Messages

106

Employment / Re: Taking Time Off (different situation)

« on: Jun 11, 2009, 12:40 am »

Thanks so much! You really lifted my spirits tonight! I will definately be working on networking, to get my foot in the door. 

107

Employment / Taking Time Off (different situation)

« on: Jun 10, 2009, 11:31 pm »

I know there is another thread here about this, but my situation is a bit different, and I wanted to get some input:

I am currently working at Hersheypark as a technician for their show "Beyond the Dragon Gate" Operated and maintained by SRO Associates, Inc. I was in line for an internship at Meadowbrook Theatre back in Michigan, but that fell through. Basically, here is my current situation:

 I have 2 classes I need to finish before I can officially get my degree from WSU. I also am getting married in May. He is a Navy sailor based in Gulfport, MS. I haven't had much luck in finding other work up there. I can't go to an internship/apprenticeship somewhere else, my classes are not available online. Also, next summer I don't want to work [theatre] so that I can focus on getting my marriage started.
Plus, there is next to no theatre work within driving distance of there, so Nothing can even be feasible until the fall, when I would move temp. to work.

My questions are how do I explain that to employers when they ask why I have not worked in almost a year? And since I have just gotten out of college, my professional experience is very limited(I had things happen EVERY summer before this one, so I couldn't go out and work) so that  means I have very few contacts. I have a couple, but not many.  And, There is some opportunity for working for some local decent community theatre companies. I have heard that community theatre is not a good idea to put on resumes.

I would greatly appreciate any advice. 

108

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student SM Challenge #5: Critical Paperwork

« on: Mar 10, 2009, 10:31 am »

I would create a contact sheet with what I have, and have the cast fix it first rehearsal and then dist. it ASAP. I also would hole punch my script, and get my dividers going so I have some semblance of a book.  I also would have a contact info sheet ready, so they can fill it out, including medical information.  A Calandar too, with dates. After first rehearsal I would meet with director to make sure I had a good semblance of scene's, etc. so that I can create correct plots and breakdowns.  Make sure everything has SUBJECT TO CHANGE everywhere.

I'd also put a rabbit's foot in my pocket and wear a necklace of 4 leaf clovers, just in case. 

109

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: The Ultimate Decision

« on: Mar 02, 2009, 11:12 am »

Mine was pretty simple. I did a lot of tech work in high school, but was always more of an actor.  My freshman year here at WSU, I was an actor, and wasn't that happy doing it. I was always interested in SM, and decided to try it my sophmore year. I just stuck with it since then. I love it.  It really is my niche in theatre, persay. 

110

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Is MA in stage management helpful?

« on: Dec 14, 2008, 10:47 am »

I want to reopen this discussion and delve in a little further.

In my situation, I am in a great undergrad program where I am getting a well rounded education in technical theatre and have had lots of opportunities to work in stage management positions. When I graduated my resume will be long with my educational theatre experience. I have also managed an internship already.

I never really considered grad school as an option financially nor did I think it necessary. Now I am starting to run across good SM MA programs that fully pay for the education and keep you living for your time there. That is a great opportunity and now I'm reconsidering my stance on grad school.

Where I am debating is if grad school right now would be more beneficial or hinder my professional career. It is all a matter of opinion of course, but I can find the two sides of the coin. Since I would graduate in December '09 I would have around 8 months to work on small festivals or one show gigs in small theatres, then go off to grad school if I was accepted. Then again I have heard the opinion that grad school is more useful to those who have a few years under their belt.

I guess I feel I am in between. I feel that I have a lot of experience and could survive in theatre working my way from the bottom up, but I also feel like three years in grad school may specialize my skills and push up my value as an SM. I also feel that this particular step might prepare me better for the type of schedule an SM keeps rather than throw me in cold from undergrad theatre.

Any opinions on this type of situation?

Our school has something similar. The Hilberry is a great place to come for a MFA in Stage Management. they pay for your schooling and give you a living stipend with benefits. Unfortunately, I won't be elligible to go there, since I came here for undergrad. However, it is a great experience for repetory theatre and classic theatre. I am looking into Grad schools in a few years, after my fiance is restationed somewhere else(He's NAVY.)

To answer the OP, I have to agree with a lot of people. I do want to go to Grad School, but would like to "get my feet wet" first, so to speak.  But it is a good idea, it helps you network and fine tune the art of SM'ing.  Give it a few years/seasons of work, and see where your at.  JMHO.

111

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Mentorship Program

« on: Dec 14, 2008, 10:40 am »

At WSU we have a very similar thing. Every year, one of the grad SM's mentors the undergrads. But I'm kind of now looking for a more professional person to talk to, since I am going to be out there in a few months, and just to have someone to talk to to get my foot in the door, so to speak. 

Great Idea, though.

112

Stage Management: Other / Re: Dance Choreography Notation

« on: Dec 14, 2008, 10:29 am »

Thank you both.

113

Stage Management: Other / Dance Choreography Notation

« on: Dec 07, 2008, 10:23 pm »

I was wondering if there were any good links or otherwise to help me with my dance choreography notation in my book for our upcoming production of "Ragtime." Does anyone know of any good sources? Or maybe have a good system themselves they would be willing to graciously share? Thanks!

114

Employment / Re: SETC

« on: Dec 07, 2008, 10:14 pm »

Thank you, I appreciate it.

