1576
Tools of the Trade / Re: paint
« on: May 17, 2009, 11:31 pm »
We used Tempera type kid's paint for a production where someone had to do a Pollock style painting onstage every night - we just washed off at the end of the night.
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1577
The Hardline / Re: Stage Manager's Association
« on: May 12, 2009, 08:08 am »
I have been a member of the SMA since grad school, about ten years ago now.
I think it's funny to see people ask is it worth it to join. Like any sort of membership or professional group organization, a lot of what you get out of it is going to be what you put into it. You can join SMNetowrk, for example, not post, not log in, not take advantage of the site, and thus not get anything out of it. It's a group of people, with a common interest, and you can take advantage of what they have to offer.
I can say, I have found a couple of jobs from their postings (all of them have been last minute replacement jobs for shows that either fell through or closed early). I have found a lot of stage managers from the SMA. I have made contacts with a lot of other stage managers, and have networked to a certain extent (since I am pretty much attached to one theater, I don't network for jobs per se, just sort of network for networking sake).
The SMA is actually working very hard (I was a secretary for the organization for awhile back before my current work situation blew up . . . long story there) to reach out to regional stage managers after facing the rap of being New York based for so long, and they are constantly looking for new ways to do. (they have sponsored a SMA drink night or two in the DC area) Join and be active in the organization, if you are the joining type.
I think it's funny to see people ask is it worth it to join. Like any sort of membership or professional group organization, a lot of what you get out of it is going to be what you put into it. You can join SMNetowrk, for example, not post, not log in, not take advantage of the site, and thus not get anything out of it. It's a group of people, with a common interest, and you can take advantage of what they have to offer.
I can say, I have found a couple of jobs from their postings (all of them have been last minute replacement jobs for shows that either fell through or closed early). I have found a lot of stage managers from the SMA. I have made contacts with a lot of other stage managers, and have networked to a certain extent (since I am pretty much attached to one theater, I don't network for jobs per se, just sort of network for networking sake).
The SMA is actually working very hard (I was a secretary for the organization for awhile back before my current work situation blew up . . . long story there) to reach out to regional stage managers after facing the rap of being New York based for so long, and they are constantly looking for new ways to do. (they have sponsored a SMA drink night or two in the DC area) Join and be active in the organization, if you are the joining type.
1578
Employment / Interesting Article about Actors in Non-Profits, but a good read in general
« on: Apr 24, 2009, 12:13 am »1579
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Props List and Production Manager
« on: Apr 23, 2009, 04:51 am »
yes, it would be a very nice courtesy to give the PM a copy. If the PM doesn't want one, they will tell you, but in my career, I have never had a PM say "no, i don't want to see this."
1580
The Hardline / Re: AEA Break Question
« on: Apr 21, 2009, 11:11 pm »
um, no, not really . . . if you are talking about the five or ten minute breaks, unless they happen to fall that way . . . but often if the break falls in such a way we would have take a ten and come back and only work ten minutes . . . I will usually poll the actors and see if we can work ten and then end early - but TECHNICALLY, I don't think that's legal.
I also do a lot of straight 5 1/2 (which is a straight six, but we take then twenty at the end of day.)
I also do a lot of straight 5 1/2 (which is a straight six, but we take then twenty at the end of day.)
1581
Employment / Re: resume format
« on: Apr 21, 2009, 12:27 pm »
I think dates are a bad idea on the resume - I can't think of any good reason to put the date on the show, unless you did the same show multiple times (Christmas Carol 02, 04, 06), otherwise it can be use to age you - either good or bad . . . I have seen very strong resumes with years on it, and I start doing the math and realize they have only been working for about three years, and I tend to look at their resume different.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
1582
Employment / Re: Websites
« on: Apr 20, 2009, 08:07 am »
To be honest, every resume or e-mail tht I get with a web site, I look through.
Any way to get MORE information about an candidate is a welcome opportunity.
Any way to get MORE information about an candidate is a welcome opportunity.
1583
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Drinks on the prop list?
« on: Apr 20, 2009, 01:35 am »
In my world, a table cloth would be a prop, but props at my theatre are better at soft goods. (They also do a LOT of set dressing, curtains, banners, etc).
The number one way to figure out if something is a prop or scenic piece is talk to your props and/or scenic department and/or costume department and ask them. Theater companies are all unique in how they may split up things . . . at my theater, a table cloth would be a prop, no questions ask, but that not be the case in all theaters. The best way is to ask the prop shop, scene shop, costume shop, LX departments and figure out who is responsible for what . . . I have had "items" that have been touched by multiple shops . . . (a smoking hat - built by the costume shop, rigged by the prop shop and LX for the smoking effects), ultimately when you get into cross over items, it's VERY important to discuss these items in production items, and figure out who will be responsible for what portion and under what time line. For example, we had a candle wagon in a show recently, built by the scene show, dressed by props, powered by LX - it was important that each department get the piece in a timely manner to get their work done. Often, you will have "clothes" that are props - never worn - but are often pulled - so we always get those things like "costume-props" . . .
