Messages

226

SMNetwork Archives / Re: For discussions of actors and their underwear

« on: Apr 24, 2008, 11:58 am »

Really? There is a topic about underwear?

I had to remind a few actors to wear underwear to their costume fitting.

That's all I'm gonna say about that.

227

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Help! My ASM is USELESS.

« on: Apr 07, 2008, 12:29 pm »

I remember when I got started I was a major screwup, but I had a very patient stage manager to walk me through. However, I never had problems regarding safety.
I would not have that ASM responsible for wagon moves. I would see if you can get this person replaced before she/he runs someone over. Is there a production manager you can speak too?
If she can't get replaced, is there a responsible run crew person who can be on headset and run the wagon moves?
I would also talk to her about this. It's not easy, but it is a safety issue.

228

Employment / Re: Changing lanes.....

« on: Apr 07, 2008, 12:18 pm »

I've also been recommended the book, What Color Is Your Parachute, and which sounds like a useful resource. Does anyone have any experience with it?

I can't praise that book enough. I used it mainly for job hunting purposes, but it is really known as the book to get if you want to do a career change. The thing about the book is that you HAVE to do the exercises. You can't skip anything. Can't hurt can it?
The website is pretty good too. You get free career advice. Even though I had to do some explaining on what I do, someone wrote back with some great advice.

229

The Hardline / Re: HELP! MY CAST IS NUDE!!

« on: Mar 19, 2008, 03:49 pm »

I worked on "The Blue Room" on a LORT contract. The actors were constantly nude. They also simulated sex onstage.

There is a nudity clause in the rulebook. I'm not sure where. What it says is that upon audition they have to be told that they will appear naked so it's not a surprise to them on the first day of rehearsal.

Keep the rehearsal room as comfortable as possible. They will probably be naked for at least one rehearsal, so make sure the rehearsal is closed.

We also had a photographer take pictures. He was sure to take pictures with their clothes on.

Make sure that wardrobe has robes and slippers for them for tech. Actors shouldn't have to be naked for the entire 10 out of 12. If you are going to bring up bright lights, warn them and have your ASM to have robes or towels handy. Make their comfort a top priority. It's not easy being naked.

230

Employment / Re: Unsure

« on: Jan 25, 2008, 02:10 pm »

Is IATSE your ultimate goal? Many people have had successful careers without joining the union. See if you can talk to union members and find out what they think.

I don't think you would need to go back to school. You can learn while being on the job. Keep getting the carpentry jobs/ATD jobs and see if you can learn more about AutoCAD and other computer programs.

I think you are on the right path. Just get out there and make it known that you want to learn more. Can't have enough good TD's.

Good luck!

231

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Snappy SM

« on: Oct 19, 2007, 02:06 pm »

It sounds like a case of  all  around mis-communication.

These things happen. We all get snappy. No one is perfect.

But good for you for stepping up and making the SM aware of a safety issue.

232

Employment / Re: From the other side of the resume (low key rant - personal advice)

« on: Oct 02, 2007, 09:44 am »

I can't say enough about proof reading before sending out.

Oh, and if you feel the need to name drop big celebrity names in your cover letter, please spell the name right. I had one cover letter that spelled Robert De Niro two different ways.

233

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PSMing vs. ASMing

« on: Aug 30, 2007, 12:21 pm »

I agree with Sievep. An ASM is my "assistant" but when we hit tech they are running the backstage. I'll step in and help with figuring out scene changes, quick costume changes, etc but for the most part they are running the show backstage while I'm dealing with artistic staff in the house.
I would rather be a PSM only because I really enjoy calling a show.

234

The Hardline / Re: violation

« on: Aug 23, 2007, 03:08 pm »

It's a sticky situation that you're in. I was in a similar situation. Two days before the production closed, the producer comes to me and the actors saying that he was going to tape it for "backers". I expressed my disapproval for it, but the deputy and the other actors wanted it done, so it was done.

Just because the deputy gives it a nod doesn't make it legal!

Taping for backers is not cool -- it is a huge problem for our unions and our membership.  I have had a union rep seize media that were being taped by producers illegally (said producers trying to do it around my back since they knew I didn't approve) and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Solidarity is far more important than any one employer!

I agree.
However, sometimes it's really hard to do what's right when you have bills to pay, health weeks to obtain, possibilty for the production to move forward, etc.
I didn't feel the solidarity, I felt alone. 
It is my hopes that SM's read this thread and understand that they ARE NOT alone if they are ever in this situation.

235

The Hardline / Re: violation

« on: Aug 22, 2007, 01:27 pm »

It's a sticky situation that you're in. I was in a similar situation. Two days before the production closed, the producer comes to me and the actors saying that he was going to tape it for "backers". I expressed my disapproval for it, but the deputy and the other actors wanted it done, so it was done.

Do you plan on working with the theatre again? If so, maybe say that you were uncomfortable with the whole taping situation, and then leave it at that. There isn't much you can do about it now. Rest assured that this happens a lot, and that the deputy was okay with it as well. How were you to know that it was going to be multiple cameras?

I hope that it does have a future, and that you are included in it.

236

Employment / Re: Stageplays Theatre

« on: Aug 21, 2007, 02:19 pm »

I have worked on the play that is in production there. "Pied a Terre"
Send me a private message if you want to know more.

237

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

« on: Jun 01, 2007, 04:49 pm »

I think you can have a life long career in stage management; you might have to make adjustments so you can keep it life long.

I think a break would be great for you. There were times when I would take a few months off and temp in an office. Then one day while working in the office I'll say to myself "This stinks. Why are people getting worked up over nothing? They should try putting a fire out onstage". When I have that conversation with myself I know that it's time to get back into the theatre.

I got tired of the freelance scene and now work in a university setting. I made a few adjustments, but I'm still in the field that I enjoy.

238

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Stage Management or Arts Admin??

« on: Mar 26, 2007, 03:53 pm »

For the record, just throwing questions out there (not meant to put you on the defensive...)
(I took a quick peek at the website and didn't find any information about an arts admin MFA.)

It's there; under the Metro. College. It's not a MFA but an MS degree

239

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Stage Management or Arts Admin??

« on: Mar 26, 2007, 07:24 am »

All good responses. I'll show you my cards.

I work at the School of Music at Boston University. I would be able to work and then get my degree. I can take a class a semester for free; and if I want to take another class I would have to pay 10%. It's a slow process, but I'm not in a rush to get out of here because I like what I do.

There is a part of me that wants to go into Arts Administration. I am getting tired of the stage management "lifestyle" so to speak. The Managing Directors and General Managers that I liked working with were once stage managers and understand that production still goes on even after 5:00. I would like to be that type of GM.

However, I've been a professional stage manager for 10+ years. If I got my Masters, I can teach Stage Management, or go back into the field. But I'm not sure because of the reason above.

Finally if I had to actually pay for my degree, Arts Admin would squeak out only because I'm not sure what a masters program could teach me that a decade in the business didn't.

240

College and Graduate Studies / Stage Management or Arts Admin??

« on: Mar 25, 2007, 01:22 pm »

I am currently working at a major university that offers free tuition. The school offers a masters program for stage management.

They also offer a masters in Arts Administration. With this degree I could become a production manager or managing director at any arts institution.

I feel if I just go for the masters in stage management, I'm limiting myself to just stage managing or teaching stage managing at universities. There aren't that many stage management departments out there.

Is there anyone that has a masters in Arts Admin? Does anyone feel "limited" with a masters in Stage Management?

P.S. I used to be in the anti masters degree camp, but gosh darn it, I can get it for free now!