Messages

16

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What basics should actors know about tech?

« on: Feb 21, 2009, 09:29 pm »

AHaha I love that "For all you americans, that means he's good" thing lol I love it!

As for tech week, I can give you some stuff, but I've also never experienced much because i'm community theatre as well. Basically, I've told my actors (as we're in tech week right now) how it pretty much works. My job as an SM, my crews job, and their jobs. I've explained that this is where the director "clocks out" per say and is not directly involved with the production anymore. Along with that, I explained that this is the practice run. This is where everything gets put together and it ensures that everything runs as smoothly as possible (get all the kinks out now rather than during the show). I also warned them that if they aren't ready by now...they better get their butts in gear because this week will move fast and you wont even see it go. I'd explain the schedule and how this is just like a real show so they have to be in character and act like there's an audience sitting in those empty seats.

On the other hand, I didn't explain to them about other things as you mentioned "cue to cue" because I dont know what that is (community theatre does that to you lol). So, if you think it's important enough to mention that stuff, then do it. Better to be safe than sorry.

I know it's going to sound a little odd, or...maybe not. But go see this Equity actor of yours and ask him his opinion on what you should say. If he is a teacher, he might have a idea of the absolute basics that an actor needs to know about it.

I know you've probably already thought of this, but...as an SM, if I see something that has to be done, whether i'm contracted to do it or not, I'll do it for the good of the performance, including some little lessons on things. They dont have to be long, but...as long as they get the jist of it, then great! I'd be happy lol

Dont know if that helps or not, but that's kind of what I do...

17

SMNetwork Archives / Re: I could have kissed them!

« on: Feb 14, 2009, 03:48 am »

I could have kissed my...

Crew last year during our annual show when, after firing 10 members of my crew for not showing up for a dress/tech rehearsal night, the last two members of my crew stepped up to the plate and did EVERYTHING! The Technical Director told us that we did the fastest scene changes he'd seen in 30 years at the theatre. I love my crew

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Sound cues: turning off actor's mic when they exit

« on: Feb 12, 2009, 12:25 am »

ahahaha I've had the same thing happen to me too! except for...we didn't actually hear the peeing, but we heard the toilet flush hahaha so yeah... hahaha it was quite a story.

But it this situation is a very individualized one and you have to know your sound technitian to answer it.

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student SM Challenge #5: Critical Paperwork

« on: Feb 11, 2009, 12:29 am »

The main forms i'd make up would be the schedule, emergency form and contact sheet for sure. After that I'd get my prompt book started and put in as much as possible at that time. I'd also try to get a breakdown of the script done as well as a prop list (as much as possible)

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Sound cues: turning off actor's mic when they exit

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 11:58 pm »

On the contrary to what many have said, I would have to say call them. Now this is only coming from me who has had to call these cues because my sound technitian decided to tell me that a mic tracking sheet and muting mics was not necessary. Well...I gave that person a little lesson as to what can happen backstage if a mic is not muted lol . . . so, just to be on the safe side, I'd do it. But use your gut feeling. If you think you're sound guy is competent enough to do this on his own, then sure. But if this guy doesn't even have a script...i'd say cue it...

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Drinks on the prop list?

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 11:48 pm »

I was having the same problem a few months back. The show i'm doing is very detailed and has a lot of 'little pieces' to the sets. So what I did to distinguish between props and set was all the big things (ie Table, chairs, couch) was set pieces and all the additional things (ie table cloth, pillow, blanket) were all props. My prop lists are also very detailed because, as good as my memory is, I sometimes do forget things and would rather not have to go back into the script and look for the scene, then the set. I also like to make my prompt book 'Bus Proof'. That means that, if I get hit by a bus and cant finish the show, someone else can pick up that book and start where I left off. Therefore it should be very detailed.

