Author Topic: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)  (Read 32650 times)

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kiwitechgirl

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #15 on: Mar 13, 2012, 12:37 am »
What does James take the photograph on - camera, phone, polaroid camera?  If it's a camera, does it need to be specifically film or digital? Does the camera actually need to work, or can it be a dummy?  Does it need to flash?  Does the audience see the photo on the camera/phone screen?  Do we need a camera sound effect?  Does the photo get seen later in the show at all, in a photo frame or on a computer screen?  Does he have the camera on his person and does he need a pocket to put it into?  Can he bring it on in his hand prior to using it, or does the blocking not permit that?  Do we need to preset it somewhere on the set for him to pick up?  If it's a working camera, have we thought about batteries or using rechargeables? 

New note: The bread which David has put in the oven in II, iv, needs to explode in II, v.

alistairhammond

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #16 on: Mar 13, 2012, 01:15 pm »
Where is the oven? Is there a trap we can use? What kind of explosion? Fire? Smoke? Nuclear mushroom cloud? What about the oven? Does it need to stay intact? Are pyros permitted? Do we have the budget for pyro? and a pyro tech? Is anyone near the oven? Will we need SFX? What type of bread is it? What type of oven is it? Is there a flame or light in the oven?

New note: Chloe plays a cowbell during the disco scene.
Buttons, Buttons, where's your hat?

catalinacisne

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #17 on: Mar 13, 2012, 09:51 pm »
What size cowbell? Will Props or Sound provide it? Can we have a rehearsal bell? Will she have a drumstick with which she hits the cowbell? Does the actress playing Chloe already have percussion experience, or do we need to bring in a specialist to train her? If so, can we afford a pro pr should we look for a volunteer? Will the musical director be in charge of setting the beat that is struck, or can it change each performance? Will copies of any cowbell sheet music need to be made? Most importantly, does anyone in the cast or crew have a known medical condition that is treated with cowbell?

Here is the new ending, including the re-worked Finale. The melody notes don't change, but the order of the medley and the harmonies have been rearranged. Please have it ready for final dress tomorrow.

bex

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #18 on: May 19, 2012, 04:05 pm »
So I think catalinacisne won that round... Anybody up for a new round?

NEW NOTE:
We will need a bag for the thief to put the loot into during Scene 3.

You will have to sing for your supper & your mortgage, your dental coverage & your children's shoes, over & over again while people in desk jobs roll their eyes the minute you start to complain. So it's a good thing you like to sing.

BeccaTheSM

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #19 on: May 19, 2012, 10:31 pm »
What size bag: Small, medium, large, JUMBO? What style bag: Ziploc, canvas, tote, handbag, messenger bag, etc? (Also, what color?) Does the thief enter with the bag (as though pre-meditated) or does he happen upon the bag onstage while mid-looting?

What is looted during the scene? Is it any specific items, or should it just be an assortment of items? How many items will be looted; are any of them particularly large (thus requiring a larger bag)?

Does the thief climb to reach anything or crawl on the floor (possibly needing treads on his shoes or kneepads)?

 NOTE:
The ensemble will all hold candles for the dream ballet at the end of Act I.
Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos. - Stephen Sondheim

On_Headset

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #20 on: May 19, 2012, 10:49 pm »
Be advised that the "loot" currently in use includes several glass statuettes, any of which might be damaged by slugging them around in a sack: will it be possible to switch to less-breakable loot? Could we preset the bag so it's partially full of packaging peanuts or a similar material in order to prevent breakage? (Do we have enough room in the budget for packaging peanuts? [Do we have enough room in the budget for a sack?]) Do we need to provide any additional safety equipment or training in order to deal with broken glass, or are existing provisions adequate?

Is there any chance that the fabric used in the bag will clash with costume, set or wardrobe choices? (Don't forget that the bag will be used both empty and full, and may display different textures or forms depending upon its present state.)

Will the bag be appreciably new, or more stained and aged? If the bag is to be aged, perhaps we could arrange for the artistic director to attend a costume fitting: he seems to love old bags. He also likes to have his toes sucked, as Stephanie has no doubt learned.

When you say "thief", which actor are we discussing? (Joani, the former thief? Peter, who steals the scene? Or Stephanie, who has been systematically stealing my pencils throughout the rehearsal process, like the no-good, fiancee-stealing strumpet she is? [If it is, in fact, Stephanie, would it perhaps be easier for her to stuff the loot directly into her fat, ugly face?])

NEW NOTE:
Several chorus members have had an allergic reaction to the bodypaints. We'll need to find an alternative substance.

