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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Astrology for Stage Managers
« on: Feb 22, 2007, 02:11 am »
As a fellow Gemini...I challenge you to a calling duel! Kidding of course 
This was fun, thanks!
This was fun, thanks!
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14 Jan 2021: Happy 21st birthday, SMNetwork! I replaced the old broken mobile theme. -K
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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Well, if you can't admit it here, where can you?
« on: Feb 01, 2007, 05:48 pm »
I put a strip of spike tape on the ends of all the pencils I have for the actors/director to use. This way they are easily (and cheaply) identifiable. Pencils the ASM's may put in have a different color so at the end we can sort out whose pencil is whose.
It's funny, I have worked with certain actors who once a week (or when the pencil stock was running low) I would go up to them and say "Ok, it's purse check time!" and they would 'discover' a handful of SM pencils that had 'gathered' in their hand bags! Ah, actors, at least they had as much fun with it as I had. Always a highlight of my week!
It's funny, I have worked with certain actors who once a week (or when the pencil stock was running low) I would go up to them and say "Ok, it's purse check time!" and they would 'discover' a handful of SM pencils that had 'gathered' in their hand bags! Ah, actors, at least they had as much fun with it as I had. Always a highlight of my week!
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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Paying for parking
« on: Jan 30, 2007, 02:32 pm »
I know some of these ideas have been in others posts, but they are definitely worth repeating. As a former broke BFA student myself - looking for those "hidden" scholarships/burseries at your school or local arts foundation can be a boost to your funds. I know at my school there were so many different ones available that no one really knew about so basically they got awarded to whomever discovered them that year!
Keeping your receipts is another big thing too. I know it totally sucks to have to pay that much, but it can be deductable come tax time. (Although as a student on a school project, you might not qualify - depending on the tax laws in your area. Talk to an accountant who knows - you can usually call one up and get that sort of info for free.) Most areas that I know of you can claim your mileage, parking, and costs of public transportation, for this you usually have to keep your receipt and some form of proof like the bus pass/transfer/ticket. Talking to an accountant who is familiar with preparing taxes for self-employed artists can open up you up to getting large refunds and using your student tax credits wisely.
Look into carpooling too, I believe that some states have incentive programs for carpooling and such. I'm sure you could also find someone within your company who is feeling the same way about the cost of parking, and doesn't it sound much better if there's two of you in the car and parking is then five dollars apiece?
One of the biggest skills we have as SM's is our ability to find alternatives to situations. Sit down, come up with some alternatives that may or may not work. Then you can talk to your SM and get their perspective. This will make you look good in their eyes as someone who has taken a hard personal situation and looked at thoroughly and is now trying to figure out the best way to make it work. You express your concerns, but show that you are open to finding a solution that allows you to continue to work on the production without foregoing on necessities like food!
Hope you can find something that works for you!
Keeping your receipts is another big thing too. I know it totally sucks to have to pay that much, but it can be deductable come tax time. (Although as a student on a school project, you might not qualify - depending on the tax laws in your area. Talk to an accountant who knows - you can usually call one up and get that sort of info for free.) Most areas that I know of you can claim your mileage, parking, and costs of public transportation, for this you usually have to keep your receipt and some form of proof like the bus pass/transfer/ticket. Talking to an accountant who is familiar with preparing taxes for self-employed artists can open up you up to getting large refunds and using your student tax credits wisely.
Look into carpooling too, I believe that some states have incentive programs for carpooling and such. I'm sure you could also find someone within your company who is feeling the same way about the cost of parking, and doesn't it sound much better if there's two of you in the car and parking is then five dollars apiece?
One of the biggest skills we have as SM's is our ability to find alternatives to situations. Sit down, come up with some alternatives that may or may not work. Then you can talk to your SM and get their perspective. This will make you look good in their eyes as someone who has taken a hard personal situation and looked at thoroughly and is now trying to figure out the best way to make it work. You express your concerns, but show that you are open to finding a solution that allows you to continue to work on the production without foregoing on necessities like food!
