Messages

271

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

« on: Sep 14, 2009, 04:18 pm »

It seems to happen every show.  There's one bit of stage business that, if it weren't stage business, no one would think twice about.  But somehow, once it's put on stage, the actor just can't manage to do it, and needs additional technical assistance, or long bouts of practice.

I can't remember all of the ones I've run across so far, but one of the more memorable was an actor (smoker) who couldn't strike a match on stage, to save his life.  In my current show, the mini Kit-Kat bar wrapper has to be pre-slit a specific way, otherwise, it becomes a scene about opening a candy-bar.

What's in your current show (or a favorite past one) that just seems impossible to do on stage?

272

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How can I find these props???

« on: Sep 04, 2009, 12:42 pm »

For the wooden dining stuff, try a thirft store, or oddly enough, Target.  I got my mother-in-law a number of wood bowls for snacks, last year at Target, and they were something less than $3 a pop.

273

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

« on: Sep 01, 2009, 03:06 pm »

Oh, wow!  I'd love to do homework.  Unfortunately, I've got a director who wants everything as soon as they think about it.  "Hey, I know this is the first time you've seen the scenic pieces and how well they work, and you know nothing about our crew's capabilities, yet.  But I want to know exactly how all these set changes are going to happen and I need it before we change to the next scene.  Make it like a dance."   

I'd love to know exactly what sort of multitasking tasks they had the subjects doing, and if the proportion of technical vs. human interaction tasks affected performance?

274

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

« on: Aug 31, 2009, 02:16 pm »

How terribly interesting!  And depressing.  I don't think that it's possible to do the job of a stage manager without some-to-a-lot of multitasking.  Things just happen too fast for us to focus on only one thing until it's done!
My ASM got trapped in her apartment complex by downed trees, yesterday.  At one point I found myself being on-book, writing line notes, tracking changes in blocking, writing an e-mail to the costume designer and trying to choreograph complex scene changes on paper, as it was our first day in the space with all the moving parts, and we get crew starting tomorrow.  I know I wasn't doing the first three to optimum levels.  We'll see about the scene changes, tomorrow!

Wow.  I really am depressed by that article.

275

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Enforcing Punctuality in Community Theater

« on: Aug 21, 2009, 09:44 pm »

In a similar situation, I've required the tardy actor to make an apology to everyone who had to wait or adjust their working plans because of them.  I made them include a phrase along the lines of, "I'm sorry that I think my time is more important than yours."  Having to get up and say that once or twice to a room full of people who are already annoyed....yeah, they usually weren't late again.
Of course, I usually only enforced this when someone was QUITE late.  I usually let a few minutes slide with just a private reminder, otherwise, it wastes more time than it saves, in the long run.
I've also required them to bring treats for everyone to the next rehearsal.  That works pretty well, too, and it makes everyone else that much happier!

276

Employment / Re: Leaving my first job

« on: Aug 17, 2009, 09:57 pm »

I'm glad it turned out so well for you.  Things so often are not nearly as bad as we fear that they will be.

277

The Green Room / Re: Stage managing your life

« on: Aug 02, 2009, 08:14 pm »

That's really not a bad idea, to keep all your school notes.  Even though it's something that I'm quite good at, I kept all the notes from all my design/tech classes.  They're in a big binder called "design resources", in clear protective sheets, and I actually pull them out to look something up, about once or twice a month.  Hey, I paid for that knowledge, why not keep it!?

278

Employment / Re: Leaving my first job

« on: Aug 01, 2009, 04:07 pm »

I second what ScooterSM said; wait until after tech.  And I also agree that you should follow up with a letter.  I would suggest a formal, paper and ink letter of resignation for your boss(es), and after that's been accepted, an informal good-bye e-mail to everyone at the company that you have built a relationship with.
Good luck on your new adventure.

279

The Green Room / Stage managing your life

« on: Jul 28, 2009, 11:55 am »

Are you OCD, or just a stage manager?  ;-)  I know we all utilize our SM skills in an attempt to make our day to day lives run as smoothly as our dream rehearsal.  What have you done lately that "normal" people would shake their head at, but just seems like common sense to you?

My mother is coming into town to celebrate her birthday later this week, and wants to do something fun.  I polled a local blog for ideas, sent her an e-mail with a list of suggestions, and then made a Google calendar with times of events, or times sites are open, addresses for each one, and how much they cost.  I printed this out.  Now, when my mom says, at 4:00 on Friday, "What should we do?" I can whip out the list and say, "Well, we can go here, here, here, or here, or see this show, or spend time at this museum, etc. and it will cost this much."
My husband thinks I'm OCD.  In my mind I'm saving an hour of "What do you want to do?"  "Well, what do you want to do?"  Followed by another half hour of, "Where is it?  Is it even open?  Can we afford it?"

280

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Making coffee (and other novice assignments)

« on: Jun 25, 2009, 04:44 pm »

For one show that I worked on, one of the actors was night-blind.  In dim situations, i.e. backstage, he couldn't see a thing. My job was to stand just off stage with my arms wide open, and catch him every time he came running off, and then escort him to the green room door.  It was a little peculiar!

281

Employment / Re: Crossroads in Life - where to live?

« on: Jun 22, 2009, 01:38 pm »

I don't have other ideas, but I'll cast a vote for Mineapolis.  I wasn't of an age to work as an SM when I lived there, but I know my Dad never had any trouble finding acting work when he wanted it, and I did do some work in pit orchestras.  Lots of theatre of all sizes, some paid, some not.

Good luck, let us know what you decide!

282

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

« on: Jun 17, 2009, 12:25 pm »

That is really, really sad.  I know plenty of folkspeople who have fond memories of working at North Shore.  I applied for an internship, back when I was in college, but ended up going somewhere else that summer.  What a bummer.

283

Employment / Re: Help!

« on: Jun 12, 2009, 10:22 am »

There does come a point where you just have to get out.  As far as your reputation is concerned, I wouldn't worry.  You're probably better off getting out, particularly if the company owner agrees.  Sure, this "director" might bad mouth you, but if you're consistently good at your job, positive word, spread by others, will also get around.  People will realize that things were probably not entirely the way he says they were.

Either way, good luck to you!  I'll send you some extra patience!

284

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: RUNNING: "We have a 45 minute hold for the Obamas."

« on: Jun 09, 2009, 01:39 pm »

A hold for panties?  I love it!  Reminds me of a phone call I got from my costume designer on opening night.  "DON'T PANIC!  I have the pants.  *click*"   

I can't recall any TRULY long holds in my career, but I have had to hold a house for fifteen minutes where all the audience was present and seated, and the cast and crew were ready to go.  The person slated to make the curtain speech, and then leave, was no where to by found!  At places, they had been standing in the lobby, and then they just vanished.  I was supremely frustrated.

285

Employment / Re: your first paid SM job

« on: Jun 09, 2009, 01:32 pm »

ASMing the Blowing Rock Stage Company production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  The wife of the TD where I worked as a carpenter was the SM and discovered a few days into rehearsals that she needed an assistant.  This was the show wherein I learned that I do not want to work with large numbers of kids in a situation wherein there is not a good kid wrangler.  Because I don't wrangle.  I intimidate.