Messages

181

College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM Approach Statement for ACTF

« on: Nov 07, 2006, 07:36 am »

In one page they certainly dont want just a list of duties. Sounds like its a more philosophical thing - do you view stage management as a craft, as an art, as a creative role, as the coordinator of things technical? Are you the integrator or the arranger? Do you plan, or react, or both? What are the key qualities that you bring to the role and how do you see the role relating to the project as a whole... and what smccain said!

Actually I think this would be kinda hard but fun to write, and a good exersize in re-examining what it is you are choosing to spend much of your energy on. I dont suppose there is any 'one true way' to write /format it - much as there is no one true way BE a stage manager.

Good luck with it.

182

College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM Approach Statement for ACTF

« on: Nov 06, 2006, 10:09 am »

I have no idea how to answer your question as I have never heard of such a thing, but I was wondering what  ACTF stands for?

183

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Running Tech, etc.

« on: Nov 01, 2006, 10:34 pm »

I've never heard of a "bump in"...can someone explain that term?

It's the australian term for load in/get in. We also use 'bump out'...

184

Stage Management: Other / Re: Newbie! SM for a Circus performance

« on: Nov 01, 2006, 09:40 am »

ah yes, the 'we're stressed, let's spread it around' technique. Glad to hear things are looking up!

185

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Calling/teching your first show, your experiences.

« on: Oct 30, 2006, 03:24 am »

You know what? I honestly can't remember my first tech rehearsal as a stage manager. I find this a bit sad. Should have kept a diary after all...

186

Stage Management: Other / Re: Newbie! SM for a Circus performance

« on: Oct 27, 2006, 11:11 pm »

Personally I have sworn (several times) never to cry over work again...

Don't let the bastards get you down!!!! Follow any thread on the board and it will be obvious that there as many ways to stage manage as there are stage managers -obviously that little fact hasn't registered with the circus folk. I am sorry that your first job isnt giving you more joy.

Are there any specific problems that the people on the board can help with?

187

Stage Management: Other / Re: What's the most unusual job you've had?

« on: Oct 26, 2006, 01:12 am »

But ultimately if you look at all the skills it takes to be a stage manager you can easily adapt yourself into any type of manegerial role doing pretty much anything.  Which is why one day we will all band together as one and take over the world.

YES!

188

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dialect Rehearsals

« on: Oct 24, 2006, 05:12 am »

Why not just make sure the dialect coach has your phone number and those of the actors in case of any problems/lateness and take them at their word that you are not required. You dont need to learn to speak in dialect. They do. There's only three of them and they have individual sessions. They are not talking about meaning or content, just pronunciation.

189

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Running Tech, etc.

« on: Oct 20, 2006, 10:53 pm »

Oh I'd write in a note about anything the director / LD mentioned on the run in rehearsals and pass it on to the other, but it would just be a scribble not a formal cue entry.

190

College and Graduate Studies / Re: international theatres and internships particular in europe

« on: Oct 20, 2006, 04:12 pm »

Have a look at the website for The Globe theatre(the shakespearian theatre reconstruction) in London. It sometimes has opportunities.

191

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Running Tech, etc.

« on: Oct 20, 2006, 04:11 pm »

I have almost never written in LX cues before the plotting session. I sit next to the LD and Director at the production desk and write them in as they plot them. Otherwise I'd just be rubbing things out right through plotting. Even if I am working with the rare LD who produces a comprehensive cue list in advance I usually wouldn't write cues in before plotting. I'd just have the list on the desk and write in as we go...there is always time as the LD fiddles with levels.

Sound cues though I would often write in during rehearsals as more often than not I would be operating sound in rehearsals, and quite possibly in performance. Then I would write up a more detailed sound plot during sound plotting and/or tech.

Call cues from the tech rehearsal.

Cheers,
ChaCha

192

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: I'm looking for advice

« on: Oct 20, 2006, 04:00 pm »

Hi there
It sounds like you are doing a great job in difficult circumstances - hang in  there! And maybe you need to take a step back and realise that ultimately you are NOT personally responsible for absolutely everything. At the end of the day, if the musical director isnt capable of scheduling his/her time and then COMMUNICATING with other members of the team about it, it isn't YOUR fault. You can only ever work with information that you have and the situation that you find yourself in. You are only one of a bunch of people responsible for getting the show on - unfortunately lots of people will forget that - don't you be one of them or you may decide your first stage management gig is also your last, which would be a shame as it can be a whole world of wonderful experiences.
Chookas!

193

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Actor Calls

« on: Oct 07, 2006, 02:51 am »

Like many aspects of stage management in Australia calls tend to be influenced by the British tradition. Except when working with orchestras and opera choruses I give the following calls;

35 min before advertised start          Half hour call
20 min before                                Fifteen minute call
10 min before                                Five Minute call
5 min before                                  Act I (or whatever) Beginners

and that should be all unless I also give individual beginners calls then  - maybe " Ladies and gentlemen of the "Blank" company, This is your Act I Beginners Call. Gavin White, Anne Black, David Green, This is your call."

But I do know people here who give 'realtime' calls.

194

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: hey, need a bit of help

« on: Oct 04, 2006, 01:00 am »

Hello. You REALLY need to go and find a book on stage management or theatre production (use search on this site to find some suggestions, but your school library is bound to have something). Even just a quick read through will tell you a lot about what you need to do and when you need to do it. Obviously your director knows you havent done this before and will presumably be expecting you to have many questions to ask -so ask!  And always stay calm, patient, good humoured, organised....getting the idea?!

Chookas!

195

Stage Management: Other / Re: Newbie! SM for a Circus performance

« on: Oct 02, 2006, 10:30 am »

entirely my pleasure. I hadn't meant to write such a long post but it just seemed to get longer and longer. Let us know how you get on- whether you love it and circus is your new thing, or whether you can't wait to get back to a bit of Ibsen!