Messages

1

Tools of the Trade / Re: Android Phone Apps

« on: Dec 04, 2010, 01:07 pm »

Surely this all depends on what you want the App to do.

I've seen SM's use everything from paper and pen (very little to go wrong) to specially built software packages.

Surely the biggest problem with using a mobile (cell) phone is that if the XLR cable's aren't protected properly any calls, message or other cell communication could trigger that awful sound through your house speakers. (of course that's what flight mode is for I guess)


***Edit made to correct terminology (DMX/XLR)***

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: VENUES: Shakespeare Outdoors

« on: Dec 04, 2010, 01:02 pm »

The "performance area" is actually wood. That said the construction of the fort is mainly stone.

Simply put, we do not intend to have elaborate fight scenes. Our Henry V was trained by re-enactment people and is a competent swordsman, he will be choreographic any fight scenes. We think though, because we can have the "English" charging up to the balconies and other features, we could even cut out fight scenes.

If it comes to it, the tunics the actors will wear should come to below the knees. Knee pads should not be noticable if we have to use them!

If you've got suggestions though, I'd welcome them gladly.

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: VENUES: Shakespeare Outdoors

« on: Dec 02, 2010, 06:46 pm »

Thanks for the replies.

@late_stranger: We are not having any sets...our location is the best set we could ever ask for. It's the reason we chose it. We also have indoor storage for costumes and the (very, very few) props.

@nick_tochelli: The steps and "natural features" of the location are all stone (it is a napolionic military fort after all!). I am going to do a risk assessment, and will ask if we can use grip tape. I doubt we'd have to worry about the moisture in the air. I've used the location for filming before and we've not had a slippery steps problem.

4

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / VENUES: Shakespeare Outdoors

« on: Nov 27, 2010, 11:53 am »

Hi there, I'm looking for some advice from people please.

I'm currently working on producing Shakespeare's Henry V for summer 2011.

The venue is an open-air location. It is a sea-front fort in the UK. We intend to be performing the show in the courtyard and using the various staircases/balconies for performance too.

Our actors will have one room to use as green room/dressing rooms. The entrance to which is at the back of the "performance area" and has stairs leadin down.

The audience themselves will be seated in the courtyard but seated in the traditional auditorium style (i.e. 10 rows of 20 seats facing the "performance area" with an aisle in the middle).


I'd be interested in any ideas people might have as to problems I may run into managing the show. As we will be performing in daylight we won't have any lighting systems and we will be having live sound. So we've no electrics that can go wrong. In fact the only comms that we should need are between props, costume, FoH and myself.

Any ideas on things problems we might run into?

5

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

« on: Nov 24, 2010, 12:32 am »

The first play I directed we had to have mobile phones on stage (I'm in the UK). I asked to see everyone's phone before we went up to ensure that it was off. As we were at a festival and had no access to safes/lockers and all cast were on stage at all times I understood.

The worst thing I've had is someone standing next to the stage speakers in the wings texting away. As I was sound tech I grabbed him and told him to switch it off (SM was on the other wing). Unfortunately, he didn't and of course he got a call. Whilst the phone didn't ring the speakers did begin to buzz something awful.

SM made it clear afterwards that phones do not come through the doors to the wings!