Messages

1

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Jul 26, 2007, 10:21 pm »

I'v owned three PC based laptops and have not ever had a single virus related problem. What I have had is much problem getting documents made on one machine to look and work right on another. This problem is becomming less and less as the software catches up and the mac becomes more popular. My TD in school had a Mac and he had waaaay more wireless problem then I'v ever had. The only Vista problems I'v had are with old games, everything else works just fine.

Also, remember, not all pc laptops are created equal. Some brands are better than others and some models in the same brand are better than others.

As with anything, whatever you're comfortable with is what you should get.

2

Uploaded Forms / Re: WWW form...anyone?

« on: Jul 26, 2007, 10:05 pm »

What is a WWW Form?

3

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] Electronic Prompt Copies

« on: Jul 13, 2007, 10:47 pm »

I can post an example of a finished page of cues, but the real benefits come in the small amount of time it takes to produce it. Please feel free to ask any other questions.

4

Uploaded Forms / Re: Scene Shifts

« on: Jul 13, 2007, 02:35 pm »

This is my 'work horse' scene shift paperwork good for record keeping and for running crew to follow during a show.

Too ensure proper format this is in PDF, if you want the excel version please e-mail and I would be happy to send it.

5

Tools of the Trade / Re: What goes inside a SM Kit?

« on: Jul 13, 2007, 02:24 pm »

My kit is quite extensive and it all lives nicely inside a large rolling duffle bag with lots of exterior pockets. I carry everything from tools to first-aid to office supplies in the thing. I am currently building my own cue light control box to carry with me. Where I live most of our performance types are classified as semi-professional, so I deal with poorly organized and poorly equiped theatre. I also live in the black hole of theatre. There is not a theatrical supply store of any kind with in 300 miles of here. If I don't take it with me, I won't have it. I have also found that I save loads of time and headache this way because I know exactly what is in my kit and exactly how I use it. I don't have to depend on other people to provide me with insufficient tools or unkown methods.

The expense was large to build the initial kit; however, I offset this by charging my client for whatever materials I use. I have not had a single one argue with me about this. They usually get out cheaper by paying me for expended materials only as opposed to paying for a full set of supplies. They also get better performance out of me because I'm using my own and known equipment. The client that actually uses the last of a particular supply pays for the replacement. Spike Tape is a fine example. Lone Star Ballet may use 3/4 of a roll of three of my six colors and complete rolls of another two. They pay for the two replacements. TPHF may use up what's left of those small rolls and pay for those, but they may also use 3/4 of a roll of the stuff that LSB baught. It all evens out in the end for me, and saves my client money.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the 'impress' factor to a well built kit. I have wowed (and thus secured futher employment) many clients and future clients with my ability to produce a solution to many problems without a time and money cosuming search for materials or requests to the producer or production manager for supplies.

I too also travel with my laptop and a relatively compact Printer, Scanner, Copier. I know what my hardware and software are capable of and I keep them maintained to ensure their reliability. That comfort alone (knowing that they will work when I need them) is worth the hassle of taking them with me. Uncertainty is not something I can afford in an already stressfull line of work.

As everyone else has stated, and correctly, this is a personal issue that must be learned on ones own. If it works for you, KEEP IT.

6

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] Electronic Prompt Copies

« on: Jul 13, 2007, 01:55 pm »

Every stage manager that visits this site needs to get the trial version of a program called one note. It is microsofts gift to SM's. This is a program that will let you copy and past from website or word, or excel, or anywhere. You can format the size of the page anyway you like and to type all you have to do is click where you want to type and instant text box. It also has numerous highlighting features. If have been able to produce electronic, clean typed scripts from the start, no pencil copies. I'm almost fast enough with the program now to take blocking notes with it. The coolest part is moving cues. All you have to do is click and drag. I list all cues and stand-by's w/ descriptions in the left hand margin and then list a place holder (example: S1, or D6) in the text itself and color coded as to type of cue. It is very cool. I highly recommend it.

7

Tools of the Trade / Re: Keeping Spike tape down...

« on: Jul 13, 2007, 04:11 am »

Clear packing tape has served me very well. I wouldn't recomend it for tile, but for outdoor applications I have had a great deal of sucess with spray acrylic or spray varnish. This works very well if there is going to be a lot of water around.