Messages

1

Tools of the Trade / Re: Books Books Books

« on: Oct 12, 2014, 11:59 pm »

My favorite SM book is Stage Management by Lawrence Stern. I reread it sometimes before starting a another sm job and it's good to read about some things that I could maybe do better or to add things that I haven't done yet to the job coming up.

And I think it's good to read any books on technical theatre, as well as any books on directing so you have more of an understanding of what the director is maybe dealing with. With directing books I like On Directing by Harold Clurman and A Sense of Direction: Some Observations on the Art of Directing by William Ball.

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: POLICIES: Actors TOO Early for Call?

« on: May 23, 2014, 12:59 am »

I had an actor with the last play that I worked on that came way too early but I took it as part of them just arriving really early more for their comfort in being totally relaxed and prepared, getting into the right mind frame in which they needed to prepare and it wasn't an issue. They also did have a lot of costuming issues to deal with but within fifteen minutes of them getting there, that was taken care of and they just had to deal preparing in whatever form. I was there within fifteen minutes of them getting there though which was really early for me as well but I think some people have their own rhythms in dealing with their roles if they are able to. 

3

Employment / Re: Summer Stock

« on: May 17, 2014, 03:01 pm »

Thank you for responding.

I've been seeing so many jobs posted on offstagejobs with people having to fill positions at the last minute and some do mention how they are looking for younger people or just graduated people so I've been hesitant. But I do think it's something that I need to do and would love the experience before it gets to a point where I can't do something like this.

4

Employment / Summer Stock

« on: May 17, 2014, 02:20 pm »

I have a question concerning summer stock jobs. I decided to get into theatre a little later in life, getting my degree in theatre when I turned 32 and have been out of college for five years now and work in theatre and not sure if it's okay to apply for summer stock jobs really. I see how they are mostly for younger people and I did apply at one place and talked to someone there who knew that I had graduated five years before and that didn't seem to be an issue but I feel like it's frowned upon to get into summer stock in a way. And I regret not getting work in summer stock jobs before because they seem like a great place to learn more but at the time was working other jobs and now I'm at a point where I have my expenses pretty low and there are some summer stock jobs that pay generally well. Any help would be appreciated.

5

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SCENERY: Sand Onstage

« on: Feb 25, 2013, 10:32 pm »

I just saw a play last weekend in which they had the floor, about the size that you mentioned full of sand. I talked to the stage manager about it and they said they needed a lot more sand then you might realize. It looked like there wasn't too much of a problem keeping it not all over the place but I'm sure they will have it around the theatre for a good while after the show is over. One thing though is to keep in mind about sand getting kicked up and in the air, it bothered by eyes a good bit and I wasn't that close to the stage. They used a small layer of it but it still seemed to have the particles of it kicked up so easily.   

6

The Green Room / Re: SNOWMAGEDDONPOCALYPSE

« on: Feb 21, 2013, 10:19 am »

I'm new to this city but I think people just get used to the snow here. We never cancelled anything and I am just glad I lived within walking distance of the theatre. It was a 30 minute walk but better than having to drive in the snow.

7

The Green Room / Re: Exercises & Warm-Ups That Don't Suck

« on: Mar 06, 2011, 01:00 am »

Have them do some yoga exercises.

And we are also doing this thing where you talk in gibberish and try to do something in particular with one or two people. Like trying to convince them to do something or having one person interpret for two people as though you can speak English but the other two do the gibberish thing.

And other movements you could do could be moving around the room with a sense of floating. And doing everyday things but with a sense of floating. Or doing everyday things but with your hands molding the atmosphere.   

8

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: cell phones onstage

« on: Feb 25, 2011, 10:26 pm »

I was involved with a play in which an actor was sitting at a table onstage and texting throughout the play. She kept it hidden but that was just ridiculous. It was in an era where there were no cell phones and I just wouldn't even have that person involved with a play anymore if I were a director. So ridiculous.     

9

Tools of the Trade / Re: Random, household things, you use/keep on stage.

« on: Feb 07, 2010, 11:52 pm »

I had a roommate who cut his finger with an exacto knife and used super glue for that. I thought it was messed up but it helped. I don't know if I could do that to myself though.