It's awesome too that you're thinking outside of what the script is telling you (ie table cloth). Yes, mention it in your prop list. It's easier to write it in than take it out later instead of not writing it in and having to put it in after. Therefore, if your director doesn't want a table cloth, then you'd just cross it out. What I try to do when I first read the script is go over the whole stage in my head. I imagine what it's going to look like and then nit pick at it to see what other props would be there that you wouldn't really think about because they're so simple. For example: a kitchen scene. You'd have your big props (ie counters, shelves, fridge, stove, sink, table and chairs) then you'd have your props (ie fridge magnets, pictures on the fridge, salt and pepper shakers, etc). I'd do each set piece one by one to make sure that I have everything. I'd then bring it to the director to approve it and if they dont want something, just simply cross it out!

As for your glass example, it depends on you. I know personally that I dont like to overlap items through the entire show. I'd rather have two glasses rather than just one. But, if you think you can keep track of the glass and not have one of your crew members or an actor mis place it, then go for it! Its really a personal thing. It also depends on your budget. If you can afford a few extra glasses then great. If you can't, then you'll have to make do. I also like to think about the material that these glasses are made of...what if one gets broke during a show? So I'd have a few extra on hand just in case (because...we all know actors...)

Like I said before, my prop lists are very detailed and I'll make a seperate line for each thing. So you're example was Glass of ice water. I'd put down 1 glass, water, ice. All in seperate rows on my prop list. Now, if that isn't what you want, then you can also make sub categories. For your big category, you'd have Glass of Ice Water. Under that with bullets you'd put what you need for it (1. One Glass; 2. Water; 3. Ice).

Prop lists aren't as easy as people think. If you can't think outside the box, and you just use the script for what it says to get then you're going to have a really hard time down the road. Lots of people struggle with prop lists...dont worry about it

For a last note, I can tell you from personal experience (since I love detail) that when I look at a really detailed prop list and theres a lot of stuff on it, I stress. Try to avoid that. You can do that by making the categories as I stated above.

I really hope this helps :S and good luck

22

Tools of the Trade / Re: Favorite Deck Flashlight?

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 11:31 pm »

I doubt this will be much help because I dont remember the name of the flashlight but it's awesome for the size (which is the size of a pencil...maybe a bit wider)  and is easy to use in the dark when you're fumbling around for things. But the thing that got me was the size. It's LED, very bright and can be put in a pencil case...its wonderful

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Getting Motivated

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 10:37 pm »

I was actually just in this position. I'm doing a non-profit show for my community (which we do every year) and this year, I was less than enthusiastic about it because of the unprofessionalism of the directors. I started to feel like I didn't want to be there (which was a new feeling) and it scared the crap out of me because I've never had that before! I love my job! Eventually, it went away because the show is fast approaching and I find that cueing and running the show is a stage managers greatest reward and the most fun. My advice is to try to find something fun in it for yourself that would make you want to come in every rehearsal...doesn't have to be big, just something to keep you going until the time when the feelings go away like mine did. I dont know if this helps or not...but it worked for me.

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College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM schools in Canada???

« on: Feb 04, 2009, 10:41 pm »

Thanks so much! I definitely will do that!

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Let's Talk "Places, Please"

« on: Feb 03, 2009, 12:39 pm »

Because of my limited crew numbers, I have one person in each wing usually to make sure this happens. If they aren't there before their skit or song then I'm called . . . then that actor has a problem lol But this year, I need to have 3 extra people with me at least as I will be behind the set doing microphone duty as well as calling the show, one person in each wing and one person on the top cueing the band...so I might have to cut one wing out of that equation because I just dont have the people. So I think it all depends on what the show demands. If you have time to make sure everyone is there, then great. If you dont, that's fine too. But you need to let the actors/singers/dancers know that they're responsible for being there on time and if they aren't on time then then it's their fault and they will be called on it.

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: They're making this job so difficult!

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 02:33 am »

Very much a learning experience lol (too long of a learning experience if you ask me lol)...thanks a bunch

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Stage Manager at the same time???

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 02:31 am »

Thanks very much for the well wishes Much appreciated. And yes, you're very much right on the fact that even if I plan far in advance it wont be easy...but I hope that what I do will make it a little easier on the work load when the time comes.

