Messages

16

Tools of the Trade / Re: Need help updating our intercom system

« on: Mar 05, 2018, 12:08 pm »

Hello Ray, a few responses to your questions below.  Good luck!

Can I daisy chain a beltpack to one of the terminals in the booth? As in, run a cable from one of the terminals to a beltpack, then use a splitter so that more than one person can be on headset connected to the same beltpack? If it does work, does that diminish the sound quality?

No.  You can daisy chain beltpacks (i.e. more than one beltpack connected in series) but you cannot connect multiple headsets to one beltpack - and I'm not sure why you'd want to, unless you've got a pair of conjoined twins running deck.

If you need to have more than one person listen at a single station you can also use a remote speaker station paired with a table-top box.

Does anyone have experience with the HME DX100 or similar wireless system from Clear-Com? We want to stick with the same company, since I want to keep the headsets we do have, and since we’ve used their equipment for at least 10 years now. We really only need the most standard capabilities, and will not have more than 5 people on headset at once.

Yes.  The DX series are products that we regularly specify into our integrated systems.  It doesn't have the bells and whistles of some of the cutting edge stuff but for the purposes you're describing it should work well.  Considering you're looking to integrate with [what I assume to be based on your post] a party line system you'll want to look more at the DX200 or DX210 range.  The DX100 line is portable and doesn't interface with party line systems, where the 200 line is more permanent and should play nice with your existing system.

Is it at all possible to integrate our current setup with a wireless one? Thinking about it, I find it far-fetched that something like that could work, but I’m wondering if it’s possible to like, hook up a receiver to one of the backstage terminals so that everyone on deck could be wireless and anyone in the booth could be plugged in.

This is most likely possible, but do so with caution.  There is enough current and voltage traveling on a party line system to damage components if connected incorrectly.  My recommendation would be to contact HME / ClearCom and find a dealer local to your area.  Provide them with your existing system components and they should be able to steer you in the right direction with regards to new equipment that is compatible with what's existing in your space.

17

Employment / Re: USITT Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep (PRIMP)

« on: Feb 21, 2018, 02:31 pm »

Thanks Erin!  I haven't actually called a cue in over 12 years - hard to believe - so I am not a member of the SMA.  If I am able to make it I'll wrangle an expo pass somehow, or just catch up with the folks I want to see at happy hour or for lunch.  Mostly looking to network with a few select individuals about getting some younger entry-level folks into our employment pipeline for the more technical aspects of entertainment technology.

18

Employment / Re: USITT Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep (PRIMP)

« on: Feb 21, 2018, 01:58 pm »

Many good spots in the Las Olas / A1A area up there for a night out.  Might actually be able to make my first USITT in 10 years but can't guarantee just yet.

19

Employment / Re: Websites part deux

« on: Feb 01, 2018, 09:22 am »

I would suggest removing personal contact information from the "contact" section and the PDF version of your resume that's available on the site.  Your email and phone number are available to the world, which is not always a good thing.  You have a contact form, and I'd also suggest pointing to your LinkedIn profile.  Between those two it will not be difficult to contact you.

20

Tools of the Trade / Re: iPad Vs Microsoft Surface Pro

« on: Jan 31, 2018, 09:09 am »

In that case, if you still plan to use the laptop in rehearsal I'd probably go iPad pro.  Though at that point I'd question the need for the iPad pro - why not just a regular iPad?  If you plan to use your tablet as the sole device on productions then the iPad will come up short, regardless of model.  But if you are supplementing what you already have and not changing your M.O. then I'd stay in the Apple family.

21

Tools of the Trade / Re: iPad Vs Microsoft Surface Pro

« on: Jan 30, 2018, 10:29 am »

What is your intended use of the tool?  Will you be using it to supplement a laptop/pc or in place of one?  If so, I'd lean surface pro.  The biggest difference is in the OS.  The Surface Pro runs Windows 10 which enables you to run the full suite of software that you've probably grown accustomed to. 

The iPad Pro runs iOS10, so you will be limited to apps that are available on the app store.  And yes, Excel and Word are available on the app store but they are severely neutered versions that lack the full horsepower of the traditional versions.

I am an avid Apple user (phone, watch, ipad) but it would be hands down Surface Pro for me if I were to use it as my primary device for work.  Apple's devices are very slick but they are, in my opinion, best suited for consuming media and content rather than producing it.  As an SM you need to produce your full suite of documentation each production and it's my opinion the iPad just isn't there yet. 

22

Tools of the Trade / Re: Asset Tracking

« on: Jan 30, 2018, 10:18 am »

Can you clarify what you mean by assets?  "Assets" would typically mean fixed assets (i.e. tangible items that are not consumables), which in the theatre world would be things like your audio and lighting consoles, microphones, lighting instrumentation, tools, etc... 

