Messages

196

The Green Room / Re: Favorite brown bag lunch?

« on: Mar 16, 2010, 03:45 pm »

My standard sandwich is, as I've heard it been called, a watchamacallit. Turkey, ham, lettuce, cheese sandwich with whatever toppings or extra you desire.  I enjoy some spicy mustard on wheat - also great in wrap form.

There's always the good-ole peanut butter (& fluff in my case) and leftover pasta.

197

The Green Room / Re: How do you "play?"

« on: Mar 07, 2010, 02:24 pm »

When the opportunity does arise...

I do enjoy a good game of cards, usually poker, with a group of friends - very casual, small wagers.  We also play some more fantasy-based games (Call of Cthulu, Magic: The Gathering, etc...) when we get the chance.  And there's always good-'ole Rock Band.

I like to get outside in the summer if at all possible.  Now, with the weather finally turning from cold and dreary to sunny, I am looking forward to getting some pick-up baseball games together.  Perhaps some Ultimate Frisbee or an outing on the golf course before heading in to the theatre.

Oh, how I envy your MatthewShiner...I never had anything beyond a game-boy...I may start some Starcraft 2 when it finally comes out, as it looks veeery cool.

198

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROMPT BOOK: Organization?

« on: Feb 24, 2010, 01:56 pm »

I find it more useful in to have one book with nothing but script/score and another book with contact sheets, calendars, schedules, production grid, breakdowns, etc.

I agree. I would hate to have to stop taking blocking or walk away from what I was doing on a script so someone could look at a schedule or contact sheet.

2 bonuses of separate binders:
- Presentation factor...script just looks so much better on its own.
- Privacy...if you ever need to leave your script somewhere, you don't have to worry about your paperwork getting lost too.

199

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: COSTUMES: How involved do you get with costumes and wardrobe?

« on: Feb 19, 2010, 03:28 pm »

My involvement depends on the situation; in either I would be sending the costumer a character plot and expect one back, depending on the complexity of the show.  I did work in a costume shop, so I'm not deficient by any means, and would gladly lend a hand if asked.
My current gig might require me to help out putting on a button, hemming a garment, or something else small.  I'd leave the more advanced work, like sewing a zipper...damn zippers...to the designer or my assistant who does the laundering and other repairs.
In college, I would walk away from costumes and let the crew handle it.  I would be involved it if were a part of a change so I could help coordinate or position, but that's about it.

200

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How to encourage actors to show up?

« on: Feb 17, 2010, 04:21 pm »

The yelling for a 2 minute late individual seems harsh.  2 hours with no notice? I think that might deserve a little discussion.

I'll agree with SMrose on this one.  A sit down with a cast rep., yourself and the director might be a good idea.

201

The Green Room / Re: Olympic-sized technical difficulties

« on: Feb 14, 2010, 05:46 pm »

Fortunately, mine was not recent (I would like to keep it that way), but in HS.  A flat (approx. 30 ft W x 12 ft H) with multiple doors was flying in during a blackout while another flat of approx. the same size was flying out.  One of the doors on the incoming flat caught the flat that had just flown out.  All of this occurred during a BO between scenes....so we managed to fly both in, squeeze between the two flats to dislodge the door, and fly out the old flat.  It was a gut wrenching few minutes.

202

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How to encourage actors to show up?

« on: Feb 12, 2010, 06:22 pm »

I feel like this yelling would be encouragement in and of itself.  How late are they when he director typically yells?

203

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: Taking the house back against your HM's will

« on: Feb 04, 2010, 04:23 pm »

At what point do you consider it appropriate for a SM to say "I want the house back now. Close the doors, the show's going up, everyone else is a latecomer"?

I do not think it's appropriate for an SM to say that.  A House Manager's job is to ensure to safety of the house, so if they need to take their time, all you can do is wait (even though it seems, from your description, that is not what this person is doing).  I do agree that waiting for 1 person is an inconvenience for both the cast and crew and the other audience members.

Does the director/PM mind if you are starting late? If you really are unsatisfied with this individual's performance, then I would suggest a discussion with them, or maybe even the staff at the venue (try to get an alternate HM).

204

Tools of the Trade / Re: iPad: What do you think?

« on: Jan 27, 2010, 11:59 pm »

Love the image!

Looks like a big Iphone.  Seems to operate the same as well.  I think the statement of the iPad as the greatest web-browsing experience is a little much.

205

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Have I overstepped the mark?

« on: Jan 27, 2010, 02:32 pm »

I agree with the last few posts. A few things:
- It is within your right to give a bad reference if asked for one. Most employers will generally say "no comment" though.  The reason being: a bad reference could be mistaken as slander and you might be subject to a lawsuit.
- Seeking out the potential employer does indeed seem to be overstepping.
- Telling a friend or acquaintance how it is to work with a certain person seems okay, but shouldn't affect employment.

Be careful and good luck!

206

Tools of the Trade / Re: Running Shoesy

« on: Jan 18, 2010, 11:32 pm »

I have a black pair of Timberland boots.  They have lasted well over a year for me doing crews, set construction and lighting.  I have also owned a regular pair of black sneakers in the past.

207

The Green Room / Re: 10 things actors can do to get off to a good start with a stage manager

« on: Jan 17, 2010, 10:54 pm »

10. Help out.

Just lending a hand makes you seem so much more hard-working in my eye.  Even if it's helping sweep, volunteering to clean, or just asking (even though I don't have anything for you).  It shows me that you're aware and open to the whole show.

208

Tools of the Trade / Re: Random, household things, you use/keep on stage.

« on: Jan 06, 2010, 03:30 pm »

It sounds gross, but superglue is great for bonding small cuts together.  It's not just for arts and crafts anymore!  I only use this on myself however since I imagine other people might be a little weirded out if I offered superglue instead of a bandaid.

209

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Interview questions

« on: Jan 06, 2010, 03:24 pm »

Any of the questions I can think of sound stupid.

I enjoy when the potential job candidate/intern/interested party asks any type of question.  It shows they are interested and are seriously considering the job.  Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but questions prove interest.

Try writing down a very detailed description of a past job (hours, location, pay, etc...) and anything that isn't covered by your interview, ask about it.

210

Tools of the Trade / Re: Laptop Recommendations ?

« on: Jan 06, 2010, 03:18 pm »

Buzz!

I enjoy PC's for paperwork and regular computer usage, whereas I use a MAC for mutlimedia and in my current position (Qlab is the best!)

What are some of said characteristics you are looking for?  Netbook? Cheap? Speed? Memory? Graphics?  What will you be using said laptop for?