Messages

136

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Require cast to have an email?

« on: Oct 20, 2009, 10:10 am »

It turns out everyone in the cast has an email, the actor just didn't list it on his audition form. I have a web calendar and blog set up for the show that has all the information on it. At the initial read-through I asked that anyone who didn't have regular access to the web and/or email to talk with me. I also made it very clear if there was ever any doubt about a rehearsal time, call time, anything at all, etc... to call me. And so far, a couple people have called when they were (for whatever reason) away from their computer for the day. It's worked out well.

I have purchased a small (2' x 4') bulletin board I can use as a call board. I haven't needed it for rehearsals, but will have it set up for Tech Week and Performances.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts about communicating with the cast.

137

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Wave - SMNetwork Sandbox

« on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:03 pm »

I'm interested. Mike

--Invite Sent--
-I Have an invite-

138

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First week off book

« on: Oct 12, 2009, 11:39 am »

You can be a huge help to the cast by being ready when they call "Line." Stay focused on your script, while following what you need to follow regarding blocking. Discourage anyone other than yourself (or your designated prompter) from giving lines. Also, I tell the actors not to break character when calling line, and to simply start their line as soon as they've recalled it after my prompt. I don't give a line prompt until the actor calls "line." As you get to know an actor's style better, you may be able to "know" when they need help, but make it clear to the others that you've worked out a system.

Example: My current show just went off-book last week. At our full run rehearsal Saturday, one of the leads was struggling with his lines, which was understandable, as he, the director, and I had talked about his struggles, which were mostly caused by his being in a another play that just opened the previous night. So after one scene of trouble, (which actually wasn't that bad), I allowed him to use his script, which he only referred to a few times.

139

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Require cast to have an email?

« on: Sep 05, 2009, 04:16 pm »

I wish we could do a callboard. We're a community theater, borrowing space in a church. Hmmm, maybe a small posterboard could be used as one. Well, we'll see how the group comes together at Tuesday evening's read-through. Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

140

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / COMMUNICATION: Require cast to have an email?

« on: Sep 05, 2009, 11:43 am »

I'm just starting up a new show (Tom Stoppard's Arcadia). One of the actors doesn't have an email address. In this day and age, is it fair to require cast (and crew) to be accessible via email? I'll be maintaining tons of information on the web site I've created for show info, as well as sending out call info via email. Is the onus on the actor to stat using email, or is the onus on me to call this person 3 or 4 times a week?

I can't imagine how management of acting calls was done 10+ years ago.

141

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Contact Sheets

« on: Aug 28, 2009, 12:20 am »

I put everyone in my cell phone primarily so I know who is calling me, since caller-id is unreliable at best.

142

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Enforcing Punctuality in Community Theater

« on: Aug 24, 2009, 10:59 am »

I SM'd a community show a little while back.  One of the things that I did was I called the actors at home if they weren't in the hall at call time.  With one exception they were never there and I got Wife/Husband/Mom/Dad telling me they were on their way.  But finding out when you get home that the SM called at 7:01 when you were late for the 7:00 rehearsal sets a tone.  Nobody likes nagging phone calls at home.  I had very little in the way of punctuality problems after the first week.

I did this, and got griped at by the director (directing her first show), because the late actors complained that I was calling too soon after the call time. I was told to give the actors 15 minutes, then call them. When we finally moved into the theater, and only had limited time there, the director was mystified why people weren't showing up on time. I explained it was because they had learned they could be 15 minutes late.

Is it the director's decision how to run the actual rehearsal? Isn't it their decision to do a warm up, or to hold for the tardy actor? All I can do is let the director know I've contacted everyone, the space is ready, etc... I can see how the process at rehearsal could vary with each director's style. Mike

143

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: TECH: Overheated actor

« on: Aug 05, 2009, 12:50 pm »

Check the costume. Is it too tight? Maybe his circulation is being impaired.

I've fallen in love with Under Armour Heatgear clothing. They wick moisture away from the body. The costume might affect that ability, but it might help if he can wear something like that vs. cotton undergarments.

Make sure he's not drinking lots of caffeine before a show.

144

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What I did over my summer vacation...

« on: Jul 29, 2009, 05:37 pm »

I finished as TD/sound board op for Shakespeare in Hollywood a couple weeks ago. I learned a ton. And my next show, Seascape at the American Century Theater, I am running the light board. Seascape runs for 24 performances, the longest run I've ever been a part of. So, my paid gig was cancelled back in late May, and I ended up with two good experiences volunteering in other aspects of backstage life. So, everything mostly evened out.

145

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: ESCRIPTS Archive June 09-Dec. 10

« on: Jul 29, 2009, 12:06 pm »

Does anyone have a copy of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia? Thanks very much. I can be reached via email: mike -at- michaelclark dot net.

146

Tools of the Trade / Re: Video Assist Camera again

« on: Jul 16, 2009, 12:00 pm »

I think IR mode doesn't work at long distances, like over 20 feet or so. Then again, I could be completely wrong, it's been a while since I used IR mode. Plus my video camera is ancient, so hopefully technology has improved since then.

147

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jun 28, 2009, 12:04 pm »

What's the opinion on posting pictures and other media? I partially agree and disagree with both options - including it in a website and not (and from the posts here with links, most people I think include the media.)

I would only include photos or other media that show what work you've done. So any plots or forms you've created should be fine. Photos of the production itself, you should use only what the theater has released for publication. Equity theaters have specific rules about photography of rehearsals and performances, so don't get in trouble by violating those rules. Posting your prompt book could be, shall I say, awkward, so don't post the entire thing.

148

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Friend as a Stage Manager Advice

« on: Jun 25, 2009, 11:21 pm »

Two thoughts: (1) take the SM/friend out to lunch/dinner and talk about what you're seeing (or not seeing). Ask the SM what duties you should be covering, how the load should be split up.

(2) Talk with the producer. Or some other member of the group's board. Most community theater groups' board members are very involved in the shows, so they'd want to know what is going on. The politics can get lovely, as I'm sure you know, since you have a lot of experience with that group. Some groups around here have fairly formal training for all non-acting positions, so that newcomers to positions will know what is expected of them.

What does the director see? If the director has low expectations, they may not know there is a potential problem building up. Good luck.

149

Employment / Freelancing - How far out do you commit?

« on: Jun 24, 2009, 08:01 am »

I am a freelancing stage manager, early in my career. Talking with other theater people has revealed some don't plan their next show until their current show opens, while others have plans/commitments for the next 18 months. Right now I'm booked through January 2010, so 7 months out. How far is too far to commit? All of my current commitments are with community theaters or volunteering at professional theaters, but I want to start applying with the professional/paid groups in the area. What is a reasonable planning horizon?

150

Tools of the Trade / Re: Digital Prompt Books (Do you use them?)

« on: Jun 24, 2009, 07:48 am »

How do you handle page numbering if using an electronic version of a script? I'd think you'd need to have the same page numbers as the director and cast.

I attended a read through last night where there were four different versions of the script (two bound books from a library, two printed versions that were emailed to everyone). A couple times the emailed version was missing a couple words or lines. And it took a small amount of page flipping to make sure everyone was on the same page while corrections were made. (Of course, it was also fun that the two "official" versions differed as well in a few minor points.)