Hope you can find something that works for you!
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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Response to "calling a show by feel" from "things you would never hear..."
« on: Jan 18, 2007, 01:36 pm »
I agree that calling by feel is really important to the "well-being" of the production...a show called with a lot of connection between the booth and the actors just flows, and can be quite beautiful. I just wish more inexperienced directors and lx designers would understand that and get off my back that I didn't call the cue on the exact syllable they had decided on! I hope it's something they can learn with experience.
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The Green Room / Re: Things You'll Never Hear a Stage Manager Say
« on: Jan 16, 2007, 03:08 pm »
Huh? Oh, sure I can make note of that. Let me just find something to write with and on...hmmm...does anybody have a pencil and paper I could borrow?
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Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.
« on: Jan 16, 2007, 02:23 pm »
You're going to have to do this production 4 times! Wow. A 2 hour one-act, 4 1/2 hours in total...holy smokes...that's all I can say about that!
Well, in a scenario like this, you're photo ID backstage pass idea might work. If you have mostly the same adults backstage, you could get the school to put together the passes. (Once a parent clears the security check, they go to the school and get their pic taken and the school can produce the pass.) This way the school itself is responsible for whom they issue passes to - all you have to do is set up the enforcement within the venue.
As for your outside courtyard, that sounds fantastic! I wish I could have had something like that on past showcases. If you go ahead with this idea, have the principal get some staff to help you set it up, and have them bring in some stuff for the kiddies to play/learn with. You know, some pillows and books in one area, some jump ropes or small balls in another, etc. Keep it small and easy to clean up, and I'm sure the staff and students would love you for it.
If you're worried about possibly delays between acts for the first part of the show, have the emcee (if there is one) have some extra filler bits prepared. Facts about the class/school, jokes about the principal, whatever. A good emcee can cover any delays and keep the audience amused whilst 30 kids are being hurried to stage left! If there's no emcee, have some sound clips on hand that you can use instead - anything to fill the dreaded dead air. We did a show once that was all fairy tale themed with no emcee, so we had clips from the well known cartoon versions to play in the transitions, and it helped keep the audience interested and covered the sound of 90 little feet moving around behind the curtain.
When does this go up? You've said you're just about to start on it.
Well, in a scenario like this, you're photo ID backstage pass idea might work. If you have mostly the same adults backstage, you could get the school to put together the passes. (Once a parent clears the security check, they go to the school and get their pic taken and the school can produce the pass.) This way the school itself is responsible for whom they issue passes to - all you have to do is set up the enforcement within the venue.
As for your outside courtyard, that sounds fantastic! I wish I could have had something like that on past showcases. If you go ahead with this idea, have the principal get some staff to help you set it up, and have them bring in some stuff for the kiddies to play/learn with. You know, some pillows and books in one area, some jump ropes or small balls in another, etc. Keep it small and easy to clean up, and I'm sure the staff and students would love you for it.
If you're worried about possibly delays between acts for the first part of the show, have the emcee (if there is one) have some extra filler bits prepared. Facts about the class/school, jokes about the principal, whatever. A good emcee can cover any delays and keep the audience amused whilst 30 kids are being hurried to stage left! If there's no emcee, have some sound clips on hand that you can use instead - anything to fill the dreaded dead air. We did a show once that was all fairy tale themed with no emcee, so we had clips from the well known cartoon versions to play in the transitions, and it helped keep the audience interested and covered the sound of 90 little feet moving around behind the curtain.
When does this go up? You've said you're just about to start on it.
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Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.
« on: Jan 15, 2007, 02:27 pm »
Oh boy, Mac, sounds like you're in for a whole heap of fun! I've done many of these showcase events, and like everything else in theatre, they are as much fun as you make it!
