Messages

211

December Madness I: 2012 / Re: Commercial, Round 2: Laptop vs. Straight Edge

« on: Dec 04, 2012, 10:20 pm »

Although I voted for laptop in this round, I will have very mixed feeling if it goes all the way and wins the finals, as I remember this profession, prior to the laptop. I'd be curious as to what tool would win, if the laptop was out of the mix, entirely!

212

December Madness I: 2012 / Re: December Madness!

« on: Dec 02, 2012, 10:03 am »

The games are not even in their scoring. The Binder/Board & Gaff/Staples matches have seen 36-37 votes so far, with Pencil/C-wrench at 33  and Multitool/Condoms bringing up the rear at 32 votes.

I believe this is because of the way some people choose to read these boards.  I didn't even see the posting for two out of the four polls until this morning. I read the board by accessing "Recent Posts." rather than by perusing each thread.  I think that's why your numbers are varying--some folk are not seeing all the original poll postings.  I know better now, and will look directly at the "December Madness Board" from now on.

213

Tools of the Trade / Re: New Break-Time App: Take 10!

« on: Nov 25, 2012, 10:59 am »

From developer Mark Stys: "Stage Managers: Tomorrow is Cyber Monday and "Take 10!" will be on SALE for 40% OFF!! One day only!"

214

December Madness I: 2012 / Re: December Madness!

« on: Nov 25, 2012, 09:38 am »

Finally, a bracket competition I can play.  And understand what's going on....

215

The Green Room / Re: Catchphrases

« on: Nov 08, 2012, 10:40 am »

When putting on my headset at the top of the show "Time to play theatre!"

216

The Green Room / Re: Inside the SM Office

« on: Nov 06, 2012, 08:05 pm »

1. What is your favorite word?
    Knowledge

2. What is your least favorite word?
     Fag

3. What turns you on?   
    A truly open mind.

4. What turns you off?
    Lack of common sense.

5. What sound do you love?
   The voices of my Niece and Nephew.

6. What sound do you hate?
     Silverware clinking together or scraping on a plate.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
     Crappity, crap, crap!

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
     ASL Interpreter

9. What profession would you not like to do?
    Flight Attendant

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
      Good show, but it's been extended. Back you go!

217

Tools of the Trade / Re: Help with a sweaty actor

« on: Nov 03, 2012, 12:44 pm »

Three suggestions from my Sound Engineer, here at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, FL.

1. Wrap a spiral of florist's wire around the bottom three inches of the mic cord, just above the element. This allows you to bend the cord so that the element itself is half a inch away from the face. The element should never touch the skin.

2. Put mic tape, directly on the actor's face underneath the element.

3.  As discussed in other replies above, the mic pack itself should also never touch the skin. Strap it on over an undershirt, or over a sock or stocking, if strapped to the leg/ankle, in addition to the other methods outlined above.


Good luck!

218

The Hardline / Re: straight-six on LORT musicals?

« on: Nov 01, 2012, 11:10 am »

I HAVE brought this question up to two Business Reps., and have received one answer, so far.

The reply is, that since the Musical rule does not mention anything about a 6 hour option, as the regular rehearsal rule does, that the 6-hour option is NOT available for Musicals.

I have asked that the the LORT Reps. discuss this more as a group, not only because of our discussion, but because if the 6 hour option is NOT available on musicals, then the employers need to stop including it in our contract riders.  The employers, clearly, are also confused.

Here is the quote:
"(rule 37).  Since the regular Rehearsal rule states other detailed provisions (eg: "7 out of 9" or "8 out of 10") and continues with the 6-hour rule counting as a full day, I would take the 6-hour rule to apply only in non-musicals.
 
The Musical rule simply states "7 out of 9" during non-performance weeks.  The Musical rule does not state anything about a 6-hour provision.
 
With the info above, I would say that the 6-hour provision applies only to non-musicals."
 

I think the logic of replacing one set of rules with another set of rules makes sense, but there are a lot of things NOT covered in the musical rules if you followed that logic - like the meal break rule I brought up and span of day.

I would not have asked the business rep and would have had the cast vote, and just scheduled it - because that's my reading of the rules, and I have had business reps in the past bring me to that conclusion.  In fact, if it was the best interest of my show, I would still go ahead and schedule a straight six.

