Messages

16

SMNetwork Archives / PC vs MAC

« on: Aug 01, 2005, 08:27 pm »

I bought a PC while I was in college so that I could use AutoCAD.  This year, I bought a Mac and I LOVE it.

I run Virtual PC (in order to use CAD) on occasion, and don't have a problem with the speed at all.  Though, I use AutoCAD LT.  The full version might slow things down a bit, I don't know.

In addition to the usual word and excel programs, I use Garage Band for recording sound effects (usually voices,) iTunes for creating and mixing soundtracks for shows, and Audacity for editing sound effects.  I know that Garage Band is also editing software, but I find Audacity easier to figure out.

17

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / What do you do with a fidgety assistant?

« on: Jun 26, 2005, 11:12 am »

I do the leg thing too.  Its more of an unconsious thing, I think, for me anyway.

If I find I'm being too distracting with my fidgiting, I stand out of the way somewhere. I find I'm less likely to fidgit if I'm standing.

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Backstage or Booth?

« on: Jun 23, 2005, 07:18 am »

I honestly just don't trust someone else to take care of emergancies and stuff.  Our theatre is very small and technically complicated shows are out of the question.  Usually its just lights up/lights down.  A blind moneky could do it.  

Whereas, my actors have known me since the beginning of rehearsals (most of them longer.)  There's trust there.  If I tell them to do something, they do it.  If I get someone else to come in just for the show, they'll ignore him/her.  Like I said before, its a small theatre.  I rarely get an ASM.

19

The Green Room / Food

« on: Jun 22, 2005, 08:30 pm »

I usually bring iced tea or water to rehearsal.  There's always coffee (if you're brave enough to drink it) and tea available in the lobby, for those days when you want something hot.

As for food, I try to eat before I go to rehearsal.  On those days where I have to get a meal during/before/after rehearsal, I usually go to this little Mexican takeout place down the street from the theatre.  They make chicken tacos to die for.

Oh, and also Iced Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts to get me through 9am rehearsals on Sunday.

20

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Backstage or Booth?

« on: Jun 22, 2005, 08:18 pm »

For me, preference depends on the show, though I typically call from the booth where I can be nearer the board ops (who are usually not as familiar with the show.)

At the theatre I'm at now, however, I am usually soul running crew, so there is nothing to call.  If the show has a large cast, or a lot of children, I make sure that I have someone else to run so I can babysit.  Our booth can really only fit one person, so the board(s) op has all the cues in his or her script.  I stick my head in to tell them when to start, and then stay in the dressing room or lobby with the actors.

21

Tools of the Trade / stopwatches?

« on: Jun 22, 2005, 08:10 pm »

My favorite stopwatch is on my PDA.  I have a Handspring, and I use the Big Clock program.  It can run two clocks at once.  I keep the first one counting up to time the show (usually just during tech week to give the house manager an idea of running time,) and the other counting down from 15:00 for intermission.  It can beep or not beep (intermission timer beeps, running timer does not) and flashes when time is up.

22

Employment / SMs in other roles

« on: Jun 22, 2005, 08:00 pm »

I have yet to do a show where I can just SM (I'm not union.)  For the majority of shows, I'm also Master Carpenter, ME, light and sound board op, and I usher if there is noone else to do it and the house manager catches me before she opens house (I hate to usher, so I try to hide once house is open.)  I occasionally do scenic and lighting design, and with a certain director, end up as AD as well.

Thankfully, its a small theatre, so things like scenery and lights aren't too major.

23

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / FOH calls

« on: Jun 22, 2005, 07:52 pm »

We only do a preshow announcement if there is a casting change (in which case the theatre owner/house manager/production manager does it - she's a busy lady.)  

A lot of our shows are "not suitable for all family members," (a lot of them being original peices.)  There is typically a notice on all posters and flyers, and the house manager will say something if someone brings a child to an adult show.