Messages

1

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Tech week signage

« on: Jul 24, 2011, 12:04 am »

@Nick - I hadn't thought of the pit musician-related signs... we are holding the program in a 2,300 seat theatre, so we will defiantly have that issue!

@loebtmc - I had made up run sheets, but was only planning on posting them around the stage/green room, putting them everywhere sounds like a better idea =)

@picket - You mean I just can't yell "Quiet Please" during the performance?

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

2

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Tech week signage

« on: Jul 23, 2011, 06:38 pm »

Question for everyone: what kinds of signs do you usually find that you need to put up for the tech/run of a show?  I am the SM for a children's production of Guys and Dolls (12-18 y.o. is the age range) and I am having a hard time thinking about what might need to be labelled...

So far:
Male Dressing Room (on actual door)
Female Dressing Room (on actual door)
Male/Female Dressing Rooms Directional (on stairwell door)
DO NOT USE ELEVATOR (next to elevator opening)
Mic Station (above mic pickup/dropoff station)

Am I missing something obvious here?

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: BFA SM Students or Students who entered college knowing they wanted to be a SM

« on: Dec 01, 2010, 01:02 am »

I was bit the bug in high school, and am now applying to BFA Stage Management programs in the New England area.... ask away!

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: New Stage Manager

« on: Feb 06, 2010, 12:05 am »

Hi there Danni!

I completely understand where you are coming from, I'm currently SM'ing my HS's production of Beauty and the Beast with the largest cast we've ever had, 35 (sounds small, but not to us )

I've had situations where I've gotten snarky responses from actors, and I apply the advice given to me by my boss (I work in retail): "Kill them with kindness."  While the aim is not actually to kill them, the point is that you respond cordially and respectfully so you don't escalate the situation further.  Ask what you can do to help them feel better and avoid a confrontation.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: ESCRIPTS Archive June 09-Dec. 10

« on: Dec 26, 2009, 03:51 pm »

Does anyone have an e-script for Disney's Beauty and the Beast?

Thank you

6

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Asserting yourself in front of cast

« on: Mar 08, 2009, 08:39 pm »

Thank you both for the excellent advice.  I have an opportunity tomorrow to talk to the entire cast, so I will trying some of Matthew's tips: talking to them when they are standing in a group and opening with a joke.

7

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Asserting yourself in front of cast

« on: Mar 07, 2009, 10:39 pm »

So, I have a problem =)

I have a really difficult time asserting myself in front of the cast. A lot of the cast are upperclassmen (mostly seniors), and being a sophomore, there is sometimes the issue of seniority floating around in my head.  I have a hard time telling the cast to be quiet (because of that unfortunate fact, the director usually has to yell at them [which I feel terrible about]) and giving them instructions.  I've been working on that flaw by asserting myself in front of smaller groups of actors, and then progressively bigger groups.  But once I get past a certain amount of "listeners", maybe 3/4 of the cast (15 people), I just lose my nerve.

Now what is weird is that I have absolutely no problem with asserting myself to the tech crew.  I know that they are my charge and responsibility.  I think one of the issues here is I am not sure how much authority I have over the cast, whereas I know for sure how much I have with the crew.

Can anyone who has had to deal with a similar situation give any advice?

Thank you