Topics

1

Tools of the Trade / Virtual Stage Manager

« on: May 18, 2009, 12:43 pm »

So, I saw that there was an existing post about this and was hoping to add to it; however, it has been locked due to the fact it was originally posted as an ad.

I am currently working on a production set to open this summer and the production company has purchased and is using the Virtual Stage Manager (VSM) for all of their summer performances (4 shows). I was wondering if anyone else is using or has used this online software to help manage a production. I have my thoughts and feelings about VSM and am just interested to hear what others think about it.

Is this something we can talk about without advertising for anything else. I'm not currently interested in purchasing or downloading something new - just looking to open a discussion with other SMs that have used or looked into using VSM. What are your thoughts? How did you overcome some of the missing functions (or so I think they are missing)?

Please keep this discussion on the topic of VSM and how you worked with and/or around it. Thanks for your input.

2

Tools of the Trade / Recordings of West Side Story

« on: May 16, 2009, 08:40 pm »

Evening All!

I am currently working on a production of West Side Story set to take the stage this summer in Las Vegas, NV. One of the leads in the show has asked if there are any audio recordings of West Side that he can use to immerse himself in. This is his first experience with West Side and is looking for any help in obtaining the proper dialect of 1950's New York. He does have the OBCR and is looking for anything else that may exist.

I know that when you produce Thoroughly Modern Millie, you can obtain a pronounciation CD from MTI for the Chinese dialect. Just looking to see if anyone knows of anything similar or that may be useful for my cast member.

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROPS: Weapons on Stage - Safety and Legality

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 06:44 pm »

HELP!!!

I am currently SMing a show that involves the use of a knife. Unlike many prop knives, this one has the needs to be real and sharp enough to cut. It is used to stab a table, picture, and fabric. The knife that my director would like is one that can be operated using one hand, such as a switchblade.

I have done my research and discovered that "any knife that has a blade which is forcefully projected from the handle by means of a spring-loaded device or explosive charge...[and] any knife that has a blade released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when released is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device...[and] any knife [where] the blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in its handle" are illegal within the entire state. Simple posession of a knife like those described constitute a claas 5 felony or class 1 misdemeanor based on the exact knife in posession.

Both myself and the Artistic Director have concerns with placing an illegal weapon on stage. However, the director is very persistent about this knife and doesn't like the fact that we are concerned with this issue. As the SM for the production, what can (or should) I do with this issue? My utmost concern is for safety, followed by the legality of the issue.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I'm even open to any other knife ideas that could be used to satisfy the directors wish and not bring a possible criminal charge. Please HELP!!!

4

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MORALE: Traditions in the Theatre

« on: Apr 08, 2007, 05:07 am »

Hey All!
I am stage managing the first production in a brand new theatre! It is very exciting and tense at the same time. I was wondering if there were any traditions, rituals, or even superstitions that might be done prior to the first performance in the space? I do believe in the spirits of the theatre and want all parties to start out on a good note. Any thoughts?