Messages

31

Employment / Re: What (not?) to wear

« on: Jan 11, 2013, 12:46 pm »

I usually go for something I feel confident in, and yet have a degree of comfortability wearing. You need to seem like you are in control, and sure of yourself, and if you are wearing something that you don't like, it'll show. That being said, I also like to throw a piece of jewelry or a clothing item that definitely represent me, and show that I have a personality.

My go-to outfit is usually a pair of comfortable slacks (Dressy, but ones I also can wear for shows-usually dark grey or black), A dressy dark top of some kind, and simple earrings. I try to not draw too much attention to my upper half, because of my body type (I'm a rather large-chested girl). My statement piece is a brass cuff bracelet with a 1903 map of Detroit etched onto it. It's a good conversation starter, and shows a bit of my personality.

Oh, for ladies, something I have heard often: Please keep the makeup to a minimum. Yes, we want to look good, but the more natural, the better, because it shows that you aren't trying too hard, and are comfortable in your own skin.

32

Employment / Re: Pictures

« on: Jan 11, 2013, 12:29 pm »

I skip right over those jobs. Why do they need to know what their SM would look like? Never sits right with me.

Ditto. Usually this means they have an issue with "image." They want all their people to look family friendly. Usually this leads to them hiring less-qualified people for the job. Scary. I've been in a situation like this.
Post Merge: Jan 11, 2013, 12:35 pm

I've had a couple of companies I've applied to ask for a headshot- some with the initial application and some once I'd been hired (for the program/lobby board).  My avatar is the picture I use for that, as well as for my user pic on LinkedIn, etc.  It was taken by a friend who, while by no means a professional photographer, is very good with a camera & had taken headshots for a couple actor-friends of mine.

I've done Job Contact at SETC & UPTA, and a lot of people that I interviewed with at these big conferences would ask if I minded if they took a photo of me- they interview upwards of 100 candidates over a couple of days and then have to go away to make further hiring decisions, and putting a face to the resume is helpful in the process.  Maybe these companies asking for photos with the application are doing the same thing- not to judge the candidate by appearance (although I think that subconsciously it's unavoidable...) but just to connect a face to the resume or voice on the phone.

I definitely wouldn't ignore the request- no matter their reason for asking for one, all it says to the potential employer is "I don't follow instructions well."

I agree with this. However, at conferences, they have already seen you when they ask for the picture. This doesn't usually sit well, with me if they ask before they even see you or talk to you. I agree, don't ignore the request, but do a little research on the company to make sure it is a place that will be good for you. Always do research, but maybe do a bit more than what you normally would.

I recently was looking into a company, and the hiring process was basically like applying online for Best Buy. They wanted to know hours I could work, and if I could adhere to a "code," aka, one piercing in each ear, natural colored hair, and even a "fit physique for work." If all of these could not be followed, they asked you stop applying at that point. This screamed to me that they cared more about the appearance of what their techs looked like rather than their quality of work.

33

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: TERMS YOU NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE

« on: Dec 17, 2012, 09:23 am »

I used this for my last big musical, because we had students in it from multiple departments. Basically, it was a condensed actor info sheet with a photo. I called it my cheat sheet because I'm horrible with names/faces.

34

The Hardline / Re: AEA and "Right To Work"

« on: Dec 17, 2012, 09:21 am »

Thanks everyone! I was wondering if it really would change much. When I looked at the content of the law, it seemed that what it mandated is what a lot of companies already do.

35

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Fight Notation

« on: Dec 13, 2012, 01:02 pm »

And now AEA allows us to video tape fight work for rehearsal purposes . . .

thank goodness for smart phones!!!

THIS.

When I was in rehearsals for my current show, it would have been a nightmare to grab the fight notation as my choreographer was working. So...I video taped all of them, and had them constantly on hand for the understudies and review sessions before we opened.

36

The Hardline / AEA and "Right To Work"

« on: Dec 13, 2012, 12:52 pm »

Just curious:

Now that MI, my current state, has passed "Right To Work" and signed into law, how does that affect the entertainment unions? I'm looking at mainly IATSE and AEA here.

37

Employment / Re: Websites

« on: Nov 13, 2012, 06:45 pm »

www.mercedescoley.com

38

Employment / Re: Touring Job posting

« on: Oct 30, 2012, 11:57 am »

What babens said. They always have a listing up for SM's. Do do all the other big name companies. It's a way for them to keep their database fresh without extraneous work on their part.

39

The Green Room / Re: SANDY!

« on: Oct 30, 2012, 11:55 am »

I saw a picture of the Kennedy Center almost overrun by the Potomac. Anyone know anyone out there to see how it's going?

40

The Green Room / Re: Stuff people at a Shakespeare Festival say

« on: Oct 25, 2012, 10:35 am »

"let me take off your pants"

Yup. As a dresser once, that phrase was used often.

41

Employment / Cover Letters for Tours

« on: Oct 25, 2012, 10:09 am »

Hello everyone!

I'm almost out of graduate school, and I'm trying to break my way into the touring world. I have shadowed a lot of tours, and I know quite a few people currently working on them, and I really feel that is the right place for me. I have a website and resume, but, I am now trying to figure out cover letters. I'd really appreciate it if anyone had any tips on writing them specifically for these companies and what could make/help me stand out or get myself to the top of the pile. I'm having a couple friends of mine that work for them look over my stuff, but any other help is really appreciated. Thanks!

42

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

« on: Oct 13, 2012, 09:43 am »

I'm all for going as paperless as possible, but, in the event it fails, I always like to have a hard copy of the script with cues at least.

As far as taking blocking with a stylus, I have found that, after you type up/scan your script into a .pdf format, the app on my ipad "Notability" is perfect. It's a freeform app that allows you to write/draw/highlight/etc. all over your script, and you can save it as you go to dropbox or another online sync so others can view it if needed. You can also insert videos and pictures were you need them.

But Matthew is right. Every generation of SM's will adopt a new technology that works for them. Not every method is perfect for everyone, you just have to find what works for you and for the company you are working for

43

The Green Room / Re: STAGE MANAGEMENT IN THE PRESS - More about Rebecca

« on: Oct 13, 2012, 09:38 am »

I met Tripp while shadowing one of his tours here in Detroit. He really was a joy to watch, and I picked up a lot of tips from him and his team. I truly wish him the best and hope that he finds something soon.

44

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Facebook Comments (How to deal with a very unpleasant pit orchestra?)

« on: Oct 04, 2012, 11:02 am »

Again...simple rule: Dont' post anything, no matter how vague, about your job to Facebook. I have limited my posts to fun quips about life and otherwise, nothing about work or what I do. I have seen this bite people in the butt way more times than I care to admit.

45

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Summer Stock

« on: Oct 04, 2012, 10:30 am »

Everything that Gina said.

For summer stocks, focus on what you can learn in a crazy environment. It's a lot of info and work thrown at you in a very short amount of time, and it really makes you use SM muscles you never realized you had. I found it was a great place for me to hone my SM skills as a multitasker and being able to work on things simultaneously (even now, that helped with me working in a repertory theatre).