1096
The Green Room / Re: Who are we, anyway...?
« on: May 27, 2011, 03:20 am »Quote
if "creativity" implies wacky schemes
I would be the first to claim there should be no schemes in stage management, wacky or otherwise.
News:
14 Jan 2021: Happy 21st birthday, SMNetwork! I replaced the old broken mobile theme. -K
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
I would be the first to claim there should be no schemes in stage management, wacky or otherwise.
1097
The Green Room / Re: Who are we, anyway...?
« on: May 26, 2011, 09:34 pm »Quote
I put it to you that any time a stage manager invokes sheer creativity to solve mid-show problems, they're covering up for incompetence.
I disagree as well - especially the more one offs and events you do. When the star starts singing a new song list mid set, what are you going to do?
You have to roll with what is handed you. And yes, we should, ahead of time prepared for things to happen, but ultimately, you are going to run out of time and resources to plan for EVERY option of things that could happen onstage.I actually am pushing, in my world, to fight harder to be considered more management, more administrative, more comfortable in the world of general management, production management and on the producers side. Part of is my personal interest.
And I think that's a big part of this job, not only your personal style, but your own interest that helps form how we approach this job and the style at which we present it.
1098
The Green Room / Re: Who are we, anyway...?
« on: May 25, 2011, 05:24 pm »
I think we get really attached to the concept of being an "artist" - when in reality there is an art to almost any profession.
I have always considered my self a grand facilitator, a manager of artists, a conductor of sorts.
I feel like to stand on a soap box and demand to be labeled an artist is not, for me, worth the effort. I don't care how other people view me or my work.
At the end of the day, I know what I am.
I have always considered my self a grand facilitator, a manager of artists, a conductor of sorts.
I feel like to stand on a soap box and demand to be labeled an artist is not, for me, worth the effort. I don't care how other people view me or my work.
At the end of the day, I know what I am.
1099
Tools of the Trade / Re: Spike marks on peat/bark floor?
« on: May 21, 2011, 12:55 pm »
I guess the real question is - is this a pre-set issue or during a show issue?
During pre-set, you can come up with a host of interesting ideas - including, well, just using a tape measure.
During the show, then using some sort of lighting effect might do help out.
During pre-set, you can come up with a host of interesting ideas - including, well, just using a tape measure.
During the show, then using some sort of lighting effect might do help out.
1100
The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"
« on: May 18, 2011, 08:23 pm »1101
The Green Room / Re: Who are we, anyway...?
« on: May 16, 2011, 11:54 pm »
I think is tricky . . . let's go to the web page for the conference . . .
So, already the "individual artist" category is a bit odd, in that it seems to be a way to get people wedged in who are not attached to to TCG theatre; in reality this is a conference for TCG theatre members. Great, but why open it up to "individual artists" without a good definition of "individual artist".
BUT what's really funny, when you go to the nomination page, there is a drop down box that allows you to pick the discipline (http://www.tcg.org/events/conference/2011/nomination.cfm) - and, lo and behold, STAGE MANAGEMENT is one. But again, this is for being nominated by a TCG theater.
So, I am interested to see how you applied and why they turned you down, since their nomination form clearly allows Stage Managers to be nominated, but if they are automatically rejected - that seems a bit unfair.
I think there may be more to this story.
Quote
Who can attend the conference?
Any staff or board member of a TCG member theatre or affiliate member is welcome to attend the conference. Individual artists are also eligible to attend if nominated by TCG or one of its member theatres. You can access the nomination for inviting individual artists here. Other guests are by invitation only.
So, already the "individual artist" category is a bit odd, in that it seems to be a way to get people wedged in who are not attached to to TCG theatre; in reality this is a conference for TCG theatre members. Great, but why open it up to "individual artists" without a good definition of "individual artist".
BUT what's really funny, when you go to the nomination page, there is a drop down box that allows you to pick the discipline (http://www.tcg.org/events/conference/2011/nomination.cfm) - and, lo and behold, STAGE MANAGEMENT is one. But again, this is for being nominated by a TCG theater.
So, I am interested to see how you applied and why they turned you down, since their nomination form clearly allows Stage Managers to be nominated, but if they are automatically rejected - that seems a bit unfair.
