Messages

196

The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"

« on: Oct 14, 2009, 10:46 pm »

Just read that Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA is facing closure if they can't raise $2.3 million by March.

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/medford/articles/2009/10/14/cherished_berkshires_theater_troupe_imperiled_1255495871/

197

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: First Aid: what do you do when the skin is gone?

« on: Oct 10, 2009, 12:04 am »

Try www.discountdance.com.  They are called footeez or dance paws.

198

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: First Aid: what do you do when the skin is gone?

« on: Oct 09, 2009, 03:57 pm »

Is she dancing barefoot or with shoes?
Although it will be one of the more painful experiences of her life for about 30 seconds, a liquid-bandage product (like New-skin) will help seal the skin and create a protective layer over the area.  It comes in brush on and spray.   It stings pretty bad on raw skin for a few seconds, but works pretty well, and still lets the skin breath so it can heal.  I used it for years as a dancer with pretty good results.
If she is wearing shoes, there is a type of sports tape that is padded but only sticks to itself (I can't remember the name) that she could wrap around that part of her foot, and then put her shoes on.  It shouldn't stick to the skin, so she would probably be able to tolerate it.

Hope this helps!  (Ouch!!)

199

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Electronic interuptions during a performance

« on: Oct 01, 2009, 02:24 pm »

I did see somewhere that the Jackman/Craig incident video was legit - can't remember where I saw that info, it was somewhere on a fairly reputable site - look at how steady the camera is - it's either on a tripod or with a very, very steady hand which certainly leads me to believe that it was being taped in-house for whatever reason and that it's been released legitimately.  Go Hugh Jackman though for doing what he did!

Every video I have seen of this incident is credited to TMZ, who are completely sleeze balls.  They have stolen photos and video from people's Facebook pages and other sources like that and claim it as their own.  I'm not sure of the origin of this particular video, but I don't think it is a legitimate source, IMO.

200

The Hardline / Re: Theatres that are thriving

« on: Sep 28, 2009, 10:31 pm »

Thank you for posting this!  It is encouraging to know that parts of the industry are doing well, and not just at the expense of their staff! 

201

The Green Room / Re: "I can't do that on stage."

« on: Sep 15, 2009, 10:49 am »

I worked with one actor who struggled every performance with putting on his pants during an onstage change.  Offstage quick changes were also a nightmare.  He came to work completely dressed everyday (and was always the first person changed into his street clothes and out of he dressing room at the end of the night), and he had done hundreds of shows before this one, so I am not sure exactly what the problem was.

Of course this same person gave himself food poisoning twice because two days after he ate the bad fish the first time, he decided it smelled ok and he should eat some more...  (He was a wonderful person and a great actor anyway, so we cut him some slack...

202

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Multitaskers are "Lousy at Everything"

« on: Sep 04, 2009, 08:00 am »

I heard an interview on NPR with the author of the study, and here are more details...

The subjects were 250 college age people, who were tested on how easily they were distracted while media multi-tasking.  This included texting, watching tv, using computer, etc.  They also tested the number of errors that people made or how many times they had to restart a task.

I was kind of disturbed when I originally heard the study, since we SM's multi-task as a requirement, but (as many people have said) it seems like this is not necessarily applicable to us.  I would be interested in a study that measured the productivity of multi-taskers handling similar topic but different function tasks, like taking blocking, being on book, and keeping actors quiet at the same time.

Maybe we could get a grant... 

203

Employment / Re: Leaving my first job

« on: Aug 18, 2009, 10:32 am »

I am glad it went well!  Your new city will be a great adventure!!

204

Employment / Re: Leaving my first job

« on: Jul 31, 2009, 09:34 am »

Britney-

Wait until after tech.  The fall season doesn't start the day after tech, and no one needs more stress this week.  Get the shows up, take a deep breath, and then go in and talk to them (together is preferable, but separately if you have to).  Just tell them that unfortunately your plans have changed, you will be moving away and will not be available to work with them.  Let them know that you have enjoyed your time with them, you appreciate the opportunities they have given you, and you wanted to give them as much notice as possible before you move.  Follow this up with an email or written letter basically saying the same thing. If you know of people who might be right for the job let them know you would be happy to recommend people for them to talk to.
Everyone leaves jobs for better opportunities or for life changes like relocating.  It is part of the business.  The best thing you can do is give them decent notice, be positive both about your experience and your new prospects, and not panic that you are abandoning them.  You have to make the decision that is right for you, not for them.  If you decide to stay because you feel obligated, this will have an effect on your work, and not in a positive way.
I would be happy to talk to you about good ways to approach these two specific people, just send me an email!!

