Messages

16

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Inner Crew Issues

« on: Sep 05, 2007, 04:57 pm »

I have no idea where I should put this but considering this is high school related and this is, after all, a student forum, I figured this would be alright.

I've SMed for 3 years of my high school career. I like to think that I'm good at it. Someone from our light crew all of a sudden decided she wanted to stage manage and god forbid anyone tell her no. I've made it clear that it's my senior year, it's my last musical yada yada yada I'd really like to stage manage AT LEAST that. I also said that it's up to the directors who stage manages.

She continues to be upset with me and if I ask her to do something (politely of course) she ignores me and does what she wants instead. Keep in mind there is no real teacher in charge of stage crew and it's kind of fallen on me to take the reigns.

Suggestions on how to deal with this? I'm trying to be as kind and understanding as possible but it'll get more frustrating during the shows when it's crucial to get things accomplished.

17

Tools of the Trade / Re: Backstage booth/SM area

« on: Aug 15, 2007, 12:28 pm »

Well. Considering this IS a high school theatre booth...

Countertop space, I'm not sure if this is where sound and lights will be run. Shelves underneath. Enough room for more than one person depending on how it will be used.

ALSO. If you do put shelves underneath the countertop space, install a light so you can actually see/find stuff under there when all the lights are off and such.

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First time S.M. for fall play..

« on: Aug 13, 2007, 04:24 pm »

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Absorb as much as you can from the experience.

19

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Internships?

« on: Aug 01, 2007, 11:28 pm »

Hrm. Well. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is www.backstagejobs.com

They have listings of various internships that are available with contacts you can make. Hope this sort of helps!

20

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: thoughts on hanging out with the cast after shows

« on: Jul 25, 2007, 10:30 pm »

Agreed. Considering I'm in a high school situation it's quite a bit different but typically after rehearsals or a really difficult show/run through we'll try and meet somewhere be it a park, a restaurant, someone's house, etc. Just make sure you keep the line very super clear, like everyone else has said. 

21

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Bows

« on: Jul 18, 2007, 04:39 pm »

I don't think this is Typical - I would never let my cast do this towards me or the crew unless it was choreographed that way by the director.

Again, just part of the gig . . . added to the list of things how stage management is different from the cast.
[/quote]

It really isn't. It's more of a tradition type thing that we do at my high school. I wouldn't do the job if I actually wanted recognition.

22

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Show suggestions (for HS)

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 08:45 pm »

Hrm. Something that my school does is what we call the Freshmen Play (of course).

We just take a bunch of little itty bitty skits that two or three people can be in and center them around a general theme.

It's a good way to get the freshmen started in theatre early, and interested as well, without boring the older crowd.

If you wanted to go for an actual play...I'm not too sure.

23

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: The Ultimate Decision

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 08:42 pm »

It started in high school when I heard over the announcements that there would be a stage crew meeting the following week. I had no idea what it was, but it sounded like a pretty sweet deal. I went, got a tower, and I thought it seemed pretty rockin' awesome.

So my freshman year I helped with the sets but unfortunately never worked the shows due to other conflicts.

My sophmore year, virtually all of stage crew had graduated except for me, one other guy, and the light and sound crew. I was absolutely thrust into it, but never got a chance to TRULY stage manage until my junior year.

Previously I had just enjoyed working around backstage and virtually being in charge, but after being in the booth, and calling cues, and all of that stuff, it was absolutely wonderful. I can't imagine doing anything else.

24

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Bows

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 08:38 pm »

The audience typically doesn't acknowledge the stage crew. The only time I have EVER gone onstage was for the school talent show when I was part of the act (wheeling someone onstage, how intriguing).

However. Typically when the cast go on for their curtain call, they gesture up to the booth and clap. That's virtually the only recognition we get. But it's still nice. 

25

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

« on: Jul 16, 2007, 08:52 am »

I have a similar director who over my high school years has slowly warmed up to me, but I can see the stress she causes others.

It's the beginning of a new year, it's a fresh start. Go about doing your job and if you feel as if she's attacking you, stand up for yourself. Talk to the head of the department.

Worst case scenario, don't stage manage the show she's directing. That's what I did my sophmore year and it ended up being fine. It won't totally ruin your reputation if you don't SM one show.

26

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Happy Stage Management Memories?

« on: Jul 07, 2007, 12:50 pm »

My junior year musical, The Music Man is by far one of the best experiences I could have ever come across. I'd been stage managing all of the shows previously, but not as I would in a professional theatre. I worked backstage and moved props and such and the lights people ran the light board. But for The Music Man I had two WONDERFUL techincal directors who showed me EXACTLY what it's like to work in a professional theatre.

The four shows ran as smoothly as they possibly could and after the show closed it hit me what I truly want to do with my career. Kyle and Katy, I thank you for you are absolutely wonderful.

27

Employment / Re: First Aid/Fire Guard

« on: Jul 05, 2007, 03:51 pm »

I'm not too sure what a fire guard is...but taking a CPR or first aid course would be an EXCEPTIONAL idea and you'll use it forever. I think you need to take the CPR class every year to refresh it or something.

28

Tools of the Trade / Stage Manager Books/Manuals

« on: Jun 26, 2007, 11:53 pm »

I'm in need of a REALLY good or semi-good or kind of good stage manager manual/book. Something that can give me a broader overview of different things stage managers need to do, skills they need to learn, different techniques, etc.

Or overall technical theatre books? Any recommendations? THANKS IN ADVANCE.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SMing a Shakespeare

« on: Jun 25, 2007, 10:19 pm »

At Barnes and Noble I stumbled upon a script for R&J with the actual play on the left hand side and a more modern translation on the right. So as you read the original play, right next to it it has the decoded version. It was WONDERFUL for my English class when we did Hamlet.

I suggest something similar to you if you want to get a head start? Or even something to toy with at rehearsals?

30

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: calling cues

« on: Jun 25, 2007, 10:17 pm »

I write in my book exactly what I say. For example, I write LX1 where it belongs, then when it comes time for it I say 'LX1 stand by, LX1 go.' For sound cues it's SX# and for rail cues I call RX#.

But whatever works for you. I do it that way so it doesn't confuse me or my crew.