Author Topic: JOB DESCRIPTION: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?  (Read 5421 times)

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geoffsm

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So this is my situation (keep in mind this is educational theatre):
So, on my current production, our set consists of a 14 x 14' platform that has steps units on both DS corners, on each side, and on each US corner.  The step units on the side of the stage have been wobbly since they were installed.  It has begun to concern me as we have actors walking and fighting on these stairs, therefore I put it in a rehearsal report, with the intent to talk to the Technical Director the next day.  Before  could get to him, he pulled NOT ME, but my ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (also a student) aside and said that I was being ridiculous and should have taken the initiative to fix the steps myself.  She explained to him that that was not my place and that he would be upset if I had touched "his set", but he still didn't seem to think that this was his responsibility.  
Now, am I wrong, or is the safety of the set, not something the TD should fix?  Since when is it the SM's responsibility to modify the set?  Second of all, isn't it extremely unprofessional to talk to someone about this other than me?  Do you think this is just an educational theater, "I'm a professor, so I'm better than you" situation?  In a professional situation isn't there some kind of equity guideline that would get me into trouble for modifying the set without the consent of the TD?

Any advice you could give me would be great....I'm just trying to figure out if I really was wrong.  Thanks!



« Last Edit: Jun 09, 2009, 02:08 am by PSMKay »

jemason

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #1 on: Mar 29, 2008, 08:51 am »
I am more than happy to help the technical director with building, painting, or whatever else needs to get done, but I would NEVER think of trying to do something on my own without his O.K. first.  I am surprised he did see it from a different perspective, as in most cases that I am aware of, the responsibility of the build of the set (and any related safety issues) belongs to the tech director (as well as anyone in charge of the set, such as head carpenter, etc.)   
I stage manage, therefore I am.

zayit shachor

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #2 on: Mar 29, 2008, 02:26 pm »
In my experience, it's absolutely the TD's responsibility, and it would be unreasonable of him to expect an SM to have the technical know-how to do it.  In the professional world, knowing how to properly and safely fix a set is the TD's domain, and it's not a part of the SM's job description.  In fact, if an SM tried to make a major set repair himself, he'd probably get into trouble with the TD.

You said this TD is a professor?  I'm shocked to hear that a faculty member would have said something like this.  Do you have a faculty advisor, or someone who supervises the SMs?  I would bring this to them, and see what they think.

Also, definitely talk to your TD.  Keep the conversation professional, and explain to him that you don't feel qualified to modify the set, and the reason you asked him to do it is because he knows how to do it safely.

Let us know how it goes!

jaslada

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #3 on: Mar 31, 2008, 05:04 pm »
How interesting this should come up....I am working on a professional non-equity production. We loaded in the set this past weekend. The major piece is an octagon shaped gazebo unit - measuring 11' across at it's widest points. This piece is wheeled and moves up and down an alley that measures 13' wide. The audience is seated on both sides of the alley. I was told at the original design meeting that there would be tracks to guide the unit. I expressed a concern about the piece moving once in place and was told that this would not be a problem - they would address it. So- to make a long story short - yes -this piece moves like a dream but with no tracks and no way to keep it from moving. You walk on it - it moves a little bit. I have expressed my major reservations about cast members stepping onto the unit and having it move (especially the ladies in heels and long skirts...in a blackout) to the technical director. The director agrees it is an issue. However - I have never worked for this company. I found that I was was shut out of the end of day meeting when the punch list was being put together. I had to track the producer & ask her to add the issue to her list. Oh yes - the technical director won't be back for 3  days and we open 2 days after that. Also - did I mention that the audience enters the house by walking thru this unit.........I feel my respondsibilty is to continue to stress what I see as the inherent danger here but am not sure what else I can do.
Any suggestions?

avkid

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #4 on: Apr 01, 2008, 01:06 am »
The audience walks on this you say?
That just became a code enforcement problem, and if it's blocking a handicapped entrance, an ADA problem.
Maybe point that out, casually.
Philip LaDue
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chops

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #5 on: Apr 01, 2008, 10:09 pm »
I've found that in the corporate and bureaucratic worlds when bringing up an issue of safety it helps to verbally talk to the person in charge of it before you submit it in writing.  Once it is on paper or email it becomes a legal record of that person not performing their job to the fullest extent.  When I have a safety issue I always talk to the person in charge of that department in private.  Then if nothing is done I bring up the problem in public.  Just a simple mention of "Hey did we get those stairs fixed yet?" while in front of another person or two.  If I still don't have the problem fixed I put it in writing and cc someone important.  On that email or letter or note scribbled in sharpie I mentioned that we had discussed it beforehand.  Something like "Based upon our previous conversation on 'insert date'..."  This gives them the chance to fix the problem before it becomes something on record.  Some people just get a little edgy when you start writing down safety issues on paper and passing them around.  I have only gotten to the third step once.  But I do keep records off all safety issues and as far as I am concerned it is my responsibility to ensure that everything is safe.  If that means rehanging a point myself because I didn't like the bridle then I might get some grease on my tie. 
Peace,

Chops

Thomas A. Kelly

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Re: Set Modifications the SM's responsibility?!?!?
« Reply #6 on: Apr 02, 2008, 11:01 am »
If it has to do with safety of the actors, then it is indeed your responsibility, not to do the actual work, although it will get someone's attention if you start doing it. Here at the Opera, I insisted it be in the contractual language of both IA and AGMA that the PSM can delay rehearsal or performance until any technical, scenic or lighting problem that could cause injury to a performer is fixed. I only use this when ALL else fails. Verbal communication of your concern directly to the TD or Master Carpenter is always a better step than mass distribution through notes... then, you have the position of "I have asked to have the wobbly steps fixed but to no avail, and we cannot rehearse on them again until fixed" type note in your next report.

Educational theater is a bitch, especially when it comes to faculty TDs who think every actor or stage manager is a fool and a scaredy cat and a pain, but rise above their level and ask nicely and if that doesn't work, go over his/her head to department heads, etc. I have worked with theater depts for years and have never figured out what their particular problem is... territory, laziness, posturing pedanticness, or just plain a-- hole, they come in so many shapes and types and sizes... good luck, and just know we have all faced this same stone wall; you, too, will figure out a way to cope, and then share it with us.

 

riotous