I take it this is a one night event, if that is the case, it does make things a bit easier. I ASM'd a school showcase that did the wristband check in We had the teachers submit the parent volunteers they had from each class. The music teacher (who was in charge of running the event) then provided any other names that needed to be backstage. The afternoon of the event we had a mini tech dress which is when we ASM's went out and wristbanded all the adults who had to be backstage. The theory was, if you missed the tech dress - your backstage duties were handed to someone else. This meant that not only did we get all the backstage logistics figured out, but we also had met and "branded" those who were to be back there, leaving only a few people to be checked in come call time.
Any parent who questioned what/why we were doing what we were doing was gently reminded that this was a security precaution for the safety of the children involved (let's just say this reasoning quieted the overbearing stage mom riding the SM's back!) A week before the showcase, we had the teachers send out info letters to all the kids and parents letting them know about the limited backstage access so the evening of we weren't bombarded by waves of parents wanting to pick their kiddies up. Each class had a designated "parent pick up" spot in the lobby. Each class had made up a sign they put up so parents could easily find them.
It worked for us for that event. I understand that they are still using that system now, a few years later. Ultimately, yes, the principal should be helping you with the whole access control thing, but they are usually busy people so they may just be looking to drop that burden on you. Don't let them, because ultimately the safety and security of those students is their responsibility, not yours. Offer up a few ideas of how you're thinking of doing the access control and get their thoughts on what will work. Definitely once you've decided on what method you're going with, let the students and parents know, this will save you massive headaches the night of! Clearly indicate where the kids should be dropped off, whom to contact if you must get to your child ("family emergency and we have to get home, now!") and how to pick them up at the end of the night.
As for the logistics of running the event, you've got the right idea, I wouldn't panic about that. Use the teachers, use the chaperones, use any crew you might possibly get. Hopefully you are getting a full day tech dress with them. If you do, try to run it in order, getting the classes doing the full move from balcony to backstage to going on so everyone knows how long they need/have to complete this feat. My biggest piece of advice is to try to find some way that those kids don't have to stay up in the balcony the whole time. What you're going to get is a whole bunch of anxious kids who definitely don't want to be stuck up there. Yes, the audience will be comprised mainly of their parents who should understand, but there will inevitably be the parents who get a bee in their bonnet because the kids upstairs were creating a distraction while their precious star was on. If space is extreamly limited, consider having a rotation to the lobby, or rehearsal hall. Some place the kids can run around a bit and burn off some energy/boredom. There will also be a lot of "I gotta pee" moments, so have the chaperones prepared for that (nearest washroom is...)
My biggest tip on a school showcase...barf buckets, both sides of the stage and where the kids will be lining up to go on. Trust me on this one
And as the others have said - if this is too much to be worth it, get out. These events are no picnic, testing you in ways you couldn't imagine. But sometimes it does work out, and either way you did your thing and at some point you will see some kid doing something funny, guaranteed! PM me if you want to talk more about these, like I've said, I've done a whole bunch of these. Best of luck!
I take it this is a one night event, if that is the case, it does make things a bit easier. I ASM'd a school showcase that did the wristband check in We had the teachers submit the parent volunteers they had from each class. The music teacher (who was in charge of running the event) then provided any other names that needed to be backstage. The afternoon of the event we had a mini tech dress which is when we ASM's went out and wristbanded all the adults who had to be backstage. The theory was, if you missed the tech dress - your backstage duties were handed to someone else. This meant that not only did we get all the backstage logistics figured out, but we also had met and "branded" those who were to be back there, leaving only a few people to be checked in come call time.
Any parent who questioned what/why we were doing what we were doing was gently reminded that this was a security precaution for the safety of the children involved (let's just say this reasoning quieted the overbearing stage mom riding the SM's back!) A week before the showcase, we had the teachers send out info letters to all the kids and parents letting them know about the limited backstage access so the evening of we weren't bombarded by waves of parents wanting to pick their kiddies up. Each class had a designated "parent pick up" spot in the lobby. Each class had made up a sign they put up so parents could easily find them.
