166
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Working with Dogs
« on: Jun 11, 2013, 08:44 am »
Contract a professional trainer...
News:
14 Jan 2021: Happy 21st birthday, SMNetwork! I replaced the old broken mobile theme. -K
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167
The Green Room / Re: Production Haikus
« on: Jun 08, 2013, 07:46 pm »
Reading this thread here
So many angry SMs
Deep breath all, chill pill!
So many angry SMs
Deep breath all, chill pill!
168
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Escripts=Do you HAVE to have them?
« on: Jun 07, 2013, 08:01 am »
FYI, I never intended this to be a thread devoted to the discussion of paper vs electronic device scripts. Escripts to me are editable scripts, and I was simply inquiring if people felt they HAD to have them for every show, regardless of how they ultimately utilize them.
I agree with a previous poster. I like an editable script, but, except for a new work, I don't NEED an editable script, and I personally don't spend hours typing one, if one is not available.
I agree with a previous poster. I like an editable script, but, except for a new work, I don't NEED an editable script, and I personally don't spend hours typing one, if one is not available.
169
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Escripts=Do you HAVE to have them?
« on: Jun 06, 2013, 10:10 am »
I still do cut and paste manually, if there's no editable script. And I don't find it inconvenient or frustrating. that's just what need to be done.
But, I can't conceive of typing up a full script--talk about frustration!!! It would be completed, around, say, closing night....maybe...
And, why does the emergency copy of the script need to be digital? Just keep a Master Script, updated at all times, with no other writing in it, and photocopy in an emergency.
As for becoming more familiar with the script, reading it serves the same purpose as typing it, no? I actually find that talking through the show--story, sequence, sets, etc. with my team, is my best tool for becoming familiar with the material.
But, I can't conceive of typing up a full script--talk about frustration!!! It would be completed, around, say, closing night....maybe...
And, why does the emergency copy of the script need to be digital? Just keep a Master Script, updated at all times, with no other writing in it, and photocopy in an emergency.
As for becoming more familiar with the script, reading it serves the same purpose as typing it, no? I actually find that talking through the show--story, sequence, sets, etc. with my team, is my best tool for becoming familiar with the material.
I remember that time, RuthNY, before e-scripts. If I wanted to accommodate cues, I did "cut and paste" --which back then was: copy the page, cut it up as needed and re-copy with the space needed for cue sequences.
170
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / E-SCRIPTS: Escripts- Do you HAVE to have them?
« on: Jun 06, 2013, 08:07 am »
The comment below got me to thinking. I love an editable script as much as anyone. My book stays cleaner if there are changes to the script, I can hand out clean script pages to cast and staff, and come Tech. time I can format it anyway I want, to accommodate the cues. OK, that's all great. But, I worked for years without this capability, prior to computers. The only way to have a sort of editable script was to type new pages or sections, yes on a typewriter, if we HAD to. And very few expected that of an SM, as it was so cumbersome, but if you had to get it typed, there were typing services for hire.
So, an editable script is nice, but why do you HAVE to have one, if one is not available somewhere?
Why is the SM below planning on typing out his whole script if he can't get an already existing copy? (Nothing personal, TommyBoy249er.) What is so NECESSARY in an editable script, that an SM would take the time to type an entire script? Is it necessary to do the job?
Would you, and why?
Edited to add topic tag- Maribeth
So, an editable script is nice, but why do you HAVE to have one, if one is not available somewhere?
Why is the SM below planning on typing out his whole script if he can't get an already existing copy? (Nothing personal, TommyBoy249er.) What is so NECESSARY in an editable script, that an SM would take the time to type an entire script? Is it necessary to do the job?
Would you, and why?
If anybody actually has a .doc version of "The Woman in Black" that would be perfection. Samuel French hates stage managers and I'll probably be typing up this script myself.
Edited to add topic tag- Maribeth
171
Job Postings / Props Position Available-Do you know someone who needs a job?
« on: May 17, 2013, 09:12 am »
I have a line on a Props Master job for the upcoming summer season. The producers had someone quit on them at the last minute. If know anyone who might be interested, please send me a PM or an email! Thanks!
172
Job Postings / Re: SM Intern Needed-Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown PA
« on: May 17, 2013, 09:11 am »
This SM-Intern position was filled a couple of weeks ago. Sorry about the tardy post.
173
Introductions / Re: New Member Scavenger Hunt - May 2013
« on: May 15, 2013, 07:10 pm »
I loved reading those older threads, after Sarah found them, of course. Wow, we've been at this a long time, haven't we?
174
The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"
« on: May 12, 2013, 11:33 pm »
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/10/4227562/kc-theater-community-laments-closing.html
American Heartland Theatre will close its doors in August.
American Heartland Theatre will close its doors in August.
175
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What's the Difference?
