Messages

1

College and Graduate Studies / Re: URTAS

« on: Sep 28, 2010, 09:59 pm »

Our college years are the best years to take risk and learn from the choices and mistakes we make (before heading into the professional level). If you're unsure, it wouldn't hurt to send applications in and experience the interview and selection process.  There's an SM book that has an entire chapter on having an interview process and what directors, producers, etc look for when interviewing an SM, since SM's a good percentage of SM job openings require an interview process (and some ask to email them a resume).  My interviews for Undergrad School really helped me with going through interviews for Summer Stock at Equity Theatre's.

I've always wanted to go to Grad School (since my freshmen year of high school). I'm hoping to send my app in to URTA before the deadline and a few additional grad schools.  If you take a risk during senior yr or after graduation, something is bound to come your way if you take a risk.  I think it wouldn't hurt, even if you're not certain.... go for it!!! 

2

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student SM Challenge #8: Running Late

« on: Oct 11, 2009, 08:11 pm »

Had this happened to me once on a school play.  One of the actors car overheated and the actor was giving another actor a ride so I had to go get them and was 15 minutes late.  I called the director and texted the actors to let them know since I didn't have a full time rehearsal ASM. 

As for a performance that never happened and I've been lucky for any of that not for that to happen.  But in case:

FOR REHEARSAL: I'd call my ASM, a crew member, or director to let them know, so one of them can take it over... but would prefer an ASM to do that.

FOR A PERFORMANCE:  Call my ASM and Board Operators... My ASM can carry out calling cues and the board operators would have enough practice to get a feel for when the lights/sound come in.  Same with the crew, they would have a sense already.  Whenever I SM, I always gave my crew members there own copies of the script so they'd know when quick changes, prop handoffs, and scene changes took place as well as specific cues on when they occur.  Same with the board op's... even though I call the cues. 

But as a SM, it shouldn't be a problem for any of us to arrive "too early" to a show. 

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #2

« on: Dec 18, 2007, 08:40 pm »

First thing I would do is grab all flashlights in my kit, in the booth, backstage, and if possible, take the ones used as stage props.  Have the managing director make an announce to the audience asking them to be patient as we repair everything.  First I would check all of the circuit breakers and see if they could be reset.  If I can’t get that working then I would ask the entire cast and crew members to do an emergency hanging.  Everyone I’ve worked with always have had a good knowledge of all of the technical functions so it should be no problem.