Author Topic: Astrology for Stage Managers  (Read 10721 times)

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ljh007

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Astrology for Stage Managers
« on: Feb 11, 2007, 01:10 pm »
I've been working on this for a while, and hope you all will enjoy it. Remember, it's astrology - it's not perfect, but it's fun!
So... what's your sign, baby? (I'm a Gemini)

Aries
You have a natural leadership that makes the role of SM come easily to you. Your dynamic personality and strong ego (come on, admit it!) can keep a complex tech running along smoothly. However, you can step on a few toes with your super-confident attitude – and it usually surprises you when people take things the wrong way. You hate being told what to do, though occasionally you should slow down and listen to the carp with decades of experience under his tool belt. You are quick to come up with solutions to problems, and directors usually appreciate that you maintain shows consistently and with excellent quality.
Most likely to lead the parade to the bar after rehearsal.

Taurus
You are the epitome of patience, and never sweat the small stuff. You are content to rule over the theatre from behind your SM station, watching everyone hustle and flow as you calmly impose order over this chaos. People enjoy working with you because you always have your eye on the big picture. Sometimes your slow walk and quiet watchfulness are mistaken to mean that you are less than enthusiastic about your show. But those who know you best know the truth: you are a fierce defender of your production’s best interests, and you’ll win any shouting match if it finally comes to that. In fact, you’d really excel as a producer. When people need someone to put a foot down, they come straight to you.
Most likely to keep the company from giving out comps like candy.

Gemini
Your SM motto is “Communicate!” No one can top your skills at moderating discussion, passing along information, and keeping all members of the cast and crew in touch. Your paperwork is informative and lively. You are a true master at running production meetings. However, you might tend to debate issues longer than necessary because you can see all sides of an argument naturally – which sometimes leaves you caught in the middle. You tend to move quickly, and can jot down complex blocking on the first go.
Most likely to be the best cue caller on Earth.

Cancer
You adore the now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t illusion of theatre magic. You are definitely most comfortable backstage, under the blue glow of work lights. While you can guide a show competently through rehearsals, it is backstage where you really shine. You can call those visual or “feel” cues perfectly every time because you are always in the moment when it comes to performances. While you’re not one for the spotlight yourself, you love the warm-and-fuzzy feeling when a cast bonds and the audience gives a standing-O. You can tend to get sick easily, especially during a stressful tech.
Most likely to have the Mary Poppins Bag of kits – and to be called “Mom” by the cast.

Leo
You have the natural qualities of a mentor, and can guide a production from start to finish using sheer will alone. People naturally look up to you, and you take this and run with it (even when you secretly know you’re not quite sure what you’re talking about sometimes). Your showbiz motto could be “High Class, Baby!” You want everything done with no expense or effort spared – you’ll settle for nothing less than the best in all things. You’re extremely independent, but might do well to delegate more tasks to your ASMs. You secretly love the backstage gossip and can be quite susceptible to flattery.
Most likely to give speeches – about tardiness, show concept, backstage protocol, anything really.

Virgo
You are tops when it comes to organization. Even your prop tables are taped with perfect right angles. Your pencils are perfectly sharp and your paperwork is pristine (even if it takes you a while to file reports because you’re fussing with line spacing). Sometimes you can get impatient when the “creatives” are taking too long to debate character motivation or the exact shade of green that expresses the emotion of this scene. But you have saved the day more than once because while everyone else was looking the other way, you quietly put everything in order.
Most likely to guard your kit like a lion.

Libra
You are level-headed and patient – even when everyone around you is beyond stressed. Your calm demeanor makes you extremely valuable during crazy techs, and cast and crew alike a drawn to your easy-going friendliness. You are able to prioritize tasks and to defuse various crises as soon as they arise. You aren’t the perfect caller, or paperwork maven, or the master fixer. In a way, you are very good at all areas of SMing, while you don’t necessarily excel at any – except providing an enthusiastic but realistic outlook at all times.
Most likely to be the Go-To person for all things show related.

Scorpio
You just belong in the theatre. The drama, the craziness, the long hours, the nighttime schedule – it fits you perfectly. You become extremely attached to productions you’re working on, and are most likely to suffer from Post-Dramatic Stress Disorder after closing. But for each show you work, you give it your all. You work especially well with directors and actors because you appreciate the emotional demands of theatre. Measuring ground plans and making run sheets are definitely not your favorite activities – you’ll delegate these to your ASMs whenever possible.
Most likely to get involved in a show romance.

Sagittarius
You want the biggest, craziest, sparkliest shows you can find. Musicals are your favorite – with the glitzy costumes, the big sets, the intense cue sequences, and the glitter drops (love the glitter drops!). You enjoy theatre not for the emotional catharsis but for the pure entertainment factor. You are always the cheerleader for whatever production you are on, and can make people smile through even the most painful tech. Typical SM neuroses -– pristine paperwork, overstocked kits, impeccable call boards – are not for you. Sometimes people might accuse you of being a little slap-dash in your execution. But gosh darn it, you just love the theatre, and you’re guaranteed to give ‘em a great show every time.
Most likely to secretly want to be an actor.

