Messages

316

The Hardline / Re: A dance gig vs. Equity

« on: Jan 17, 2008, 08:57 pm »

Why don't they prohibit it?  Probably because there are not anywhere near enough AGMA organized houses to support its membership.  Once there are, the union may change its policy.

Also, I know several dance companies that are AGMA but do not have union stage managers as part of their agreement.  This is because frequently dance SMs are required to take on non-SM duties in addition to calling shows and other typical SM duties.

In my experience as an AGMA and AEA member, though the unions be sisters, they are quite different.  There are far fewer AGMA SMs out there than AEA SMs and far fewer AGMA SM jobs than AEA jobs. It would not make sense for AGMA to prevent their members from working outside the unions, people would (might) not join.

317

Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.

« on: Jan 17, 2008, 08:01 pm »

Hey -- it might be easier to stop them from going to places they shouldn't be....like crossing between the cyc and the bounce.... =)

I call this "Spy Vs. Spy" cause it reminds me of those cartoons with the silhouette.

318

Stage Management: Other / Re: Opera Greenie

« on: Jan 17, 2008, 07:46 pm »

Yes, never cross in front of the maestro, always walk around behind him/ her to get to the other side of the room.

319

Employment / Re: Entertainment Industry Expo

« on: Jan 13, 2008, 11:44 pm »

I have registered as well and plan to attend if my flight back from Ohio makes it in time.  Think I'll have to miss the SM discussion though, which irks me.

320

The Hardline / Re: Need a doctor in NYC

« on: Jan 13, 2008, 11:28 pm »

I believe you can go to cigna's website (or call the number on the back of your card) and pick pick someone that way.  Be sure to confirm when you make your appointment that they still take your insurance.

I found my DR this way.  He is not stellar but he had appointments available.  PM me if you want his details.

321

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Dec 27, 2007, 03:34 pm »

I don't think you should list shadowing on your resume, but you could write about it in your cover letter if the experience applies to the job you are trying to get.

322

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Happy Birthday Kay!

« on: Dec 22, 2007, 11:22 am »

Happy Birthday Kay!

323

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Before Show Pep Talks - Cast and Crew

« on: Dec 21, 2007, 10:43 pm »

Hmm.  In dance, most companies like to gather and pep talk/ breathe together/ whatever before each show.  I usually designate a location for this and announce ahead of time that we will gather at 5 mins.  In theater, I have not really found a need to do this.

324

Articles from the Old Site / Re: See in the Dark

« on: Dec 11, 2007, 11:09 pm »

Most camcorders have a night-vision feature and you can hook it up to feed directly to your TV.  I have used this to see in blackouts before.

325

Employment / Re: Advice on my resume

« on: Dec 11, 2007, 10:38 pm »

I would say your next step is to play with formatting.  See how your columns line up from section to section.  Play with it until you find the most pleasing (or easy to follow) design.  Most people are going to read each line of your resume, so find a way to draw the eye to the areas you want.  Negative space is a great tool, don't neglect it.

326

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Question from an newbie!

« on: Dec 11, 2007, 11:54 am »

 If you want, I can save a small chunk of it (so the file isn't so huge!) and send it to you if you want to see how I did it (it's hard to explain!).

I'd love to see a page or two.

327

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Who makes the better SM? Men or women?

« on: Dec 10, 2007, 01:17 pm »

Hello All--

Questions:

• Have you encountered sexist or gendered behavior in the workplace?

Unfortunately, yes.  Usually on tour, when loading in to "old boys club" theater.  Sometimes the crew (or certain crew members) don't like taking orders from a woman.

But that is definitely the exception, not the rule.

• What characteristics are most important to a successful SM? Are these primarily female or male characteristics? Why or why not?

An SM should be organized, accepting, attentive, calm under pressure, and quick-thinking.  Also problem-solving, leadership, empathy, good judgment.

I don't think that any of these are male or female.

• What are the most common failings of SMs?

I know that I can get too caught up in the feelings of my director.  I don't know if that's because I 'm a woman or just because I am human.

• What are your thoughts on the idea of a SM as a Mother figure? Any pertinent stories?

I tend to be a mothering SM.  I care very much about my cast and try to take very good care of them. 

I do not feel that this is a necessary quality for an SM to have.  It can also be counter-productive if taken to far or concentrated on only one or a few of the cast.  It is important to find the balance between being nurturing and being professional.

• Do you feel that there are less SM opportunities for one gender? Is there any instance where one gender makes a better SM? Why or why not?

I think that most broadway SMs are men.  But outside broadway, I think there are more women than men. 

I don't think that gender makes someone better for a job.  Certainly circumstances can call for a certain type of personality (and gender can play a part in that).  I cannot think of any specific instances to reference.

• If you are a female SM, do you feel you have to work harder for the same respect/pay/jobs as your male counterparts? Why or why not?

Yes, sometimes.  But again, this is the exception.

• Do people of a specific sexuality or gender identity make better SMs? Why or why not?

I don't necessarily think so.  Again, individuals are good at jobs.  And different jobs are suited to different individuals.

Thanks for your input, I'm looking for honest answers, even if they may not be politically correct.

328

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: A tricky situation

« on: Dec 06, 2007, 09:45 am »

There is no better way to piss off your cast than to mess with their personal lives.  Feel free to approach the girl and say that you are willing to listen to her if she ever needs someone to talk to.  But do not try to interfere.  It's technically none of your business.

329

The Hardline / Re: Crediting in Programs

« on: Nov 30, 2007, 07:39 pm »

If I am PSM, I want credit. If I am ASM or crew, I don't necessarily need one.

But one thing that will definitely bother me is if my name is misspelled. 

330

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Rehearsal Checklist?

« on: Nov 29, 2007, 10:28 pm »

try http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,1105.0.html