Messages

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: CALLING: Backstage or Booth? (meta-topic)

« on: Jul 10, 2009, 01:53 pm »

I'm currently working in a space that has a booth but it is on the SL wall of the theater.  This means that there is a flat that basically covers the window the booth.  So I'm calling the show from a monitor inside a booth!

To me it doesn't matter.  As long as I can see what's going on, watch performances, ensure safety and uphold design elements then I am adjustable.

As technology progresses, we have to be able to watch performances on monitors since the theater's we are working in aren't getting bigger but the sets etc. are...this makes less room for calling stations and they often have to be placed somewhere other than the deck or a booth.

2

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jun 10, 2009, 01:41 pm »

Hi Sly,

Thanks for the input...anything specifically you'd suggest as far as design?

Thanks,
Joe

3

Tools of the Trade / Re: Twitter.

« on: May 31, 2009, 12:40 pm »

I'm a Chicago based SM and I know of one theater that used Twitter to announce a new show in their season.  They also did "live tweets" during a tech rehearsal.  While the main audience base may not be interested in something like that - I thought it was so cool!

I don't see twitter as a subsititue for any of our current methods of communications but I have had actors send me a tweet to ask about call time reminders etc.  I say, whatever will keep me connected is okay.

I do wonder people's thoughts about the tweeting during a performance.  On the one hand I can totally see how it can be useful for marketing purposes but the distraction possibilities are endless...what do people think about this integration?

4

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: May 31, 2009, 12:35 pm »

Hey gang,

I've updated my website and would love input!  I'm at josephheaton.com

Please let me know any thoughts you may have!  I'm working on getting a new photo ASAP.

Thanks,
Joe

5

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Props List and Production Manager

« on: Apr 27, 2009, 11:52 am »

I agree with the folks here.  It certainly can't hurt to keep everyone in the loop.  In fact, if there is an item that the director wants to add that may end up being a budget issue, then the PM would certainly need to know.

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Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jan 02, 2009, 10:24 am »

Thanks all of the sage advice!  I didn't even think about having my home address on the site--very good tip.  I've taken that down and added a "About Joseph" section with a brief bio and added Chicago-based to my main page.  I agree with Matthew that I would like people to know that I'm local in the Chicago area.

I really appreciate SMNetwork for the candid advice and general helpfullness of our fellow SM's!

Happy 2009 to everyone!

Joe

7

The Hardline / Re: How did you get your card?

« on: Dec 30, 2008, 09:09 am »

I'm thrilled that I can finally be a part of these discussions!  I just got my Equity card this holiday season!  I just completed work on It's  A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play with American Theatre Company in Chicago.

I saw an ad for the production and I had worked with the director previously as a production manager and one thing led to another and pow!  I'm a proud member of AEA!

What a great Christmas gift.

8

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Dec 29, 2008, 03:21 pm »

Hey all,

Here's my website...let me know your thoughts!

www.JosephHeaton.com

Thanks,
Joe

9

The Green Room / Re: I can't believe I just had to do that...

« on: Dec 04, 2008, 02:01 pm »

I was working at a small storefront theater in L.A. and the bathroom for the actor's was only accesible through the lobby.  So at 5 min. to curtain we would have a "pee" call.  Imagine..."Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your pee call.  Places for pee call, please."

10

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Prop Recipe Exchange

« on: Oct 19, 2008, 04:19 pm »

Hi Kevin,

Thank you very much!  I especially like the clown nose...that could be just the effect we're looking for! 

Thanks again for the link the prosthetic noses.  We actually need to have the nose come off and go back on while the character onstage.  A very difficult effect, I know...The character will have a nose--then have something to indicate no nose--then back to the original nose.  5 minutes will be too long.  I need something that can be done in basically no time.

We may need to think out of the box as this effect just may not be possible.

11

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Prop Recipe Exchange

« on: Oct 17, 2008, 03:49 pm »

This is a different prop question:

I'm doing a show where a character starts off with a nose, looses the nose, then regains the nose.  The audience will see both stages.  At this point we're hoping to do it realistically but I have no ideas on how to achieve the effect.  Also, the theater is a 50 seat house and the audience is so close that I'm afraid of it looking awful.  Anyone have any suggestions or links to something that might work?

12

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Posting contact sheets on the call board?

« on: Jun 16, 2008, 04:18 pm »

I would also agree with everyone above.  Private information must be handled with the utmost discretion as with any Human Resource policy.

You wouldn't allow your boss at McDonald's to put your address, telephone number and email address near your timeclock so the same applies here.