Business reps sometimes get it wrong - but again, there maybe something in play we don't know - what I don't understand is the REASON being given.

I look forward to when things settle down and I am able to ask a business rep or two about this rule . . . but given current situation in NYC, I think I will wait.

Post Merge: Nov 01, 2012, 11:33 amAnd....just as I hit "Post" on the above, I get the ding of an email coming in, and it's the second Business Rep. reply I was waiting for. And yes, dear friends, the second answer is in conflict with the first. So, I have asked, officially, that this be elevated to a discussion with all the LORT Reps. and with the Senior Business Reps, where applicable.  Without concessions in place, there can only be one correct answer...  So, in the meantime, check with YOUR Business Rep. and do whatever they tell you to do.  Yes, I pulled a "Mom and Dad" here, but you shouldn't try it, with a real show in rehearsal.

And, here is the quote:
"I have had this question come up and have interpreted the six-hour rule as applicable in musicals.  If mixed with the 7/9 option, the six-hour block still counts as eight hours as dictated by Rule 50.  I must confess that since the use requires a company vote I haven’t given it a lot of thought but Rule 37(F)(6) incorporates Rule 50 unless there is a conflict.  I don’t think this is a conflict."

219

The Hardline / Re: straight-six on LORT musicals?

« on: Nov 01, 2012, 09:25 am »

Heath, does this mean the other SMs there at "Dream Job" would have never even thought of the 6 hour option, or does it mean they would have scheduled it, not realizing they may not be able to use it on a musical?

<Snip>

The question arose from brainstorming options to deal with a particular actor's conflict on a particular day.  Other SMs at my theatre wouldn't have seen any reason to ask. 

<Snip>

220

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: ARTICLE: Stage Managers using a paperless process

« on: Oct 31, 2012, 11:20 pm »

I still use my AOL screen name/email address, chosen back in 1991 when there was no thought of ever being able to contact people outside the service. AOL works fine for me, but I do admit, if someone else didn't already have the name ruthny at gmail dot com, I would have switched over a couple of years ago. I've never had any trouble with AOL, and don't plan on switching now, unless I am forced to by technology, hackers, or AOL bad business practices.

221

The Hardline / Re: straight-six on LORT musicals?

« on: Oct 28, 2012, 06:49 pm »

My experience is very different from Matthew's, so this is indeed a case of check with your AEA Rep. I've been told that the straight 6 is counted as the maximum number of hours you are allowed in the day, be that 7 OR be that 8, so that a straight week of 6 hours in a musical IS possible.

Get your own ruling, Heath!

I have done the following:

Yes, a straight six still counts as 8 against the week and can substitute for the 7 out of 9.

222

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / GREASE, Anyone?

« on: Oct 26, 2012, 10:50 pm »

I'm looking for an editable copy of GREASE, if anyone has it, please. PM me, and I'll send you my email address. Thanks, in advance!


UPDATE: A fellow SM has shared with me already! Thanks so much!
Post Merge: Oct 27, 2012, 09:33 amHi All,

I am looking for an editable copy of 1776, if anyone has it, and is willing to share.  PM me for my email address.

Thanks in advance,
Ruth

223

Tools of the Trade / Re: New Break-Time App: Take 10!

« on: Sep 23, 2012, 07:42 am »

I have purchased Take 10, and look forward to using it for very simple reasons:

The purchase is a tax deductible expense.

I want to encourage developers to create SM specific software. I want to encourage SMs, in fact, to become developers, to create SM specific software. No one knows what we do, like we do. Our community is best placed to write code to our needs. I will support any SM specific software that actually functions in the way it is advertised to function!

Let's not scare others away from having great ideas, and bringing them into fruition.

And yes, I take blocking with a pencil and paper. But, if a great program was developed for that, taking into account SM needs, not Director and Choreographer, (and, what we've seen so far, doesn't cut the mustard) you bet I'd try it. And apps for other SM related duties as well.

224

The Hardline / Re: LORT-LOA Tech Hours- Creative Suggestions More Than Welcome!

« on: Sep 09, 2012, 11:00 pm »

10 out of 12's in a row, at most places I've ever worked. Prefer it this way, myself. I like the momentum.

225

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament IV: Trivia's Revenge!!

« on: Sep 07, 2012, 08:59 pm »

Very challenging!  Let's hear it for the Europeans and the Aussies to sweep this month!