151
Employment / Re: Websites
« on: Aug 15, 2007, 01:33 pm »Another example can be found at
www.vernonwillet.com
Your graphics are gorgeous!
I wholeheartedly concur.
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I wholeheartedly concur.
152
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / COMMUNICATION: Effective communication as it relates to today's technology
« on: Aug 15, 2007, 11:21 am »
Hey all...I'm not sure whether we should begin a new thread or not, but Meg brought up a great tangent to this topic. Please find below our short conversation.
Via PM, Meg asked:
Is it, in your experience, important for junior members of a SM team to have computer networking capabilities? I've encountered situations, as an ASM and as a PA, where being able to set up the office was hugely important - and in today's tech climate, that boiled down to being literate in Mac and PC, and able to set up a wireless network for general use.
My reply:
That's a great tangent to the discussion; indeed, I do think it's quite a feather in a junior member's cap if they are able to handle a lot of the networking setup when visiting designers and actors come to town. I've actually filled that role over the last two seasons here at my theatre and it really doesn't hurt the ASM's/PA's reputation if the director wants to check his/her e-mail and the ASM/PA is the one to get them on the network ASAP. The SM team is the communication hub, right? You've pointed out a fantastic analogy!
It's fact that technology is changing the way stage managers are able to accomplish success; like some of the respondants to the survey remarked, I think we really need to strive for the balance and master the technologies that are most useful and efficient, whatever they may be.
What do the rest of you think about Meg's question? Have you been the defacto "IT" SM/ASM/PA/intern able to leap firewalls in a single bound? Has it helped, in other ways or avenues, to have this knowledge?
Of all the questions we've raised so far, one thing keeps gnawing at my thoughts: what is the true nature of efficient communications?
Via PM, Meg asked:
Is it, in your experience, important for junior members of a SM team to have computer networking capabilities? I've encountered situations, as an ASM and as a PA, where being able to set up the office was hugely important - and in today's tech climate, that boiled down to being literate in Mac and PC, and able to set up a wireless network for general use.
My reply:
That's a great tangent to the discussion; indeed, I do think it's quite a feather in a junior member's cap if they are able to handle a lot of the networking setup when visiting designers and actors come to town. I've actually filled that role over the last two seasons here at my theatre and it really doesn't hurt the ASM's/PA's reputation if the director wants to check his/her e-mail and the ASM/PA is the one to get them on the network ASAP. The SM team is the communication hub, right? You've pointed out a fantastic analogy!
It's fact that technology is changing the way stage managers are able to accomplish success; like some of the respondants to the survey remarked, I think we really need to strive for the balance and master the technologies that are most useful and efficient, whatever they may be.
What do the rest of you think about Meg's question? Have you been the defacto "IT" SM/ASM/PA/intern able to leap firewalls in a single bound? Has it helped, in other ways or avenues, to have this knowledge?
Of all the questions we've raised so far, one thing keeps gnawing at my thoughts: what is the true nature of efficient communications?
153
Employment / Re: Websites
« on: Aug 14, 2007, 11:42 pm »
Also, I'm finding that LinkedIn is another interesting networking tool, via the web. Think of it as MySpace for grownups. No blogging, no ridiculous stories, no gossip. Just plain "old fashioned" networking.
154
Employment / Re: Websites
« on: Aug 14, 2007, 11:19 pm »
I know this is rather late to the game, but ya'll have some fantastic websites. I'm really impressed with the range and designs. Yay creativity! Hooray SMs!
Even if the site is "totally passive" I think it's a smart tool. And I agree with Mac, if you can afford to register your name as a domain, you should. But then again, free (or nearly so) is mighty groovy...
Even if the site is "totally passive" I think it's a smart tool. And I agree with Mac, if you can afford to register your name as a domain, you should. But then again, free (or nearly so) is mighty groovy...
155
The Hardline / Re: Production Meetings
« on: Aug 13, 2007, 09:45 pm »
In my experience, it has been customary to attended meetings one week prior to the start of rehearsal through the rehearsal period, ending with the last meeting the week before tech. Production meetings held more than once a week are superfluous and redundant, IMHO.
