Messages

1921

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] Electronic Prompt Copies

« on: May 23, 2007, 09:38 pm »

Three ways . . .

1) Retype the script

2) Scan it with a scanner and OCR, creating a word document.  (This takes awhile, and there is editting involved.)

3) Just be lucky.  My theater types and formats all the scripts in word documents.

1922

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Stage Management Colleges

« on: May 22, 2007, 01:18 pm »

I want to totally second Scoot in thinking about WHERE the college is located.

If all things are equaly, finding a school that is geographically close to a theatre center is very important.  If you are outside Chicago, and get to know Chicago while a student, think of the opportunities that coule be opened up to you?

Now, in the end I think you have to make sure that all other things are equal.

1923

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Is part of being a Stage Manager being an artist?

« on: May 22, 2007, 10:19 am »

I am a performer, just like any other artist in the team or cast.

Calling cues it not just about saying GO, it's about feeling the rhythm of the performance, adjusted to nuances.  I have always compared stage to being a conductor.

I would say stage management is 25% artist, 25%techncial and 50% people skills.

1924

Employment / Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?

« on: May 16, 2007, 09:10 pm »

There is no reason to put your photo on your resumse as a stage manager.

If they need a head shot for publications, submit it later.

1925

Employment / Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?

« on: May 16, 2007, 10:22 am »

I am pretty sure any once who is accepting resumes via e-mail would have PDF.

I recommned Word and the converting to PDF - even if you are PC, there is at least one http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp that is free and easy to use.

As someone who gets resumes all the time, the PDF is my recommended version.  I have received resumes in word where the formatting is WAY off when I open it - OR, it is the worst formatting I have ever seen.

1926

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: May 04, 2007, 08:01 pm »

Perhaps . . . but there has to be someone to go to and say "This person can not do this job."

I have to admit that one of my big pet peeves about theatrical education in this country (and perhaps the world) is that too many people are instilled with the sense that they not only have a good/great talent for the chosen profession in this field, but actually encouraged to go forward into the great, big beautiful world, and do this for a living.  Not everyone has what it takes to do this job at a professional level - perhaps "firing" someone from an academic assignment might instil a little reality check for this person (and others aroung them) that this might not be the path they should follow.  I always thing a dose of reality is missing from far too many theatre programs.  I think if they were a little rougher, we could raise the bar a bit.

1927

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: May 04, 2007, 04:03 pm »

Was it ever an option to let this person go?

Sometimes that is the best option of all.

1928

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Who Runs the Tech?

« on: Apr 29, 2007, 05:37 pm »

The most typical format would be for the SM to run tech, with ASMs running backstage or being on book,

1929

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: There may be trouble ahead....!

« on: Apr 28, 2007, 03:59 pm »

Congrats on finding what is important to you.

Way too often, especially in this business, we put this job in front of other priorities in our life.  THIS JOB EATS UP TIME.

I am extremely guilty of this.  Among other things, the time this job took destroyed my first marriage two relationships after the marriage.  Right now, my partner is EXTREMELY patient with my schedule - but I really cut so many other things out of my life so I can focus on my priorities which is my career and my partner.  (Now, if you were to talk to my partner, I am sure he would tell you I still spend too much time at work, and never enough time with him – but I think he understands the time and effort I put into the relationship.)

Now, there are people who will decide that the job/life-choice of being a stage manager is more important then anything else (even if it is just for a period of time – how often have we said – especially after a bad relationship – “I am just going to throw myself into my career now.”)  But, eventually, you need to find a life for yourself outside of work – so there is something to live for outside of work.  I have found those who do have a life outside of work are actually better Stage Managers because the live a more balance life. 

1930

Tools of the Trade / Wiki

« on: Apr 26, 2007, 02:27 pm »

As a resident production stage manager, I am looking at my staff size jumping up quiet a bit.

I am interested in putting together a wiki-style handbook - since things are going to be changing so much over the next 2-3 years, it would be nice to have an online resource that is editable, but allow the entire SM staff and production management have access to informaiton (stuff like how to order office supples, how we choose a fight captain, vocal warm up policy, fight call policy, etc, etc.)

Does anyone have experience in using a wiki for this purpose? 

Ideas or cornerns one would have?

Any site recommended?  Free (Since this is an experiement) or low cost.

Let me know.

1931

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What's my job again?

« on: Apr 15, 2007, 11:34 pm »

yes...all of the time.  I usually find with directors that are a little nervous about the show they are directing want to control EVERYTHING in the production.

You will continue to be frustrated by directors like this for a long, long time - and need to learn how to deal with it. 

1932

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Weapons on Stage - Saftey and Legality

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 10:55 pm »

I think the answer is make the knife dull and then rig the effects for everthing else.

1933

The Hardline / Re: "Unprofessional"

« on: Apr 07, 2007, 06:36 pm »

Considering some of the behaviour I get from professional actors, I think it might be a bit of a compliment.

1934

Employment / Re: Job Reference

« on: Apr 04, 2007, 01:23 am »

I have three teirs of responses to references.

1) Level One.  I will just let them know I worked with them, in what position they filled, and the size of the show; and let them know if they were hired again.  (by not saying anything but the simple facts, most people will read that as a non-recommendation, and thus avoid any tricky legal background.

2) Level Two:  I will ask about the position they are applying for, and then compare that with the work they did on my show.

3) Level Three:  I will give a glowing recommendation.

I am one person who actually sued a formal employer about something in my personnel record.  I left the job for family leave, taking off three months.  One month into, I decided not to return; thus giving two months notice.  Although my entire tenure in the position I was reviewed at 90% or above, and had glowing inter-departmental notices, I was marked down as "do not rehire".  I didn’t know this, as was getting turned down for other jobs based on that one box checked on my resume.  (There was not one valid reason in any job evaluation to mark as such.)  A couple of letters from a lawyer, I was clear, my legal fees paid, and a small settlement.  Just be careful what you are saying.

In the end, you do have to be careful with references; both from giving a negative as well as giving a false positive.  (I hate these – according to every resume and letter of reference I get for internships, most young SMs out there should be stage managing on Broadway.)

I just wish people would be a little more realistic in references so they carried more weight and meaning, rather then just be a glowing reference.

This is why I am much more likely to contact a non-listed reference off you resume if I know them personally.

My 2 cents.

1935

Employment / Re: resume format

« on: Mar 25, 2007, 07:01 pm »

My vote is that there is a lot to be said about sticking to the professional resume format.  Any deviations from the norm doesn't usually bode well.

I think the cover letter might be a better place to state things like your work with automation, large cast sizes, etc.  Or if you have a special skills section, maybe there.