You've both given me a lot of things to think about and have made this decision a lot easier for me. Thank you so much!

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: The unwilling crew

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 02:05 am »

Oh wow...

I dont know the whole situation, if you could have possibly spoken to someone about this person. But after all you tried, I would have spoken to someone about it, whether it be suggestions on how to handle it, or if there was any ways of taking them out of the program permanently. I've never had an experience with such an incompetent person before although I've had my fair share of incompetent crew before. I understand where you're coming from with the whining as I'm getting that right now from one of my crew but I just try to keep him motivated and interested with the show. There are many interesting jobs around the theatre I'm working with and I give those to him as it's more likely to keep him occupied and happy. The others understand as they've witnessed this and therefore (thank god) take the boring jobs eagerly. My crew seems to motivate itself sometimes. Also, I would have looked into 'firing' that person (if at all possible as a last resort) and taking the one less crew member. I'm not saying that it's a good thing, but if that person were gone and it would benefit the rest of the crew with motivation and efficient working then i would definitely look into that. Last year I had a crew of 5 in the beginning. Things weren't running smoothly for a while and I didnt' want to let them go because I 'needed them'. Well, on the night of the last tech rehearsal 3 of them decided to go to the pool at the local complex. I decided that this wasn't worht it anymore so I fired them all. Leaving 2 stage hands and myself to do the show. We did it in amazing time (they said it was the fastest scene changes they'd seen in a long time).

On the other hand, I sat my crew down at the beginning and explained to them my job and I explained to them their job. I take a team approach to my SMing. If the crew is doing it, I'm most likely helping them, unless there are 5 different jobs on the go, then I work my way around checking on everyone to make sure everythings going smoothly. I used the phrase "Stage Managers make coffee too!" to help my crew understand that I'm not higher than they are and they are no lower than I am. We're on the same level unless something drastic happens that needs to be delt with. I also explained to them their job which was identical to mine exccept for I had many other things added to it, which also helped them understand that yes, I have more to do than them, but at the same time, I'm doing the same thing. I also (just today actually) sat down my crew and went through my prompt book with them to show them that I'm not just doing nothing when i'm standing at the sound booth speaking to the director. I'm actually doing stuff. I went through all the props that stil needed to be collected, as well as a general outline of what will be happening on the nights of the shows (as most of my crew is new).

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Artistic Integrity?

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 01:49 am »

It's just like saying 'Dont judge me by what my kid does, judge me for me' . . . I believe that if the show flops and I did my job, then its just the show that flopped. Artistic integrity for me is feeling as if I did all I could to make this show possible and run smoothly without incidences.

Unfortunately I cant comment on whether or not I've turned down a show because of the material because there aren't enough shows in this town to even consider turning anything down lol. What I have done is learned to adapt to the type of show it is and the type of demands it makes rather than turning it down.

I dont knwo if that makes sense or not...it makes sense to me though

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Stage Manager at the same time???

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 01:36 am »

What I meant by a completed prompt book was as complete as possible. Yes, I understand there will be changes made everywhere and that will always happen in this production since this is a very lax production team. I already know who the production team is as they've been doing it for the past 30 years lol and have already guaranteed me that, unless one of them dies, they will still be there. if they aren't, then there will be adjustments. I also understand that it will be a big job to do all three at the same time as I am already stage managing two productions in two seperate places but I think i have enough experience in SMing a show to know what to do. I'm also planning to have one person on my crew 'be in charge' while i'm directing (such as an ASM to speak). Their tasks will all be layed out in advance adn they will just have to look at the schedule. Amendments wil lbe made if something happens. I also will nto be directing alone as I will also have someone else co-writting/co-directing with me possibly. I dont know if I mentioned that :S

You gave me what I was looking for, another persons perspective. Thank you so much. It gave me a chancec to think about this a little bit more with some of the problems that might come along. So again, thank you!