Messages

16

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Tech Vocabulary for Students

« on: Oct 31, 2013, 11:15 am »

Here is a link to a quick list of basic theatre terms.

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/glossary/results.php?searchtype=4&wordsearch=BEG&submit3=Search

Here is a larger glossary that you can browse by category and language.

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/glossaryofterms

17

Employment / Re: resume format

« on: Oct 25, 2013, 10:42 pm »

To add to the questions in this thread:

My credits are currently listed in three sections: "Stage Manager," "Assistant Stage Manager," and "Associated Credits."

Lately I've been working some shows in which I'm both the SM and a board OP. Is there a good way to incorporate that without redoing my whole resume? Should I list a show twice, once under SM and once under associated?

Extra credit: I'm also working as a recurring rental technician for a specific theatre. Is this a thing that should make it into my resume? How do I credit it, since it's not technically a show but an ongoing gig?

Do NOT list your credits twice.  It will confuse people and look like you are padding your resume.  If you really want to show the board op credits- keep the shows listed under the SM category and add an * (with a footnote below that section specifying SM/Board Op)

Not sure what you mean by "rental technician"  Do you mean freelance/ casual/ part time or are you literally handling rental equipment.  You can chose to list each show individually under Associated or just the credit one line and under show title put "various"

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: WHAT WOULD YOU DO- Staged Reading Nightmare

« on: Oct 18, 2013, 01:39 am »

This is why for events like this, companies should always hire a competent MC that can be on the look out for signals from the SM and can handle last minute changes.

That being said, obviously, she needs to be allowed to go onstage. 

Do you have a god mic and/or music cues?

Right as the applause from the previous reader ends, cue music to signal a change.  Then use the god mic to announce the lady's entrance send her onstage. 

I would have tried to brief her on the bows, but would accept a little wonkiness anyway.

19

The Green Room / Re: On-camera interview

« on: Sep 10, 2013, 01:04 pm »

I have been put on the spot in similar situations more than I can count. And (mostly) declined.

In hindsight, I should have said yes.  It's the expected and polite thing.

Should you have said yes... maybe.

But ultimately if you don't feel you represent yourself or the company well, than no.

People in the public arts and or journalism HONESTLY don't understand people that prefer to remain behind the scenes.

20

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Actors Talking to Designers

« on: Aug 29, 2013, 02:03 pm »

A lot of actors are very picky about their props.  I have memories of stealing a variety of stones from a gas station exterior to find the "perfect" stone for an actress in Cripple of Inishmaan.

Often in such cases, it's easier for the actor to discuss these needs directly with the props person. Obviously the director and SM need to be in the loop.  You as the props person are probably WAY more organized and WAY more apt to snap a quick photo and keep them in the loop than the actor is.  Often props and costumes end up being an emotional issue for an actor when the director isn't that picky.

Let the actor go through their process and keep the team in the loop.  The SM and the director will probably be happy to not have to deal with it.

Just imagine the stone... NO ONE cared about the stone.  Except the one actress... Everyone was happy to let her talk directly to the props person (me).

21

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Shadowing: General Q&A

« on: Aug 26, 2013, 12:18 pm »

Send it to the PSM, even if they aren't the one that will be with you during the show, they have the final approval power.

22

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PRE-PRODUCTION: Noises Off! How to be Prepared?

« on: Aug 21, 2013, 12:21 pm »

I've done Noises Off twice. 

Use fake sardines, we had rubbery realistic looking fish from a fishing shop.  No hooks to remove.  We had hundreds.

Number your doors.  "Doors, doors, doors."

When you tape out your set (assuming it rotates), tape once-- move your table for Act 2.

Also don't lay out (in tape) the second story right on top of the first story, shift it upstage a yard or so.  People will be on both levels at the same time.  (If that doesn't make sense--watch the movie)

Follow the blocking notes in the script.  Farce is pretty much the ONLY time you will do this.

Be prepared for some backstage goofiness on your closing night.  Don't try to stop it.  Just be prepared.

23

Employment / Re: Stage Managing Events--Put on Resume?

« on: Jul 31, 2013, 11:14 pm »

I wouldn't mention weddings.  Unless it was the Royal Wedding or something similar.

24

The Green Room / Re: Is Provided Housing a Taxable Benefit?

« on: Jul 26, 2013, 11:17 pm »

If you find the telephone queue too long for the IRS.  You can always try calling an IRS branch at a US Consulate in another country.  They have a much lower volume of calls and can still answer your questions.

If you have skype, this call actually won't cost you very much.

25

The Green Room / Re: Is Provided Housing a Taxable Benefit?

« on: Jul 25, 2013, 12:24 am »

Yes, housing provided as a benefit is taxable, just as Kevin.

The only exceptions are when the housing and the work location are in the same building (or complex) and the fact that you live there is deemed necessary as part of your job scope.  Think au pair, farm hand, building super, etc.

Think of it this way, paying a bit more taxes is still cheaper than rent.

26

The Green Room / Re: VENT: The trouble with spouses, pets and couches

« on: Jul 23, 2013, 05:32 am »

Congrats on the job offers. 

I think it's a good sign that you are able to prioritize your life based around actual people! In the end, your spouse and your couch will provide you more comfort in the long term than a cool overseas job.

Who will change your adult diaper when you're 90?  Not a show...

Many of us give up a lot chasing our careers.  Be glad you have someone worth turning down a job for.

27

Self-Promotion / Re: Ailey II

« on: Jul 18, 2013, 11:31 am »

Hey, enjoy!  I did that gig (ten years ago...).  It was a really amazing learning experience.   

28

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What am I getting myself into?

« on: Jul 15, 2013, 11:36 am »

You're in high school.  Try what you want to try.  Go to school or don't.  Study stage management or don't.  Sooner or later you'll realize that you are on the right path...or not on the right path.  And then you can make a new path at that time.

But like everyone said, don't go into theatre for the money.  You might (*might) end up making a living, but that's it.  No frills.

29

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Unruly musical cast

« on: Jul 15, 2013, 09:15 am »

Honestly I would make a GIANT sign that says "QUIET BACKSTAGE PLEASE" and walk up to people and hold it when they talk.  I'd invade their personal space until they shut up.  I'm not kidding.

30

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Double casting

« on: Jul 12, 2013, 12:51 am »

Most of the time I've dealt with strict doubling casting, it's been with children.  I'll use a Christmas Carol as an example.

The children were divided into two casts.  (Adults were not double cast)  We called one group "Holly" and the other group "Ivy" in order to avoid #1 and #2 or A and B (no bruised egos).

During rehearsals, both casts were called.  And then the run-throughs and performances were divided equally.  All of this was decided in advance and published in a letter to the cast members/parents.

Ensuring equal coverage was a priority because we were dealing with children and wanted to both avoid bruised egos and be mindful of overworking.

In absences, we certainly would sub in roles with the "wrong" cast.  A quick rehearsal of key moments or songs and on they go.