In the end, it's best to ask.
The number one way to figure out if something is a prop or scenic piece is talk to your props and/or scenic department and/or costume department and ask them. Theater companies are all unique in how they may split up things . . . at my theater, a table cloth would be a prop, no questions ask, but that not be the case in all theaters. The best way is to ask the prop shop, scene shop, costume shop, LX departments and figure out who is responsible for what . . . I have had "items" that have been touched by multiple shops . . . (a smoking hat - built by the costume shop, rigged by the prop shop and LX for the smoking effects), ultimately when you get into cross over items, it's VERY important to discuss these items in production items, and figure out who will be responsible for what portion and under what time line. For example, we had a candle wagon in a show recently, built by the scene show, dressed by props, powered by LX - it was important that each department get the piece in a timely manner to get their work done. Often, you will have "clothes" that are props - never worn - but are often pulled - so we always get those things like "costume-props" . . .
In the end, it's best to ask.
1584
The Hardline / Re: Deputy on a One Man Show
« on: Apr 14, 2009, 11:26 pm »
You know . . . funny story . . . on my first AEA show on the west coast as an ASM, the rep recommended that I be deputy . . . and the cast voted for it . . . and there I was. I am not sure how strict they are no Stage Manager as deputy.
1585
The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"
« on: Apr 14, 2009, 11:21 pm »
I don't think the posting of these stories are sort leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is a business, and we should be aware of the state of the business we work in.
I also think, that since this board has a lot of young stage managers / college age stage managers - I think it's important for people to know what the job market is like out there. As other threads have mentioned, due to economic down turn, jobs are drying up here and there, and pay for some jobs are declining.
I don't think we are saying the "sky is falling", but more like there are some very dark clouds up there. Theatre's are downsizing, producing at smaller scale, doing shorter runs, etc, etc . . . all of it does mean that are fewer work weeks out there, lower pay and more competition.
Also, many of us have attachments to these theatrea, or are degree or two of separation from these theaters - and we like to keep up to date on those status. And those of in the financial situation, have made donations to these theaters in their hours of needs.
I also think, that since this board has a lot of young stage managers / college age stage managers - I think it's important for people to know what the job market is like out there. As other threads have mentioned, due to economic down turn, jobs are drying up here and there, and pay for some jobs are declining.
I don't think we are saying the "sky is falling", but more like there are some very dark clouds up there. Theatre's are downsizing, producing at smaller scale, doing shorter runs, etc, etc . . . all of it does mean that are fewer work weeks out there, lower pay and more competition.
Also, many of us have attachments to these theatrea, or are degree or two of separation from these theaters - and we like to keep up to date on those status. And those of in the financial situation, have made donations to these theaters in their hours of needs.
1586
The Hardline / Re: Half Hour Call
« on: Apr 14, 2009, 11:14 pm »
No, I don't believe there are calls to countdown to places.
But, if you normally do it, and then don't one night . . . the actor may be counting on the announcement to time their pre-show.
But, if you normally do it, and then don't one night . . . the actor may be counting on the announcement to time their pre-show.
1587
The Hardline / Re: Deputy on a One Man Show
« on: Apr 14, 2009, 03:07 pm »
When I did a one man show, I was the deputy, and handled any paperwork for the show. There seemed to be no problem with it.
1588
Employment / Re: Job/Gig searching in the new economy
« on: Apr 11, 2009, 12:44 pm »
On the flip side, as someone who hires and sets budgets, I am being challenged to cut budgets, hire locally and think outside the box as far as staffing - things are rough all over. Although I am not pulling back firm offers, positions I have been talking to people about are now evaporating. There is a huge trickle down effect - fewer commercial shows - fewer top notch regional drops - means people taking jobs a notch down the ladder. The is also a delay factor - some theaters are taking longer to finalize seasons, budgets, staffing choices, etc. (I find myself about three months behind from hiring positions and interns, and to be honest, I am not really in a position to start filling positions that start this July.)
1589
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette
« on: Apr 09, 2009, 01:50 pm »
I am a potty mouth all the time - - - - but not towards anyone . . . just towards the air. I get angry at situations not people.
But a good point is brought up, when on headset, always assume your boss is listening in, and everyone's mother . . . and then you should cover all your bases.
But a good point is brought up, when on headset, always assume your boss is listening in, and everyone's mother . . . and then you should cover all your bases.
1590
Employment / Re: Finding SM's to hire
« on: Apr 07, 2009, 08:27 pm »
also, post the job here on SMnetwork