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Topics - juliec

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Oops - so, I've gone done my life the wrong way by getting into opera before anything else.  But now I have a lovely opportunity to work on a non-opera!  I'm learning new stuff every single day... like what a mic pack is (I hate to admit that whole condom-and-socks-for-a-sweaty-actor thread went totally over my head).  And there are some really weird things - like this whole script business.  It's an original work and we write entrances and exits into the script directly as we go, so we don't add it by hand, whereas in an opera I would write all my entrances into the score.  Usually I also put tons of post-its and stickers in my score - but in a script, it just doesn't feel very linear and things seem very squished together.  Plus, how do you know how long anything takes?  I find it hard to resist the desire to write in timing marks throughout the script (I think I may do that anyway).  And the rubber chicken?  I don't think I will ever work an opera that will use a rubber chicken...  If you don't keep a WWW, what paperwork do you do?  There are an awful lot of rehearsals, and an awful lot of shows - how do you keep up your stamina?  Do you ever do any cuing for the cast/chorus?  Sometimes there's silence/dialogue onstage - how loud can one be during that?

I imagine some things are new because I'm new to the world of theater, some things are new because every show is different, every SM team is different, and some things are new because it's not opera - and it can be difficult to figure out which is which.  There are several threads about what one needs to know going into opera from straight plays and musicals, but I am wondering if anyone has advice for doing it the other way around: a) has anyone else found themselves in this boat?  b) what are the basic essential things that a new-comer should expect when working on straight plays/musicals that are different from opera?

Edit to subject and added topic tag. -Maribeth

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Employment / More on juggling: guilt and rejection
« on: Oct 15, 2012, 07:43 pm »
Offshoot of Matthew's "Juggling Acts" post on freelancing...

OK, I confess: I hate turning down jobs.  So much so that I feel guilty if I'm talking to 2 companies at the same time.  I've only had to choose between offers once so far, but I suspect (hope!) that there will be another time soon that I'll have to do it again because I also know it's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket.  I have this irrational fear that the one I turn down will be so disappointed that I'll never actually get an opportunity from them again and that all the work I've done to cultivate the relationship will disappear.  And it hasn't helped that so far this has been true!  I have had to pass on several opportunities since February, and I haven't heard a peep from those companies since...  I really don't want to have a reputation as being unavailable, or a "tease" - because I am always looking, but then I feel bad if I've asked them to keep me posted and then I am booked!

It is much easier if I'm already booked, but it is more difficult if I have to evaluate, because I worry about feelings of "rejection".  Does anyone have any advice on what to do if you need to turn down an offer?  Do you explain why?  Any favorite phrases?  I'm kind of new to SM'ing, and still trying to establish a reputation, so I want to make sure that I'm not inadvertently alienating future would-be employers.

Also, somewhat related: when do you stop "looking"/applying for other jobs or take yourself off the market?  Is it when you get an interview?  When you get the call that you're the final candidate?  When you have a verbal agreement?  When you have a contract?  I usually like to focus on things I'm interested in, but I know that anything can happen...

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Employment / Choices to make: what would you do?
« on: Mar 20, 2012, 04:28 am »

I've been lurking on this fine forum for a while, trying to figure out how to leap into the fray and when to take a stab responding to a post.  But now I've suddenly gotten a quandary myself...  so I guess this is how I'll start.

I'm in a similar pickle as the previous poster, having two possibilities for the summer and wondering if there's a wrong or right choice.  I consider both of these completely phenomenal opportunities that I am very fortunate to be in the running for.  I feel deeply sheepish turning either of them down, but there is absolutely no way to do them both (believe me, I've asked about some creative options).

I know there's all this follow-my-heart business.  I'm really curious to know what more seasoned professionals would think about the dilemma (also knowing that nothing is ever for certain - either of these could be the worst experience I've ever had).  What would you choose?  What questions would you ask (yourself or others)?  What would be the important things you would consider and evaluate?

A) ASM at "the" local big house's summer showcase for their young artist program (which is within the top 3 in the country).  The talent from this program often goes on to national and international houses later in their career.  Possible to get a foot in the door, although it is technically a separate company from the big house and I don't think there is often a lot of cross-over.  The SM seems super great, really fun, laid back and connected to another well-respected house in the area (albeit in a different discipline than I am used to working).  The production is non-union, but they employ union crew (I would benefit from having that experience.)  It would also be a great resume builder since the house is nationally known and well-respected.  I applied cold for a different job, interviewed for it, and they came back with something that's an even better fit for me!  I do still love ASM opportunities because it's a great chance to see how others do things.

B) PSM for summer festival with strong connections to a big house in NYC (also Philly and UK) - and some extraordinary folks (cast, director, conductor, and guest faculty).  They will have both a professional-level show as well as a young artist showcase.  Too early to say where their young artist talent ends up, but pretty safe to say not on the same stages...  I haven't PSM'ed before (although I've acted in that capacity and been mistaken for one, so it wouldn't be a total stretch - the opp was for an SM, but they've offered me a PSM credit).  It's a small festival, but is growing - it has plans for growth, has grown, and seems to be able to attract the level of talent that will enable it's future growth.  This is the first year they've needed an SM so I feel that I have a lot to offer and it's right up my alley to start something from scratch.  It would be a frantic, action-packed, and exciting summer.  One of my mentors made the intro, thinking I would mesh well with the director.  Given the star quality of those involved, I am a little nervous that the people here since they have worked with some real pros (also knowing how truly amazing and experienced my mentor is) - I'm of course flattered that she recommended me, but there is that fear of "blowing it" (I can perform well under pressure though).  Although the production is itty-bitty, I'd learn a lot about how people who operate at a certain expect for things to get done - I just haven't had much experience in a "big house" environment (or summer stock, for that matter).

And then, since I think these are both amazing opportunities that I am so grateful for, how would you let the other go without burning bridges?

I have my thoughts on what to choose, but I'm curious about what others think before tainting the waters.
Pay is comparable (I don't do unpaid), but I'm looking more at the size of the opportunity and how it could impact the future.

More about me:
I'm a freelancing SM who has come to the career later than most.  I only have a couple of years of part-time backstage experience behind my belt, but over a decade of transferable skills to make up for it (did a lot of cross-functional and operational team building and management) in start-up and corporate environments and lots of performing experience.  My objective for the summer is to learn as much as possible, and also to expand my network so that I can support myself with my new career choice.  I wouldn't be adverse to moving for the right opportunity.  I'm used to doing whatever it takes to get the job done - and I do really poorly with job descriptions.

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riotous