Topics

1

Students and Novice Stage Managers / S.M. Arts Conference 2015 (Toronto)

« on: Apr 17, 2015, 10:26 am »

Hey guys,

Incredibly short notice (it starts April 23rd), but I thought I should pass along this link.

Its attracted students, novices, ASMs and the seasoned SM in the past - and with an international makeup of talent as well.
though I've not yet had the opportunity to take advantage of it (I always seem to be out of town on a production at the time) I've heard nothing but good things -

http://www.stagemanagingthearts.ca/

2

The Green Room / From Page to Stage

« on: Feb 25, 2013, 11:55 am »

Some of you might get a hoot out of this video, shot during my gig this past summer.

Short of my brief blurb at the top (right after playwright Norm Foster), I try and explain what a Stage Manager does at the 18:20 mark. Apologies if I missed something and, most particularly, for using 'he' when talking SM, rather then something more gender neutral!

http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?sid=5132&rid=72&lid=12

3

The Green Room / SMASH - the TV series

« on: Apr 12, 2012, 12:36 pm »

Okay, I'll admit it - I have been watching this. Part of me wants the series to succeed - if nothing else but to celebrate the industry - but part of me is watching it as if slowing down to look at the scene of a road accident. And I guess I should be pleased to hear that it's been renewed for another season (something no other behind-the-scenes of theatre series has done), even if it's been getting progressively more 'Soap Opera' as its been going along.

All that said -

Acknowledging the license of writing a fiction and freely admitting I have never been involved in the workshop / rehearsal process for Broadway (though yes, for London), it's still pretty clear some of the writers are pretty loose with the realities of the process, too. There's been a couple of real clangers  so far, but - and here I finally get to Stage Management - I'd be disappointed if AEA and the SMA didn't, even informally, express dismay over how the role of SM is portrayed in the series.

Rather than show the SM - if only in a minor role - as an active member of the artistic team, and an interlockutor between all parties in rehearsal and production, they've given the poor soul the job of announcing breaks during heated moments in rehearsal.

"Let's take 5 minutes."

No sign of the SM discussing matters with the Producer, the Writers, the Directors or Cast. The closest the SM has gotten to talking to 'Derek', the Director, was a variation on this line last week, where she said, from across the rehearsal hall -

"We've still got 2 minutes, Derek".

An immaculately tidy SM desk, no sign of members of the Company conferring with the SM after 'meltdowns' in rehearsal (which seems to happen with terrible regularity in this world), no sign of the entire company going out for lunch or drinks together....

Not entirely a useful impression of the work we do, all in all. Pity when SMASH is offering the public a fictional 'behind the scenes' account of something as big as a Broadway show.

Oh, and while we're at it - I'm trying to imagine what theatre Stage Door person would let someone uninvolved in the production past them, especially during a performance - and which ASM would then happily let that person watch the production from the wings, partially blocking their view, with nothing more than a gesture to be quiet?

Just sayin'...

 

4

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Sorry - short notice: S.M. Arts Conference

« on: Apr 04, 2012, 11:20 am »

April 19 - 28 in Toronto!!

16th Annual Conference. Mostly workshops on extending skills or understanding Agreements. Individual sessions can be attended, or a conference pass is available.

Though I've never had the opportunity to participate myself (invariably out-of-town or, ahem, between incomes), I've heard very good things about the past conferences and know that it has been attended by SMs (and those interested in it) from outside of North America.

All the bumpf is here -
http://www.stagemanagingthearts.ca/conferences/toronto-conferences/toronto-2012

5

Tools of the Trade / S.M.Arts Conference in Toronto

« on: Jan 30, 2008, 12:39 pm »

While this could just as equally be posted in the 'Students and Novice SM' section, I thought I should include this here as the Conference is geared to expanding the knowledge of all SMs - so definitely 'Tools of the Trade'.

My copy of the brochure just arrived. The S.M.Arts: Stage Managing the Arts Conference takes place February 28 - March 10, 2008. This will be the 12th Conference in Toronto and encompasses 28 workshops as lead by active SMs, Production Managers, Artistic Directors, Equity Staff and Career Counselors. The workshops cost $35 per individual course, $30 each for 10 or more or a Conference Pass at $560.00.

Workshops this year are: Scheduling & Planning, Notation/Forms/Prompt Script, Wardrobe, Production Management, Problem Solving, Film Festival, Industrials, Production Stage Manager, Reading Plans, Assistant Stage Management, Financial Planning, Job Interview/Negotiating, Dance, Apprentice Stage Manager, Canadian Theatre Agreement - two Sessions, Special Events, Giving Notes, Resume Building, Training Apprentices, Theatre for Young Audiences, Repertory, Safety, Commercial Musicals, Reading Music, Opera, Calling a Show and Career Transitioning.

There is also a day long Master Class on 'Stage Managing the Ballet' with the National Ballet of Canada at an additional $80.

Oh, and there's a  'Pub Night' on the final evening, too!

Previous participants have come from across Canada and from Europe.

More info on the Conference (and assistance with finding digs) can be had by contacting Janelle Rainville at smartsconference@gmail.com or (416) 200-7588. With luck, Janelle should be able to get this brochure out to you if you contact her in a timely manner.

*****

One or two items here have caught my eye -