Messages

316

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: And it blew like a sailboat, right into the orch pit

« on: May 21, 2007, 10:33 pm »

Always go to the side of safety.  Better that you and the other stage manager ask for the brakes that are desperately needed (or to discuss other ways to secure the wagons) then worry about offending anyone.  If the TD/designer gets mad because you are concerned about the welfare of your cast and crew, then they are woefully ignorant of what a stage manager's job is.  If you feel like they will ignore a verbal request, then put it in writing (email works fabulously) and cc it to the production manager, etc.  That way if for some bizarre reason they decide not to do anything, you have documented that you have done everything that you could.

Best of luck with this!

SSM

317

Tools of the Trade / Re: Food prop question

« on: May 19, 2007, 08:01 pm »

Depending on the closeness of the audience, you may be able to use a piece of rye/brown bread with a little bit of whitish yellow frosting to add some fat lines.  If your audience is really close, it won't work, but if their not it would work.  Your actors would probably also appreciate something a little easier to eat than real meat.

SSM

318

Employment / Re: Schools for Electricians / Light Techs

« on: May 08, 2007, 11:01 am »

Have you worked with people out of here?  What do you know about their program?

I have worked on several shows with the guy who is the head of the dept, and have also sent several of my undergrad students there for more specific training.  My students found the training to be very hands on, and said that they learned a lot (far more than 4 yrs of traditional undergrad).

I am not sure why there website is so lame.  I have noticed that as well.  I would recommend calling and talking to them, and see if they can provide you with a list of where their grads have been hired or are working.

Good luck!

319

Employment / Re: Schools for Electricians / Light Techs

« on: May 04, 2007, 04:42 pm »

You may want to contact Jim Moody at LA City College.  They have a technician training program that probably covers most if not all of those skills.

320

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

« on: Apr 27, 2007, 07:16 pm »

Has anyone tried Paramedic's pants?  They usually come in dark colors, are very durable, and have tons of pockets.  They seem like they would be perfect, but I don't know.

Opinions?

SSM

321

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 07:39 pm »

I would second Balletdork's suggestion of trying to talk to him privately.  Sometimes people don't realize that what they are doing isn't helpful, even if that is what their intention is.

If talking to him doesn't help, have you thought about trying to do the show without him?  It may not be possible (and I know it sounds harsh), but it seems as if he is more of a detriment than a benefit to the team.  It may mean that everyone else picks up a little of his slack, but if you are already under the gun, it may be easier than trying to work around him.

Good luck with this difficult situation!

SSM

322

Tools of the Trade / Re: Washable Blood

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 07:30 pm »

As long as the the blood isn't near anyone's mouth or eyes, you can also use any commercial blood (like Ben Nye) and add Tide detergent.  (I don't know why Tide works better than other detergents, but for some reason it does...)  Depending on the fabric, you can adjust the ratio.  1/2 cup per quart works pretty well.

I have used this to get (a lot) of blood out of white linen, and it works well.  If time permits, let the costumes air dry so if there are any left over stains, they are not set in, and you can spot treat them.

SSM

323

Tools of the Trade / Re: Excel Help?!

« on: Apr 07, 2007, 12:19 pm »

That's COOL!!!!!  I never knew you could do that!!

324

Employment / Re: Too Old

« on: Mar 10, 2007, 06:47 pm »

It is illegal throughout the US to ask age, marital or family (children) status, race, gender, reasons for wanting to relocate, and many other personal questions in interviews. 

This site has a pretty good list of what you can and cannot ask.

http://www.checkstart.com/resource_center/unacceptable_questions.html


And 28 is definitely not old!

325

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Tense Director During Tech

« on: Mar 10, 2007, 06:32 pm »

Having just opened a show with many of these same issues (seems to be going around... must be the time of year), the best thing I can say, in addition to everyone else's great advice that has already been given, is to let the negativity roll past you. 

It always seems to be ten times worse if you engage the confrontational person, instead of just allowing them a minute to vent.  After they have had their say, don't address the problem, just suggest solutions. 

Think of it like putting your fingers in your ears and saying "la la la la la la...." until they have finished, and then move on.  (As tempting as it sometimes feels to actually do this (instead of just thinking it), I don't know that I would recommend it, although I would love to see the look on the director's face... )

I really appreciate all the other suggestions.  They have all been very helpful this week during tech!

Thanks!!
SSM

326

Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.

« on: Jan 28, 2007, 06:29 pm »

Mac-

It sounds like everyone has had some great suggestions for some of the logistics.  It did seem in your original post, though, that the project looked a little overwhelming.  I just wanted to suggest that (especially as you have some time) to approach it just as you would any other project.  Create a list of what you generally need to accomplish (you can always add as you go along), and approach/attack it one piece at a time.  I have in the past found it useful to start at the door (security, access, etc), get to the theatre (dressing rooms, traffic patterns, etc) through to onstage, and then back out again.  It all seems a little less daunting if I know that the only problem that I might have to solve at that moment is how to get little Susie out of her banana costume before the curtain call.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

SSM

327

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Legal Pads

« on: Jan 10, 2007, 09:05 pm »

Ampad also makes legal pads that are 100% recycled.  The paper is a slight off white, but they are my personal favorites.

SSM

328

Stage Management: Other / Re: Listing Choreographers vs Reconstructors on a resume??

« on: Dec 07, 2006, 02:49 pm »

Thank you!  That is really helpful!!!

SSM

329

Stage Management: Other / Re: Stage Management-TV?

« on: Nov 29, 2006, 10:40 pm »

I will check and see if there are any books that my boyfriend would recommend.  I think the main thing (like any SM job) is to just stay calm and organized, and you will pick things up quickly.

Best of luck!

SSM

330

Stage Management: Other / Re: Listing Choreographers vs Reconstructors on a resume??

« on: Nov 19, 2006, 09:15 pm »

Great, thanks!

Have you ever had to list multiple pieces in one concert?  I am trying to figure that one out without having a resume that is 10 pages...

SSM