Messages

166

Tools of the Trade / Re: Prompt Book Dividers

« on: May 14, 2009, 09:14 pm »

My first thought would be to DIY it by simply cutting and re-attaching the tabs on a regular divider. Some sort of clear packing tape should hold them in place fairly well.

167

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Managers, Stage manager.

« on: Apr 24, 2009, 09:41 pm »

I agree it can be frustrating to watch something get neglected (especially something as important as character work) but doing his job--especially in secrecy--is not going to help matters. I'll leave it up to older and wiser SMs to decide when to talk to the director about the artistic integrity of a show (I believe there was a discussion on that at some point), but there is never a point at which the SM should give direction during the rehersal process without the director's go-ahead. Also, you should consider that this is (I assume) a project he's being given a mark on, so you want it to reflect his abilities and not yours.

That said, it is difficult when people refuse to discuss things, so I would say to soldier on as best you can. Do your job as well as possible and make the best of a bad situation by calling it a "learning opportunity".  Good luck!

168

SMNetwork Archives / Re: 1880s Prompt Books Online

« on: Apr 18, 2009, 05:14 pm »

Those are amazing, thanks for posting the link. It's the first time I've ever come across real information about the history of stage management so it was great to see!

169

SMNetwork Archives / Re: I could have kissed them!

« on: Mar 22, 2009, 06:10 pm »

It's also in part because other positions in theatre lend themselves more easily to compliments (acting, designing, etc.) The end product is concrete and obvious: you know if there's a set onstage or if an actor performed a monologue. As SMs our end product is to make sure everyone else has an end product, which is more difficult for someone to recognise. Just think about how hard it is for us to explain to other people what we do. 

170

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What basics should actors know about tech?

« on: Mar 05, 2009, 07:16 pm »

Good idea. I like that it uides them through step by step and lets them know how layered the process is and how tight it is for eveyone. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

171

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What basics should actors know about tech?

« on: Feb 24, 2009, 08:04 pm »

I'll see you then! Good luck with the next couple of weeks, hope you keep them in line!

172

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What basics should actors know about tech?

« on: Feb 23, 2009, 07:33 pm »

I volunteer as an usher at the GCTC (plugging in my volunteer hours) and I believe I'm doing your show the 14th. 

173

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What basics should actors know about tech?

« on: Feb 21, 2009, 11:05 pm »

Definately go over the schedual with them and let them know what will be expected of them at the different times. Tell them how important it is that they always be alert to whatis going on so they are ready to start as soon as they are needed.

Out of curiosity, is this the Peer Gynt opening at the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa?

174

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: School interviews

« on: Feb 18, 2009, 10:43 pm »

Congratulations, I'm glad that worked out for you. Break a leg!

175

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Plan B for everything?

« on: Feb 18, 2009, 10:40 pm »

Obviously, it is a bit rediculous to have a back up plan for each and every possible situation that might happen (there are millions of them, each one unique), but as we are coming up to tech week I always read through the show and look at all the spots where things might go wrong, then plan for those things. For the rest, I keep basics on hand but, as others have said, they are not top priority.

176

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Getting Motivated

« on: Feb 12, 2009, 11:47 pm »

My advice is to try to find something fun in it for yourself that would make you want to come in every rehearsal...doesn't have to be big, just something to keep you going until the time when the feelings go away like mine did. I dont know if this helps or not...but it worked for me.

every week you work on the show you get to buy yourself a new office supply of some sort. 

177

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Shakespeare Tips

« on: Feb 06, 2009, 09:41 pm »

If it's the multiple-person-multiple-characters thing that's a particulaer stress, try giving each actor a colour. Than take down blocking for all their characters in that colour. You'll still have all the info for each individual character but you'll be able to see the links between different parts of the play at a glance.

178

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Poor stage weapon practices... Another close call

« on: Feb 06, 2009, 09:36 pm »

In the video in the first link the reporter says something like "Well, you'd think the show would be cancelled, but it turns out these amatures are pretty professional and the show must go on." That actually makes me feel kind of sick, I can't believe anyone could be that careless. It's scary.

179

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: BRAND new stage manager, would appreciate any advice!

« on: Jan 06, 2009, 09:21 pm »

I started a while ago too and I pretty much learned how to stage manage just from reading everything I possibly could.

First off, read as many of the back-logged posts in theis forum as you can, you pick up so much information they're really helpful.
There are some really good books out there too if you can get your hands on them. My favorite is The Backstage Guide to Stage Management by Thomas A. Kelly.
There are also lots of online resources that you can get to with just a basic internet search, I've listed a couple that I found helpful below.

Most importantly, talk to people at your school to find out how it works in that specific environment. As the others have mentioned, every theatre is different. The director would definately be a good place to start (what does she expect of you, etc) but TALK TO OTHERS WHO HAVE STAGE MANAGED AT YOUR SCHOOL. That is where you'll get the most valuable info for your situation.

Have fun and good luck!
Keep us posted!

SMs Do Make Coffee
http://www.geocities.com/dollariquestnet/SMhandbook.html (online)
http://lukedemoss.com/cadownload/ (downloadable--it's the 20th link down)

Stage Management Without Tears
http://www.theatreontario.org/content/publications.htm (again, it's about halfway down)

180

The Hardline / Re: CAEA Apprenticeships

« on: Dec 29, 2008, 08:43 pm »

My humble suggestion would be to call Equity and ask them yourself. They'll be able to give you all the info you need and it'll be the most up to date there is.

Let us know if you find anything interesting.