I am dismayed at the lack of postmortem meetings; I find them a valuable tool for streamlining the production process.
I am dismayed at the lack of postmortem meetings; I find them a valuable tool for streamlining the production process.
156
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 13, 2007, 07:55 pm »
Hey All…
Here are the composite results of your thoughts concerning the use of instant messaging programs in the rehearsal hall. Please let me know if you feel your voice has not been adequately represented in the findings or if I have misinterpreted anyone's thoughts.
We seemed to have uncovered a few topics for new threads; among others these stood out:
• Balancing the use of technologies in the rehearsal hall with standard practices.
• How does the distraction of IMs affect an SMs performance?
• Emerging trends and changing standards: how is the contemporary SMs practice evolving?
• The use of texting as a method of communication to and from the rehearsal hall.
• How does utilizing certain technologies impede efficiency in younger ASMs/PAs/SMs tempted to abuse the privilege?
• Dealing with interns/ASMs/PAs/SMs tempted to abuse technology in the rehearsal hall.
Snippets of your positive thoughts concerning IMing to and from the rehearsal hall:
• A good tool for communication w/PSM, especially if ASM/other staff is on the other side of the room
• “Foolish not to use it”
• Using a dedicated IM screen name for show related purposes only
• Standards can change and are evolving
Some critical snippets:
• Expecting immediate responses via IM from the SM is ridiculous
• IMing should not be a crutch…the most important thing in the room is the people
• Electronic communication can get in the way of face to face communications
• The noise factor of typing is distracting to the whole environment
Other trends and practices:
• Some of you employ an e-mail only method when communicating to and from the rehearsal hall
• Some of you don’t mind a text message when “short and sweet” is applicable
• Some of you ban interns/PAs from IMing
• Texting may reduce or eliminate miscommunication
• IMing is helpful to those in companies occupying multiple buildings and/or spaces
Thanks to you all for your ideas, thoughts and time. I hope that we can continue to discuss the use of technologies in the rehearsal hall; as always, there are as many SMs as there are ways of doing things. That's something that makes me proud of what we do.
Here are the composite results of your thoughts concerning the use of instant messaging programs in the rehearsal hall. Please let me know if you feel your voice has not been adequately represented in the findings or if I have misinterpreted anyone's thoughts.
We seemed to have uncovered a few topics for new threads; among others these stood out:
• Balancing the use of technologies in the rehearsal hall with standard practices.
• How does the distraction of IMs affect an SMs performance?
• Emerging trends and changing standards: how is the contemporary SMs practice evolving?
• The use of texting as a method of communication to and from the rehearsal hall.
• How does utilizing certain technologies impede efficiency in younger ASMs/PAs/SMs tempted to abuse the privilege?
• Dealing with interns/ASMs/PAs/SMs tempted to abuse technology in the rehearsal hall.
Snippets of your positive thoughts concerning IMing to and from the rehearsal hall:
• A good tool for communication w/PSM, especially if ASM/other staff is on the other side of the room
• “Foolish not to use it”
• Using a dedicated IM screen name for show related purposes only
• Standards can change and are evolving
Some critical snippets:
• Expecting immediate responses via IM from the SM is ridiculous
• IMing should not be a crutch…the most important thing in the room is the people
• Electronic communication can get in the way of face to face communications
• The noise factor of typing is distracting to the whole environment
Other trends and practices:
• Some of you employ an e-mail only method when communicating to and from the rehearsal hall
• Some of you don’t mind a text message when “short and sweet” is applicable
• Some of you ban interns/PAs from IMing
• Texting may reduce or eliminate miscommunication
• IMing is helpful to those in companies occupying multiple buildings and/or spaces
Thanks to you all for your ideas, thoughts and time. I hope that we can continue to discuss the use of technologies in the rehearsal hall; as always, there are as many SMs as there are ways of doing things. That's something that makes me proud of what we do.
