Messages

121

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: In search of International Internships

« on: Aug 06, 2009, 05:55 pm »

Hi there! Welcome to the SMNetwork :-)

Out of curiosity, why Africa? And where in Africa appeals to you? Have you looked into cities/countries/regions that suit your interests and goals? What/where are they?

A friend of mine spent a year in Ghana, using theater and acting techniques to do community-building exercises in a handful of villages. Granted, he went through an English-based Study Abroad program. Would this kind of teaching-oriented experience appeal to you? I would be happy to write him a note on your behalf.

I recently worked on a production that had a strongly international cast, many of whom are from Africa and have worked in the theater/dance world internationally. PM me if you're interested in chatting about specifics!

122

Employment / Re: Locations and Area Codes

« on: Jul 19, 2009, 09:34 am »

Like kmc said, I think there are more important things to focus your energy on when you're establishing a professional presence.

I have found, actually, that using an out-of-state area code can offer a great jumping-off point in interviews - you never know when someone will recognize a distant city or town, based on the cell phone you've put on your resume. One person I interviewed with had actually lived down the block from me years ago, and we had a wonderful time talking about our old neighborhood!

123

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Wave

« on: May 30, 2009, 07:03 pm »

Seems fascinating! What a neat idea - I can see a lot of possibilities for this in corporate entertainment and academia, but am not sure about where it would fit best in "legit" theatre.

On the corporate side, having a documentary record that is so rich with information would be wonderful, and I imagine would streamline a lot of the planning phase on many projects. In the academic world, this could almost be an alternative performance "space," in some philosophies of what constitutes theatre. In commercial or regional theatre.... seems really fun, a great way to communicate quickly and with ample media support... I'm just not convinced that virtual communication will ever be as effective as a group of three, eight, or twenty people meeting in person and sharing thoughts and materials directly. While the potential is there, in Google Wave, for great clarity, I think many of the pros out there are still more inclined to trust things they can touch - which makes a pencil sketch on a paper napkin a more effective tool than all the beautiful virtual meeting software you can find.

Nonetheless - how fabulous it would be to have a record like this! K, do you see a place in your current work situation where Google Wave could be used? Or, in hindsight, would you use Google Wave in a job you've held previously?

Great topic :-)

124

Employment / Re: Working in LA

« on: May 22, 2009, 11:37 am »

In addition to Bkstgboy's great recommendations - you might also look at Mandy.com for leads on production assistant work. Mandy tends to be weighted toward the film and TV business, but I've seen a number of listings for non-union theatrical stage managers on the site. Also, look into Universal Studios - I know they have stage managers on a number of shows in the theme park, and it's a great way to fill out a patchy few months and meet a some cool people at the same time. (Also, depending on what part of town you're in, it might be much easier to get to than Disney!)

Best of luck, and keep us posted on how things go!

125

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Writing down Choregraphy??

« on: Feb 24, 2009, 01:46 pm »

In keeping with killerdana's thoughts - I tend to keep the "big picture" information, but depend on a Dance Captain to take notes on the specifics. I'll use a diagram to record where people start or finish, or where I expect the LD to place a bump cue or special.

126

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: School interviews

« on: Feb 13, 2009, 05:43 pm »

For what it's worth - even if accommodations in the immediate Yale campus area are pricey, the Metro North rail runs very close to it. Finding a less expensive place to stay, and taking the train up might prove more feasible.

Break a leg, and keep us posted on how the interviews turn out!

127

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Internships

« on: Jan 27, 2009, 02:11 pm »

Shari88 -

I have a friend who got his start in the Austin theater scene, and had very positive things to say about the experience. I will write to ask what he recommends, and pass the info along!

Meg

128

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Race question on applications

« on: Jan 18, 2009, 11:06 pm »

Of course it's subject to the fine print on each application... but the race question may correspond to a scholarship, grant or fellowship the school offers. While this shouldn't have any bearing on your acceptance, it might have an influence on how they set up your funding/financial aid package.

In my opinion, it's a bit dodgy not to offer an "Other" option... particularly when the options presented cover only a narrow handful of groups.

Regardless, I agree with Matthew - contact the school in question and ask what they recommend.

129

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Tips and Tricks: Raked stages

« on: Apr 12, 2008, 06:13 pm »

For the SMs on deck - if your track (or simply backstage traffic patterns) require that you spend a lot of time standing and/or spotting, try to stand with your body oriented upstage. It's easier on your back and joints, particularly over the long term (think of the difference between wearing high heels versus standing in sand).

130

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Staged Readings

« on: Mar 31, 2008, 08:26 am »

Piggybacking on Scott's post - definitely, after you read the AEA literature, check in with the director about what s/he envisions, to make sure that your understanding of minimal staging and production lines up with theirs.

I love readings - doing and watching - hope you have a great time!

131

Employment / Re: Temporary Housing & Transportation

« on: Mar 27, 2008, 09:36 am »

Where in California is the company you're looking at?

If it's near any universities, you might want to check out the college newspaper for classifieds - you can usually find a nice handful of student-priced sublets for summer months.

PM me if you're looking at a company in LA or the San Francisco Bay Area

132

The Hardline / Re: HELP! MY CAST IS NUDE!!

« on: Mar 17, 2008, 05:08 pm »

Not sure about AEA regulations regarding nudity/simulated sex acts onstage - but, since you're doing this in an educational setting, definitely read up on school resources for LGBTQ issues, Ombuds/conflict resolution, "safe campus" policies, etc. so that, should a company member ask, you can produce current contact and policy info quickly.

Print up "Private Rehearsal" signs for unlocked studio doors, so that awkward interruptions stay at a minimum.

My first show in university had a lot of very intimate sequences - partial nudity, simulated sex - feel free to PM me with questions.

133

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What should I give my crew?

« on: Jan 13, 2008, 11:10 pm »

This depends on what kind of schedule your theater program works with, but...

A short list of the nearest, best and/or cheapest restaurants and convenience stores, with phone numbers and delivery info if it's relevant. I remember a lot of Quiznos and Domino's Pizza in high school - the drama office had a Rolodex with local restaurant delivery phone numbers, and those were the two places open after 10p on Mondays. The convenience stores were a huge help when we ran out of anything - basic makeup or hair supplies, first aid, snacks, even small hand props could all be found at the local 7-Eleven.

Use your discretion - this may be more of a distraction than a help, if it goes out to all crew members - but it can't hurt to have it in your back pocket!

Meg

134

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dropping Cards?

« on: Jan 04, 2008, 11:58 pm »

kiwitechgirl's mention of snow makes me think of a snow bag...

All you need is muslin (or any soft, relatively light and sturdy cloth - repurposed bed sheets will do) and two free, adjacent pipes. Rig a "bag" between the pipes that is however wide the card-drop area needs to be, and at GO your rail op will run one of those pipes as far down as the cloth bag allows - thereby emptying the contents over the stage.

I've seen this set up in houses that don't have any built-in flying items; similar idea, with three to four pulleys spaced out over the bag, and an individual line run to each pulley. PM me if you'd like a more detailed explanation

Best of luck!
Meg

135

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Happy Birthday Kay!

« on: Dec 22, 2007, 12:53 pm »

Happy birthday!!