Messages

121

The Hardline / Re: Equity SMs: Running LX?

« on: Feb 28, 2008, 12:32 pm »

Matthew's right about it not being SOP.  But I do know working on SPT contracts often will result in the SM running the light board.  AEA is ok with it provided you are contracted separately, paid separately, and it doesn't interfere with normal SM duties.  Almost every Showcase and many LOA-NYC contracts will have the SM running the Lightboard as well. 

Currently I'm on a LORT D contract in a small theatre and running the lightboard as well.  I have no maintenance to do and in the end, it is just hitting a Go button.  I don't know if I'd want to do it on large musicals with numerous light cues but it's really not all that hard.

122

Uploaded Forms / Re: Weekly

« on: Feb 21, 2008, 01:00 pm »

I think you'd be better off making it smaller but that's just me.  I don't think they have to be one 1 page but I also don't think you need the title and heading to be so large.  You could also expand your margins to the sides making it fit better.  And personally, I prefer 11pt Font for things like that to make it fit better.  And I also use actor's real names (generally First initial and then the Last name) as opposed to character names but that could be from experience with Chorus musicals where actors don't have a character name.  That way you're not bouncing back and forth between Character names and Actor names.

123

Tools of the Trade / Re: Business Cards

« on: Feb 20, 2008, 03:01 pm »

Built and designed mine on my own as well.  Printed up on Business Card paper from Staples. 

I just have my website, name, phone number and AEA affiliation on it. 

In all reality though - $32.98 for 250 cards actually isn't a bad deal from Vista Print.  It's tax deductible and the quality is probably better than using a color printer myself.

124

The Hardline / Re: Do you agree with Equity representing Stage Managers

« on: Feb 18, 2008, 01:00 pm »

I'll jump on the bandwagon here and agree with the 3 above.  We just work too closely with the actors schedule that to be in a different union would just add other conflicts.  Things like break times alone would be an issue as I know IATSE follows a different schedule completely.  They can't work more than 5 hours in a row without OT which would be a problem on the 6-Hour Rehearsal block.  Not only that, there are a lot of theatres out there that are AEA but no IATSE.  So many Regional theatres don't use IATSE crews.  Wouldn't that put a lot of Union SMs out of work? 

125

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] Scheduling and Calendar Applications

« on: Feb 18, 2008, 12:49 pm »

I've tried using Google to share documents and schedules before but it never caught on with me.  I think it's more because a lot of people I've worked with prefer the documents directly in the email or just want hard copies.  But who knows, maybe I'll try and get back to it at some point.

126

Tools of the Trade / Re: i discovered the best SM/backstage shoes ever

« on: Feb 18, 2008, 12:45 pm »

I found a pair of black slip on suede shoes at K-Mart for $9.99 - so comfortable and I just leave them at the theatre.  Granted - I have to wear boots back and forth to the theatre (love the snow in Vermont) so having something to slip on is nice once I get to the theatre.

In warmer weather and wearing all day - I have a pair of black Vann's walking shoes.  Also very comfortable and I can walk or stand for hours in them.

127

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Do you call from house or backstage?

« on: Feb 14, 2008, 11:26 am »

I think I've found the best of both worlds here at Northern Stage.  You call from a booth in the back of House Left but you're also backstage.  It puts the stage at a slight angle but keeps you available in case of emergencies and I've got a monitor for a more direct frontal view.

128

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Feb 13, 2008, 04:54 pm »

I'm at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT calling The Price till Feb 17th and also in rehearsals for Driving Miss Daisy (Open on Feb 29th).  If anyone wants to shadow us, shoot me an email at lcpomo@gmail.com

Scott

129

The Hardline / Re: Who Locks Your Doors?

« on: Feb 01, 2008, 12:36 pm »

The rule lies in a lot of the AEA contracts and it's design is to protect Stage Management from being held responsible in case the building isn't locked at the end of the night and something happens.  It's a liability thing and AEA didn't want producers blaming their members for break-ins and lost equipment, etc.

However, this doesn't mean the SM can't carry a set of keys to get themselves in and out.  Where I am now, the PA and the lighting intern are responsible for locking down the whole building at the end of the night and unlocking it before a show.  I have a set of keys as well though on the off chance I get there really early or just need to get in.  I like it this way.  Gives me flexibility to come and go as needed but takes some of the responsibility off of my shoulders.

I have been in situations in NY where a producer wanted to give me the only set of keys and make me responsible for locking the building and the booth each night.  Being NYC and the fact that the producers were renting the space, I didn't want any part of it.  I told them they could give me a set of keys but I can't be held responsible for making sure the building and booth are locked.  This was not taken lightly by the producers, assistant production manager or by building management claiming they had never heard of that rule before and that other SMs had never had a problem with doing it.  I was given such an attitude by the APM that I almost felt the need to apologize until I thought it through and realized it's not my fault, they didn't read the rule book.  It didn't help that this company got caught breaking and bending quite a number of different rules under the LOA-NYC contract and they were already blaming me for that.

130

Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship

« on: Jan 30, 2008, 02:42 pm »

How do you like working at Northern Stage?  They're always advertising for stage managers and they are close to my usual ski mountain (Killington).  I stopped in there once many moons ago and thought the venue cute but don't know anyone who's actually worked there.

I love it up here.  The venue is a small thrust but they have a strong core audience base.  The people here are great and they just went LORT this season after a number of years as Guest Artist.  The quality of work is really good because they know how to work with their small space.  They're also about to start a campaign to build a new Theatre (keeping it a small thrust).  I came on for one show in January and will now be here for the next one as well. 

131

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Actor don't get along

« on: Jan 29, 2008, 10:44 pm »

Well, tech passed without a problem.  We're now 3 days from Opening and it doesn't look like we'll make a change.  Relations seem to have gotten better and the job is at least getting done now.  No more yelling at the director.

132

Employment / Re: Seeking Stage Management Fellowship

« on: Jan 29, 2008, 10:43 pm »

I'm working at Northern Stage in Vermont right now and I know they use a PA for each season (6 Shows) that goes from about September-June.  I don't know what they pay but since they're a LORT D, EMC points should be available to those interested. 


www.northernstage.org

133

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Actor don't get along

« on: Jan 26, 2008, 04:41 pm »

Update - Another blow up by the actor during rehearsal.  At that point we were 2 days from tech and a week from opening.  The producer and the actors agent have been speaking to the actor.  As of right now, they're still putting off firing them which I feel is a mistake.  The longer they wait - the more difficult it will be to replace them. 

We had rehearsal yesterday and it seemed to survive.  We've got other problems to deal with right now, most notably is the pace of the show.  It drags too long and the artistic director of the theatre is now telling the actors the same thing.  Running at just under 2.5 hours + intermission isn't good. 

134

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Actor don't get along

« on: Jan 21, 2008, 07:33 pm »

Yes - this is under the LORT contract for AEA.

135

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PEOPLE: Director and Actor don't get along

« on: Jan 20, 2008, 05:03 pm »

I've got one actor that seriously doesn't get along with the director.  To the point of yelling and telling my director that they need to learn to work with "older, more experienced actors."  Honestly, the actor isn't very good.  The director would love to have them replaced but the company doesn't have Just Cause.  It came to a head last night when a 5-10min tirade took place towards the end of the rehearsal day.  The director does a good job of trying to remain calm and has a steady voice while being yelled at.

So what do you do when an actor starts yelling at the director and telling them to "sit there and let us act"?