Messages

1

The Green Room / Re: How do you "play?"

« on: Mar 09, 2010, 08:44 am »

When I am off from school (graduating in April) or on my day off from working on a show I quilt. There is just something about sewing straight lines that makes me happy... and the color combination fun doesn't suck either!

2

The Green Room / Re: Mind Games

« on: Jan 11, 2010, 10:57 am »

I have found that when hanging out with my SM friends we tend to bake since it is a sort of therapy for us. When getting ready to put the goodies in the oven we give each other standbys for starting the timer for the oven... Our non SM friends think it is hilarious... It is just second nature at his point.

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Point Park: I guess putting it on SMNet makes it real...

« on: Jul 21, 2009, 08:33 am »

Congrats!

I'm in Pitt finishing my last semester at Pitt. Let me know if u need any help getting around the city!

-- Arielle --

4

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Transitioning into community theatre

« on: Jul 19, 2009, 04:53 pm »

Hey crazychicksj!

I have learned recently, (still in school until December) that when you move into a professional theatre (of any size) you need to think of things a little differently. I found that inter-personal communication is a little different and you need to keep your professional face on the majority of the time. I also learned as I SM-ed my first big show out side of school (this June) is that I was more prepared than I thought. I feel that my education and experience at school really acted as a professional production team and prepared me beyond anything I could have thought. As I jumped in and pushed through the confidence I held in school came back and acted as confidence in myself as a professional. Also by allowing myself to be confident and as I stood up for myself, my production team and cast looked at me as a professional and after tech admitted that they forgot I was still in school.

That was long winded and probably redundant so to close - Take all you have learned and let your self learn more. Once you get your footing in your new company let your confidence show and they will respect you and all that you do.

You are ready! Don't let anyone (or yourself!) tell you otherwise   
And never forget that we are all here for you if you ever get stumped or need to vent.

5

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Prompt Books...

« on: Jul 19, 2009, 04:39 pm »

First of all, Welcome to SMNetwork and the Student and Novice Stage Managers section. A prompt book is basically the bible for a particular show. It contains everything from contact information to rehearsal and performance reports and any and all information relating to the production, its designers and team.

Feel free to look around this forum as there is a lot of information here already on how different Stage Managers set up their books. There is no strict guideline as of how to set up your book as it is personal preference, but you have to keep in mind that it needs to be organized in a way that any Stage Manager can pick it up if you should become unable to continue with the production.

Please don't to hesitate to send me a PM if you need any help or have any more questions.

-- Arielle --

6

Tools of the Trade / Re: Making prop red wine

« on: Apr 18, 2009, 11:49 am »

also, never underestimate the power of a Clorox bleach pen if nothing else works! they are a godsend! Let us know what works, I'm always on the prowl for new and exciting stage substitutes!

7

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: KCACTF Region II

« on: Dec 01, 2008, 07:54 pm »

Thanks Sarabear!~

8

The Green Room / Re: I can't believe I just had to do that...

« on: Nov 29, 2008, 04:45 pm »

When working on Bug with Barebones productions in Pittsburgh as a crew member I had to strike the entire set every evening, full bed, table and all to set up those huge fans to dry the carpet after the actors soaked it in "gasoline". Also had to operate a contraption that sprayed stage blood everywhere in a somewhat bathroom on stage while trying to not be seen in the large mirror behind me(getting covered in it myself), and of course every night I would literally have to mop down the walls and since there was maybe 1.5 gallons of blood in the bathroom alone it would take aprox 30 mins to just clean the bathroom. While I was washing walls and cleaning up a huge mess everyone else was drinking at the makeshift bar with the patrons 20 feet away... damn my loyalty.

9

Students and Novice Stage Managers / KCACTF Region II

« on: Nov 28, 2008, 10:56 pm »

Hey Everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone was going to KCACTF Region II this January. I have never attended anything like before and am quite terrified. Maybe a little peer support is in need. Wondering if anyone was attended in the past just so I can have an idea of what to expect.

I am attending with my production of Lysistrata but an going as an individual. I understand the main interview portion but am quite terrified of the we will watch you work (**creepy man over right shoulder**) portion.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

thanks,
Arielle

10

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Mentorship Program

« on: Oct 28, 2008, 10:31 am »

I have a similar situation with this at The University of Pittsburgh. We recently officiated a USITT chapter at Pitt and the Chair and I started a Peer Mentorship program for underclassmen that may need a helping hand. We appointed one or 2 upperclassman form many different fields and seeing as USITT is technical it ranges from Stage Management to Scenic Design to Lighting and so on and so forth. We have found that it not only helps the Mentee a great deal and gives them more confidence, but the Mentors as well. I am currently Stage Managing Lysistrata (with 30 actors, music composed for the show, live musicians that are also our actors, choreography, and a plethora or Phalli) and while I am a Mentor in the program it helped greatly to have other Mentors there as well and one of my Mentees. Sometimes all you need is the reminder that people are there to help and you are not in it alone.

11

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dry Ice on stage

« on: Sep 22, 2008, 01:43 pm »

Thanks everyone! I will take these to my director at our meeting this evening!!! Much appreciated!

12

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Dry Ice on stage

« on: Sep 21, 2008, 10:28 pm »

Hello all,


I am currently in pre-production for Lysistrata. The director and I have a close bond and while discussing possible replacements for the coals on stage and fire on stage called for in Lysistrata she wants to use dry ice. Does anyone know the legality involving dry ice on stage or any other possibilities to aid in the effect? She is opposed to the fan fake flame things because she thinks they are cheesy and also wants to smoke. This is also for The University of Pittsburgh Repertory Theatre so our budget is quite small (although we are fundraising), so any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!
Arielle