I think there may be more to this story.
1102
The Hardline / Re: Stage Managers Networking Event
« on: May 16, 2011, 08:07 pm »
I am registered as well - - - not going to include the a head shot - just don't think it's the industry standard to do - but maybe it will have you stand out.
See you all there.
See you all there.
1103
College and Graduate Studies / Re: MFA vs MA
« on: May 10, 2011, 12:59 pm »
There is no "black and white", the right person with a MA could be petitioned in . . . versus someone with a MFA . . . but, if often, there is a search for someone with a MFA, and if you only have MA . . . then you will have a hard "sell" to get considered.
1105
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Taking years off to get experience
« on: May 10, 2011, 09:55 am »
And maybe in the time off . . . you may find that you may not need to go back for your graduate degree.
1106
Employment / ARTICLE: WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS
« on: May 09, 2011, 10:33 pm »
http://blogs.hbr.org/hmu/2011/03/where-will-you-be-in-five-year.html?cm_sp=most_widget-_-blog_posts-_-Where%20Will%20You%20Be%20in%20Five%20Years%3F
Now, granted this is VERY business orientated, but I think there is some good info to pull from this.
Now, granted this is VERY business orientated, but I think there is some good info to pull from this.
1107
Employment / Re: Civilian Jobs?
« on: May 09, 2011, 10:17 pm »
The reason while I encourage people not to come up with a back up plan or to subsidize their career with a side job is I think people have a better chance at success in this career when they put all their efforts into making this career work. A side job can be distracting in many ways - besides getting in the way of the job, it might just prove to you that you can make money in easier ways, easier ways. (Trust me, there are a LOT easier ways to make a living).
You know, the stats people throw around is that 50% of small business fail in their first five years. So, if we are our own small business . . . then the odds are pretty steep against us. Even if we do everything right, there is just a certain amount of luck involved in this crazy business. You can work your ass off, and just never get high enough up the rungs of the career ladder to make a decent living. (See previous rants about schools putting out too many young stage managers and too many young stage manager desperate for resume credits working for little or no pay . . . )
You know, we are in a business that combines LOVE of theatre, ART, BUSINESS, etc - it’s a complicated economic model, for a career that really pays for and favors experience - but makes it VERY difficult to get this experience. Theatre thrives on taking advantage of young, good and cheap/free labor. Theatre can be an EMOTIONAL DRUG that makes us pursue this career perhaps a wee bit longer then perhaps we should, or SUFFER for art, when in reality, is stage management a career you need to suffer for? (Does one suffer to be a pharmaceutical sales rep?)
At the end of the day, here’s the honest truth - not everyone who wants to be a stage manager will be able to make a living as a stage manager. (It’s one of those odd things about life - it’s true when a parent tells a child they can grow up to be president, but not every child can possibly be a president.)
Yes, I agree with Nick. I bet at least 50% of the stage managers on this web site will find that they will have to change careers in the next five to ten years. It doesn’t mean that they can’t stage manage for the love it. Yes, you should always have back-up plan, but don’t jump to it right away - commit to this job, and do everything you can to make it work - if you find you have to keep compromising things that important then . . . then maybe it’s time to make a u-turn.
And we complicate the issue with life choices, such as marriage, a child, taking care of a family member. I will tell you right now, if I had fought and won custody of my child in my divorce - I do not think I would have been able to let my career grow the way that it did. Hell, if I had stayed married, I don’t think I could have made the decisions I made. (The relationship I am in know makes my career difficult enough). But you may find waiting around for the big break is nothing worth other things life have to offer, and let me let you in on the big secret - live the life you want, and find a career that can support it - as opposed to living the life you career will allow. Stage Management has an odd way of taking over your life . . . and not always in a good way.
