Messages

16

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Humor: Stage Managing the World

« on: Jan 28, 2011, 02:07 am »

Ok so my roommate is a psyc major and we passed in the hallway to our room. He was coming back to the room and said he forgot a pen. I responded with, "Black, red, or blue?" as I looked at my jacket pocket.

One day pulling out of the parking lot I told a friend to turn stage right...it corresponded to the actual direction of stage right for the theater i was leaving at the time.

17

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Mentorship Program

« on: Jan 28, 2011, 01:48 am »

I would love to get to know someone who is further along in the industry than me. I have the access to upperclassmen at my college, Point Park University, but I dont really have a good relationship with any professional SMs other than the ones that are employed by PPU. I would love to have someone who has been out there mentor me. Hopefully in a few years I could return the favor for someone in my position.

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REHEARSAL: Sign-in Sheet for Rehearsals

« on: Jan 28, 2011, 12:27 am »

Yes. This is what I was saying as well. When the calls are staggered I do not have the sheet next to me but for shows where there is an all called I like to. It makes it easier for my team and I. I post it near the entrance to the room (or in the green room if we are so blessed with one) when the calls are staggered.

19

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: What to do when you're sick?

« on: Jan 27, 2011, 04:10 pm »

Im in this situation right now actually. I am ASMing "The Time Of Your Life" at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Tonight is our first paid preview and tomorrow is opening night. The other day my SM looked at me and said that his grandma was going to die in the next two weeks. He said I may have to call the show for a day or two. He said it really casually and told me he knew I would be fine. All through the process I have been good about being familiar with his Book and checklists. One thing I always do as an ASM is train one of my deck crew to ASM that wing or the backstage in my absence. If I got sick then she can do it or if I have to step in for my SM she could take care of the backstage. Granted this is a theatre where we have an AEA SM for a PM and two other AEA SMs that often work with us. Plus we have about 15 SM students across the levels and plenty of Tech Students to take step in if we need help here and there. However I always strive to be able to deal with the issues internally because when I work outside of the school over the summer or between assignments I don't get the luxury of having all those backups. I think that planning for our absence is just part of our job. I often like to stick it out and will suffer through a lot for the show; however, sometimes one has to know when to step out.

I was taught by the man who first introduced me to working in theatre something I will always remember:
"My first loyalty is to the show. My first responsibility is the success of the show. My actions should always be for the good of the show."

Sometimes stepping back IS for the good of the show. We cant let self importance ever creep in and cloud our judgement. (Not saying anyone here is acting self important, but I have seen it happen before. I imagine you all have. Its not pretty.)

20

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REHEARSAL: Sign-in Sheet for Rehearsals

« on: Jan 27, 2011, 03:35 pm »

I do sign in sheets for casts larger than like 10. I like to put it on the table in front of me and this means that I get to see everyone as they come in to tell them things like new rehearsal props and other things like that. I feel like its easier than trying to track down everyone to make them aware of these things. Also some rehearsal spaces I have been makes it hard to just look around and see who you want as they arrive. It is a little more difficult if the call is staggered but I usually edit the process on a space by space basis.