« on: May 03, 2013, 12:33 pm »
Thanks for the great answers! Just a couple of comments to clarify, since I am hoping that early-career SMs are reading this:
As already stated, calling the entire company for a day of rehearsal without telling them what they are going to rehearse, might be considered unprofessional, lazy, or a waste of everyone's time, but AEA really only cares that the company is given the proper notice of the hours that rehearsal will take place (10a-6p, etc.) The details of the schedule are NOT mandated by the union.
As for conflicts for better paying jobs in the industry, this is called the More Remunerative Employment (MRE) clause, and it is not part of every AEA contract. LORT, for example, does not have an MRE clause. The production only has to release an AEA member for MRE if the contract has the clause, and if the more remunerative employment meets a specific set of criteria.
As already stated, calling the entire company for a day of rehearsal without telling them what they are going to rehearse, might be considered unprofessional, lazy, or a waste of everyone's time, but AEA really only cares that the company is given the proper notice of the hours that rehearsal will take place (10a-6p, etc.) The details of the schedule are NOT mandated by the union.
As for conflicts for better paying jobs in the industry, this is called the More Remunerative Employment (MRE) clause, and it is not part of every AEA contract. LORT, for example, does not have an MRE clause. The production only has to release an AEA member for MRE if the contract has the clause, and if the more remunerative employment meets a specific set of criteria.
Working AEA style you cannot call the entire company for every rehearsal and then figure out what you're going to do with them once they arrive. The schedule needs to be set well in advance and specific calls need to be provided.
If an actor has a conflict for a paying gig, you have to let them go if you're doing AEA style rehearsals. Otherwise you'd just drop them and permanently replace them with another willing actor.
176
Students and Novice Stage Managers / What's the Difference?
« on: May 02, 2013, 11:58 am »
Students and Pros,
For the edification of our early career SMs, can you name some differences between running an Equity rehearsal and a Student or Non-AEA rehearsal? If a student or institution wished to run their rehearsals as if they were AEA, what would they have to pay attention to?
You examples can range from the first day of rehearsal in the rehearsal room, through the final dress rehearsal.
Discuss!
Post Merge: May 02, 2013, 07:10 pm
Seeing that there have been no replies to this post yet, should our our early career members come to the conclusion that there are or should be NO differences between rehearsing and AEA or a Non-AEA production? This could possibly be an answer...
For the edification of our early career SMs, can you name some differences between running an Equity rehearsal and a Student or Non-AEA rehearsal? If a student or institution wished to run their rehearsals as if they were AEA, what would they have to pay attention to?
You examples can range from the first day of rehearsal in the rehearsal room, through the final dress rehearsal.
Discuss!
Post Merge: May 02, 2013, 07:10 pm
Seeing that there have been no replies to this post yet, should our our early career members come to the conclusion that there are or should be NO differences between rehearsing and AEA or a Non-AEA production? This could possibly be an answer...
177
The Green Room / Re: Being Human vs. Professional
« on: Apr 18, 2013, 10:26 am »
For a difference of opinion, I'm going to take the opposite, and perhaps hard line point of view to this question. YOU chose to schedule both jobs at once, so you have nothing, really, to vent about. You could have made another choice, protecting one gig or the other (and yourself) by giving it your full attention and not taking on a second job at the same time. However, having chosen, voluntarily, to do two jobs at once, including a rather lengthy commute, I'd say don't vent at all, and learn from this what your limits are, so perhaps you don't put yourself in the same situation again. Your job is to protect the processes of the gigs you say "yes" to, not to complicate them.
178
Job Postings / SM Intern Needed-Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown PA
« on: Apr 17, 2013, 04:20 pm »
Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown, PA is looking for a Non-AEA Stage Management Intern for their 4 show summer season. This SM Intern assists the AEA Stage Manager in rehearsals, prep., paperwork, and does whatever is necessary on the deck during performances. Mountain Playhouse operates under the AEA-CORST contract, and this Non-AEA "ASM" postion is required for CORST Z theatres. You will be assisting two different AEA SMs, who alternate shows. You would NOT alternate shows. You would work all of them.
The position pays $150 per week, and comes with housing. The first rehearsal is June 5, and the summer season closes on August 18. There MAY also be an Intern position available for the fall season of two shows. You must be an adult, 18 years old, or over, to apply. Transportation is not reimbursed.
You may send resumes to TSMarafino@aol.com, with "SM Intern Resume" in the Subject Line
That's the official portion of this posting. Here is the unofficial information, from me, personally:
This theatre is in the country. If you will not be happy in a rural environment, do not apply. There is no Starbucks, no grocery store, nothing except a diner and a gas station convenience store, within walking distance. The nearest shopping district is about 8 miles away. However, it is beautiful there! If you like the country, and all that goes with it, then by all means, apply. You will be happiest, if you have a car at your disposal.
