256
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: KCACTF Region II
« on: Dec 03, 2008, 08:01 pm »
Anyone going to the region 1 in January?
News:
14 Jan 2021: Happy 21st birthday, SMNetwork! I replaced the old broken mobile theme. -K
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257
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Let's Talk "Places, Please"
« on: Nov 20, 2008, 01:22 pm »
I ask for a head count. As was mentioned before, you never know if there are any troubles backstage. I do stress to my actors that it is their responsibility to be on time and at the correct place since it is they who will look foolish and not me.
258
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Fight Call
« on: Nov 19, 2008, 08:31 pm »
Agreed. And as an individual who has served as a fight captain before, fight captains prefer to make the call themselves. If the captain feels that the fight suffered in the first show, they very well might do two calls that day. The same is true if a fight went well, they might give the actors a break. Knowing actor's I have worked with before and fighting before, I always do a warm up before every show anyway with my weapons/choreography/etc...
259
College and Graduate Studies / Re: Is undergrad too early?
« on: Nov 18, 2008, 03:42 pm »
You are not limiting yourself by majoring in theatre. You have more options when you graduate than most people, for example, stage managers go on to manage more things than just the stage and technical students go on to a variety of practices(drafting, carpentry, movies, etc...) You could even argue that point with any other major. Don't you think that history/art/whatever majors are limiting themselves?
I also agree with the other respondants. At a liberal arts school, you will learn basic facts about a lot of different topics. Also, in college, what you put into your work will determine what you get out of it. That seems to be the motto of the more successful theatre students in my program(University of Rhode Island).
Who is it who thinks that you are limiting yourself? Parent? Friend? Teacher?
I also agree with the other respondants. At a liberal arts school, you will learn basic facts about a lot of different topics. Also, in college, what you put into your work will determine what you get out of it. That seems to be the motto of the more successful theatre students in my program(University of Rhode Island).
Who is it who thinks that you are limiting yourself? Parent? Friend? Teacher?
260
The Hardline / Re: Actor Notes - After opening
« on: Nov 11, 2008, 01:39 pm »
I agree with KMC; all SMs should be well versed on every aspect of theatre. Thanks for the advice!
261
The Hardline / Re: Actor Notes - After opening
« on: Nov 11, 2008, 01:44 am »
I'm still a college student, so I have a quick question on this topic, since I'll be graduating in May...
I have been told before it is best for the SM to not give acting notes and leave that to the director, ast. director, etc... I have given blocking and line notes before, but not acting ones. I do also try and encourage every actor at least a few times when they are having a good night on the stage.
So my question would be: Is it a common practice in the professional market to give an actor acting notes?
I have been told before it is best for the SM to not give acting notes and leave that to the director, ast. director, etc... I have given blocking and line notes before, but not acting ones. I do also try and encourage every actor at least a few times when they are having a good night on the stage.
So my question would be: Is it a common practice in the professional market to give an actor acting notes?
262
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: When the show is going bad
« on: Nov 10, 2008, 07:21 pm »
I would have to agree with Jessie. If you have a sneaking suspicion that the show is bad, then invite the producer. And maybe this is the naive student part of my mind speaking, but shouldn't the producer be keeping an eye on the rehearsal by attending every once in a while?
From what I have experienced in college and part-time work, the artistic direction of a show should be left to the artistic staff and how smoothly a show runs and is managed should be left to the managerial staff. This can change from theatre to theatre though probably, depending on how members of the theatre work with each other.
Sarah and sievep pose a good question however: if you are asked your opinion, shouldn't you answer honestly?
From what I have experienced in college and part-time work, the artistic direction of a show should be left to the artistic staff and how smoothly a show runs and is managed should be left to the managerial staff. This can change from theatre to theatre though probably, depending on how members of the theatre work with each other.
Sarah and sievep pose a good question however: if you are asked your opinion, shouldn't you answer honestly?
263
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Prop Recipe Exchange
« on: Oct 16, 2008, 11:00 pm »
Thought I'd contribute too!