It worked for us for that event. I understand that they are still using that system now, a few years later. Ultimately, yes, the principal should be helping you with the whole access control thing, but they are usually busy people so they may just be looking to drop that burden on you. Don't let them, because ultimately the safety and security of those students is their responsibility, not yours. Offer up a few ideas of how you're thinking of doing the access control and get their thoughts on what will work. Definitely once you've decided on what method you're going with, let the students and parents know, this will save you massive headaches the night of! Clearly indicate where the kids should be dropped off, whom to contact if you must get to your child ("family emergency and we have to get home, now!") and how to pick them up at the end of the night.
As for the logistics of running the event, you've got the right idea, I wouldn't panic about that. Use the teachers, use the chaperones, use any crew you might possibly get. Hopefully you are getting a full day tech dress with them. If you do, try to run it in order, getting the classes doing the full move from balcony to backstage to going on so everyone knows how long they need/have to complete this feat. My biggest piece of advice is to try to find some way that those kids don't have to stay up in the balcony the whole time. What you're going to get is a whole bunch of anxious kids who definitely don't want to be stuck up there. Yes, the audience will be comprised mainly of their parents who should understand, but there will inevitably be the parents who get a bee in their bonnet because the kids upstairs were creating a distraction while their precious star was on. If space is extreamly limited, consider having a rotation to the lobby, or rehearsal hall. Some place the kids can run around a bit and burn off some energy/boredom. There will also be a lot of "I gotta pee" moments, so have the chaperones prepared for that (nearest washroom is...)
My biggest tip on a school showcase...barf buckets, both sides of the stage and where the kids will be lining up to go on. Trust me on this one
And as the others have said - if this is too much to be worth it, get out. These events are no picnic, testing you in ways you couldn't imagine. But sometimes it does work out, and either way you did your thing and at some point you will see some kid doing something funny, guaranteed! PM me if you want to talk more about these, like I've said, I've done a whole bunch of these. Best of luck!
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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dressing For The Part?
« on: Jan 11, 2007, 03:36 pm »
I'm with centaura on considering the age of the people you're working with. I frequently do shows with teens, and I have found that they do respond to you more if you kinda look like they do. However, I do keep it nice - I keep reminding myself and the whole SM team that these kids are the future of theatre and right now we have a chance to set great examples. Often on these productions I merge my wardrobe - good jeans with a nice button down top, or sweater. I always try to think, I'll be spending my day in rehearsal, but what if I get pulled into a meeting with a producer, etc? This mindset has elevated my wardrobe from when I was in University. Not to say that I dressed poorly then, but now I can afford slightly nicer alternatives to my favourite old jeans and t-shirt! When I work with a more adult cast, it's still fairly similar, but I may opt for khakis more than the jeans.
Like most everyone else, interviews and other important dates in the process, it's suits, khakis, dress shirts, etc. I hardly wear skirts or dresses, but I have busted them out on special opening or closing night occassions - but I don't wear them during the show. Before joining the party, I'm usually doing my own quick change somewhere backstage or in the booth before heading out! For setups and strikes, it's all the clothes I don't mind if they get destroyed.
As for centaura's comment about some youngster's pants these days...I totally agree! Yards of fabric at their feet and none where it should be I actually put out a warning when I first start to work with these groups that "If your personal wardrobe causes any sort of safety hazard or distraction, it will be dealt with according to the director and stage management's discretion." This usually involves me having a few extra belts in my kit and a whole bunch of safety pins! I always take them aside to do this, never in an embarrasing manner, but if it's a problem then it has to be dealt with. I have girl and guy belts, all fairly "cool" and gotten from either second hand stores or from wardrobe discard piles. I found this has worked well and that they do try to make sure their wardrobe is appropriate for what we're doing after that.
Like most everyone else, interviews and other important dates in the process, it's suits, khakis, dress shirts, etc. I hardly wear skirts or dresses, but I have busted them out on special opening or closing night occassions - but I don't wear them during the show. Before joining the party, I'm usually doing my own quick change somewhere backstage or in the booth before heading out! For setups and strikes, it's all the clothes I don't mind if they get destroyed.