Edit: Drat! And I was so into it, too! :(

PSMKay

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #21 on: May 20, 2012, 12:04 am »
MERGE:
So if the ensemble is all holding candles while dancing and wearing bodypaint we'll need to make sure the bodypaint isn't a) flammable, b) slippery, c) transferrable to the candle props.
Can we use real flame here? How many fire extinguishers do we need? When is the last time those extinguishers backstage were charged? If not real flame, then battery powered? Fresh batteries every night for how many ensemble?
Regarding the allergic reactions, do we need to keep a steroid pen backstage? Who had the reaction, and did it require hospitalization or medical attention? What paints are you using? Did anything get mixed with the paint like glitter? Do we need to paint faces or just limbs/torso?

NEW NOTE:
Can we please get a rehearsal clipboard and some pencils for Stephanie? She's added some business in II,2. Stage management can no longer supply any more pencils for the cause.

jasonlynch

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #22 on: May 21, 2012, 02:06 am »
For the pencils, would mechanical pencils work? If so, does the lead size matter (0.5 or 0.7)? Is it necessary for the pencils to have built in erasers? How many pencils are required? How long should they be? Will they be broken or used? If they are used, how often will they need to be sharpened and how short should we let them get before we replace them? Where will the pencils be preset? Will they be on the clipboard, in a jar, in a drawer, or somewhere else? When is the play set (No pencils before the 1560s, no erasers before the 1860s)?
For the clipboard, how large should it be (letter, legal, or another size)? What should it be made of? Should it have paper on it (ruled or not)? How many sheets of paper will be needed and will they have to be replaced each night? Where is the clipboard preset (on a table/desk, in a drawer, etc)?

In Act II, Tom and Josh will hang their suit jackets SR when they enter and will unknowingly take each other's jacket when they exit. This should be noticed by the audience.

On_Headset

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #23 on: May 21, 2012, 04:17 am »
Are Tom and Jerry the same size? If not, are the jackets worn in preceeding or subsequent scenes? (There would be a comic effect from an actor wearing a jacket several sizes too large, but this effect would likely get rather tired very quickly and may be too slapstick for this show: would the director prefer we produce four jackets, meaning both jackets are made in both sizes, in order to get around this issue? Do we have the budget for this exercise? Do we have the laundry facilities necessary to double up on costumes in this manner?)

If duplicate jackets are undesirable or undoable, we will need to make some provision for the possibility of jackets getting torn or damaged due to fitting poorly. Can we arrange for a sewing machine to be placed in a quick-change alcove, just in case? (Can we add a seamstress to the running crew, just to be absolutely safe?)

Given the prominence of these wardrobe pieces, have the designs been flown by audience development in order to ensure there's no donor or sponsor conflict? (Alternatively, might a sponsor object to their product being shown as both ill-fitting and indistinguishable from a competitor's product?)

Do either of the actors have any known allergies? (Woollens? Cotton? Plaid?)


NEW NOTE:
Samuel's six-page monologue from the third act has been cut and replaced with the line "I'm dying!", followed by his death.

bex

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #24 on: May 27, 2012, 02:54 pm »
How does Samuel die? Are there weapons involved? Do we need to consult a fight director?  Do we have the budget to hire a fight director? Will there be a blood effect? Does the actor have any allergies that we should be aware of for making the blood? Is costumes aware of the potential for needing to double his costume or do extra laundry due to the blood?
Since we are cutting the six page monologue, what effect does this have on timing backstage? Do any costumes need to be quick-rigged now that were not before? Do we have time to track & prep necessary props/scenic pieces backstage since the time is now so much shorter?

NEW NOTE:  Stephen has requested a cigarette for when he is playing the "Starving Artist" character on page 46-48.
You will have to sing for your supper & your mortgage, your dental coverage & your children's shoes, over & over again while people in desk jobs roll their eyes the minute you start to complain. So it's a good thing you like to sing.

BayAreaSM

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #25 on: May 28, 2012, 03:39 pm »
Is Stephen a smoker? If not, does he have an allergic reaction to cigarette smoke? Do the other actors in the scene have any allergic reactions to smoke? Is anyone asthmatic?

Will the cigarette be lit? If it is lit, will Stephen actually inhale the cigarette? Is there a preferred brand of cigarette or should we use a theatrical brand of herbal cigarettes? How many cigarettes will be smoked during pages 46-48? Will the cigarette be lit with a match or a lighter?  Do we have enough budget for multiple packs of cigarettes, matches and/or lighters? If it is a match, where will the extinguished match go after it's use? Are we allowed to have open flame onstage? Has the fire marshall been scheduled for a walk through? Has publicity been notified so that a notice can be posted in the lobby with regards to smoking onstage? Has Stephen's costume been flame proofed? Does anyone else light his cigarette? If so, has their costume been flame proofed as well? What side of the stage requires the butt can? Will the cigarette be put out onstage? If so, how will it be extinguished (stepped on, ashtray, ash can, water cup)?

