Messages

106

Introductions / Re: Just Discovering SMNetwork

« on: Feb 03, 2013, 07:39 pm »

Hi Rebecca!

I too had a generalized education in theatre during undergrad- it can at times make things harder when your resume is compared to those who have been stage managing for all four years of college. I can just advise you to work your connections and network- Your skills will speak louder than your resume and help you get ahead.

Best of Luck!

107

Employment / Re: Program Bios

« on: Jan 30, 2013, 07:31 pm »

Here's an example bio format-

Maribeth (Stage Manager) is happy to be returning to X Theatre, where her previous productions include Show A, Show B, and Show C. Other regional credits include Show D at  Y Theatre, and Shows E, F, and G at Z Theatre. She is a graduate of ____ University.

I just wanted to re-iterate how much I love this resource. I just had a mini panic attack when I read my e-mail saying I had to submit a Bio for the program ASAP. Mind you at a theatre I've worked at before that didn't require a bio. Then I took a breath and searched for "Stage manager Bio" on the forums and alas... copy, paste, fill in the blanks, and breathe again.

Thanks guys. 

108

Tools of the Trade / Re: Dropbox Teams

« on: Jan 30, 2013, 06:36 pm »

Just a quick thought on a benefit- instead of a script/score archive that can take up a lot of space in a theatre office (that may not have room) having access to Stage Management Paperwork and digital scores/scripts could reduce a need to keep physical archives. It also then makes it easy to share paperwork in a re-mount or with a new Stage Management team. No more e-mailing the previous SM's to get digital copies or looking for a CD of paperwork.

Just a thought.

109

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Reharsal Report AND Notes?

« on: Jan 30, 2013, 06:27 pm »

During my internship at an Equity theatre the director would type up the notes on his macbook as we rehearsed and send them to the SM at the end. We would e-mail them to the actors. This is the only time I have encountered this, and it was due to time constraints in the process with a new work (we had to avoid overtime with the actors). They were told that they were welcome to discuss their notes with the director at the next rehearsal. We would also e-mail out the script changes, but that is another matter.

110

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: ASM Help

« on: Jan 24, 2013, 05:24 pm »

Some of the good splits in the work load I have experianced in a college setting would be delegating props running or costume running to the ASM, and then also having one of you on blocking and one on book to give lines.

You can also ask your ASM what she thinks her strengths are. Personally when given a choice I would rather track props over costumes. If your ASM feels confident in specific areas, she will most likely do a better job.

You may feel that a lot of the time your ASM is doing nothing, but remember she is shadowing you to learn your position. Try to explain what you are doing and why. And if you find yourself doing several things at once, figure out what you can delegate to your ASM. It is a learning experiance for her as well, so try to share with her advice on projects she is taking on.

111

The Green Room / Re: Tax Season!

« on: Jan 23, 2013, 04:50 am »

One of my old professors had some great advice: get yourself a day-planner. Even if you don't plan ahead, use it as a diary. Track everything you might want to deduct down the line.

I was also given this advice, and told that it would hold up in an IRS audit. There was a fine line about keeping an electronic calendar, like google calendars, versus a handwritten one I remember. I guess it seems easier to fake an electronic copy and the IRS is a bit more leary of that kind of proof.

I couldn't really live without my planner anyway, so all the details are there and it gets filled away with my receipts at the end of the year. I haven't had to itemize yet (I'm at the begining of my carrer and the standard deduction still covers enough for me to get the majority of my taxes back without the headache) but I figure it is good practice for the years ahead.

112

The Green Room / Re: Side Gigs

« on: Jan 23, 2013, 04:45 am »

Jealous! I always wanted to do foot modeling but my feet are too big. Pretty, but no one wants a size 10. 

Instead I have just gotten into Sales and it is working out really well for me. I can work part time flexible hours, but still make a good living if I am selling well. And all of the skills from Stage Management have made me a better sales person- I listen to each customers needs and then match them to the best product for them. We actually had a seminar a couple of months ago that stressed that we aren't selling products- we are selling solutions. And finding solutions to problems is such a huge part of being an SM.

I really enjoy it and hope that they continue to work with my schedule. 