Capricorn
You are the perfectionist SM personified. Not because you’re neurotic or naturally orderly, but for the pure challenge of it. You enjoy SMing because it allows you to use all your skills, constantly learning how to do things better. Though you’re patient in your way, you can be quite demanding when others don’t live up to your expectations. You have a certain detachment from your shows because for you they are exercises and learning opportunities. But this constant personal challenge means that you are inevitably very good at what you do. Your ASMs think you are god.
Most likely to have run sheets drafted before rehearsals even start.

Aquarius
You are an SM because you love being a central part of the creative process. You are imaginative, energetic, and friendly. However, you might not be the most practical SM – paperwork and call boards with hospital corners are not where you excel. With your inventive mind, you can come up with amazing creative solutions to most dilemmas – especially in regards to props and costumes. You are likely to have a few silly toys in your kit alongside your pencils.
Most likely to be SM + costumes + props + carpenter + house manager + program designer + ...

Pisces
Your independent, non-competitive nature makes SMing a good position for you. You’re rather optimistic and can always see the best in people and situations, though you can get emotionally attached in rehearsals. While running through the tragic scene, you’ll be the first one with tears in your eyes – but be careful that you don’t go home in a foul mood, too. You might find it hard to sit through long rehearsals or to park yourself at the SM desk through a show (wireless headsets were made for SMs like you!).
Most likely to give counseling sessions to sobbing actors backstage.

centaura

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #1 on: Feb 11, 2007, 04:32 pm »
Thats is quite impressive.  Thanks for sharing it with us!

-Centaura
A Leo

loebtmc

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #2 on: Feb 11, 2007, 05:31 pm »
SO copied, pasted, printed out and on the bulletin board - what fun!

(and a capricorn - natch)

kiwitechgirl

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #3 on: Feb 11, 2007, 11:45 pm »
Sagittarius
You want the biggest, craziest, sparkliest shows you can find. Musicals are your favorite – with the glitzy costumes, the big sets, the intense cue sequences, and the glitter drops (love the glitter drops!).

Apart from the glitter drops, this is completely true - I live for the annual musical!

You enjoy theatre not for the emotional catharsis but for the pure entertainment factor. You are always the cheerleader for whatever production you are on, and can make people smile through even the most painful tech.

Pretty damn true....

Thanks for this!

ReyYaySM

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #4 on: Feb 12, 2007, 10:03 am »
The Libra description is pretty much me to a T.  Thanks for posting!! :)

Balletdork

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #5 on: Feb 12, 2007, 02:38 pm »
oops.. I think you've got me!

Leo  ;)

Mac Calder

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #6 on: Feb 12, 2007, 06:12 pm »
Unfortunatly, does not fit me TOOO well (Sagitarius.) as I love small shows (although I love musicals too), and am analy retentive about paperwork etc. Still, great laugh.

zayit shachor

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #7 on: Feb 13, 2007, 01:21 am »
The Sag one doesn't fit me that well either, but the whole thing is still pretty entertaining, thanks for sharing! (Also, it did get one thing right - I am an actor too!)

kokobear

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #8 on: Feb 13, 2007, 09:27 am »
While I'm Cancer with Scorpio Rising, and do display characteristics of each, I believe that Aquarius best describes me!

stagemonkey

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #9 on: Feb 14, 2007, 05:52 pm »
I'm on the Pisces/Aries cusp so they tell me to look at both, and I have to say there are some of both that hit me pretty well.  Although I am usually the one suggesting a trip to the bar after rehearsal or a performance I am usually the last one to get to the bar as I still have to lock up and all the actors have taken off before I am done.

Canuck

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #10 on: Feb 22, 2007, 02:11 am »
As a fellow Gemini...I challenge you to a calling duel!  Kidding of course  ;)  This was fun, thanks!

gNat

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #11 on: Feb 22, 2007, 01:42 pm »
"You become extremely attached to productions you’re working on, and are most likely to suffer from Post-Dramatic Stress Disorder after closing."
Ahaha.  PDSD - never heard that one before!  Pretty true though -- I'm always blue for a week or so afterwards.

"Measuring ground plans and making run sheets are definitely not your favorite activities – you’ll delegate these to your ASMs whenever possible."
My current run sheet is pencil on notebook paper that I keep meaning to type up, but never get around to it, somehow.
 
"Most likely to get involved in a show romance."
Well, I haven't for the last two shows!  That's something, right?

Very funny post!
You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.
- The Princess Bride

cuelight

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #12 on: Feb 23, 2007, 04:21 pm »
The Gemini one fits me to a T. Especially the overly long debating over particular issues in a production meeting!

PSMKay

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #13 on: Feb 24, 2007, 10:46 pm »
Wow, ljh, you totally win the Golden Stopwatch for this one.  What a wonderful project!  I'm a Capricorn/Sagittarius cusp, which might explain how I got burned out of SMing by doing nonstop musicals...

smejs

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Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« Reply #14 on: Mar 02, 2007, 12:40 am »
Loved this!

Being an Aries, yes, you got me down pretty accurately.  Except for the bar part....I often find it hard to balance the social part with the manager part.  Not to mention, as stagemonkey said, the whole part of being late out of the building.

Erin