Messages

106

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Making my Rehearsal book

« on: Dec 30, 2017, 06:53 pm »

It comes down to personal preference, so you might try out a few different book layouts and see what works for you. I like to keep my script in the back and everything else up front, since the script is usually the biggest chunk and I don't like having to move it out of the way to get to everything else. Papers that I frequently take out of my book (contact sheet, calendar, scene breakdown) go in sheet protectors at the front.

107

Introductions / Re: From Thespian to SM

« on: Dec 05, 2017, 09:00 pm »

Welcome aboard!

108

Introductions / Re: New Beginnings for this Young SM

« on: Nov 20, 2017, 06:05 pm »

Welcome aboard!

109

Introductions / Re: Re-introduction

« on: Nov 15, 2017, 08:19 pm »

Hey there! Welcome back.

110

Introductions / Re: Hi there from Australia!

« on: Nov 05, 2017, 08:15 pm »

Welcome!

111

Introductions / Re: Hello All

« on: Nov 05, 2017, 08:15 pm »

Have you tried using optical recognition software to scan the script in? There are some websites that will do it for free. If you use the OCR software to scan the script, I recommend double-checking for errors- sometimes the software doesn't scan everything perfectly. I've also just sucked it up and typed the whole thing during prep week. Labor-intensive and tedious, but the upside is that you become VERY familiar with the script.

I have never used a tablet as an ASM, but I do use a digital calling script. I'd be interested to hear how this works out for you, so I hope you post about your experience!

112

Introductions / Re: Hello All

« on: Nov 03, 2017, 08:53 pm »

Hi and welcome! There have been some threads discussing technology (you can do a search in the upper right corner to find them) but I'd be interested in hearing what kind of technology you're interested in using. Are you looking to use more software, like scheduling programs or a digital calling script? Or something else?

113

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Spiking Outdoors

« on: Oct 27, 2017, 09:45 pm »

What is the surface that you are performing on?

114

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: From SM to PM: What are the major differences?

« on: Oct 27, 2017, 09:45 pm »

There are a couple of threads on this topic- here's one and here's another. But ultimately, it varies from company to company so the best way to find out the job responsibilities are to ask the people offering the job.

115

Tools of the Trade / Re: Improvised com system?

« on: Oct 18, 2017, 05:50 pm »

I'm not intending this to be confrontational but I would say this is about as cheap as you're going to get for a reliable, purpose-built wireless communication system.

Having a system that is both purpose-built for entertainment / events / broadcast and free (which seems to be what many people mean when saying "cheap") is an incongruous proposition.

I definitely would not disagree with either of these statements. To be fair, I haven't really done any work in community theatre, but even some of the smaller professional companies that I have worked for in the past have been unwilling (or unable) to shell out the money that it takes to get good, reliable comm equipment- wired or wireless.

I can think of a couple of shows (like site-specific pieces for a larger organization) that Unity would have been great for- but they were for companies with larger budgets. Good to know the option is out there!

116

Tools of the Trade / Re: Improvised com system?

« on: Oct 18, 2017, 10:58 am »

That's good to know, Mac. The licenses look kind of pricey for some community theatres but there are a number of scenarios that I can see a package like that being very useful in.

117

Tools of the Trade / Re: Improvised com system?

« on: Oct 11, 2017, 10:05 pm »

I would be surprised if there are any reliable phone apps- for one, you're going to have cues that are late if someone's service is bad. You can also use cheap walkie talkies, but they are really not well suited for this.

Have you considered using cue lights? It's pretty inexpensive to create a simple cue light system- all you need is a box with some light switches, cable, and some small bulbs (you can use Christmas tree bulbs, which are small and easy to hide on a set). An electrician can wire up a simple system. It's standard practice to put 2 bulbs on every switch, right next to each other, so that if one burns out, there's always a backup.

If your theatre is looking to purchase a system, you might see if a larger theatre in the area is upgrading their comm system and looking to sell their old one. Or, look into renting a system.

118

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Manager Duties

« on: Oct 09, 2017, 11:46 am »

The only time I've ever been any kind of understudy was my last show as a non-AEA ASM (more than a decade ago!). It was a large cast and had a swing system for understudies. There were 4 members of the ensemble who did a lot of scenery moving. All of the other roles were covered by either ensemble members swinging "up" or by outside understudies. If one of those 4 was out (or swinging up), the followspot op would cover them (and do the subsequent scene changes.)

However, there was a large, complicated dance sequence at the top of Act 3, involving lifts, and he was not comfortable doing that. So, the backup plan was for me to swing in just for the dance sequence. I never had to go on, but I loved practicing all of the dance steps backstage! Really one of my favorite productions to work on.

Generally though, no. It's not standard at all.

119

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Is college necessary?

« on: Oct 07, 2017, 10:29 pm »

There's a pretty detailed discussion of this subject in this thread. It's worth revisiting, since that discussion is from 2010 and things have changed a bit, especially in the realm of loans and paying for your education.

I think having a degree is valuable, not just for stage management, but for other employment. You may decide you want to do something else with your life down the line, or you might need to support yourself with a day job while getting your SM career off the ground. Not having a degree can hold you back. If you have a degree and another candidate doesn't, having the degree gives you a leg up. That being said, I don't think it's necessarily required to have a degree to SM, and college is not the right choice for everyone.

One of the best things I got out of my education was the connections- I can directly trace subsequent employment to relationships with the professors and artists that I worked with there. College can give you a "safe" place to fail, and the opportunity to add a bunch of credits to your resume. It also gives you the chance to get a well-rounded theatrical education- having some knowledge of lighting, sound, costumes, etc can help you become a better stage manager.

If you do decide to go to college, there are ways to make it more affordable. Going to community college for 2 years and then finishing at a 4-year school is one option. I don't think putting yourself into a mountain of debt is a great thing, for what is not an especially high-paying career (for the most part). You can also get a degree in something other than theatre, and still work/take classes in the theatre department. You can also apply for need-based or merit-based aid.

I am a huge proponent of internships and apprenticeships- they are a great way to gain experience and build up your resume, as well as build relationships with different theatres. Personally, I don't think that workshops are much of an indication of your skills and experience.

I guess that it really depends what you want to do- I think if you are interested in working at larger professional houses, most SMs there have degrees, in my experience. If you don't have a degree, you need to find a way to boost your experience to stay competitive.

120

The Green Room / Re: Remembering Nick Tochelli

« on: Oct 06, 2017, 02:05 pm »

I'm really, really sorry to hear his. Nick was a valued contributor to this site with many, many thoughtful posts. He'll be missed and remembered.