You know, the stats people throw around is that 50% of small business fail in their first five years. So, if we are our own small business . . . then the odds are pretty steep against us. Even if we do everything right, there is just a certain amount of luck involved in this crazy business. You can work your ass off, and just never get high enough up the rungs of the career ladder to make a decent living. (See previous rants about schools putting out too many young stage managers and too many young stage manager desperate for resume credits working for little or no pay . . . )
You know, we are in a business that combines LOVE of theatre, ART, BUSINESS, etc - it’s a complicated economic model, for a career that really pays for and favors experience - but makes it VERY difficult to get this experience. Theatre thrives on taking advantage of young, good and cheap/free labor. Theatre can be an EMOTIONAL DRUG that makes us pursue this career perhaps a wee bit longer then perhaps we should, or SUFFER for art, when in reality, is stage management a career you need to suffer for? (Does one suffer to be a pharmaceutical sales rep?)
At the end of the day, here’s the honest truth - not everyone who wants to be a stage manager will be able to make a living as a stage manager. (It’s one of those odd things about life - it’s true when a parent tells a child they can grow up to be president, but not every child can possibly be a president.)
Yes, I agree with Nick. I bet at least 50% of the stage managers on this web site will find that they will have to change careers in the next five to ten years. It doesn’t mean that they can’t stage manage for the love it. Yes, you should always have back-up plan, but don’t jump to it right away - commit to this job, and do everything you can to make it work - if you find you have to keep compromising things that important then . . . then maybe it’s time to make a u-turn.
And we complicate the issue with life choices, such as marriage, a child, taking care of a family member. I will tell you right now, if I had fought and won custody of my child in my divorce - I do not think I would have been able to let my career grow the way that it did. Hell, if I had stayed married, I don’t think I could have made the decisions I made. (The relationship I am in know makes my career difficult enough). But you may find waiting around for the big break is nothing worth other things life have to offer, and let me let you in on the big secret - live the life you want, and find a career that can support it - as opposed to living the life you career will allow. Stage Management has an odd way of taking over your life . . . and not always in a good way.
1108
The Green Room / Re: Achieving a Professional Understanding
« on: May 06, 2011, 07:59 pm »
It's funny, as you age, you don't quiet have the mass amount of friends you spend time with on a daily basis. I have a partner, a child, my family, and a small core group of friends - and then a small circle of acquaintances. But, I work very hard at keeping work over there and personal life over here. After work, I may stop by and have a drink with a friend, or a work associate, but I truly enjoy a quiet night a home with my partner and my two dogs. It's a nice way of dealing with the stress . . . it also keeps me out of the fray of all some of the pettiness which sometimes comes from combining work and social life.
But you know, there is a way to treat stage management like a job and have a life outside of the job.
But you know, there is a way to treat stage management like a job and have a life outside of the job.
1109
The Green Room / Re: Achieving a Professional Understanding
« on: May 05, 2011, 07:24 am »
This will be an issue your entire career. You will continue to work with friends, or actors you are friendly with through out your career. Basically, my answer is, treat everyone the same - it's pretty amazing how quickly everyone sort of gets the message.
Now, here's there thing . . . it's a confusing message to go out drinking with your group of friends, partying and such, and then the next day show up and expect them to treat you like the boss - sometimes when working with friends, you might need to put the friendship on hold for a bit. I found, early in my career, until I felt comfortable with my "management" style, I didn't do a heck of a lot of socializing with my cast. I personally found it very hard to be out at the bar with the cast, blowing off steam, drinking, socializing, etc - and then being the heavy the next day (now, granted, I have little issue with that now.) It would be lovely to have it both ways, able to have the great friendships, and then, turn on a dime, a great manager/employee relationship - but to be honest, sometimes those two relationships do not overlap - you just sort of need to make a decision of what is more important.
Now, here's there thing . . . it's a confusing message to go out drinking with your group of friends, partying and such, and then the next day show up and expect them to treat you like the boss - sometimes when working with friends, you might need to put the friendship on hold for a bit. I found, early in my career, until I felt comfortable with my "management" style, I didn't do a heck of a lot of socializing with my cast. I personally found it very hard to be out at the bar with the cast, blowing off steam, drinking, socializing, etc - and then being the heavy the next day (now, granted, I have little issue with that now.) It would be lovely to have it both ways, able to have the great friendships, and then, turn on a dime, a great manager/employee relationship - but to be honest, sometimes those two relationships do not overlap - you just sort of need to make a decision of what is more important.
1110
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: House is Open or Closed?
« on: May 04, 2011, 11:33 pm »
House is open is the only thing I have I heard.