Messages

1

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Manager Portfolio

« on: Sep 07, 2008, 02:50 pm »

I know the feeling - I dealt with this just last year. The best thing to do is try to showcase some of your work. They don't need or want an entire prompt script because they know what a rehearsal report looks like after the first one, they won't need to see 30.

What I did was get a 1.5" binder with around 12 tabs. Each tab I labeled with "Excerpts from.." and had one for Blocking, Calling, Reports, Schedules, Cast Information, Scenic, Lighting, Sound, Deck, etc.

Within each tab I took various forms, from each of the shows I've done. For example, I did the Laramie Project two years ago and threw in the 6 page sound cue sheet, and then I threw in some of the calling script from South Pacific, etc. Just show the options. Maybe put it in such an order that you show them how you've learned. I put the newest stuff first and as you flipped back within each section you saw how I had modified things, learned to do things better and they really appreciated that.

If you have any other questions about your portfolio, colleges with SM programs or anything like that PM me, I just went through it and now im a BFA Stage Management major.

2

Tools of the Trade / Re: Online Stage Management Software

« on: Sep 07, 2008, 02:46 pm »

Looks pretty interesting, I guess. It seems really expensive and it doesn't really offer stage managers (from what I can tell) the option to customize the look of some documents. Stage management is such a personal thing that while it may be good for some tasks, espcially all the great social networking and communications features, it might not necessarily be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to form processing and stuff like that.

It's kind of like [link deleted by moderator] too, which is another great program.

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: I have an ASM for the first time....what do I do with him???

« on: Mar 23, 2008, 11:01 pm »

adrianej,

I have the same issue! I have been working alone as the PSM all this time but since I am graduating, I was given an ASM that will eventually take over when I leave. It's definetly a different experience. As stage managers, I have noticed that I tend to WANT to do a lot of tasks myself, but it is important to delegate responsibilities. It's nice to have help setting up scenes, keeping track of line notes (for some reason, I am always staring into space, engaged in a conversation with the staff or otherwise distracted RIGHT when an actor calls "line"), etc.

So far, I have been able to work well with my assistant. She is very willing to learn and just by doing my job, I am able to teach her a thing or two. Sometimes I do forget and when I'm in a bind, realize :oh, I have another smart mind here that can help:.

Hope this helps.

4

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: sound cue debate - letters or numbers

« on: Mar 23, 2008, 10:56 pm »

I was "taught" to SM in high school using letters. For some reason, that was just the way we did it. I still use that method today and it has worked out well. As long as it is clarified that letters are being used, etc. the system works quite well. I usually will go to AA, BB, CC, DD, once I get to the end of the alphabet.