Messages

1

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dealing with rude emails

« on: Mar 30, 2012, 09:37 am »

I've had several issues like this regarding our resident faculty costume designer. I realize how frustrating it can be, but I have found it best to simply apologize for any inconvenience and assure them that it will never happen again. The rudeness, unfortunately, cannot be taken back, but as stage manager, you can take the high road and return the rudeness with kindness.

It's best, in my experience, to keep the response short and simple, and with such a tone that cannot be read as angry or any other emotion.

Because it is a faculty member, I would suggest going to the head of the department and reporting it. I am lucky in the fact that our department is small and pretty well-knit, but reporting this type of behavior from a faculty member is important. The lines between student and professor become kind of blurred during show time, especially with a student stage manager, but it doesn't change that they are your professor during normal school hours, and they are not permitted to behave as such.

Good luck, I hope everything works out.

2

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Suggestions on theatrical resumes

« on: Mar 30, 2012, 09:29 am »

I'm going to graduate in May, and I'm working on getting my resume(s) together to look for employment after I lose my job in August. Any suggestions on what to do and what not to do? Also, how would you suggest gearing my resume towards a specific craft of theatre (my concentrations are stage management first and foremost and properties design)?

I took a Design Portfolio class to help me get started on creating my resume, business cards, and website, but it would be helpful to get advice from fellow stage managers.

Thanks!

Amy

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Management Kit

« on: Feb 28, 2012, 03:03 pm »

For my last couple shows, I had a small snap-lock box (like a larger tupperware with handles), that held in it a few essentials (like tissues, couple bandaids, hand sanitizer, lotion, post-its, pens/pencils, etc). It was nice to have something for my actors to go to if they had forgotten a writing utensil, or just needed a bandaid for their heels or a small cut, without having to lug out the heavy duty first aid kit. It certainly wasn't as extravagant as a professional stage manager's would be, but it worked for what I needed.

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Being friends with the SM

« on: Feb 23, 2012, 10:34 am »

Being a stage manager to your peers is always difficult--I've found my management style is best when I can make friends with ALL of the cast/crew, but letting them know that I am strictly business when it comes to rehearsal and performances. I agree with what people said above--if you want to be friends with your cast/crew, make sure you don't favor any one group. You have to be friends with all, socialize with all.

And that, to me at least, is the best part of being a stage manager. Getting to know your designers and cast members on a more personal level sometimes makes them easier to manage. Just remember that this is your job, and treat it as such.

Break legs! I'm sure you'll be great.

5

The Green Room / Re: What a Stage Manager Does

« on: Feb 20, 2012, 11:33 pm »

I love this!