Messages

16

The Green Room / Re: SM: WORST THINGS

« on: Jun 08, 2012, 03:03 pm »

Thinking you are going to need to write a lot of notes for a meeting and setting up an entire page, only to write one thing on it the entire time...

I HATE this- it happens in Rehearsal, Production Meetings, and Class.

Also, hearing a soloist start a song a thirty-second of a beat late.The audience may not catch it, but you remember the entire run of a show.

Asking an ASM to finish some paperwork, only to find that they did it halfway, handed it to the other ASM, who then doodled on it and asked an actor to return it to you.

Blocking page-by-page, then discovering that you blocked two pages on one sheet.

An actor that misses their light- AFTER it is spiked for their convenience

17

The Green Room / Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)

« on: Jun 05, 2012, 12:58 am »

Where exactly is the "splash zone" located? Is it real vomit or fake? Will any audience members have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the vomit, be they real or fake? Do we need to consult a physician? Is there a doctor in the house? Should the "splash zone" be roped off in any fashion? Rope, Gaff, or a line of ushers?  If rope, what material? Hemp, nylon, bailing twine? And the color, red, blue, black, or green? Will the rope strangle any unsuspecting audience members? If ushers, should they hold hands, or sit crosslegged on the ground to protect the "splash zone"? Do we sell specific tickets for those wishing to sit in the "splash zone"? Can the blocking be rearranged to avoid creating a "Splash zone" in the first place?

New Note: Don's pants have fallen during Act VII Scene ii once again- the director has asked that he wear a belt made of Swedish Yak fur to maintain the mood of the scene.

18

The Green Room / Re: Things Stage Managers Say

« on: Jun 04, 2012, 05:16 am »

A Day In the Life

"I swear it's in his desk"
5 minutes
"Did you look in the top left drawer?"
5 minutes
"In the far right corner of the top left drawer?"
5 minutes
"Under the staples?"
5 minutes
"Forget it. Stay here, I'll be right back"

"Hit the light... Hit the light... Hit the &#$@%* light!"

"And this is why we can't have nice things"

"Put that down. It's worth more than you are."

"I don't care that the two of you are wearing the same underwear. Get. On. STAGE!"

And Lastly ~In relation to a particular light cue an blind, deaf, and dumb infant could've executed~
"You have my full permission to feed me to the Sarlacc if I ever call that cue incorrectly again. Ever. You understand me? EVER."

19

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Training

« on: Jun 04, 2012, 04:49 am »

Hi.

As the closest thing to a "production stage manager" one can become in this small-town high school, I've been charged with the task of training my Assistant Stage Managers in how things run and how to keep your head during a show.

The last three kids I've trained have left ducking for cover, even those who hit the ground running have had a hard time picking it up. Next season, in theory, I'll have two new ASM's to train.

I suppose my question is, What can I do to teach them?

With the last three, I stressed the importance of being on time, writing the date on EVERYTHING, writing everything down, keeping a complete contact sheet, being early to rehearsals, knowing where everything and everyone is all the time, etc., etc.... And while they all picked up bits and pieces, none of them seem to really grasp the concept of stage management, even on a small scale.

For instance, the boy who ran stage right (where our flyrail is located) burst into tears at the drop of a hat, never had the correct paperwork, and was constantly lost during rehearsals. Whereas the girl who ran stage left (where most of the scenery went on and offstage) was often nowhere to be found, and never responded to headset calls.

I don't quite understand.  I'm certainly not perfect, and in many ways I've simply gotten lucky. However, if anyone has any suggestions as to what I may be doing incorrectly, what I may correct, they would be much appreciated. What do I need to look for in an ASM? Am I simply expecting too much? I'm aware that this is all rather vague, but I would very much appreciate the help.

Thank You
~S

20

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Starting Out

« on: Jun 04, 2012, 04:01 am »

Hello.
I'm one of a small group of stage managers at my high school; however, I am the only one who has made it though several productions with the same director. Soon, I'll enter into my senior year- meaning that I need to find a place to study afterwards.
I want to major in stage management.
So, oh great posters and scanners of the Smnetwork forums:
Where would you suggest as a place of study?
I'm shooting for New York University- but I know that other places are out there, possibly better equipped.
Your suggestions are very much appreciated.
~S