157
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 11, 2007, 05:41 pm »
I think what I "hear" scoot intimating was that the distraction level of an SM staring at a laptop is more than likely higher than that of an SM concentrating on his/her book. Is this close, scoot?
I can think of a dozen reasons why IM programs in the rehearsal hall might be good and another dozen why they might be bad (which is why I started the poll to ask all of you for your opinions
. I agree with scoot that, while utilizing the fabulous technology of the laptop in rehearsal can be a time-saving endeavor, sometimes it's intrusive. I once worked with an SM who had fake enamel nails and the tick-tick-tick sound of her typing, even to enter a note into the rehearsal report, drove me B-A-T-T-Y. I silently wished for her to pick up a pencil and do it the old fashioned way. I'm all for technology that makes stage managing more efficient, but I also see the trend towards the impersonal, like some of you have already mentioned.
When the voting closes, I'll post the consensus.
I can think of a dozen reasons why IM programs in the rehearsal hall might be good and another dozen why they might be bad (which is why I started the poll to ask all of you for your opinions
. I agree with scoot that, while utilizing the fabulous technology of the laptop in rehearsal can be a time-saving endeavor, sometimes it's intrusive. I once worked with an SM who had fake enamel nails and the tick-tick-tick sound of her typing, even to enter a note into the rehearsal report, drove me B-A-T-T-Y. I silently wished for her to pick up a pencil and do it the old fashioned way. I'm all for technology that makes stage managing more efficient, but I also see the trend towards the impersonal, like some of you have already mentioned. When the voting closes, I'll post the consensus.
158
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette
« on: Aug 10, 2007, 02:01 pm »Okay, on a 3.5 hour show if NO ONE TALKED over headset, I would fall asleep.
I find a nice, controlled banter a nice way of keeping everyone awake and alert - most professional crews know once the standby is called, everyone stops talking.
But I know have the pleasure of working with the same crew for 3 years now - we get into a groove.
(And right now without the Act 1 Scene 7 nightly trivia questions, I think most of my crew and staff would slip into a coma.)
I completely agree. I think it also helps build morale and crew cohesion and lets everyone know that while the SM is the one in charge, the one in charge doesn't have to rule with an iron fist.
159
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling a warning for a cue
« on: Aug 10, 2007, 01:57 pm »
I once did a production of Angels and from the time that Ethel says "Millennium approaches" until the end of the show (about 6 pages) I had 26 fly cues, in addition to all the LX, sound and SPFX cues that surrounded the angel's entrance. I had to employ warnings for the fly rail to coordinate with the cue lights, since the cue sequences were nearly right on top of each other. My ASM got the warnings and relayed it to the crew...so a particular sequence might have sounded like...
STAND BY: LX 238-265
SQ Y3-FB
FLY D IN on RED (As I said the words I turned on the cue light)
FLY C IN and F1 OUT on PURPLE (Ditto)
FLY C and D IN and OUT on an SM VERBAL
SMOKE ON in a 6 second burst
WARN: FLY AB and B1 IN on RED
FLY B2 and F1 IN on PURPLE
LX238...GO...LX242, SQY3, SMOKE ON...GO...Flip the cue lights for the fly cues in the stand by and then continue the rest of the cue sequences. I couldn't give a stand by for the fly cues in the warn, so when the lights went on, my ASM would be there to make sure the crew was ready.
As the others have mentioned, if there is a lull in the cuing action, I also give a "wake up call" of some sort, then the stand by closer to the cue.
On a side note: I remember the warnings of yore...I absolutely love, love, LOVE running a [insert variable number here]-scene preset board. When I was but a wee theatre major, my passion was electrics and lighting design (still is, but on the back burner) so I often ran the light board for the SPTs in town, to make a little cash. And back then, it was little! But so much fun.
