Messages

181

Employment / Re: Touring

« on: Nov 14, 2006, 08:56 pm »

Chamber Theatre Productions also tours but it's non-equity.

182

The Hardline / Re: MRE

« on: Sep 05, 2006, 11:32 pm »

It was my understanding that unless the Rule book specifically named Stage Managers separately, the term "Actor" applied to both.  It's just like in any contract where it states that "So and So" will hereby be referred to as "So and So".  Or am I completely mistaken?

183

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: resumes

« on: Jul 30, 2006, 06:47 pm »

For me - the PDF file is smaller than the Word Document after the conversion.  Not much but it is still smaller. 

I used to send Word Documents but for the reason that everyone's computer formats MS Word differntly when opened, I stopped using it.  Otherwise there is no point to making things line up neatly if there's a 95% chance it won't do it on the other end anyway.  PDF's do keep the format and everything lines up. 

I can understand how GMs and some theatre's don't want things sent in PDF because not everyone has a reader whereas almost everyone has MS Word.  But I always offer to send my resume in a different format if that makes things easier.  Since the last couple of jobs I've gotten have been after sending my resume in PDF format - I'm going to stick with it. 

184

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jul 07, 2006, 12:00 am »

(and what he dinna wear unnerneath tha'.....)


ok back on topic....

I grabbed one of the microsoft office free sites and am poking around trying to learn what to do to build the damn thing - many impressive websites later, I am thoroughly intimidated, but not giving up yet.

I won't say I've mastered this one but if you have any questions, I'll see if I can help as that's what I used for mine.

185

Tools of the Trade / Re: Favorite Deck Flashlight?

« on: Jul 06, 2006, 11:58 pm »

Like Mac I love the MiniMag for just about everything.  I have recently purchased a headlamp though with 2 LEDs.  Not super bright but perfect for when you need to fix something in the dark and you get tired of holding a Mag in your mouth. 

186

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jul 02, 2006, 05:05 pm »

Microsoft is offering free domain names with their new Beta service.  Get whatever name you want with a .com/.net/.org as long as it's available.  Only con is that unless you pay - your features are limited but I'm able to host my Resume online and it also gave me 5 free email addresses to go with it.  Currently - you have to pay to get it to work with Outlook but I'm cheap so I don't feel like paying right now.  Maybe in the future I will and then I'll be able to use HTML programming as well.

187

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: The Ultimate Decision

« on: Jul 02, 2006, 05:02 pm »

Acted in HS and went to college for acting.  I don't sing well though and so I would work backstage on Musicals.  I SM'd 1 or 2 in college and some ASMing as well.  Senior year I went to SETC (Southeastern Theatre Conference for those that don't know) and interviewed for a number of SM jobs.  I had determined that acting wasn't my real calling as I didn't want to deal with the constant auditioning and rejection (though sometimes this job feels the same).  Somehow I talked my way into a job as a Tour SM for Chamber Theatre productions but that didn't start till August.  The week before I graduate I get a call from a friend who was the ATD at Seaside Music Theatre asking if I wanted to be an ASM there and I said sure.  I graduated - partied that night - and drove 12 hours the next morning to Daytona Beach Florida where SMing became my career.  In the end - it's what was paying the bills and I enjoyed doing it.  I figured as long as I keep getting work there's no reason I shouldn't do it. 

188

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Working with nudity

« on: Jun 27, 2006, 02:41 am »

I did both the Full Monty and W;t.  People get completely naked at the end of both of those.  Having a robe off-stage is a must.  Have either an ASM or a PA be there in the wings to hand it to him.  Slippers might be necessary as well.  Generally - it's preferrable to find someone of the same sex to hand off the robe but you can also ask if he cares one way or the other.  The rehearsals while being naked are held completely closed and often don't happen till your onstage. 

189

SMNetwork Archives / Re: The new SMnetwork

« on: Jun 23, 2006, 02:55 pm »

Just came across this but love the feature.  The forum tells you if another post has been made while you were typing and offers you the chance to review/edit your post based on the new one before it posts.  Amazing and brilliant.  I can't remember how many times I've posted on forums only to have been beaten to the punch or have someone respond just prior to me thus changing my view. 

190

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Jun 23, 2006, 02:43 pm »

I got one set up.  Pretty basic because Microsoft doesn't allow you to use any real features unless you pay for it and I didn't want to pay for it.  But I was able to register my name which is a huge plus for a free site with no ads that I can find.  It holds my resume and a small bio.  I don't think I need much of anything else.

http://scottpomerico.com

191

Uploaded Forms / Rehearsal Schedule

« on: Jun 21, 2006, 07:41 pm »

Rehearsal schedule in Excel includes what you're doing and who's called
2nd one is more basic but good for large cast musicals

192

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Managers & Computers

« on: Jun 21, 2006, 07:30 pm »

I have both a laptop and a desktop PC.  The job takes you different places so the laptop is a must.  For those times when I'm in one location long enough - I bring the desktop along as well as I use it for back-up as well as the majority of my work.  I prefer sitting at a desk with the bigger monitor sometimes.  I use the computer for everything: schedules, calendars, cast lists, set shifts, props, sound, lights, etc.  I've re-typed scripts for straight plays when the photocopies just didn't leave enough space for cueing.  I've typed up Cue sheets for some musicals.  Email is a must and a lot of the companies I've worked for prefer email over hard copies so as to avoid wasting paper.  Yes - there is always the concern of computers crashing but that's why you back things up.  I've also recorded some musical numbers with a basic camera and then uploaded it to my computer to practice calling.  Of course this only done during rehearsals and the files are then deleted nor distributed once the show ends.

193

The Hardline / HAVE I EVER READ THE RULE BOOK?

« on: Jun 08, 2006, 12:44 am »

Though I too am usually the first person in and out - it was because I was locking up.  It's nice to not have to do that and allow the PA's or ASM's to do that now.  Too often I was stuck waiting at the theatre for no reason just because it was my responsibility to lock up.  Granted - it also means I don't really get to stay and do work if it's necessary because I don't want to make someone wait just for me.

But I've never seen that Rule in the LORT book which is all I've really worked under.

194

Students and Novice Stage Managers / How to ASM

« on: Jun 03, 2006, 02:25 pm »

I'll agree with mc here.  The best ASM I've worked was someone I was able to trust implicitly with props and set management during rehearsals and performance.  She allowed me to maintain my focus on the actors and technical side of the show.  I like when it gets to the point where I don't have to have them check in with me before running off to do things.  They just do it and I know that they know what they're doing.  Like mc said, be flexible and learn to anticipate your SM's needs.  You'll be most valuable in that aspect.

195

Employment / Websites

« on: Jun 02, 2006, 07:29 pm »

Anyone here have a website?  I'm looking at getting one up and running for my resume and such and was just wondering if other people here had them.  I'd like to get some ideas.  I've seen plenty of Actor websites but never really looked at one for an SM.  If you have one - can you provide a link?  Thanks.