Messages

16

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MORALE: Alertness

« on: Apr 14, 2008, 10:50 pm »

How do you stay alert in rehearsal/tech/performance when you're exhausted or you've seen the show 100+ times or any other circumstance?  

I know it's unacceptable to fall asleep.  I know as stage managers we're supposed to pay attention to the show at all times to maintain artistic integrity, witness anything that goes wrong, and basically just keep an eye on things.  How do you do that?

17

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Wireless mic issues - any advice?

« on: Nov 14, 2007, 07:16 pm »

"unfortunately, the receivers are probably a bit too far from stage- maybe by a few feet. plus, the receivers are all compounded in a rack, so the atenna really can't be out and open to actually receive. Lots of EMF in that tiny rack. And since we open in 72 hours, it's too late to move the receivers and run wire to the board. the theatre and sound people will hopefully know what to do for next time!"

If you're working for a theater with money, ask if they can purchase RF paddles.  They're basically larger antennas with a separate, longer cable that sit on microphone stands.  You can place them anywhere in the wings (assuming the cable will run that far) and it helps A LOT in getting better RF signal.  That's how we fixed my RF problem.

"i've gained a WHOLE NEW RESPECT for the sound guys! i don't see myself SMing and Sound oping at the same time, any time soon.
"
Me too.  I'm in tour #2 of 3 running wireless mics during the show, and I don't like it.  I'm not good at EQing, trouble-shooting...  I'm just learning as I go, trying to pick things up from house audio technicians and do the best I can.

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Wireless mic issues - and advice?

« on: Nov 13, 2007, 07:54 pm »

That sounds a lot like an RF issue.  Does the antenna of the mic have a clear pathway to the receiver in the mic rack?  Is it farther than 50'?  I had a lot of mic problems on a show with Telex Wireless mics, and I had to keep the mic rack backstage within about 30' of the cast.  Otherwise the signal wouldn't get through.

19

Employment / AEA Summerstock

« on: Nov 08, 2007, 06:48 pm »

Does anyone know where I can find a list of summerstock companies that are AEA?  I'm particularly interested in companies that have Equity ASMs.  Thanks!

20

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Smudgy Card stock

« on: Mar 23, 2007, 06:08 pm »

Out of curiosity, why cardstock?  I've never heard of using it before, and I wonder why you would choose that over regular paper?

21

The Hardline / Who can I stage manage for?

« on: Mar 04, 2007, 11:28 am »

I just joined AEA two months ago.  Now I'm looking for the next job, and I'm confused on what I can apply for.  I know that, as far as stage management goes, I should only be on AEA contracts, but I also know that Equity SMs work as PAs on Broadway.  Where's the line?  How do I know what I can apply for and what I can't?