Author Topic: Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.  (Read 5060 times)

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KMC

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Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.
« on: Mar 26, 2007, 06:29 pm »
In one of the other topics someone (I believe Bridget) asked what it's like on a ship.  I can't say how it is for all cruise lines, but I can talk specifically about Royal Caribbean.  A lot of people don't typically associate ships with "good work" but there is in fact some good work out there.  Now don't get me wrong, you're not going to find art onboard ships, but you can find some decent vegas-style shows.  Onboard most of our ships (anything new than 98 or 99) we have lots and lots of fun toys.  All of the scenery is controlled by a rigging computer which takes MIDI timecode (MIDI Bridge to convert SMPTE to MIDI, SMPTE received from Show Control computer).  The fly space, orchestra pit, stage lifts, floor tracks are all fully automated.  Lighting rigs are all intelligent and we run hog (II, III, PC, and iPC) consoles exclusively.  Sound consoles vary from analog to digital, a few Euphonix consoles, some digital Yamaha consoles, and some analog Crest consoles.  All video projections are controlled via show control with SMPTE timecode received from the MX 24-24.  A lot of our ships also have human flying (flying by foy) in both the main theatre and studio b (ice rink). 

Calling a production show onboard is very different from traditional theatre.  Instead of calling each cue individually you're saying "timecode Go" at the top of the show, then simply getting clears from your stagehands if scenery is good to move.  If something isn't clear you just take your hand off of the deadman.  If everything's clear just sit back and relax!
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

centaura

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Re: Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.
« Reply #1 on: Mar 28, 2007, 08:21 am »
Thanks for your information!  There are a lot of young folks out there that are always curious about life on board cruise ships.  How are yours as far as dress codes, restriction from guest interactions, and "Other Duties"?

-Centaura

KMC

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Re: Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.
« Reply #2 on: Mar 28, 2007, 09:00 am »
Thanks for your information!  There are a lot of young folks out there that are always curious about life on board cruise ships.  How are yours as far as dress codes, restriction from guest interactions, and "Other Duties"?

-Centaura

Uniforms for our techs are great, simple black slacks and a black polo (you can wear khaki shorts if you want before 6:00pm - very nice for those days in the Caribbean).  Everyone has to wear the obligatory nametag but it's not a big deal. 

Restrictions from guest interaction are not that severe.  The folks you hear about that have to stay in crew areas are your galley folks, bar servers, dining room waiters, etc...  They actually encourage staff and officers to interact with the guests.

Other Duties are almost non-existent.  With the equipment we have it takes years of training and experience and/or a college degree to get there.  Our techs are kept very busy with a rehearsal and 2 shows every day, preventative maintenance, repairs, etc...  The one exception to the "extra  duties" would the that Stage Staff occasionally help out on the rock wall.  Because they come from a theatrical background most have a basic knowledge of rigging and can pick up belaying without too much trouble.
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

SummerShakespeare

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Re: Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.
« Reply #3 on: Jun 17, 2007, 05:13 am »
That sounds like ti would be like alot of fun!
count me in! Lol :P
All on the same G.O.

 

riotous