Messages

1

Tools of the Trade / Re: What gloves do you use when you're pulling ropes?

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 05:53 pm »

While I was working for a Flying Effects company, we always used Mechanics gloves or Newmans, i.e. line backer gloves for the sports fans.  I've never had a problem with them, and they give just enough grip with out having to much.

2

Employment / Re: Written test for employment

« on: Jun 09, 2008, 09:50 pm »

if you know any specifics of the venue, i.e. what lighting gear they have, fly system, ect.. I would review the basics of those items.  As well as, what each position does.  i.e. what a M. E. does or a sound engineer.  (there is a difference from sound engineer to sound designer)

Break-A-Leg with the test and Interview.  (if you have specific Q's on M.E./ flying systems please feel free to message)

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Peter Pan

« on: May 15, 2008, 01:47 pm »

If you buy the system that he is talking to Dr. Hall about, The "DAT" System, it pays for itself quick.  It is also configurable to over 30 different effects.  As well as shift on the fly mechanical advantage.  Once you buy this system you can do everything from Peter pan to Dracula and everything in between.  Also, you can give a repair and maintenance contract to the flying company and they will make all the fixes.  And if you use Hall Associates, they are really cool about helping you out.  I also recommend going to NAAFED (North American Association for Flying Effects Directors)  Its a 2-3 day rigging seminar for flying effects equipment.  They get flying directors from all over to teach how to rig flying effects and choreography.  If you have any questions on it call 1-888-FLY-HALL 

4

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Peter Pan

« on: May 12, 2008, 09:17 pm »

I do agree with the "Brash" remark from kmc307.  I will say, I to don't mean to be brash, but I was like you with the "this looks strong" method.  I have Seen my faults and am surprised that I have not killed or injured myself or others.  Now I know and understand rigging and its safe use and practices.    PLEASE PLEASE CALL A PROFESSIONAL!

5

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #3: SMs Everywhere

« on: Apr 27, 2008, 04:55 pm »

Anytime you are planning a party or big event, you NEED someone of the stage management persuasion.  Or else its just disorganized.  I have taken this role many a time from people who thought they could do it, but when things fell apart the called me or found me at the event and handed the reigns over.  Now I can never go to a party w/out helping in some way.

6

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Sound Booth Clean?

« on: Apr 23, 2008, 02:56 pm »

Obviously these "noise boys" don't care about their equipment enough to keep a clean work space.  And I agree that a clean work space is a productive work space.  Not to mention the fact that the gear they use is EXPENSIVE!  If they care at all they should clean the booth or do something else.

7

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Can A Stage Manager Give A Dirty Sound Techie The Boot?

« on: Apr 23, 2008, 02:52 pm »

Is this HS theatre or a professional venue?  I ask because if it were a professional venue the stage manager has reign over anyone in the venue.  (except those above him/her.  If it is high school, talk to the Aud. Manager or teacher in charge to let them know of the problems they are giving you.  If you lay out all the problems they are giving you, the parent/teacher/whomever in charge will see that these problems are not a direct result of negligence on your part.  (otherwise you look bad for things going wrong)  Hope this helps, and I hope you get this sorted out.

8

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Peter Pan

« on: Apr 13, 2008, 08:01 pm »

To Add My Two Cents; 

Hall Associates is a company that is NOT an off shoot of Foy.  They specialize in the obscure and unique flying effects.  But they are amazing at your old standards like: Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, ect... And they will work with a company to create original flying effects for the old standards as well.  With all do respect to Foy, they aren't the cat's meow.

9

Tools of the Trade / Re: Headset Side

« on: Apr 10, 2008, 02:53 pm »

Right Side, Always the Right Side.  (I will wear it on the left If I am switching headsets with a left eared person)

10

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Humorous story I had to share

« on: Mar 29, 2008, 04:23 pm »

I love how the audience listens to the pre-show announcements.  If it wasn't for the we told you so factor, I would say: "WHY WAST THE TIME OF PREPARING THIS SPEECH, THEY DON'T LISTEN ANYWAY!" 



p.s.  how ya been, long time no see/talk/ect...

11

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Peter Pan

« on: Mar 24, 2008, 03:07 am »

Give Hall Associates Flying Effects a call.  They are good at what they do, and have right now I think 4 international Peter Pan's running.  As well as a Slew of Pan's in the United States.  www.flyingfx.com  1-888-FLY-HALL  (1-888-359-4255)

Also, if you have a unique show that needs flying they will custom develop a system for your show.  Their DAT flying system has been built to be configurable to over 30 different configurations.  Plus has Shift on the fly capabilities.  If you have any specific questions please message me on SM network or @ crzyrigger@gmail.com

12

Tools of the Trade / Re: Two-way radios

« on: Mar 24, 2008, 02:44 am »

Yes, But you get what you pay for.  You will spend more than the price of one "good" Radio on buying many of the crappy ones.  I prefer the ones that will take a beating and will last YEARS.  One particular theatre I have worked for has had the same radios for about 10 years with the original batteries.  They are so old they are discontinued, but still amazing.  And the best part is if we want new ones to add to the old stock we can get compatible radios.  (work on the same freq.)   

13

Stage Management: Other / Re: Running lights from front of house?

« on: Nov 11, 2007, 03:38 am »

I have seen several touring venues that have a booth/projection room, as well as sound and lights on the main floor in the middleish of the audience.  Though it sounds odd, it is not uncommon by my experiences.  It just SUCKS to be seen by the audience.

14

Tools of the Trade / Re: any suggestions for the "rain effect"?

« on: Nov 02, 2007, 08:06 pm »

Have you though about using gobos with a slider/rotator on a cyc? 
But this may turn out more like an  underwater effect depending on how it is done.



If you go this route go with gam film loops.  you get a falling rain effect that isn't a rotator.  Other wise I would try a small mylar confetti type of effect.  It will SUCK to sweep that up.

15

Stage Management: Other / Re: Outdoor opera issues?

« on: Jul 02, 2007, 05:47 pm »

I too am allergic to bee stings.  (its not fun)    If multiple eppi pens (the shots) are not available, Make sure you have Bennadril allergy to SLOW down the reaction.  It will not stop the reaction, but it will buy you time to get paramedics on site.  As for the misquotes, they make a bug fogger that you could use about 10 mins. before house opens, and that should keep the bugs down.  (I'm at a summer stock in the woods right now, and we fog the camp when bugs get bad, and it WORKS!) Hope this helps. 

P.S. if you have any more Q's about Bee stings feel free to message me.