I am conducting a survey of the techniques that stage managers use to call shows. Advances in lighting, sound, and motion control have changed the way that shows are operated -- how have these advances changed the way that shows are called? This survey will also help identify innovations in creating calling scripts and communicating the individual cues.
http://www.hostedsurvey.com/takesurvey.asp?c=SMCallingThis online survey should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
There are also opportunities to provide feedback on any of the major questions.
Anyone who has stage managed at least 1 theatre production in the United States (or a tour that originates in the US) is encouraged to participate. There are questions for both AEA veterans and new students of stage management. Once the statistics have been gathered, I plan to open the discussions to stage managers outside of the US and those that work exclusively in dance, opera, and/or special events. The only reason for limiting the survey to stage management of American theatre is to generate statistics based more from participants' experiences and years in this particular field than from the different calling styles and traditions from other countries or performing art forms.
If you find the survey useful, please forward this invitation to your colleagues.
Thank you very much,
David McGraw
Production Stage Manager
Theatre Arts Department
University of Iowa