Messages

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Help! Beastly show and actor!!!

« on: Jul 18, 2008, 04:26 am »

I am just curious:

1. When does the talking prop get to do anything other than what it is told to do?
2. Who actually allowed the talking prop to think on its own?
3. Is there some sort of new artificial intelligence chip that is being inserted into the talking props as they are manufactured these days?

Oh if any of this were only true.  Hopefully this gave you a laugh and I don't get harpooned for suggesting (even in fun) that actors are talking props not finely tuned craftsman or...

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Taping the Prop Table

« on: Jul 07, 2008, 08:07 pm »

Greetings,

I have done this a number of different ways.  It depends on how organized you want to be and how detailed. 

If it is a small grouping of props I will tape the table in squares in approximately the size of the prop and then either Sharpie the prop name and whom it belongs to in the order of use for the show.

If there are a large amount of props I will organize them by Act and then scene in the same taped squares.  If you have it, spike tape is perfect for this.  I did one show that was CRAZY props (a corporate event) and propers were organized by performer, production numbers, product reveals and presenter.

I also try and take pictures and post them near the table for everyone to reference and know where things go.  I will also put the picture pages in my book.  On corporate events I also post signs on each table that says these are props and do not touch or move.  Sometimes the corporate types don't get the theater rules and just need to be educated.

We also create marked tables for microphones and in-ear monitors so that performers become responsible for returning their mics and "ears" to make it easy on the A2 or A3 to re-batt. everything.  It also makes it easy to know what might be available if you need to swap a mic, pack or grab a hand held in an emergency.  We also make the rule NO SUBSTITUTIONS if the A2 or A3 doesn't know about it and pass it on to the world so that everyone can change their rundown and mic sheet (if used).

I hope that helps.

John

3

Tools of the Trade / Re: Stage Manager workstation/Desk

« on: Jun 24, 2008, 01:06 pm »

Greetings,

Here is a link to some pictures of the top of the table with different tools on it.

http://www.thechurchgroup.com/media/blog/?p=105

John