Messages

31

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Tech or Church?

« on: Oct 16, 2007, 01:07 pm »

So recently I worked with a sound designer who said he wouldn't come if we decided to adjust our previously stated Sunday tech hours to start and end earlier as he really doesn't want to miss church.  The production manager said he felt that was ridiculous, and if he's going to be in theatre, he has to expect to work on Sunday mornings, especially in tech.  What are your opinions?  Has anyone else ever dealt with this?

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / SHOWS: High School Musical Touring Show

« on: Sep 06, 2007, 03:23 pm »

Does anyone know anything about the High School Musical touring show or is anyone working on it?  Is it union?  

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Stopwatch Use

« on: Aug 30, 2007, 11:37 pm »

I'm working on "Noises Off", set in the mid-80's and two of the characters are stage managers.  They're debating having one of them wear a stopwatch, but we weren't sure if that was "period".

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROPS: Stopwatch Use

« on: Aug 30, 2007, 08:32 pm »

Was anyone on here professionally SM'ing in the mid-80's?  If so, did you use/wear a stopwatch?  If so, digital or like a track stopwatch?

35

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: thoughts on hanging out with the cast after shows

« on: Aug 20, 2007, 04:56 pm »

I think this is a pretty subjective topic-every situation and group of people are different, and I think you just have to know what works and what doesn't.  I'm an Equity SM but currently back in grad school, so I choose when I'm going to hang with the actors and when I won't.  I don't often go to the wild house parties, but I'll go out on Wednesday for wings as everyone in the department is there,so it's not an exclusive thing.  I think it's just about using your best judgment.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette

« on: Aug 20, 2007, 04:50 pm »

This turned into quite the little convo.  Thanks for all of your opinions...

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / CALLING: Headset Etiquette

« on: May 07, 2007, 05:15 pm »

I'm interested on gathering some opinions on a topic that certainly affects all of us at some point-headset etiquette.  I recently worked with an SM who would curse out actors over the headset (if they messed up a Q line, etc.) and seemed to almost pride herself on being bitchy.  She constantly threw around (out of respect I'll abbreviate) G.D. and J.C., and just had the mouth of a sailor.  I realize this business is liberal (hell, I'll admit I don't have the cleanest mouth in the world) but I was taught that the SM sets the tone of the production and if you're constantly tense and bitchy and using more profanity than regular words, I guess I feel like that just sets a bad precedent.  How do others feel about what should/shouldn't be said on headset and how you say it?

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Paranoid/Offensive Director

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 12:02 am »

I don't know if he's a first time director, but I'm guessing that some of this is coming from his own insecurities.  Either way, it's completely unfair and ridiculous for him to treat you and your ASM this way.  I understand not wanting to piss him off, but is it worth going to rehearsal feeling like you're about to be verbally slapped in the face?  Perhaps another solution is to have *your* advisor come sit in on a rehearsal.  You can say he/she is checking up on you, but see if he'll act out in front of that person.  Then you'll get at least one night of peace, and if something does happen, you've got someone there to back you up and witness his ridiculous behavior.

39

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Noises Off

« on: Mar 30, 2007, 09:29 pm »

Yeah, I was thinking about the flipping sides thing.  Right now that's our best option...

40

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / SHOWS: Noises Off

« on: Mar 30, 2007, 11:05 am »

Has anyone done Noises Off?  I'm SM'ing it this coming fall, and am already thinking about how I can tape out the room for Act Three, when we're using both the front and backstage areas.  Does anyone have a suggestion?

41

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: The Ultimate Decision

« on: Mar 30, 2007, 10:59 am »

I had been an actor up until my freshman year in college, where I had full intention of continuing to act.  I auditioned for Taming Of The Shrew and wasn't cast.  I was assigned to be on props crew, but I wanted to do more than that.  I asked the technical director what else I might do, and he said, "Well, the show does need an ASM..."  I asked what the job entailed, and it didn't sound half bad.  I loved it!  I ASM'd another show at the beginning of the spring semester, and did my first show SM's at the end of that year.  I SM'd all 4 years in college, and have been doing it ever since.  I'm currently getting my MFA in Stage Management at UMKC as I'd never taken a class in stage management and wanted to learn more about production management, so here I am.  We are a crazy bunch, aren't we?   

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: YAle Short Hand

« on: Mar 26, 2007, 11:18 am »

Yeah, those freakin' Yale-ies!  I too have a friend that went through their certificate program, and Yale folks definitely have a "my way or the highway" attitude about a lot of things.  I agree with what everyone's said.  Blocking method, like several other SM things, is very personal.  You have to develop what works best for you.  For example, I know a lot of people use minis.  Those don't do me a lick of good.  I write every thing out in my own little language, and it suits me just fine.  You'll find what works best for you.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROFESSIONALISM: Backstage Etiquette (public displays of affection)

« on: Feb 28, 2007, 03:45 pm »

I'm just curious to get opinions on this-doesn't everyone agree that public displays of affection backstage are inappropriate?  I'm working in a relatively large regional theatre, and we have an ASM and a band member making out and being overly cutesy backstage and in the green room.  The SM doesn't see it as she's always up in the booth, but it's really kind of gross.  Should I say something or let it go?

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Anyone willing to be interviewed?

« on: Feb 13, 2007, 09:51 pm »

Sure, I'll do it if you need more folks.  I'm currently in grad school, but was an active Equity SM for 8 years before coming back to school.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Wish Me Luck!

« on: Feb 13, 2007, 09:49 pm »

I think forcing actors to warm up probably isn't the best idea.  A fight call and all that is important, but even student actors need to learn to work what tools work best for them to prep for a performance, whether it's onstage warm up, doing it at home, etc.  I don't think it's a bad thing to suggest that everyone meet onstage right before you open the house (or half hour, whichever comes first) for a moment of "pep talk" or a brief little group exercise like Zip Zap Zop.  Just something that pulls everyone together, ya' know?