31
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What to do with too much help!?!?
« on: Oct 07, 2008, 09:27 am »
What about having one or two of the more interested people shadow you or your ASM?
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32
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: any jobs out there
« on: Sep 26, 2008, 05:55 pm »
Start by spending some time on these forums - there is a lot of good advice already up here. Check out the Employment board and the Students & Novice Stage Managers board especially.
Good luck!
Good luck!
33
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Get it out of my head!
« on: Aug 16, 2008, 09:57 pm »
Re: sleep aids, if you decide to go that route - the one that I use is called Trazodone, and it's designed to help you stay asleep through the night rather than fall asleep. (Originally, in the 60's, it was an antidepressant, but it made people too drowsy and is now used exclusively as a sleep aid.)
There are also herbal supplements that you can try like Melatonin.
There are also herbal supplements that you can try like Melatonin.
34
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Get it out of my head!
« on: Aug 15, 2008, 10:28 pm »
I've definitely been there, and I've definitely also almost strangled myself with the iPod headphones. I don't have any suggestions for getting the music out of your head, but for sleeping...you could try investing in wireless headphones, but they're all huge (might not be comfortable to sleep with) and expensive.
What about one of those nature sounds CDs? The ones that are just waterfalls or crickets or whatever? Is that still too much noise for your husband?
If your sleep pattern is truly messed up - if you're tossing and turning for hours - maybe you should talk to your doctor about a temporary sleep aid. I was dubious of sleep aids at first, but when used correctly all they do is teach your body how to fall asleep. Maybe it would work?
Good luck!
What about one of those nature sounds CDs? The ones that are just waterfalls or crickets or whatever? Is that still too much noise for your husband?
If your sleep pattern is truly messed up - if you're tossing and turning for hours - maybe you should talk to your doctor about a temporary sleep aid. I was dubious of sleep aids at first, but when used correctly all they do is teach your body how to fall asleep. Maybe it would work?
Good luck!
35
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Gratuitious Paperwork
« on: Aug 15, 2008, 10:19 pm »
Personally, I like making lots of paperwork (although I am definitely "one of those young stage managers") - it helps me get a better grip on everything I need to know for the show by breaking the information down, even if I have it all already. I agree with tempest gypsy about the kit mentality: it's true, as Matthew said, that you bring what you need to get the job done, but in our job, you never know what you'll need to be efficient in completing your job. But, as with a kit, if something is pointless for a production I wouldn't bring it.
36
Employment / Re: Resume question--current show
« on: Aug 12, 2008, 11:49 pm »
I usually list my current / upcoming show with (forthcoming) accompanying the title.
37
College and Graduate Studies / Re: Compilation of grad schools
« on: Aug 05, 2008, 09:01 pm »
I'm going to sticky this for a quick reference for anyone who wants to quick list. Thanks madkisso for the nice work!
38
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Taping the Prop Table
« on: Jul 29, 2008, 11:09 pm »My only problem with outlining the physical prop is what if the prop changes? Do you have to redo the entire butcher paper?
We outlined and labeled everything in pencil, kept detailed track of changes (so that even when we didn't have time to erase something immediately when it changed, we could just scribble it out and not worry about it), and - once everything was set in stone - sharpied the relevant shapes and erased the erroneous marks.
I didn't particularly like the extra work of erasing, and I personally prefer the box method myself. But, the outline method has some definite perks - the aforementioned ability to glance at a table and know exactly what's missing is excellent in a prop-heavy show. I've found it especially helpful in a weapons-heavy show -- I did a show recently where we needed to keep track of five swords and a dagger and it was really important to be able to know whether one was missing immediately.
39
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What to do?
« on: Jul 20, 2008, 01:53 pm »
College is definitely not a requirement to become a great stage manager. I'd suggest getting involved with your local community theater - see if they have any stage crew positions available. Working backstage is a great way to get experience as well as work closely with SMs and ASMs so that you can learn what the job is all about.
Also, definitely start taking a look around these boards! There are posts about books about stage management (Lawrence Stern's is a great one), and lots of posts about how to get started in the business.
Also, definitely start taking a look around these boards! There are posts about books about stage management (Lawrence Stern's is a great one), and lots of posts about how to get started in the business.
40
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: looking for a good college, preferably on the east coast...
« on: Jul 18, 2008, 01:46 pm »
I'll go ahead and recommend Brandeis like I always do 
If you're interested in Tufts, Brandeis is worth looking into as they are similar types of schools and are even located close together. Brandeis has a phenomenal theater program, and the stage management training is excellent. (It's not an SM major, it's a major in theater arts with a concentration in SM.)
PM me if you'd like more information - I could talk about Brandeis all day. I can also put you in touch with the head of stage management there if you'd like.
If you're interested in Tufts, Brandeis is worth looking into as they are similar types of schools and are even located close together. Brandeis has a phenomenal theater program, and the stage management training is excellent. (It's not an SM major, it's a major in theater arts with a concentration in SM.)
PM me if you'd like more information - I could talk about Brandeis all day. I can also put you in touch with the head of stage management there if you'd like.
41
Tools of the Trade / Re: The Blackberry
« on: Jul 17, 2008, 01:06 pm »I like my Treo, and the newer ones have Windows mobile, which is nice for me. I'm in the process of fighting with Dell about my laptop and I'm looking to upgrade to a Macbook before Christmas.
If you're going to get a Macbook, I'd recommend the iPhone - they work SO seamlessly together. (I have an iPod touch, not a phone, but I use it for my calendar, contacts, mail, etc.)
43
Tools of the Trade / Re: Things that went wrong with your technical equipment?
« on: Jul 04, 2008, 02:01 am »
I've had to deal with a few crappy headset systems - all wireless - and I've had to resort to cell phones more than once. The other stage manager at my theater had the light board and sound system shut down on her at the same time once this season.
44
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How to deal with problem Actor's/Audience members
« on: Jul 02, 2008, 09:47 pm »
I agree about appointing a house manager; I don't think having to deal with audience members should fall under your job description as an SM. You've got enough to worry about!
45
Tools of the Trade / Re: What software do you use?
« on: Jun 24, 2008, 01:48 am »
I just got a Mac, and I really don't use that much software specifically for SMing.
I do use:
Excel, for 90% of my paperwork
Word, for the other 10%
iCal
iTunes, for running sound cues in rehearsal
iChat, for keeping in touch between rehearsal spaces
And, I LOVE Expose and Spaces. Helps keep everything organized when I've got a million things open at once.
I do use:
Excel, for 90% of my paperwork
Word, for the other 10%
iCal
iTunes, for running sound cues in rehearsal
iChat, for keeping in touch between rehearsal spaces
And, I LOVE Expose and Spaces. Helps keep everything organized when I've got a million things open at once.