As for centaura's comment about some youngster's pants these days...I totally agree! Yards of fabric at their feet and none where it should be
I actually put out a warning when I first start to work with these groups that "If your personal wardrobe causes any sort of safety hazard or distraction, it will be dealt with according to the director and stage management's discretion." This usually involves me having a few extra belts in my kit and a whole bunch of safety pins! I always take them aside to do this, never in an embarrasing manner, but if it's a problem then it has to be dealt with. I have girl and guy belts, all fairly "cool" and gotten from either second hand stores or from wardrobe discard piles. I found this has worked well and that they do try to make sure their wardrobe is appropriate for what we're doing after that.
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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Digging Out in Denver
« on: Jan 10, 2007, 02:44 pm »
Going through the second blizzard of the season up here... -40 C with the windchill...10 cm of snow already...had to leave the house out of the back door this morning because an overnight snow drift blocked the front. Took the bus halfway to work until it got stuck and walked the rest of the way. Hard to imagine we had a brown Christmas last year...actually, it's hard to imagine it was only 0 C (that's something like 32 F for you imperialists) two days ago! Here's the funny thing...I actually love this weather! Not kidding! I know, I'm strange. 
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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Printers
« on: Jan 03, 2007, 01:39 pm »
All my best printers have been from Lexmark. You can usually find a good basic inkjet one at a decent price. Mine have lasted a long time and I like how good they are on ink - a cartridge lasts me quite awhile. We use a lexmark laser printer at work and it has held up better and longer than the computers! I'm considering upgrading my home printer to a laser, because they really seem to be worth the extra dollars.
A friend of mine got a portable printer and didn't find it all that useful, especially since it put her back $350 CAN. It was kinda convenient when she wanted to print things of her laptop quickly - but otherwise it really wasn't worth the hassle to haul around. After the first week or so it sort of stayed at home, she might as well have saved the dollars, live and learn I guess!
A friend of mine got a portable printer and didn't find it all that useful, especially since it put her back $350 CAN. It was kinda convenient when she wanted to print things of her laptop quickly - but otherwise it really wasn't worth the hassle to haul around. After the first week or so it sort of stayed at home, she might as well have saved the dollars, live and learn I guess!
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Tools of the Trade / Re: latest toyes...
« on: Dec 25, 2006, 05:53 pm »
OMG!!! My staff just gave my the best x-mas gift ever...personalized Sharpies!!! Check it out at www.sharpie.com.
I'm blown away. Literally.
I'm blown away. Literally.
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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Digging Out in Denver
« on: Dec 25, 2006, 03:34 pm »
I totally understand and feel your pain, Erin! We had snow like that here about a month ago and everything was in chaos. It actually got to the point where it was easier and safer to travel on foot than to even wait for public transportation! I luckily live close to work, so out came all the winter gear (which you have a lot of when you've lived in central Alberta all your life ) and I was off.
I am glad to hear you and your boyfriend managed to navigate the roads safely, that is the most dangerous part of all I think (that and breaking your back with all the shoveling!) Enjoy the beauty of the snow, be safe, and good luck with your travels. And Merry Christmas!
) and I was off.I am glad to hear you and your boyfriend managed to navigate the roads safely, that is the most dangerous part of all I think (that and breaking your back with all the shoveling!) Enjoy the beauty of the snow, be safe, and good luck with your travels. And Merry Christmas!
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Tools of the Trade / Re: Headset Headaches?
« on: Dec 19, 2006, 05:36 pm »
For the pressure on the temples, I noticed that when I wore a bandana or a baseball cap, the pressure wasn't as bad and I didn't end up with a headache after the show. My physiotherapist thinks it might have to do with the band sort of spreading out the pressure. I don't know if this is true or if it works for others, but that's what works for me when it comes to the mechanics of wearing a headset. Plus, if anyone in the booth is bugging me, that night I grab the bandana from my hockey bag and threaten to wear that one in the booth!