STAND BY: LX 238-265
SQ Y3-FB
FLY D IN on RED (As I said the words I turned on the cue light)
FLY C IN and F1 OUT on PURPLE (Ditto)
FLY C and D IN and OUT on an SM VERBAL
SMOKE ON in a 6 second burst
WARN: FLY AB and B1 IN on RED
FLY B2 and F1 IN on PURPLE
LX238...GO...LX242, SQY3, SMOKE ON...GO...Flip the cue lights for the fly cues in the stand by and then continue the rest of the cue sequences. I couldn't give a stand by for the fly cues in the warn, so when the lights went on, my ASM would be there to make sure the crew was ready.
As the others have mentioned, if there is a lull in the cuing action, I also give a "wake up call" of some sort, then the stand by closer to the cue.
On a side note: I remember the warnings of yore...I absolutely love, love, LOVE running a [insert variable number here]-scene preset board. When I was but a wee theatre major, my passion was electrics and lighting design (still is, but on the back burner) so I often ran the light board for the SPTs in town, to make a little cash. And back then, it was little! But so much fun.
160
Employment / Re: Team player vs. "undermining" SM - discussion...?
« on: Aug 10, 2007, 01:07 pm »Quotewhen does a compromise turn into a way of undermining or being undermined?
When the goal of the person doing the compromising IS to undermine.
-Centaura
Indeed...I have seen this workplace tornado form itself many times. I suppose it is an occupational hazard that we must weather inflated, prideful egos determined to have it "their way," no matter on who they drop a house. I think then, it's about how you use the "ruby slippers" to create compromise and negotiate whatever road to success for the production you need to travel. That said, sometimes it's just downright difficult to squeeze a size 8 foot into a size 6 1/2 shoe...
161
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 03, 2007, 09:43 pm »
Thanks to everyone who has, so far, replied to the poll or with a comment; I'm monitoring the responses and will collate them into a concise "study" of the topic, once the poll has closed.
162
Tools of the Trade / SOFTWARE: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 01, 2007, 06:35 pm »
At my theatre, it is an established practice to communicate with, primarily but not limited to, the costume shop and props department via an IM (Instant Messaging) program, during rehearsal hours. In theory, this is to facilitate communications and, if possible, increase efficiency. What does the SMNetwork think?
163
Employment / Re: Team player vs. "undermining" SM - discussion...?
« on: Jul 19, 2007, 04:55 pm »Quote
A commedian who I am quite fond of has a great line "We work as a team, and we do it my way". Slightly over the top, but never the less true.
IMHO, collaboration is the heart of successful theatre but I agree with Mac's comment, for the most part. And like Meg, I agree that compromises are necessary and right. In the past, however, as is inevitable, I have found myself part of a team in which the leader is most obviously the weakest link and "their way" is precarious, redundant and inefficient. I too would like to work towards a healthy understanding of this relationship and would love to hear the what the rest of the network thinks.
164
The Hardline / Re: Tech Week Bumps II
« on: Jun 08, 2007, 09:22 pm »
Thanks for all the input, folks.
165
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: set changes
« on: Jun 06, 2007, 03:33 pm »
Truly, safety first and it depends on several factors, all well-stated above.
A scene change can be a beautiful thing that's part of the fabric of the show, if it's well-thought out and, if necessary, rehearsed. Crew members walking onstage willy-nilly moving this and that looks like a scene change. Established traffic patterns combined with the most efficient number of actions help to fortify the sense of forward movement. A sexy scene change always makes me smile and feel as if the production has achieved a wholeness that is essential to our arts. A sexy scene change that takes 30 seconds is most preferable to a gotta-get-all-this-crap-offstage-NOW sort of change.
A scene change can be a beautiful thing that's part of the fabric of the show, if it's well-thought out and, if necessary, rehearsed. Crew members walking onstage willy-nilly moving this and that looks like a scene change. Established traffic patterns combined with the most efficient number of actions help to fortify the sense of forward movement. A sexy scene change always makes me smile and feel as if the production has achieved a wholeness that is essential to our arts. A sexy scene change that takes 30 seconds is most preferable to a gotta-get-all-this-crap-offstage-NOW sort of change.