113

The Green Room / Re: Thank You Cards for Interviews

« on: Jan 21, 2013, 08:28 pm »

To be fair- before e-mail the way people followed up was via phone or sending a quick note. The ones I send don't actually say "thank you" on them- they are blank cards where I can write a note.

I think having something tangible is a really nice touch in a world of electronic communication where it is so easy to hit delete and forget about it.

114

Introductions / Re: Another Brand New SM!

« on: Jan 21, 2013, 04:05 am »

One of the best shows I've ever seen was a version of alice. It was circus style and called "looking glass alice"

Check it out, and don't pass up any opportunity to see it. Seriously. Best. Show. Ever.

115

The Green Room / Re: Thank You Cards for Interviews

« on: Jan 20, 2013, 04:29 pm »

I usually follow up in one way or another. Like Bwoodbury said, most of the time that is just a quick e-mail because I will know in a few days either way about the job. However, if there is more time between the interview and when I will find out (especially when I was applying for year long internships that were interviewing many candidates over a couple months) I totally sent paper cards.

I think you are on the right track with the contents. You need to make some personal connection that will bring you up in their minds and make you stand out among the other applicants. I had a professor in college who said that sending postcards and thank yous are a great way of making your name pop up, and make sure that you are not forgotten- even if they seem like a lot of work. A paper card in the mail, when appropriate, is going to make you stand out.

116

Stage Management: Other / Re: Dance First Aid

« on: Jan 11, 2013, 06:08 pm »

My brother is a ballet dancer and he swears by this stuff called Tiger Balm. I'm not 100% sure what it is, but he loves it for his muscles.

In general, dancers seem pretty prepared to have the special stuff for their feet, so I would be prepared with things for bigger incidents (some basic splints, ace bandages, medical tape and gauze).

As they say in dance- Merde!

117

Introductions / Re: Hello SMs!

« on: Jan 08, 2013, 01:39 am »

haha that's awesome! I have a little zombie guy that when you squeeze him his eyes bug out... awesome stress relief, and a gift from a former SM.

Welcome!

118

Employment / Salary Requirements

« on: Jan 06, 2013, 01:31 pm »

Hello All!

I am applying for a full time production management position, but I am running into one thing that has me stuck. It asks me to include my salary requirements. I have been working freelance since I graduated and have never had to negotiate pay. Is there a specific format I should send this in as? Do I put in a specific number at all or leave it at negotiable? I know the minimun that I need to pay my bills and such, but I'm afraid of putting a number down and having it be too low or too high and blow my chances at the job.

Also- should it be stated in terms of by hour, weekly, or a yearly salary? I have only worked hourly and weekly thus far in my contracts.

I am more than qualified for this position, but I'm afraid that I'm going to blow my chances with this salary requirements thing.

Thanks guys for any insight!

119

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Assistant Stage Manager Paperwork

« on: Jan 04, 2013, 01:43 pm »

As an ASM I usually start my Book the same as I would if I were SM. It is important to be flexible as ASM, and even if your book tends to not have all the information as the SM book, you should be able to access any paperwork or information about the show. I look to my ASM's as my right hand man, and if I can't cover soemthing I want them to be prepared to handle it. Especially if you are doing a musical or large scale show that might have simultanious rehearsals where you will be in one room and your SM in the other.

It is better to be prepared for the most amount of work and information, rather than not have what you need to do your job. Talk to your SM for sure and see what she/he says too- if you are at a university, I'm sure they have been in your position too, and would be glad to let you know what works best for the style of the department you are in. A quick e-mail or phone call will clear a lot of things up.

Good Luck!

120

Tools of the Trade / Awesome Staples Sale!

« on: Jan 02, 2013, 10:13 am »

I just got an e-mail from Staples with their sale this week. I'm floored- they are offering 100% back in staples rewards on a bunch of stuff- including up to 4 Heavy Duty View binders!

Here's the link to their ad: http://weeklyad.staples.com/Staples/BrowseByPage?storeid=2540912&promotionviewmode=2&promotioncode=Staples-121230&listingid=0&sneakpeek=Y&pagenumber=1

... I promise I don't work for Staples and am only sharing because I know how awesome free stuff is! And we are probably all rewards members already anyway 

Happy Shopping! I know where I'm going today!