Shadowing: General Q&A

[carebear3885q]

I shadowed on a couple shows on Broadway this summer and it was the best thing I've ever done to help boost my career! I'm going back to New York this December to do more and I HIGHLY suggest anyone who is interested to do this!

[theatreannie]

Does anyone have contact for the PSM at the Met Opera.  I am very interested in shadowing an opera there this winter.

if you can message me or email me at theatreannie at gmail

thanks!

[lineberger07]

wow, after reading all of this i want to try shadowing!  I know some of you look down on Disney World SMs but since i am a Cast Member at WDW i have had the opertunity to shadow so many great shows.  But i am a bit nervous to ask to shadow a Broadway National Tour PSM.  But i will try....i was always told if you try you never know what will happen.

[JECSM]

Hi all, I have a question about something that hasn't come up in this discussion.
I'm a high school student looking to major in stage management. This is my junior year, and I'm starting to narrow down some colleges, and attend performances at the ones nearest me.
Is it possible or even a good idea to request to shadow an SM in a performance at one of the colleges near to me? The idea would be to learn some things from them, but also get a sense of that school's SM program and structure in action. Has anyone done this before, and what would be the best way to contact and set this up if I should?

Thanks!

[Scott (formerly Digga)]

I didn't do it in college but had prospective students sit in the booth with me during shows.  It seemed to help as they all ended up coming to the college.  I don't see it as a bad thing and can definitely help you to see how the college runs things.

[SMrose]

I would absolutely visit and if possible shadow or see a show at the college(s) you're interested in. For the money you're about to spend...I see it as a "test drive".  It's worth some gas $$ or a plane ride to discover if that college is a good match for you.

[lineberger07]

i want to shadow a chorus line, coming to orlando feb 10th through the 15th.  Should i send an email to the PSM or snail mail?  and if i snail mail it....should i sent it to the current theare that they are touring at?    Thank you!

[boolabella]

Visiting the theater department while I was applying to college was extremely helpful.  I had the opportunity to meet students, see the theater department, meet the faculty and resident designers, and although there wasn't a show in performances while I was there, I was able to sit in rehearsal and talk to the stage managers.  Now as a senior, I meet with prospective students who come to look at the program--I think it's a great opportunity to get a student's perspective of the program--and who doesn't love meeting other SMs!  I definitely think it's worth observing and visiting before you make the big decision.

[mcfly85]

Hi everyone,
Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

[smejs]

Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

I find that MANY people have never heard of it, but generally once they do, they find it an interesting/good idea.  Though of course they then might be nervous to have you follow them, or have a bit of trouble figuring out how to do it logistically (given cramped booth space, etc).  But in my opinion, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Heck, let alone theatre, many jobs don't think about shadowing/mentoring, but those who get a chance to, particularly in high school mentorships when you're trying to figure out if you even like the job, it has been shown to be very worthwhile.  My dad offers mentorships for counseling (like psychology), and some kids really enjoy the day with him, others realize it's NOT want they want to do.

[Millie]

Hi everyone,
Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

It sometimes happens in Australia if you're an SM student somewhere - when I was at uni my lecturer organised for us to shadow quite a few different shows, but I think that unless you're a student it can be difficult, something to do with insurance etc.  If you shadow a show as a student, you're covered by your TAFE or uni insurance, but if you're not, and something happens to you then there can be all kinds of problems, because you're not an employee either.

Correct me if I'm wrong other Aussies, but I think that's the deal.  You could still try though, probably try the Company Management offices.
Hope that helps

[mnsalz91]

I shadowed Wicked in January and In the Heights last week.  It is so much fun.  I might be shadowing Chicago in the future.

[G-O gr24]

About a week ago I had to buy tickets for a broadway show at the box office.  I wrote up a letter for the production stage manager and stage manager (1 each) asking if i could shadow them for the day I had bought the tickets for.  I included me cell number and email address.  I then gave this to someone at the backstage door.  I didn't ask to see them because when I was there it was about 1:15 and there was 2:00 show.  I haven't heard back from either one.  Just wondering if I should call and if so how do I go about getting the number? Should I call the box office and then I should ask for the PSM or SM? Thanks for the help!

[damjamkato]

Really this is a  kind of stupid question, but here goes:

You don't usually buy a ticket for the show that you want to shadow, right?
Or do you?

sorry, I'm really interested in shadowing, I just haven't done it yet.

[G-O gr24]

Really this is a  kind of stupid question, but here goes:

You don't usually buy a ticket for the show that you want to shadow, right?
Or do you?

sorry, I'm really interested in shadowing, I just haven't done it yet.

I bought one because I wasn't sure if I was going to shadow and because my family is going so I needed a ticket just in case.  And considering no one has gotten back to me it's a good thing I did.