If it's a volume thing, we are kinda stuck in this industry. If you have to hear it and you can't, make it louder. For everyone out there I recommend getting a baseline hearing test done right away. Keep that record on file. If you are ever involved in an incident that causes hearing damage or loss, you have on file a record of what your hearing used to be and may be eligble for compensation. At least that's how it works in Canada. Even if you're place of residence doesn't do this, it's always good to have it checked considering how important it is to our jobs.
If it's a volume thing, we are kinda stuck in this industry. If you have to hear it and you can't, make it louder. For everyone out there I recommend getting a baseline hearing test done right away. Keep that record on file. If you are ever involved in an incident that causes hearing damage or loss, you have on file a record of what your hearing used to be and may be eligble for compensation. At least that's how it works in Canada. Even if you're place of residence doesn't do this, it's always good to have it checked considering how important it is to our jobs.
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The Green Room / Re: Things You'll Never Hear a Stage Manager Say
« on: Dec 19, 2006, 05:20 pm »
Tech week is really great for catching up on some sleep. I'm so rested after and ready for the run!
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SMNetwork Archives / Re: Happy Stage Management Memories?
« on: Dec 15, 2006, 05:38 pm »
These are all great stories! While this isn't directly related to a specific show I've worked on, it is one of my happiest theatre memories.
My mom is an elementary school teacher. A few years back the school she was at was taking a school wide field trip to see a production put on by a local performing arts high school. She had mentioned how some of the other teachers were worried about how their students would (or more like it, wouldn't) behave during the performance. Seeing as she has a BFA SM graduated daughter, she offered up my services (and of course, asked me after if I could do it)
I put together a mini performance/education session for the class. It involved me coming in, describing who I was and what I kinda did (try explaining SMing to kinders - they basically decided I was like the principle!) Then I would then dramatically don a costume (a colourful jacket and top hat) and then explain that I was now in costume and was the performer and they were the audience and from there we interactivly went over all the things a good audience member did. Reinforcing the idea of active listening (watching, listening, thinking, responding) all while having a ball! The kids got to ask questions about theatre and what they could expect to see, about me (I was very intriguing being a teacher's kid! kinda like an exotic animal!) and about theatre in general.
That day I spent time in every classroom, had my picture taken with students and staff, got to have lunch with my mom (which is rare considering our schedules) and had a great time myself sharing my love of theatre with young minds. They went to the show the next day and the staff came back with glowing praise for how well their students behaved in the show. Even the school who put on the show sent word back that the students from my mom's school were great. The teachers noted for weeks and even months after, the students appeared to be listening better and paying more attention in class even!
Every year since then, no matter what school my mom has taught at, the demand is there that I come in and give my theatre presentation! And every year, I happily make room in my schedule to do it.
My mom is an elementary school teacher. A few years back the school she was at was taking a school wide field trip to see a production put on by a local performing arts high school. She had mentioned how some of the other teachers were worried about how their students would (or more like it, wouldn't) behave during the performance. Seeing as she has a BFA SM graduated daughter, she offered up my services (and of course, asked me after if I could do it
)I put together a mini performance/education session for the class. It involved me coming in, describing who I was and what I kinda did (try explaining SMing to kinders - they basically decided I was like the principle!) Then I would then dramatically don a costume (a colourful jacket and top hat) and then explain that I was now in costume and was the performer and they were the audience and from there we interactivly went over all the things a good audience member did. Reinforcing the idea of active listening (watching, listening, thinking, responding) all while having a ball! The kids got to ask questions about theatre and what they could expect to see, about me (I was very intriguing being a teacher's kid! kinda like an exotic animal!) and about theatre in general.
That day I spent time in every classroom, had my picture taken with students and staff, got to have lunch with my mom (which is rare considering our schedules) and had a great time myself sharing my love of theatre with young minds. They went to the show the next day and the staff came back with glowing praise for how well their students behaved in the show. Even the school who put on the show sent word back that the students from my mom's school were great. The teachers noted for weeks and even months after, the students appeared to be listening better and paying more attention in class even!
Every year since then, no matter what school my mom has taught at, the demand is there that I come in and give my theatre presentation! And every year, I happily make room in my schedule to do it.
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