Stage Management Software

[kmc307]

Over the past month or two there have been numerous posts about fee-based stage management software services.  As technology ties in to stage management more and more I suspect we will see more of these services offered. 

I am curious what each of you think about these offerings.  The major obstacle for most theatres when considering a service like this is going to be cost.  For the sake of discussion let's throw cost out the window.  What are some of the benefits of these services?  What are the drawbacks (aside from cost)?  Let's hear your thoughts on the subject.  I've placed links to the software services mentioned so far in this forum.  I'll add my thoughts as we get further into the discussion!

• Virtual Stage Management
  This was most recently mentioned by SM.Robert.  I believe this piece of software has been mentioned in the past as well.
• Virtual Callboard
  This was mentioned in a previous post by johnB.
• Previous thread on 'The Internet'
  This is a previous thread discussing how we use the internet as a tool to communicate.  I think it is a worthwhile backdrop for this discussion.

[Celeste_SM]

I've not used any of these software solutions personally, but I've explored/demo'd many options before going to my Excel/Web Site/Text Groups combo way of doing things. I think the biggest drawback is the lack of flexibility in the "automatic" capabilities. For example, if your director wants to rehearse a particular scene, the software knows what characters are in the scene, and books them for that rehearsal. However, maybe the director doesn't want a particular actor there because they are minor in the scene, or disruptive in rehearsal, or has a standing Wednesday conflict. Whatever.  For me, the work-arounds made necessary by the helpful software take just too much time to make the software worthwhile. I can handle the exceptions immediately and I have such rote systems for the standard process, that the software is pretty much "break-even" for me.

I do think there is huge value in not re-creating work for every show though. Every time I type up a cast-scene breakdown, I think "how many people have done this for this show already?"  It's a waste of resources that we can't share that information more easily.

[tempest_gypsy]

I wouldn't use it, or even really consider it.  I've got my paperwork the way I like it, and it's easy enough for me to do. 
Actually, I think using an automated form of software would make me a worse stage manager.  Doing things by hand, myself, like making a cast/scene breakdown gets the information into my head much better than using one someone else has worked up.  I'm more likely to be able to answer a given question off the top of my head, instead of scrambling for my notebook, which leave me time and energy for other things.
Honestly, I can't think of anything I'd want to be automated enough to pay for...
...except perhaps a program that will automatically shut down all advanced electronics in the dressing rooms at five minute call    I swear, my current cast and their iPhones are drving me batty!