Messages

16

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Managing Burlesque....help?

« on: Jan 05, 2009, 10:27 am »

"She also likes that rehearsals and tech requirements from the performers is not demanding."

I second PSMKay's response and would add if the director holds only minimal rehearsals or if you aren't present for them (due to class schedule, not being told, etc.) then the performers SHOULD be responsible for their own props, even scenic elements.  ie If they set up their own props for their rehearsals then they are capable of setting them up at the one dress/run/performance.  Plus it's good for them, performers are SUPPOSED to be responsible for checking their props!
Another option if the director is micro-managing and you are there "to facilitate" is to back off a bit and request a running list of tech cues, presets and the like from her.  And yes...YOU need rehearsal, too.
Other things that will help run the show on the fly...get a timing on each piece, best done by seeing a rehearsal of each number at some point; I often run such shows off a simple running order of which number comes next and who's in it, forget following the script.  I make notes in the margin of what cue/preset comes next.  (It's not pretty and wouldn't stand up to the "if I got hit by a bus" test, but the odds of a bus in the cabaret are slim).
If you do get to see rehearsals of individual numbers make your own notes about presets, etc.  If you don't get to see rehearsals then you have to rely on the info the director is willing to give you.  And fill in more with your SM instincts.

17

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Is it necessary to get a degree in Stage Management?

« on: Dec 30, 2008, 10:28 am »

I don't know that many stage managers who have degrees in that field.  Many have a more general degree in theatre where they may have focused on acting or other disciplines.  Many more have an entirely unrelated degree.  What matters more (to me anyway) is your experience.  The importance of quantity or quality depends on the position you are applying for.

18

Stage Management: Other / Re: How to break into Music?

« on: Nov 08, 2008, 05:31 pm »

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) represents performers and stage managers in opera, ballet, concerts, etc.  You can check their website (www.musicalartists.org) for some company names and info.  There are many more companies out there and a web search for your area of interest and a city name should turn up a few companies for you.

19

Employment / Re: When is enough enough

« on: Oct 11, 2008, 10:57 pm »

When it is no longer fun...

20

Employment / Re: I've offered the job but no response?

« on: Aug 14, 2008, 11:40 am »

I often make offers by email, but I always ask them to let me know asap that they have received my email.  If I don't hear anything at all in a few days I follow up by phone just because of all those reasons cited on this thread.

21

Employment / Re: I've offered the job but no response?

« on: Aug 13, 2008, 02:35 pm »

Give person A a deadline by which to respond one way or the other, after which you are free to offer the position to someone else.

22

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: I am a Theater Generalist....

« on: Aug 13, 2008, 02:28 pm »

What's the scope of the class?  Does it focus strictly on Stage Mgt or does it cover tech in general?  That might help guide the depth to which we can answer.  Off the top I'd say rehearsal notes and performance reports are actually important parts of a stage manager's job and should be included, but to avoid the butting heads issue you could emphasize the note-taking aspect, keeping the task simple.  "Just record the facts and save your opinion for a different outlet". 
Topics like how to keep the integrity of the show over a 4 month run could be dropped.  I assume in a highschool setting the director or the teacher supervising would be around for all the performances and could handle those issues if they arise (the actor changing all the blocking for example).
You say you want to teach not just How but Why which I think is a good idea - depending what they are graded on maybe with your efforts the class won't be just an easy A.

23

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: I am a Theater Generalist....

« on: Aug 13, 2008, 11:02 am »

I think you *should* go into detail, as much as time permits, *do* include the "professional stuff" whatever that is.  Just because they are highschoolers, doesn't mean they are incapable of learning, and they could benefit from a challenge.  Please don't "dumb it down" for them.  It does them a disservice, especially any who might actually be interested in the profession.

24

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What to do?

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 01:17 pm »

You don't need a degree to stage manage.  You just need experience.  Many theatres offer internships, a good way to start.

25

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: SM thesis advice for senior undergrad

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 12:38 am »

I concur...you don't need an MFA/MA to be a successful SM.  Moreover, to answer your question:

"...what project would you all suggest that would best speak to graduate schools and future employers…... More outside productions or….. facilitating a class/creating a handbook?"

As someone who is in a position to hire stage managers and thus a "future employer" (hypothetically)...outside productions are most valuable.  You don't have the experience to write a meaningful handbook and college productions are not as valuable as "real world" experience.  They inherently have a safety net and tend to be valued less than professional credits. 

My two cents.

Beth Krynicki
Principal Stage Manager
Washington National Opera

26

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Aging in stage management (those late 20's)

« on: Jul 14, 2008, 06:40 pm »

I've been working in theatre one way or another for 31 years and stage managing for 22 of those.  Basically, I've had a lot of fun.  Yes, I have worked with individuals who shall remain nameless and who can rot in h*** for all eternity, but in 4 weeks they were gone from my life and there were bunches of other people pleasant, talented people to fill in.  I have been privileged to work with a lot of friends and people who became my friends. 
Early on I also managed to mix up the work a bit.  For most of my twenties I had steady SM work for 9+ months of the year.  6 weeks of the year I worked for a festival and not doing stage management.  I got to focus on other skills while still enjoying the theatre environment.  The little mental break enabled me to recharge my batteries, and the first year I was a full time SM for the festival and didn't get that break I noticed it.
I made it over the hurdle of years and for a while now have enjoyed a decent wage at a more than decent company.  The secret: Do your job and do it well (it helps to enjoy the work).  Eventually the jobs will come to you.  Or at least meet you halfway.  You might think you are the best SM since post-its were invented and confused why no one else can see that, but you still have to do the job you have.  While you are in that Production Assistant position make the best darn coffee ever, sharpen the pencils before they need it, keep the water pitcher full.  Eventually when They see you can handle the smaller repsonsibilities They will offer you bigger ones.  I would.