Messages

151

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Light Walkers

« on: Jan 30, 2007, 09:48 am »

I used to like light walking at Uni - does that make me weird? Maybe that's why I ended up in opera...

152

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: First and Last Names

« on: Jan 23, 2007, 09:37 am »

i rarely do anything but first last on all paperwork. just seems to cover all bases that way! I also do first and last names on calls over any tannoy as I reckon it gives two chances to a performer to hear their name called and to start paying attention  to the rest of the call. the only time I use Mr/Ms etc for calls is when working with really big opera companies where they expect the formality as part of the tradition, or if its a superstar or conductor...

153

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: LX Plotting structure

« on: Jan 10, 2007, 10:15 am »

hi All

Thanks all for your comments. Much of what you all said was a useful reminder -especially the various comments that basically all said 'reframe your attitude and it will all seem much more possible and brighter"! I think I was cross infected by the overanxious managers/creatives I am working with here, who were completely freaking out about the scheduling issues which led to plotting with cast, etc. Plus one of the worst rehearsal experiences I had early in my career was in a similar situation and i was obviously having flashbacks... Anyway, it was so nice to be HEARD and taken seriously, so thanks again.

ChaCha

154

Employment / Re: Serving on a Board of Directors and Stage Managing for the Same Company?

« on: Jan 08, 2007, 05:36 pm »

I have a friend who has done exactly this and has never had a problem. I am sure that board members agree to disagree on occasion. Besides I cant think of anything better for the actors than having someone who intimately understands their needs and situation who also has a voice on the board. I personally think it is great that the stage manager is being asked to serve in this role, and think you shouldnt hesitate a moment longer. The company obviously value you highly -as they should.

155

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / ELECTRICS: LX Plotting structure

« on: Jan 07, 2007, 10:00 am »

 So my current show goes into the theatre for an extended tech week from wednesday. The LD only just came on board yesterday and will have seen one run through, maybe two before plotting. So he has persuaded the director to call all the cast (14) for all the plotting (14 hours though not all on one day) so we can do a slort of "slow tech" / plot and he can see each bit as he plots it. The director originally wanted to work like that with the original LD but i talked them out of it, as lots of the cast are under 18 and will get really tired, plus its circus based  so you cant really run things over and over anyway plus - and am I alone in this? - It's a horrible way to work for the stage manager and crew. Sure, what LD wouldn't like to have  real bodies to work on, but why doesn't it matter that the stage manager cant be at the desk getting cues AND onstage getting all the revised blocking/keeping track of cast/trying to organise teching of scene changes....
plus the venue staff are gonna hate it. Its a big venue they won't be used to such a chaotic approach.

We will have a tech as well, but without the LD who has another committment that morning...

As they say -Not Ideal!

156

SMNetwork Archives / Re: word usage?

« on: Jan 06, 2007, 06:17 pm »

would it be an option to....

perhaps we could.....

I feel that it woud be be best to .....at this point ( you can't argue with how someone feels, so sometimes wrapping your idea in this sort of language slows people down long enough to hear your suggestion )

Also recapping all the options clearly then stating which one you prefer - that way everyone realises they've been heard and may be prepared to let go and move on

Find someone else who wants the same as you and present them as the one withe idea - always easier to speak for someone else

157

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Interesting request for performance reports...

« on: Jan 05, 2007, 08:35 am »

yes please cuelight!

158

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Merry Christmas All

« on: Dec 31, 2006, 11:38 am »

And a Happy New Year! Here's hoping 2007 brings you your hearts desire, joy, prosperity, and peace for all. Thanks for the many things shared in this community and I hope the year has started well for each of you, wherever you are celebrating.
best wishes
ChaCha

159

Uploaded Forms / Re: Show report

« on: Dec 29, 2006, 12:28 pm »

Here's a tour report -we didnt have a stage manager so it was the show report as well.

160

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: DSMs

« on: Dec 27, 2006, 07:15 pm »

By famous I imagine you mean they should have already had extensive and varied careers including working as DSM for large scale/well resourced productions?

I expect there are a few lurking around the boards!

161

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Nutcracker

« on: Dec 24, 2006, 09:47 am »

congratulations to you and ballet stage managers everywhere!
And a happy festive season to all on SM Network's boards.
Peace and and joy to you and yours,
ChaCha

162

Tools of the Trade / Re: latest toyes...

« on: Dec 23, 2006, 04:45 am »

well my area is a fair way from oklahoma - I am in Western Australia - also a fair way from the nearest staples (we dont have them). But we do have officeworks so i am sure it is only a matter of patient waiting and then a mini retractable sharpie will be mine! (rubs hands together with glee)

163

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Christmas Wish List

« on: Dec 16, 2006, 11:03 am »

A handy toolbox to hold a small SM kit ?
staple gun
a good stopwatch

all stage managers seem to have a weakness for stationery...

164

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Hi i'm jess from australia

« on: Dec 11, 2006, 06:21 pm »

 No I havent ever worked in other regular  jobs though I should have during my 2 unemployed bits - I just survived on my savings and centrelink! I think it would be quite possible to work in event management as well as stage management. I have friends who did both from the beginning of their careers. I have only been doing events more recently ( because I cant stand sitting in rehearsal rooms anymore!). I think that if you really want a career as a stage manager you could have one -determination counts for a lot! - but as an ex artistic director said to me recently - you can make a living in the arts but can you make a retirement?! I'd still say go for it, but its widely recognised that you have to be a bit crazy to be in this industry...DONT do it if money is hugely important to you, because unless you become management you are not likely to be super well paid. I have had jobs where Ive been paid well above award, but its uaually an overtime buyout/for big companies which may be hard to get into. I have been paid up to $1200p/wk on a few contracts. One place in Melbourne you might be able to get unpaid work experience as an unpaid ASM/crew person working with a professional stage manager/director/etc is at NICA on their public shows.

165

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Hi i'm jess from australia

« on: Dec 11, 2006, 05:52 pm »

Mac, you know about 500 times more about stage management than the average graduate from VCA (and NIDA or WAAPA) You'd go crazy in a lot less than 3 years!

Jess you can find the document at
http://www.alliance.org.au/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,28/task,cat_view/gid,9/
(the MEAA website under Resources / Theatrical workers)

I have worked with Box Hill graduates -had an ASM at Playbox (Malthouse) from that course, so they get out there sometimes. Also, there are plenty of VCA grads working as SMs, but their production course is definately more generalised than at WAAPA.