Blood(not for consumption):
-red food colouring
-liquid clothing detergent
This recipe is for pure body blood and since it is made out of detergent, it can just be thrown in the wash.
Blood(can be consumed):
-water
-corn syrup
-red food colouring
-blue or green food colouring(if needed for accuracy)
There is no real amounts to use, but mix water and corn syrup to a good consistency and add colour as necessary.
Glass:
-1/3 cup water
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 cup of light karo syrup
-parchment paper
Mix all the ingredients together in a pot and put over med-low heat. When small bubbles appear and the colour begins to change to a brownish gold, do the following test: get a glass of cold water and drizzle the glass into it. If you there is a cracking sound (almost like glass breaking), it is done. Take it off the heat and pour it all out on your prchment paper, allowing it to set until it is maliable enough to mold.
Depending on the thickness, it should be okay to break over someone's head. I know fight glass is expensive so this is a nice and cheap equivilant. Just make sure you practice forming bottles or plates or whatever.
As far as fire goes...I imagine that is up to your local fire marshal. I am in school in RI so they are very strict because of the station nightclub fire. We can sometimes get away with using fake, herbal cigarettes instead of real ones, but they have a whole different smell to them.
Hope this helps!
Blood(not for consumption):
-red food colouring
-liquid clothing detergent
This recipe is for pure body blood and since it is made out of detergent, it can just be thrown in the wash.
Blood(can be consumed):
-water
-corn syrup
-red food colouring
-blue or green food colouring(if needed for accuracy)
There is no real amounts to use, but mix water and corn syrup to a good consistency and add colour as necessary.
Glass:
-1/3 cup water
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 cup of light karo syrup
-parchment paper
Mix all the ingredients together in a pot and put over med-low heat. When small bubbles appear and the colour begins to change to a brownish gold, do the following test: get a glass of cold water and drizzle the glass into it. If you there is a cracking sound (almost like glass breaking), it is done. Take it off the heat and pour it all out on your prchment paper, allowing it to set until it is maliable enough to mold.
Depending on the thickness, it should be okay to break over someone's head. I know fight glass is expensive so this is a nice and cheap equivilant. Just make sure you practice forming bottles or plates or whatever.
As far as fire goes...I imagine that is up to your local fire marshal. I am in school in RI so they are very strict because of the station nightclub fire. We can sometimes get away with using fake, herbal cigarettes instead of real ones, but they have a whole different smell to them.
Hope this helps!
264
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #4: When being an SM and a friend collide
« on: Oct 13, 2008, 08:06 pm »
We usually meet up early and go grab a cup of coffee, chat about life, and then head to rehearsal. Worked out well.
If we didn't have time to meet up, I'd text them early to make sure that they were on their way.
I agree with CBT. if the situation is a lot more complicated, make time for them. I think a good SM should be able to help out their cast, despite being friends, roomies, etc... whenever they need it.
265
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #4: When being an SM and a friend collide
« on: Oct 13, 2008, 02:59 pm »
I would probably handle this situation by being honest with my roommate. Let her know what their tardiness was doing to overall productivity.
Even though personal problems are hard to work around, this roommate needs to remember the obligation they have made to the company. If this means bringing them along with you early to rehearsals, since the SM is there before anyone else, then so be it. Since you are this person's roommate, you can be their psuedo-therapist, helping them deal with the problem outside of rehearsals so it won't be an issue.
You have two priorities in this situation which happen to overlap. By helping your company with productivity and attendance, you help your roommate retain their part.
Even though personal problems are hard to work around, this roommate needs to remember the obligation they have made to the company. If this means bringing them along with you early to rehearsals, since the SM is there before anyone else, then so be it. Since you are this person's roommate, you can be their psuedo-therapist, helping them deal with the problem outside of rehearsals so it won't be an issue.
You have two priorities in this situation which happen to overlap. By helping your company with productivity and attendance, you help your roommate retain their part.