Yes, different work environments and let me tell you I am learning everyday how different the world of educational theatre and professional theatre is. I am one week away from opening my first professional show, though non-union, and it is so crazy for me to not have to do everything and pick up the slack of others. I appreciate you (Paul) for reminding me that the change of duties is even greater at the union level. For the first time in eight years I have not had to make copies of scripts, write out a mic assignment sheet, set up the orchestra, help build the set, help hang lights/focus, etc. But it's nice...very nice. It took me a couple of weeks to relax about the anxiety I had feeling 'I should be doing something'! Even so, 2 nights ago we needed the sound designer who had went to her office and I ran to get her, my TD explained to me that I could have/should have had her assistant track her down. My decision to switch to professional theatre, aside from wanting to make a full time living as a SM, came about by way of technicians not showing up to work prepared and skilled. I have very high standards, which I have realized proceed that of techies not carrying a flashlight, multi-tool, and wrench at all times or actors who do not respect my position. On that note, I am also a carpenter and grip who takes every tool I will need to a call. Basically, I am ready for union standards but certainly have much to learn about what is expected from a SM at that level.
Back to dance notation. I too read music and have yet to call a show from a score. Again, different ways of doing things. This is why (one of the many reasons) I love this site. Here we gather under one common , sharing different styles, techniques, tricks, and so forth of our trade. It is truly a comfort to read these post from people who are up against a task new to the them that someone else can offer insight to or from people who are dealing with a similar situation to one that you may be in and felt like you were the only one. More over, I was relieved in the discovery that I was not the only SM who has an addiction to office supplies and in fact seems to be a prerequisite for our craft.
Cheers