The theatre is an old Grist Mill. The technical facilities are basic. If you only want to work in a high tech environment, do not apply.
The SM Intern will rehearse one show while performing another. In other words you will rehearse all day and then be called for performances (both matinees and evenings), and do your paperwork when you can. This is the nature of Stock. If you are not willing to work hard and spend many hours at the theatre, do not apply. And there is one day off every OTHER week, not every week.
The housing is shared, rustic and basic. There is no cable or TV unless you pay to install and maintain the service. If you require this in your life, you won't be happy here, unless you have your own TV and can afford to pay the bills.
Many of the AEA actors who work here, have been returning here for many years. You will be working with pros, who gather around a bonfire at night, play music, and have a ball together.
If you have questions, feel free to PM me! If you'd like to send me your resume and have me forward it, I can do that, too. Meanwhile, management looks forward to seeing your applications.
The position pays $150 per week, and comes with housing. The first rehearsal is June 5, and the summer season closes on August 18. There MAY also be an Intern position available for the fall season of two shows. You must be an adult, 18 years old, or over, to apply. Transportation is not reimbursed.
You may send resumes to TSMarafino@aol.com, with "SM Intern Resume" in the Subject Line
That's the official portion of this posting. Here is the unofficial information, from me, personally:
This theatre is in the country. If you will not be happy in a rural environment, do not apply. There is no Starbucks, no grocery store, nothing except a diner and a gas station convenience store, within walking distance. The nearest shopping district is about 8 miles away. However, it is beautiful there! If you like the country, and all that goes with it, then by all means, apply. You will be happiest, if you have a car at your disposal.
The theatre is an old Grist Mill. The technical facilities are basic. If you only want to work in a high tech environment, do not apply.
The SM Intern will rehearse one show while performing another. In other words you will rehearse all day and then be called for performances (both matinees and evenings), and do your paperwork when you can. This is the nature of Stock. If you are not willing to work hard and spend many hours at the theatre, do not apply. And there is one day off every OTHER week, not every week.
The housing is shared, rustic and basic. There is no cable or TV unless you pay to install and maintain the service. If you require this in your life, you won't be happy here, unless you have your own TV and can afford to pay the bills.
Many of the AEA actors who work here, have been returning here for many years. You will be working with pros, who gather around a bonfire at night, play music, and have a ball together.
If you have questions, feel free to PM me! If you'd like to send me your resume and have me forward it, I can do that, too. Meanwhile, management looks forward to seeing your applications.
179
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Helping with SM Homework
« on: Apr 13, 2013, 11:18 pm »
I have no issue with the Homework Help Board continuing to exist here at SMNetwork.org. I am not suggesting any kind of change with the nature of that Forum or the well-thought out rules/guidelines that Kay has put into play. I simply am opting out of answering questions in written form. I think we should allow students to put a call out for SMs who might want to answer questions via phone or video chat, letting us know ahead of time the nature of the questions/project. Then, SMs who are willing to participate can work out the details privately with the student. The same way we inquire about e-scripts publicly, and then make arrangements (if any) privately. I do not wish to discourage SMs of any level or generation from using this site as a reference, or from asking questions via the site. Not at all.
180
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Helping with SM Homework
« on: Apr 13, 2013, 10:33 am »
I have to say this, as I've been thinking it for a while. I have participated in a lot of homework assignments, but i think it's unfair for the student to ask SMs to write out their answers, in essence writing the essay for the student. I am not going to participate in this manner, much, any more. I feel it's doing the work FOR the student, so they can cut, paste, and rearrange to their heart's delight. Now, if a student would like to PM me, and arrange to get my phone # or Skype id, etc. and interview me, then do all the transcription and organizing of said interview, combining my answers with the answers of other, yes, I'm more than happy to do that. But, I think I will no longer answer questions in writing for Homework Help, under most circumstances.
I love to mentor, I have mentored many young and upcoming SMs. But from now on, if you want homework help, well, it's your homework, you do 99% of the work. I'm taking a leave from writing essays, perhaps a permanent one. Is this hard-line? Perhaps. But I did my High School/College writing on a manual typewriter. No internet. It's time for the upcoming generation to "do-it-themselves."
I am not trying to be unkind or disrespectful, and this is not aimed, personally, at the most recent Homework Help poster. I've been thinking it for a while. Your thoughts?
I love to mentor, I have mentored many young and upcoming SMs. But from now on, if you want homework help, well, it's your homework, you do 99% of the work. I'm taking a leave from writing essays, perhaps a permanent one. Is this hard-line? Perhaps. But I did my High School/College writing on a manual typewriter. No internet. It's time for the upcoming generation to "do-it-themselves."
I am not trying to be unkind or disrespectful, and this is not aimed, personally, at the most recent Homework Help poster. I've been thinking it for a while. Your thoughts?