115

Employment / SETC

« on: Nov 13, 2008, 02:27 pm »

I wasn't able to find a thread on it, but since it's less than four months away, I have a few questions for it, since this will be my first time interviewing/auditioning outside of an academic setting. I was mainly wondering if there are some questions I should know the answer to, walking into it:

  I know there probably are a few standard questions they ask, and I would like to have some kind of answer ready, so I'm not wasting interview time thinking on it. 

Also, I am taking my current show prompt book with me as a "resume," along with a true resume. I also see some sites want a picture as well. Should I be ready with a few, in case they ask for one there?

Also, I am in a bit of a scheduling challenge. My fiance and I are planning a wedding, and I am trying to stay local-ish(like a 6 hour drive or less) so I can come home occasionally when I am free to help plan some things.  He is in the NAVY, so it's pretty much me and the mothers.  I was just wondering what co. I should maybe target to get interviews with, that are good for a summerstock/fall season position.

Thanks so much.

116

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #4: When being an SM and a friend collide

« on: Nov 13, 2008, 02:18 pm »

This is a great learning experience on so many levels.

First, part of your job is to learn to anticipate these issues. If you go to blackout from a bright scene, you should know that the actors are gonna have trouble getting off - you need to remember that your cast has just been blinded by stage lights and can't see. Does this mean glowtape, running lights, your ASM backstage with a flashlight given them something to point towards? And common practice is to have your ASM (or, if you are lucky enough, both ASM and the other side of the stage crew) give you a clear. If it takes a ridiculously long time to get that "clear", you know there is an issue to solve which it is probably not the actors' fault. Side note: Get used to the fact that you usually will not see things that happen in the black and that you will need to learn to trust your on deck folks with headsets to let you know when your show is ready to move on.

Second, actors and crew need to feel reassured that if there is a problem, they can come to you as the SM and it will be dealt with (whether by you or others is immaterial) with no editorializing or attitude. The rule of thumb is to say YES to everything. Period. No other conversation is relevant, unless you need clarification of the problem. If you have to compromise that "yes", you can come back at a later time with alternatives and reasons, but initially your answer is yes or thank you. 

Third, just as being friends doesn't mean they get special treatment, it also means that you can't have different expectations than you would from any other actor. If you wouldn't have lost your temper with another actor, then you should not have lost your temper with this one. More, your friend is coming to you AS A STAGE MANAGER because he assume you (as a friend) will understand the challenge and (as SM) can solve it. 

Fourth, your being upset and frustrated - regardless of how your tech went and its challenges - is something you do not ever, EVER express to, or in front of, your actors (or team). If you and your ASM want to bitch after everyone is gone and in private, great. Otherwise, you need to take a deep breath and learn how not to allow your feelings affect your actions in any way. I think maybe part of the issue was your frustration with yourself and the tech - you say it was a rough night. You have to find a way to either set it aside or get that out of your system without allowing it to impact anything happening right now - and that includes dealing the actors, the director etc. Your personal feelings, while valid, must remain separate. Frankly, it sounds like your personal frustration bled into this situation, and because you saw a friend and it felt normal and safe (because of your preexisting relationship) you just reacted without thinking to their comments. But when they are actor (or crew or design team) and you are SM, you need to maintain that line and find a way to say yes, thank you, sorry, all with a smile and all with confidence.

Congratulations on learning important lessons that will be vital in your professional life. Experience is the best teacher, and you clearly have a great opportunity to take the next step by using what just happened and trying something different so you can experience the different outcome. Good luck - and break a headset!

Thoroughly agree with you, and I have my own problems with this, but slightly different.  I have a close roommate and fellow SM who is here at WSU, and we worked on Taming of the Shrew Last semester, she was the SM I was ASM. This year, our roles are reversed. I hate to say it, but she is not the best of SM's in some areas, and has a slight attitude problem. This year, she is joking with me, and not giving me the respect I need in a rehearsal hall, seeing that the actors pick up on it, and they will start the same. Some have already noticed it.  I have talked to her, and she still is from the mindset of "we are close, so..." and almost acts as a mentor sometimes.  I have found the best way to deal with it is to not keep her as close as I have in the past (SM wise) and have a professional relationship. I think our biggest problem is that she is not distinguishing the difference between our professional relationship and our personal one.  I am slowly working through this, but it hasn't been easy. 

117

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Please Help Me

« on: Nov 13, 2008, 02:12 pm »

Sit in on the booth if you can. It really will help.

118

Employment / spin-off on the name dropping...

« on: Oct 24, 2007, 08:28 pm »

I want to get a good internship this summer, and am trying to put together  a good resume.  I know a few people from my dept. who I've worked with that would be recognized, and was wondering what would be the best way to do it, without making it obvious. I don't have any specific internships in mind, but would like this to show i have experience.  And, on top of that, what internships (summerstock or otherwise) would you recommend?

119

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Stage Management Colleges

« on: Oct 24, 2007, 08:07 pm »

I go to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I'm currently a junior, and have been SMing for 2 years. There is no SM program, persay, but we have some of the best facilities and programs to learn in, and lots of mentors to help. i highly recommend it!

120

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Injured during tech?

« on: Oct 24, 2007, 08:03 pm »

last semester, i was on a show with 2 other SM's..I had a huge ear infection and fever, and showed up late for tech...of course, the other two were clueless, so It was mass chaos when I got there. At my school, usually there is one or two SM's that can hold down the fort for a tech/show or two..just follow basic procedures, and they should be able to understand the process, and handle everything fine.