136
The Green Room / Re: Things You'll Never Hear a Stage Manager Say
« on: Mar 03, 2008, 01:20 am »
"Not my problem"
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137
Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship
« on: Feb 28, 2008, 04:36 pm »
I couldn't find where the Juilliard website mentioned the professional intern program. Do you have the website or more information about he program?
Thanks!
Thanks!
138
Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] What goes inside a SM Kit?
« on: Feb 12, 2008, 09:11 pm »
I have always found need for the following basics:
8" wrench (for lighting; a special skill I love to work with)
scale ruler (necessary if you still tape floors)
glow tape (multiple rules b/c they always seems to "mysteriously" disappear)
Those are my tri-fecta. I have a scrapbook kit my aunt gave to me as a gift. It is a miracle organizer that can be set up (by folding back a couple flaps) to be a little organized desk place (minus the hard surface). And it hold multiple binders and legal pads and everything else I've managed to come up with. It also has a separate roller box to put it in for easy moving.
As for the tape debate: Duck tape is only acceptable for quick fixes that have to hold up for a long run and nothing that shows (like that damn hanging cord). As for masking tape, I agree, it is EVIL. I know some who use it on props tables, but the only time I do that is if butcher's paper is laid down first. Many an hour has been wasted on someone having to pull up that crap. I guess in high school that would acceptable, but in the real and/or college world the theatre is in constant use and has no time to be peeled.
"Peel your sunburn, not your table."
8" wrench (for lighting; a special skill I love to work with)
scale ruler (necessary if you still tape floors)
glow tape (multiple rules b/c they always seems to "mysteriously" disappear)
Those are my tri-fecta. I have a scrapbook kit my aunt gave to me as a gift. It is a miracle organizer that can be set up (by folding back a couple flaps) to be a little organized desk place (minus the hard surface). And it hold multiple binders and legal pads and everything else I've managed to come up with. It also has a separate roller box to put it in for easy moving.
As for the tape debate: Duck tape is only acceptable for quick fixes that have to hold up for a long run and nothing that shows (like that damn hanging cord). As for masking tape, I agree, it is EVIL. I know some who use it on props tables, but the only time I do that is if butcher's paper is laid down first. Many an hour has been wasted on someone having to pull up that crap. I guess in high school that would acceptable, but in the real and/or college world the theatre is in constant use and has no time to be peeled.
"Peel your sunburn, not your table."
139
College and Graduate Studies / Re: Stage Management Colleges
« on: Feb 12, 2008, 08:59 pm »
I highly recommend Stephens College is Columbia, MO. I am here right now and it is a three year, two summer program. It is wonderful and my stage management mentor is so fantastic. The entire faculty are/have been professionals in the business. There is so much guaranteed work for stage managers here and it is such a professional environment.
They teach not only your specialty but encourage you to take classes for all angles of theatre. There are minimal gen-eds because it is a specialized school in the performing arts department. Everyone is friendly....well just know this place is wonderful.
www.stephens.edu and feel free to send me a message with any questions. You get a top notch education here. (Trust, I started a year somewhere else and quickly realized my mistake in not going here immediately).
They teach not only your specialty but encourage you to take classes for all angles of theatre. There are minimal gen-eds because it is a specialized school in the performing arts department. Everyone is friendly....well just know this place is wonderful.
www.stephens.edu and feel free to send me a message with any questions. You get a top notch education here. (Trust, I started a year somewhere else and quickly realized my mistake in not going here immediately).
140
Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship
« on: Jan 30, 2008, 08:49 pm »
I totally noticed that too!
And thank you you so much for promoting your company MatthewShiner. It looks like a great company and believe or not, classical theatre is one of my favorite types to work with. Do you know what kind of housing they give? $150/week with housing is a decent deal. I'm just hoping this is a good part of D.C...
And thank you you so much for promoting your company MatthewShiner. It looks like a great company and believe or not, classical theatre is one of my favorite types to work with. Do you know what kind of housing they give? $150/week with housing is a decent deal. I'm just hoping this is a good part of D.C...
141
Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship
« on: Jan 30, 2008, 12:50 am »
Thank you very much for the website. I will definately keep this in mind.
142
The Hardline / Re: SMA
« on: Jan 28, 2008, 05:57 pm »
Now is the difference between being an Associate and being a Full Member?
143
The Hardline / Do you agree with Equity representing Stage Managers
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:51 pm »
Alright, so this is a never ending debate amongst the stage managers I've talked to who have working professionally for years:
Should Equity represent SMs?
One half says they have improved benefits greatly for SMs and since the SM and Deputy work closely together it makes sense that they should deal with the same union. Also, on this side of the debate, is the relationship SMs should have with actors on an equality basis.
On the other side, many say that IATSE or another stage hand union should be the main representation. Even further, I've heard that some believe Stage Managers should have their own union (or branch of a technical union) that would represent all branches of Stage Management (SM, ASM, PA, etc). Some on this side have said SMs are overshadowed by the actors in Actor's Equity and are sometimes taken advantage of by the contracts used.
