Topics

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PAY: Touring Musical Rates

« on: Oct 19, 2009, 12:39 pm »

So I got pulled into a phenomenal play here in Los Angeles that has been picked up the AEG to go on a national tour next summer to several of their theatres   Needless to say, I am quite excited. The play is going union. So my question has 2 parts 1) I am a non-union SM right now, so how do I go union and which union should I join? 2) What is the average union rate that I should charge for a touring theatre show? Of course they would pay for room/board and other personal expenses, can someone give me a ballpark as to what a union SM for a touring company would charge? Thanks for your help!  

2

Employment / Written test for employment

« on: Jun 09, 2008, 06:40 pm »

I applied for a Lead Event Tech position at a local community college here in Los Angeles. The position would run all the shows for their brand new 40-million dollar, 499-seat theatre to open Mid-September AND organizing the campus events. Needless to say, I was very excited when I got an email to take a written test which counts for 50% of the hiring decision, the other 50% will be based on the interview. This position fits my skill-set perfectly since I have had extensive event planning experience as well as stage and production management. 

The description of the test was very vague. The tell me that I will be tested on sound, AV, lighting and management...but no specifics if it will be multiple choice, essay or a computerized testing...etc. I was told to allot at least 2 hours including the instructional period...AAAH! I would not have to do all of the above, but I will need to manage the teams.

I am sooo nervous...I hate taking written tests, that is why I became a stage manager so I would not have to take any tests! In my opinion our job cannot really be "tested"...it is all trial by fire and experience.  If any of you have any idea what I should be reviewing or any clue what a test like this would entail and what I should focus on...I could use the help. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / How do you mark your script during rehearsals?

« on: Apr 16, 2008, 04:40 pm »

Hello, I am a newbie to stage management and I will on my first paid gig over the summer! YAY! But I am stressing out...I have shadowed stage managers as an intern and called out cues but never had an opportunity to mark up a script during rehearsals or productions.  Any suggestions or ideas as to how I can learn to mark up my script that is easy and "idiot" proof??? What do I highlight or mark or write down priority-wise. HELP!   

4

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Production Workshop

« on: Feb 13, 2008, 05:54 pm »

Hello - At our church group we recently started organizing a Production group. I have been assigned the responsibility of being the Production Manager assigned to train Production Assistants and Stage Managers. Our congregation is comprised of over 800 people. Basically, right now I have been doing all our productions, shows, concerts and larger events that is a combination of all aspects. We will be tackling a show this year, and I am bit nervous being the only one with somewhat of a clue...well...not all the time.

I would like to put together a syllabus or workshop outline so I can train. Any suggestions on topics to cover with a very novice group...with novice...I mean....they cannot get stage positions right (or would that be left?!?!  ) HELP?

Any input on topics to cover would be great!