Messages

16

SMNetwork Archives / kit

« on: Feb 14, 2005, 02:07 am »

add a playpen and I think you have everything that a new mom carries... cor it's true I AM a Stage Mommy!  Ack!

17

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / New Director

« on: Feb 08, 2005, 02:24 am »

I've had experience with this both as a stage manager and as an actor.  As an actor I feel that the director is stepping on my toes and that they should have stepped into the role of an audience member when the show opened... But that was also because I wasn't really fond of that director.  As an SM I hate being under-utilized.  If you feel up to the challenge and feel that you're diplomatic skills are honed you can talk with your director.  I think an approach something along the lines of "I'm a professional, and I like to think of this situation / you the director as a professional also.  I was taught that when a show opens it is my responsibility as an SM to deliver your vision to the audience.  It makes me feel marginalized and unnecessary when you deliver notes to the cast, and I know that it makes them nervous about their performance.  I really value your input.  Would you write down any notes that you have after the perfomances and give them to me so that I can relay them to the cast when I deliver my notes to them?  That reinforces my position with the actors/performers and also makes me feel included in the team."  I think the key words are "gentle, firm, caring, professional"

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Costume Change Problem

« on: Feb 08, 2005, 02:13 am »

How long is the scene change?  I've seen complete changes happen in as little as 30 seconds.  Of course, I've seen easy complete changes take two minutes because of bad costuming "I'm only here because I'm going to go into design and thus I know more than you so I'm not going to do my job" run crews.  (She got marginalized... I believe we let her put on the actor's hat.)  Speaking of hats, maybe that's a detail that could be added on for the man?  If you're using overalls, find a way that the snaps can come off immediately, like velcro, so that the actor can come off stage, strip, change and go back on.  Can the actor leave the stage slightly early to accomodate a change?

19

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Birthday cakes

« on: Jan 25, 2005, 08:34 pm »

I like the idea of baby-ing casts, and making birthdays extra special, but it's free if you sing the birthday song, and most people really just want things to be acknowledged.  If you're buying cakes for this run, then you set a precedent and it will become an expectation for all other runs.  Also, how many birthdays were there and did you buy cakes or bake them?  (Cake mix goes on sale for $2.00 a box at Safeway....)  You can also establish a new tradition of "It's your birthday, bring your favorite treat to share with everyone."

20

SMNetwork Archives / kit

« on: Jan 22, 2005, 05:03 am »

I'm always carrying insane amounts of stuff around when I SM- mostly because if I don't have it I'll need it.  Some of the things that I keep in stock are sewing kits, first aid kit, matches (I got this tip out of a stage management book whose title I have forgotten, but it was recommended to keep matches on hand both in case someone needs a light on stage for a prop and in order to provide a quick fix for sets that need a little more leverage).  I also usually keep an assortment of mints on hand for my actors.  I haven't tried post it notes yet, but I get crazy with highlighters.  (My favorite recent purchase was a ten pack, all individual colors- office supply heaven!) I also keep a roll of assorted tapes (duct, masking and painters tape which we use in low-budget productions as spike tape... it comes in several colors now, as does duct tape) on a piece of string so that I can tie it on to me.  Safety pins, extra batteries, extra makeup supplies (including nail polish, which came in handy for a show) and chocoloate to keep the actors happy.  I also keep an assortment of stage manager chew toys (jerky, very crunchy cookies, carrots, etc) on hand for myself.  Oh yeah, and pencils, erasors, spare scripts, spare notecards, spare hugs, spare............