If it is not lit, can we use a fake cigarette? If smoke is required to be seen, do you want to use an electric cigarette? Do we have a budget for electric or fake cigarettes, in case they are damaged during the run and more than one is needed? Will he need to pull out the cigarette(s) onstage? What brand is referenced in the script? Does it need to come out of a cigarette box or a case? If a case is wanted, is there a preference of case color/material?

NEW NOTE: For the massive farmer's market food fight in Act 2, some of the food will be consumed onstage.

jasonlynch

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #26 on: May 29, 2012, 12:24 am »
For the food fight, how much variety will there be? How much food will there be? Will it have to be replaced every night and do we have the budget for that? Are there any liquids (beverages) or semi-liquids (ketchup, etc)? Will we need more time before the show to make the food, and whose responsibility is that? Will the costumes need to be used (clean) later in the show, in which case we'll need duplicates? If not, will we be able to clean them every night so they look new? Will we need to replace them more often and do we have the budget? Are there any costumes that cannot get food on them and how to we get them off stage before the food fight? Does anyone need to quick change out of dirty clothes into clean clothes and if how will we wash them (the person) backstage? Will this require more time or more crew? Do any of the cast have any allergies we should take into consideration? How long do we have to clean up the cast members before they are required back onstage? How can we ensure that no food makes it into the audience? If there is any chance that food will make it into the audience, will we need to coordinate with FOH to figure out cleaning and whether to post a notice in the lobby? Will the stage/set need to be cleaned after the scene and how long do we have to do this? Will this require more crew?

For the food that is being eaten, are there any allergy concerns? Does the food taste good enough to be eaten or should a substitute be found? Will all food be real or just what is eaten? Is there anyone who will not participate in the food fight, and do we have to ensure they stay clean?

What sound will underscore the food fight (general food fight yelling or epic food fight battle music)? Is there any danger of getting food on electrical equipment (lights, speakers, etc) and how should we protect them?

NEW NOTE: The SL flag should periodically billow as if there is wind coming from SR.

On_Headset

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #27 on: Jun 04, 2012, 03:54 pm »
What sort of budget do we have for the blowing effect? Can we afford an electric fan? A paper fan? An intern standing in the wings blowing as hard as her lungs allow? (Does blowing in this manner raise any safety questions? Is additional training required? Are there any contract provisions concerning blowing? Can we get an Equity rep to sign off?)

What sort of billow are we seeking? Gale-force winds? (We may need more than one intern.) A summer breeze? A brisk, blustery day?

Do we need to add a Flag Call to the preshow in order to ensure the effect will work as desired? (Should we arrange for a Flag Specialist to join the production in order to maximize the potency of the effect?)

NEW NOTE: Please inform House Management that, when Monica vomits in scene two, this may create a "splash zone" in the first several rows.
« Last Edit: Jun 04, 2012, 08:28 pm by On_Headset »

DCPSM2012

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #28 on: Jun 05, 2012, 12:58 am »
Where exactly is the "splash zone" located? Is it real vomit or fake? Will any audience members have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the vomit, be they real or fake? Do we need to consult a physician? Is there a doctor in the house? Should the "splash zone" be roped off in any fashion? Rope, Gaff, or a line of ushers?  If rope, what material? Hemp, nylon, bailing twine? And the color, red, blue, black, or green? Will the rope strangle any unsuspecting audience members? If ushers, should they hold hands, or sit crosslegged on the ground to protect the "splash zone"? Do we sell specific tickets for those wishing to sit in the "splash zone"? Can the blocking be rearranged to avoid creating a "Splash zone" in the first place?

New Note: Don's pants have fallen during Act VII Scene ii once again- the director has asked that he wear a belt made of Swedish Yak fur to maintain the mood of the scene.
"You can grow old, but please, please, never grow up. Not all the way."

PSMKay

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Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)
« Reply #29 on: Jun 05, 2012, 09:56 pm »
Swedish yaks are pretty scarce on the ground but we can source to Colorado, will that suffice? Has Felix exceeded his budget for LSD yet? is Don OK? We've taken those pants in 3 times already. Will the belt fit his current waistband? Will we need to add belt loops or swap out the pants altogether? Will the belt need to be swapped to any other costume pieces? During a QC? Are you aware that this thread is now the #1 and only verbatim result on Google for "Swedish Yak fur"?

New Note: At the beginning of II, 1, Roberta is checking her email on a desktop computer. Director would like Roberta to receive emails periodically throughout the scene.

 

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