is nothing overtly Catholic about the university except for the church on campus (easy to walk past and ignore).  Well, if you read the DePaul literature they talk about how the Vincentian order is important to the mission, blah, blah, blah, but you don't encounter it in The Theatre School at all.  It's never mentioned; you're never expected to attend mass...  You don't even get Easter off if a show is in performances.

As far as the program, it's trial by fire, conservatory style.  You stage manage for 4 years.  If you want to do other crews (lights, sound, etc.) you have to seek it out.  You do have to take tech/design classes, but you can choose what they are after 1st year.  The only downside is business, acting & directing classes are not required, but you can fit them in if you want.  I managed to take pretty much any class I wanted. 

Because it's a BFA program, you do have to take general ed requirements, hence the religion course.  I think it's also 1 science, 1 math, 1 history, 2 english, and something else.

11

Employment / Re: Should I quit my day job?

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 02:36 pm »

I would offer the two options to the day job, and see if they will accept either of them.  If not, I would stage manage, and hope I could either make it freelancing, or find another day job to fill the gaps.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Chatty People

« on: Jul 17, 2008, 10:42 pm »

Thanks tempest_gypsy.  I read your response, and I've been observing the rambles to see if your approach will work in this situation.

I think part of the problem is that he's a "needy actor."  He's the type that easily freaks out, doesn't like when things are out of his hands, will jump in if he thinks someone is expressing doubt to smooth over a situation that hasn't necessarily escalated to needing smoothed over.  Part of this is the many hats he is wearing.  Part is his personality.

For example, today the cast got out of rehearsal at 7:45p.  The director, the playwright/actor and I had a meeting afterwards to discuss some things that could have been taken care of in 10 minutes.  It lasted 45 min, due to rambling and stories.  I understand his need to vent, rant, etc.  I made all the "you can trust me," "this is our plan," "we'll have it under control," comments, and looked at him, and listened.  I don't think I let my frustration show on my face.

Is it possible with this personality type to make things more efficient, or do I need to accept that he talks in circles?

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Tips for Packing?

« on: Jul 17, 2008, 10:30 pm »

I did 3 TYA tours, and I took 3 bags, well 4.  Kinda.  (This does not include the SM kit or the bag of "things to do" I put in the van.)

I had a backpack bag like what you would take backpacking through Europe that had my clothes, toiletries, shoes, etc.  Attached to that was the matching day bag that held my purse (for day outings or going out), extra toiletries (which could easily have been brought on the road, but I'm crazy, so I bring (small) extras), chargers, workout DVds, etc.  Then I had a small (could be carryon on a plane) rolling suitcase that could become a backpack, and that had my printer, office supplies, extra books, hole punch, etc.  My last bag was a backpack that could zip onto the rolling suitcase, and it had my laptop, show binders, the stuff I used on a daily basis at work.  Finally, I took a yoga mat.  Now, transporting all of this to the hotel room usually took two trips, but if I zipped the backpack onto the rolling bag, it could have taken one.  Also, if it was a one night stay and I didn't need my printer, I didn't bring the rolling bag in.  This was definitely a van tour though, not a plane tour.  I couldn't have taken all of that on a plane.

Clothing wise, I rolled everything.  I had a separate section for underwear, and a plastic bag I put dirty socks and underwear in.  Dirty t-shirts, pants, etc. got put back into the main compartment because they weren't that dirty, and I knew I could wear them again before doing laundry.  I brought enough underwear/socks for 12-14 days.  Usually I take 3-4 pairs of shoes: running shoes for exercise, work shoes, flip flops, and a pair of dress shoes in case I want to go out.  It's usually 2 pairs of pants - one for work, one for days off/going out, 2 sweatshirts/hoodies, 4 short sleeve t-shirts, 4 long sleeve t-shirts (for layering and different climates), workout pants, pajama pants, and a workout shirt.

It's all about multi-use items, and layering. 

I didn't bring soap, a towel or a washcloth because hotels always have supply those.  (Yes, I know Hitchhiker says you need a towel.  I just couldn't justify the room.)

A scented candle can make a room feel homier.

Don't take your favorite mug on tour.  I broke 3 mugs.  The same probly goes for favorite anything.  If you love it, but can live without it, don't take it.  Clothing gets washed a lot and worn out, or stained, or whatnot.  Other things can get lost or mangled or borrowed or...

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PEOPLE: Chatty People

« on: Jul 09, 2008, 11:45 pm »

I am working on an NY Fringe show, and one of the actors is also the playwright and producer.  He's done the show before and has opinions - which he is entitled to have as the producer and playwright.

The problem is he talks a lot.  Often repeating himself, and making points over and over again.  It makes meetings last longer than necessary and takes up time in rehearsal.

I think the director also gets annoyed with the inefficiency of it.

How do I curtail this habit without stepping on toes?

15

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Alertness

« on: Apr 19, 2008, 09:17 pm »

I force myself to stand up if I get sleepy, and if more is needed, I usually try to do stretches or jiggle my leg or something physical - all while still watching the show.  Of course, that depends on where the booth is and if I'm visible to the audience.  I also try to have a drink (tea or carbonated beverage, etc) on hand.  And, if really desperate, a snack.

It's when these things fail that I run into trouble.