Do you mean fixed assets as described above or do you mean consumables?  The words "cupboard" and "supplies" suggest that you are actually referring to consumables such as tape, batteries, lamps, gel, etc... 

Clarification would be helpful here as there would be different methods for tracking these as tracking them would serve different purposes. 

23

Introductions / Re: I fell into Stage Managing... Help!

« on: Jan 08, 2018, 08:13 am »

Though I do have to laugh when you said you were too busy to act, so you're going to stage manage...

This was my first thought as well!


Bethany, welcome to the site.  I think you'll find it a great resource for anything and everything you care to learn about stage management.  Feel free to poke around and ask questions!  Good luck!

24

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Insurance for Musical Instruments

« on: Jan 03, 2018, 08:10 am »

I find it odd that the University is not providing instruments (either instruments they own or rent) to use in the production.  We don't ask performers to wear their own clothes or bring furniture from their living room, so to me it's unusual that the performers would be asked or expected to provide instruments in the first place.  If, for whatever reason, the University decides it would prefer the actors to furnish their own instruments (i.e. show props) it's reasonable to expect that the actors should be paid a fair market rate for use of the asset during the run of the production.  It's also reasonable to state that the University is liable for any damage to the rented prop while in its custody and be expected to make the owner whole in the event damage does occur.

25

Introductions / Re: Hello From Richmond!

« on: Jan 03, 2018, 07:59 am »

Welcome, Justin!  Best of luck as you prepare to venture into the "real world"

26

Employment / Re: Post Stage Management Event Planning

« on: Nov 06, 2017, 08:39 am »

With regard to resume format, you may consider switching to a "functional" format rather than the typical reverse chronological format used.  This format prioritizes skills and traits over direct experience, and can be a useful format for those switching careers that may not have direct experience in their target industry. 

In terms of which skills to highlight you can do some research for job postings of the type of role you're targeting, then tailor your resume to present your skills and experience accordingly. 

Finally, you may consider engaging a recruiter.  They can advocate for your skills, personality, etc... and can be a key tool in getting you beyond the automated resume scanning software many companies use.

27

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Spiking Outdoors

« on: Oct 29, 2017, 11:18 am »

How about topping your paint with a UV-resistant clear coat?

http://www.krylon.com/products/uvresistant-clear-coating/

28

Tools of the Trade / Smart Watches

« on: Oct 29, 2017, 02:42 am »

Hey folks, question for the group out there and one to provoke some discussion.  On the subject of smart watches: how much have these made it into your rehearsal rooms and performances? 

Have you adopted one as part of your work process?  What are the pros and cons?

How do you handle actors wearing them during rehearsal and what is their effect on the rehearsal process (e.g. distractions from notifications while in scene)?   

29

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Manager Duties

« on: Oct 27, 2017, 03:09 am »

Stage Management student asking a question here: what is the purpose of having an ASM perform? Wouldn't they be better off supporting the Stage Manager?

To add to what BayAreaSM said, I work at a Community Theatre and it's almost 100% volunteer.  We are currently running Jekyll & Hyde.  We had an actor drop-out and couldn't find any older males to come in with just a few weeks of rehearsals left.  The director is already working as the Music Director as well, so I am now "Sir Archibald Proops" and "Minister" as well as SM in the show.  We make it work the best way we can.  (oh, I also don't have an ASM).  I have really good Light & Sound people that I trust while I am on stage (only about 10 minutes total). 

Bil

The real question here is: do you give yourself notes after each show? 

30

The Green Room / Re: Dear Abby: Box Office Misbehavior

« on: Oct 24, 2017, 03:41 am »

Provided any customers denied admittance receive a refund I don't think I'd agree that it is an illegal practice.  If they're not being up front about the practice I'd certainly agree it's going to cause a lot of frustration and, will probably damage their reputation and attendance long term, and as such it's an unwise business decision; but stupidity isn't illegal.

And, if they are not refunding patrons denied admittance it's more a civil matter than criminal (though it could certainly be argued that in this case, they're engaging in fraudulent activity by knowingly deceiving customers and selling the same seat twice - assuming they are not disclosing this fact). 

I'm also not sure what your goal would be in going to upper management.  According to your post, upper management has explicitly directed this behavior, so I'm not sure that a direct rebuke of the practice is going to bear any fruit. 

If the practice is an affront to you in an ethical sense I'd argue that you have a duty to address it in some manner (it's a small industry, your reputation is important long term).  You may suggest in writing (i.e. via email) that they modify the practice.  Personally, I would use the analogy of an airline.  Airlines regularly oversell flights, but when they do they are not confirming a specific seat number to oversold tickets.  If the theatre is truly worried about empty seats, you may suggest that they sell each confirmed seat only once and then sell standby tickets at a lower rate in the event of no-shows.  This could actually work to their advantage in that they're not going to refund the no-show, and have sold a second ticket to the standby customer.