Messages

301

Stage Management: Other / Cosi fan Tutte score w/ no measure numbers??

« on: Jul 26, 2007, 02:19 am »

One of the shows in my upcoming show is Cosi, and I just got the score for review.  There are absolutely zero measure numbers.  Has anyone else had this problem?  I don't know if it is just the version that I have (Schirmer) or if it is true of all versions.  How have you dealt with this, particularly in tech/dress rehearsals?  I am wondering specifically about being able to tell the maestro/accompanist where to pick up after we have stopped, as they are working from the conductor score, which has different page numbers.

Ideas???

Thanks!!
SSM

302

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: theatre romance

« on: Jul 26, 2007, 02:11 am »

I would have to say no, it is not ok to date anyone that you are working with currently, especially an actor.  It can cause too many problems of jealousy, favoritism, and bringing personal conflicts into the work environment.  If you have feelings for someone, wait until the show is finished and then explore it.  If it is meant to be, the feelings will still be there.

Just my humble opinion...

SSM

303

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Questions to Ask a Venue

« on: Jul 25, 2007, 01:06 pm »

In addition to all of the great questions already posted, I would also ask if there is a space that can be used as a "production" office, that you would be able to have some where to plug in your computer, hang your coat, etc.


SSM

304

Tools of the Trade / Re: Painting on marley floor

« on: Jul 20, 2007, 03:28 pm »

I appreciate all of the excellent ideas!!  I am going to do a couple of test patches, and then let the  two artistic directors (theatre/dance) battle it out.

I will let you know if I find something that works well...

Thank you!!!!!!

SSM

305

Tools of the Trade / Re: Painting on marley floor

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 01:51 pm »

Unfortunately we own the space, and the two companies (theatre and dance) are connected.  Since I work with both, I am stuck trying to make everyone happy.

I was also thinking about using vinyl tape (like electrical tape) but that seemed like it would be more slippery than the spike tape.

306

Tools of the Trade / Re: Painting on marley floor

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 12:14 pm »

Wait- how does it risk the dancers' safety to use spike tape?

Really...?

I've been working in dance since 1982 and spike tape has never been a problem. If they trip on spike tape--- well I have no comment.

It is much, much, much more of a risk to use any kind of paint on a marly floor- because even if it will wash off- what kind of cleanser are you using? Many many many cleanser's will damage your floor.

I beg of you by all that is decent and holy contact your floor manufacturer before you put any kind of paint on your marly! Discuss the repercussions of both the paint and the cleanser!

Yeah, I know.  I completely agree with you.  Supposedly the dancers can't deal with the different texture between the marley and the spike tape when they are on pointe.  It seems like they (and the choreographers that encourage it) are being kind of rediculous, as other dance companies I have worked with have never had a problem.  However, I would rather try to pacify them than to come in after a dance rehearsal for a theatre rehearsal and have all of my groundplan tape completely pulled up.  And I mean completely, every last little piece.

I have a message into the flooring company to see what they would suggest.  The floor is mopped at least once a day, sometimes more, so I am not sure if something completely water based would work.

Thank you all for your ideas!!

SSM

307

Tools of the Trade / Painting on marley floor

« on: Jul 16, 2007, 03:27 pm »

I am trying to figure out if there is a way to paint spikes/groundplans on a marley floor, and then be able to remove it without damaging the floor. 
I realize that this is not the best idea in the world, but I have a multi-use space that is used both for theatre rehearsals and for pointe' classes, and the usual gaff type spike tape isn't safe for the dancers and doesn't really stay all that well with people dancing on it.  I am trying to find something that will be a happy medium, both safe for the dancers and longer lasting so I don't have to retape the entire set before every rehearsal.
Has anyone had to do something like this before?  What have you used and how well did it remove from the floor?  It would need to last for approx 4 weeks, and would be used for 4-5 shows per season.

Thanks!!!

308

Employment / Re: First Aid/Fire Guard

« on: Jul 05, 2007, 05:54 pm »

I would strongly recommend both the first aid and CPR certification for any SM.  I have had to use my training in this several times.  If nothing else, it will help you clarify when the actor's injury is serious, versus the usual paper cut/splinter that just needs a band-aid and a little personalized attention.

309

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Multi-tool advice?

« on: Jun 29, 2007, 10:20 pm »

I have a Leatherman Juice XE6. 

I have this one also, and I love it.  It is small and lightweight, easy to use, and has pliers AND scissors.  It is also purple and easy to identify as mine.

310

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SMing a Shakespeare

« on: Jun 28, 2007, 09:32 pm »

I would also recommend the "Arden" version of any of the plays.  It has the script on half the page, and footnotes of many of the references that aren't as contemporary.  Don't use it as a calling script, but it is an invaluable reference.

311

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Problem Actor...

« on: Jun 10, 2007, 06:17 pm »

It may be helpful for you to find out why she is constantly on the phone or computer.  I have had actors with child care issues, trying to work out the next job, etc, and altough it doesn't excuse her onstage behavior, you may be able to help her find other ways to work around whatever the issue is so she can focus on the show...

312

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: Jun 09, 2007, 10:25 pm »

You can't just "eliminate" these trouble ASMs like Dr. Claw in Inspector Gadget.

But wouldn't it be nice if we could???

(I do actually agree with you that finding solutions to keep the show going is the best solution, but there are times when Dr. Claw would be great...)

SSM

313

Employment / Re: Finding Jobs

« on: Jun 08, 2007, 07:19 pm »

Are you at UNC?  Their tech program is getting better and better...

I would second (or third/fourth) ArtSEARCH and backstagejobs.com.  You can also try playbill.com.

If you are looking for an internship for the fall, you may want to look into the Denver Center Theatre Company.  It is only about an hour from Greeley down 85 or I-25, and internships there (although unpaid) are a great hands on experience in a big LORT theatre.  SM interns usually serve as 1st or 2nd ASM on the shows, lots of classics and new works.  I think the Arvada Center also has internships, but I am not positive.

If you want to PM me, I can give you more info on who to talk to about DCTC...

Good luck!

314

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dressing For The Part?

« on: May 29, 2007, 10:38 pm »

Although in defense of the sleeveless shirt or tank top, it is frequently about 80 degrees F in my office and not much cooler in the theatre for 3-4 months of the year.  I will take the bare arms over the sweat stains and the accompanying smells any day.  (How do you tell your PA/ASM/Crew that they smell?!  )

315

SMNetwork Archives / Is part of being a Stage Manager being an artist?

« on: May 21, 2007, 10:39 pm »

So here is a question that has come up for me several times recently, and I am not really sure what the answer is.

Do you think that there is an artistic part of being a stage manager?  I have always felt like there is a part of the job that requires some artistic sense, particularly in calling a show.  Not in anything that affects design or acting, but something.  Someone explained it to me once as 45% manager, 45% technician, and 10% artist.

What do you think?

Thanks!

SSM