Messages

16

Employment / Non-Union gig

« on: Apr 28, 2006, 11:09 am »

This is a semi-professional house by Atlanta standards. They pay weekly, which is why people call them semi-professional. It's a Non-Equity contract, similar to the contracts given to the actors. In legal terms, it's more of a Letter of Agreement. And I totally agree that i should have full reign to insure the safety of my cast, especially if I don't have an ASM and have requested one from the beginning. Lesson learned: never work for A Theater Company, Duluth, GA, now moving to Lawrenceville, GA. I did stand up for myself yesterday in e-mail to the producers about not wanting the responsibility to do 2-3 loads of laundry every night. Laundry is not in a Stage Manager's description, especially when I have close to two pages worth of pre-show, intermission, and post-show stuff to do. Plus I get up at 6:30 a.m. every day for a full-time job that pays rent and bills. I thought about getting them the most recent Lawrence Stern SM book at the end of the run so that ignorance is cured. Still thinking about it.

17

Employment / Continuing on ...

« on: Apr 27, 2006, 04:02 pm »

Today's e-mail from the producer/musical director explained that the stage manager does the laundry - 2-3 loads a night before I leave. 20 person cast. No ASM. I wrote her back and asked her if someone else could possibly do it so that I may concentrate on being a stage manager. As it is, I have to change the set, set props, make calls, find the band, check with house, set tables, change table tops and pee in the 15 minute intermission. The other night when one of my actors fell offstage carrying a huge drum, the lighting designer was by my side and told me to go ahead and go see him. I did and rushed to get anticeptic (sp) and a bandaid. Then returned to the booth. The next day the PM told me not to leave the booth regardless of what happened. I am looking at a definite vacation.

18

Employment / Love

« on: Apr 26, 2006, 09:36 am »

I love you guys for making me feel inclusive. For the past couple of months I"ve felt like I was the only one going through things like this and that I was crazy. Thank you, thank you for your comments. I take them to heart. Last night's volunteer show (all the volunteers for the theater are in the audience) went well with some interesting mess-ups. I am awaiting the time when the PM will remind me that i am the one that does the laundry every night and puts it in the dryer the next day for every show. I'm getting $100/week to do this until the 28th of May - and that's $100/week to SM. One hour commute. Never again, my friends. Never again.

19

Employment / I thank you

« on: Apr 26, 2006, 12:50 am »

Production Meetings are held when I am not available. I've been to one and have been told from the beginning that the PM runs the meetings: not the SM. I was told, point blankly, that "a stage manager is a low-key secretary." I was disgusted.

20

Employment / Opinions on Producers

« on: Apr 25, 2006, 11:06 am »

Maybe it's more of Producers or how to handle it or something: I feel like I'm alone in this, but I have hope that I'm not:

SM accepts a job with A theater. She calls A theater and asks the Production Manager for a meeting to discuss the job. The Production Manager tells her he doesn't have time because they're in the midst of another show. She asks again later and the Production Manager is on vacation. Rehearsals start and the SM sends out Preliminary charts (ligting, sound, set, etc.) and gets an e-mail from the Producer/Music Director of the show stating that all e-mails are to be sent to the Producers and they will decide who gets the information. Later on, notes in rehearsal from the director are forwarded to the SM and the SM sends out the notes with basic information as well to actors. The 2nd Producer/star of the show sends out a reminder e-mail stating that all e-mails are to be sent to the Producers and they'll decide who gets the information. Tech week comes and costumes are seen for the first time. The director, furious, stops the rehearsal and has a private conference with the costume designer, stating that's not what she suggested. Costume designer never got the notes. Also, the lighting designer is frustrated with all the changes and cuts in the show since the designer run. He never got the e-mails. So, being taught that my position is to be the center of communication and working in a theater where the controlling Producers have taken that away, and the first audience is tonight, how do I handle the 4 week run with such restrictions? I'm not even allowed to give out opening night cards or post reminders on the call board without checking with the producers first.

21

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Booth or Backstage?

« on: Dec 29, 2005, 02:40 pm »

I'm with Amy Lee. I prefer the booth so that I can see what's going on clearly. I will always do my best to have a trusted ASM (or 2) backstage. I wouldn't have it any other way. My eyes can see a small fire or problem USL or USR from the booth better than sitting in the wings and not being able to see US at all.