Personally, I'm still sorting things out and investigating the paperwork and information on Equity right now and are not informed enough to develop my own opinion yet, but I am curious what others think. If you don't like Equity and think another union represents SMs better please let me know so I can investigate them as well.
Should Equity represent SMs?
One half says they have improved benefits greatly for SMs and since the SM and Deputy work closely together it makes sense that they should deal with the same union. Also, on this side of the debate, is the relationship SMs should have with actors on an equality basis.
On the other side, many say that IATSE or another stage hand union should be the main representation. Even further, I've heard that some believe Stage Managers should have their own union (or branch of a technical union) that would represent all branches of Stage Management (SM, ASM, PA, etc). Some on this side have said SMs are overshadowed by the actors in Actor's Equity and are sometimes taken advantage of by the contracts used.
Personally, I'm still sorting things out and investigating the paperwork and information on Equity right now and are not informed enough to develop my own opinion yet, but I am curious what others think. If you don't like Equity and think another union represents SMs better please let me know so I can investigate them as well.
144
Tools of the Trade / Re: how essential is a kit?
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:36 pm »
The one time (and I mean ONLY time) I ever didn't carry my kit with me because I didn't plan on being there long (and I have a full kit) a part of the dance floor being used got untaped and there was no good tape and no scissors at all. We found some gross semi-sheer tape and I had to rip it with my teeth (which was disgusting because I have no idea how old that tape is or what is what meant for). I will never ever ever go anywhere without my kit near by. You just never know. It is those obscure (and sometimes obvious) needs that you just need your kit for.
145
Tools of the Trade / Re: Condom reference??
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:23 pm »
I remember the first time I saw the unlubed condoms in my college tech storage room. It was just after a show and I was going in to double check the light board was off and the word "TROJAN" caught my eye. My first thought is some of the students hid them there for their normal purpose. Then I saw unlubed and the sound gear and figured it out. I was so glad I was by myself when I had that thought or that would have been embarrassing
146
Tools of the Trade / Organizing Work Space in Small Rehearsal Hall
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:12 pm »
When I'm setting up my work station before rehearsal I'm wondering what everyone does to fit all the stuff we need in such small spaces. There are so many different style of spaces that it is hard to find a solution for space. For example, if you are in the theatre for rehearsals and are sitting in the audience, how do you set up your laptop, prompt book, paperwork, kit, and anything else I might have forgotten? I've seen sitting in the aisle, dragging in as big a table as will fit, or a specially fit work top built to sit over two rows of seats to provide ample workspace for stage manager, light, and sound board. How do you work it?
Or, even more basic, how do manage to have a laptop (for note taking, line or director notes, etc) and also follow along with the script/prompt book? Do you use an assistant (if available) or some kind of set up you have found works well?
Or, even more basic, how do manage to have a laptop (for note taking, line or director notes, etc) and also follow along with the script/prompt book? Do you use an assistant (if available) or some kind of set up you have found works well?
147
Tools of the Trade / Re: stopwatches?
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:02 pm »
The walmart I was at a while back had a phenomenal sport style stop watch meant for people practicing to run marathons and track competitions. I have yet to hear it beep and it has the coolest feature ever. It has a "lap" function that when you are timing a show and need to write down a time (like just before the scene change and directly after the scene change) you can tap the "lap" button and it will freeze the number it is on, but the overall time is still running in the background. Record and re-tap the same button to return to the running time and repeat as necessary. Doing musicals or dance programs where time is fairly rigid this is perfect.
It doesn't have a brand name, but it has a large easy to read face, digital watch, black and is made in China.
It doesn't have a brand name, but it has a large easy to read face, digital watch, black and is made in China.
148
Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship
« on: Jan 26, 2008, 07:34 pm »
Regional Theatre Directory? How do I get ahold of that gem? Online directory perhaps?
149
Employment / Seeking Stage Management Fellowship
« on: Jan 25, 2008, 05:44 pm »
I am starting the early process of seeking theater companies that offer stage management fellowships or lucrative internships. My graduation is currently set for Dec '09, but I want to collect information early on opportunities.
Ideally I'd like to find an opportunity that offers points towards Equity, housing (or at least a nice enough stipend to afford some kind of housing and/or aid in seeking housing), and a potential opportunity to be hired on post-fellowship.
I understand I will most likely not get an ideal fellowship, but I have come across a few very good set-ups. Basically I am seeking anyone who ideas or tips for what will be a post-grad trying to break into stage management. I am extremely open to touring, regional theater, even overseas if the opportunity is good. Any recommendations?
Ideally I'd like to find an opportunity that offers points towards Equity, housing (or at least a nice enough stipend to afford some kind of housing and/or aid in seeking housing), and a potential opportunity to be hired on post-fellowship.
I understand I will most likely not get an ideal fellowship, but I have come across a few very good set-ups. Basically I am seeking anyone who ideas or tips for what will be a post-grad trying to break into stage management. I am extremely open to touring, regional theater, even overseas if the opportunity is good. Any recommendations?