Good luck!

205

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What I did over my summer vacation...

« on: Jul 01, 2009, 07:09 pm »

Lego Star Wars is the current game of choice.

I love Lego Star Wars and (probably even more) Lego Batman!!

For my summer vacation, I am taking a much needed leave from work to have knee surgery (it is bionic now, which is pretty cool!!).  It has been an interesting experience having to sit with my feet up for 6 weeks.  I really have to remind myself not to try and do everything for everyone and just take care of myself, which I think we SM's aren't always great at doing.  It has been a good summer of movies, catching up on TV, reading, and otherwise taking it slow.  I am starting to look forward to going back to work in 6 weeks though... :-)

206

Employment / Re: One of the things I hate about the biz...

« on: Jun 18, 2009, 04:56 pm »

a couple of questions on this subject.

what is best? having a "cover letter" in the body of the email or attached?
if you attach it what do you say in the body of the email?

I would recommend putting it in the body of the email.  It gives me an idea of who you are right away, gives me a reason to look at your resume, and is one less step that I have to go through to see what you have sent.  (It sounds harsh, but on the 50th email/resume that I receive downloading one more file to look at your cover letter can get frustrating...)

I would also HIGHLY support the having an easy to read email address, and to include your name in the file name of your resume (BSmithresume.pdf for example)

207

Employment / Re: Abbreviations on Resumes

« on: Jun 06, 2009, 06:47 pm »

I would agree with Matthew that PSM, SM, etc are ok to abbreviate, however, other abbreviations (such as the name of your school or theatre company) are not great.   Especially if you have written it out once,  it is confusing and looks lazy to use an abbreviation later in your resume (my opinion only!!).

208

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Jun 03, 2009, 10:40 am »

I'm a big reader, but in general I'm not much for Stephen King.  Now I think I should start reading his books (especially Dark Tower) just so I can get those answers on the Literature quiz.  Yesterday 4 out of 10 questions were about Dark Tower and I got all of them wrong.

You are so right!!  I always get so many King questions, and his books have always been too scary for me to read!

209

The Green Room / Re: How do you keep in shape?

« on: Jun 01, 2009, 06:05 pm »

For me the biggest thing is healthy snacks, especially during tech.  Since I work for a rep company and we are in tech every two or three weeks, I had to stop allowing myself to justify bad food just because it was tech.  It also really helps to cook at home and bring food instead of going out.  (This should not supplant the even 5 min walk outside during a break, which is one of the most healthy things I feel like I need, both physically and mentally).  It was an amazing realization that actually taking 10 mins to eat real food made it so much easier to not grab junk when I was hungry later.
I have recently discovered tai chi, which is great for both exercise and focus, and can be done in 10 mins or 60 mins depending on how much time I have.  It also really helps to put gym time on my calendar, like any other appointment, because I am less likely to blow it off and sleep and extra hour.
I will second what someone else said about soda.  Regular soda has a ton of calories (~250 in a 12oz can) and no redeeming benefits.  It is bad for your teeth, bad for your kidneys, and bad for your weight.  I haven't been able to give up soda totally, but switching to sugar free (still bad for your teeth and kidneys, but at least no calories) has been a huge benefit.
It also seems like the more water I drink the better I feel.  Having a water bottle with me all the time that I can just refill has been great.  I found these lemonade packets (other flavors too) that are made to go in a 16 oz water bottle and they are great!!  It is easier to drink water that has some flavor/color, and the packets are only 5 calories each.

I am definitely going to have to check out the yoga podcasts!  That is a great idea...

210

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Care and Feeding of your Crew

« on: May 27, 2009, 09:58 am »

Feed your crew with respect and a positive work environment, that will go miles further than food.

What a great quote and observation!!   This is so true!