Messages

31

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Is there a right and worng way to call cues????

« on: Sep 14, 2007, 02:28 am »

I'd say that the right way is the way you are most comfortable with and can be the most consistent with.  Just make sure your crew knows what you're going to do and what you expect in response from them, then do it every time. 

32

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: I feel I have been cheated....am I really over my head...

« on: Sep 14, 2007, 02:26 am »

I learned great stuff in college, especially theory and learned a couple directors' ways of doing things.  Then I stepped into the world and learned a whole lot more.  I think you're beginning a process we've all gone through, including there being times when you're a bit overwhelmed.  It's a-okay ... Enjoy the ride.  This whole crazy learning process is part of the good stuff and will only make you better for your next gig!  Trust what you know and ask about what you don't - you'll be great!  You really seem to care and that counts for a lot.

33

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: I am SM a showcase...and I am in need of some help

« on: Sep 12, 2007, 04:48 pm »

Whichever job is simplest is the one you should take.  If lights are minimal and involve hitting a Go button, great.  If sound is nothing more than walk-in and entr' act, maybe that's your best bet.  I'd choose whichever position enabled me to spend the most time watching the stage, following the script, and being the voice of authority.  It's okay if others have more experience - you're the one who was chosen to lead the show and there has to be a reason for that so make sure you create an environment where you're comfortable with your responsibilities.

LiLz

34

The Hardline / Re: AEA Teachers

« on: Sep 12, 2007, 04:25 pm »

I taught but trained a student to SM so it was never an issue.  Can you do that?

LiLz

35

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SM Olympics?

« on: Sep 12, 2007, 03:24 am »

I've watched the Tech Olympics at USITT and it's hysterical!  If you hold the event please take pictures and post them!

How about having something go horribly wrong with a prop or costume as an actor is about to make an entrance?  Who hasn't had to face the staple/glue/tape-please-god-let-it-hold moment?  That might be good for a chuckle.

I hope you'll keep us all updated! 

Lilz

36

Stage Management: Other / Re: Welcome packet

« on: Jul 19, 2007, 03:41 pm »

Also, include information about money exchanges.  That was always a question for me overseas.  Also, they might want to know about places to worship.

They're really going to appreciate the work you're doing for them!

LiLz

37

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette

« on: Jul 19, 2007, 03:31 pm »

If the headsets are hardwired, the SM can set the tone for how they're to be used.  However, if walkies are used in the US, the FCC regulates profanity (strange but true).  Should profanity be overheard because you're being monitored or accidentally overheard or something, you can get fined. 

Personally, I've had people miss Qs because they were so busy gabbing over headsets.  I don't mind a little chatter, but once the word "Warn" is spoken I insist on radio silence until I hear "Complete."  And, if people start getting carried away I'll ask them to calm down.  Because one never knows who is listening in, I do ask that there be no profanity and that the airwaves not be used to make fun of others.  That can be done over a drink after the show.

38

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: squibs

« on: Jul 19, 2007, 03:16 pm »

Hi!  Please check regulations in Edmonton to see if you need someone with a pyro license to blow the squibs ... they are, indeed, considered pyro and have a small explosive component.  The wearer can suffer burns from them, so care must be taken.  Any local SPFX house should be able to start you in the right direction.  Is there a film 411 directory for Canada?  That would be a great place to start.

39

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How to Spike Stage for Focus?

« on: Apr 11, 2007, 12:34 am »

When I was at the National Theatre in London they had large, marked sheets with stage areas marked on them that corresponded to areas circled on the lighting plot/floorplan.  The large sheets were actually rolled onto the stage floor and used as focus points on the stage.  I wonder if you're being expected to mark large X's or large letters on the stage floor to be used similarly.  I'd never seen this done before but it was pretty cool.

40

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Groups?

« on: Apr 11, 2007, 12:30 am »

I used Google Groups for many of my school productions and was always very pleased with the results.  Sometimes I had to invite someone twice, but that was the only problem I ever experienced.  I'd highly recommend giving it a try.

41

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First SM position and first Challenge

« on: Mar 25, 2007, 11:28 pm »

I just recommended this site for another post, so I may as well be redundant.
http://www.perfectionlearning.com/bdp/bdp.binder.pdf
There's a page on blocking shorthand that I think you'll find very helpful.  Personally, I set up my script so that the pages are centered on 8-1/2 X 11 pages, righthand side of my 3-ring binder only.  I use the inside margin for blocking and the back of the facing page for sketches or notes to clarify anything difficult.  The outer margins are used for writing Qs.  That's how I've been doing it for lots of years - other folks find their own way.  As you gain experience, you'll discover what works best for you, too.  Have fun!

Lilz

42

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: YAle Short Hand

« on: Mar 25, 2007, 11:18 pm »

Hi. 

If you'll go to this link and page down you'll find what you're looking for:
http://www.perfectionlearning.com/bdp/bdp.binder.pdf
It will help you a ton while taking blocking notes.  I incorporated it into my regular notetaking shorthand and use it all the time.

Lilz

43

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Vacation! London/Paris

« on: Mar 19, 2007, 11:41 pm »

I think the RSC might be dark over Easter - it was last year.  Boo!  They do regular tours at the National Theatre, including backstage - lots of fun!  There are a couple other backstage tours ... does anyone remember the one on the West End ... old theatre supposed to be haunted?  There's a great website for travelers - www.virtualtourist.com - you'll get lots of info from travelers and residents alike!  Bon voyage!

44

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Backstage Etiquette

« on: Mar 19, 2007, 11:35 pm »

Personally, ewwwww!  But I have to ask, does she make her scene changes without being reminded?  Does she get her work done without being coached?  As long as you don't have to babysit her or beg her to get her hands off her boy toy when they should be moving the set, who cares?  I would never conduct myself that way in a professional situation - I'd wait until after the show and head out to the dumpster like you're supposed to do.  However, you can't always force your own sense of professionalism on someone else and if it isn't screwing up the show, don't stress it.

45

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Yale.

« on: Mar 19, 2007, 11:27 pm »

Yale is Mecca for theatre tech.  There are a lot of great schools out there, but Yale is ... well, Yale.