Messages

196

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Child Labor Laws

« on: Nov 18, 2008, 11:26 am »

    * Youth working at home in the making of wreaths composed of natural holly, pine, cedar, or other evergreens (including the harvesting of the evergreens)."

I wonder where this one came from!

197

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow 5 minutes

« on: Nov 17, 2008, 09:37 pm »

Where I've been the responsibility always lies with FOH, but usually they give a 5 minute announcement and then later announce that's the house is closing/last call for stargglers.

198

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Please Help Me

« on: Oct 30, 2008, 12:52 pm »

In terms of calling the show, if you feel more comfortable in the booth and have a good view of the stage, that's what you should go for in my opinion. It should be whatever works best for you and is the most practical.

For the cast, something I find that shows an equal balance of authority and friendliness is to organize some sort of snack shedual for those involved with the rehersal process. Depending on how many people/rehersal days you have, try arranging it so everyone brings in a snack  one or two times. I find it not only shows them you're organised, but it's also lots of fun for them to get food. 

199

College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM schools in Canada???

« on: Sep 18, 2008, 10:33 pm »

Also look into Ryerson (in Ontario) which is a very good school and has, from what I've heard, a good SM program. I don't know too much about it though other than that, but it's all been positive.

200

The Hardline / Re: Trying to explain LORT scheduling rules to actors

« on: Aug 30, 2008, 11:00 pm »

Excuse my ignorance but could someone define the term "straight six"?

201

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Slightly Nervous, Advice and Words of Wisdom Please?

« on: Aug 25, 2008, 09:27 pm »

As long as you and your ASM both respect eachother there shoulden't be a problem. From what you said it sounds like this is the case and your willingness to ask questions and learn from her should make it a smooth ride. Good luck!

202

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Gratuitious Paperwork

« on: Aug 14, 2008, 09:57 pm »

Most of the paperwork I create is necessary since, honestly, I have enough to be getting on with at any given time without adding to the load. However, since I'm still in school and lots of my tech crew are volunteers or friends doing me a favor, I try to make life as easy for them as possible. While there are some types of paperwork that I can do fine without, I often write them up for others who may/may not have as much expiriennce working backstage. It saves me having to anwer a bunch of questions and makes things a lot less stressful for everyone.

203

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Response to "calling a show by feel" from "things you would never hear..."

« on: Aug 12, 2008, 05:34 pm »

For me, when I'm trying to find the exact placement of a cue I often ask the designer what the cue is for - you know "the cue is for when character X turns back into the room" or "it's with the button of the music" or whatever.  Many designers I work with will let me "find" the cue.  It is important to know the time of the cue and how far into the count that you actually see/hear something. The trick with this is not to be defensive you make a mistake or when you are just wrong.  Take the note from the designer or director in a constructive manner - admit that you were early or late.  This helps to establish a positive working relationship and will tell them that you are paying attention to their artistry.  I find it easier to repeat a cue correctly if I understand what it is for.

This reminds me of the "actor's homework" I've got to do for class productions: writing out the line, writing out my inner monologue, writiong out my motivation, etc. I'd never thought about being able to apply something like that to calling cues, but it makes sense.

204

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How far in advance do you...

« on: Aug 12, 2008, 03:26 pm »

That's super helpful, thanks guys.

Lucia

205

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Alertness

« on: Jul 27, 2008, 05:12 pm »

If i have a really long section with no cues I'll sometimes do some of my SM work for that night (tidy up my prompt script, write notes to other departments, etc) or some other kind of paperwork. It keeps me interested and alert to the show at the smae time. However, I can only do this for so long before I get sick of sitting still...

206

Students and Novice Stage Managers / How far in advance do you...

« on: Jul 21, 2008, 05:08 pm »

If you're interested in shadowing an SM how far in advance should you send a request? And also, is it appropriate to request certain dates or days of the week?

207

Employment / Re: Should I quit my day job?

« on: Jul 21, 2008, 05:05 pm »

I'm glad it all worked out for you! I know that feeling of disappointment you get when you've talked yourself into being excited about something and it doesn't end up happening. But all in the right time. Enjoy your new job!

208

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Help! Beastly show and actor!!!

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 04:47 pm »

I think we also have to work hard to dissuade the stereotype of artists who are allowed to do anything, no matter how outrageous, because it helps with their creativity. Talent does NOT excuse giving abuse to those around you; not from actors, not from directors, and not from us either. Many people don't seem to view the theater as a workplace and consider it much less formal, something which occasionally leads to people taking advantage of that environment.

209

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What to do?

« on: Jul 20, 2008, 04:33 pm »

Internships also give you connections and get you meeting people as well as learning all the business of SMing, so there's definite advantages to it.

210

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Shadowing La Nouba

« on: Jul 19, 2008, 05:08 pm »

You might want to pm Dani (GalFriday) who SMs for Cirque, she'll probably know how best to go about contacting someone.