Messages

316

Self-Promotion / Re: TITUS ANDRONICUS

« on: Oct 17, 2011, 07:51 am »

Because when I think of the holiday season, I think Titus 

Five times, wow. Strange the shows that haunt our careers. Happy managing!

317

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Designer Cue Lists

« on: Oct 06, 2011, 07:31 pm »

Wow...maybe I've just been lucky or have accommodating designers, but when I request cue lists I tend to get them, or we sit down together and I put them in my script. I've never received a digital copy of the script with the cues in them; though I can see why the designer would think this was simpler, what happens if you need to reference the original cue for some reason? Having it in a list format would be easier than having to go through electronic pages of a script (since it isn't printing correctly).

318

Employment / Re: Resume Workshop - Have you attended one?

« on: Oct 06, 2011, 07:06 pm »

I'm in the same boat - personally I remember in middle school having to learn how to write a proper business-related letter (in English class, where we were expected to know proper sentence structure); but I think nowadays for some reason it's fallen to the wayside.

The point I always drive home is emphasizing the professional touch, not the personal touch. For some reason I see resumes with pictures, emoticons(?!), clipart, thinking they're putting a personal touch that will make them stand out; these are the same ones that write the address on the envelope with sloppy, illegible handwriting or misspelled names of managers.

I'd love to see a clean, concise resume with an intelligible cover letter. I want to read their information thinking they could handle a job with maturity, not that they're a homeboy that's fun at parties.

319

Employment / Re: Personal Branding 101

« on: Oct 06, 2011, 06:52 pm »

Thanks for posting, it made some good points.

320

The Green Room / Re: Hurricane Irene and your Company's plans

« on: Aug 25, 2011, 11:17 pm »

We are rehearsing two shows here in Charlotte, NC - one is off Sat & Sun, the other is off Fri & Sat, as previously planned. We haven't had a hurricane come this close inland since Hugo, so management hasn't begun any plans as of yet.

321

The Hardline / Re: Changing Economics of the Road

« on: Aug 24, 2011, 05:51 pm »

What? I've been in ShakesFest hell and hadn't heard of this. How unfortunate. It would be interesting to see if anyone notices any differences on the tour with the change.

322

The Green Room / Your tattoo stories

« on: Aug 22, 2011, 10:45 pm »

I'm turning 32 (tomorrow!) and I'm getting my first tattoo. I'm a tad of a late bloomer, as a previous post on tattoos in the workplace made me realize. I've thought about getting this tattoo for the past five years, which leads me to believe after that length of time I shouldn't regret it. Fingers crossed.

The plan is to get the word 'gypsy' on my right wrist, very small, in white ink, in attractive lettering, maybe in greek (I lived in Athens years ago). I've moved consistently since I was 3 weeks old, so there's that aspect behind the word; the other is to remind me that home isn't necessarily four walls and a roof, which tends to be comforting during the crazy times.

What's the story behind your tattoo(s)? Let's share them all - the good, the bad, the ugly and the drunken oh-my-sweet-lord-why-did-I-get-that-THERE?! stories. Attached pictures get extra credit 

323

Stage Management: Other / Re: Met Opera Stage Managers

« on: Aug 20, 2011, 05:08 pm »

You can check here-- http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/about/employment/

To be honest no one who might have the contact information for the people you're looking for is going to give it to you blindly. Especially if they don't know you. And especially if they don't know how you'll handle the information once you're given it. Try sending in your resume with a cover letter or letter of intent, and then use your connections at the university to see who knows who at the Met who can push your information forward. It's the fine art of networking.

324

The Green Room / Re: You know you're in tech when....

« on: Aug 16, 2011, 09:50 am »

...when your SO shakes you awake because you've begun to call the show in your sleep.

I'm embarrassed to relate to this one...

325

Employment / Re: Jumped on Board Too Soon

« on: Aug 14, 2011, 09:16 pm »

I'm assuming here that job #2 is an offer, not the chance of an offer (it's unclear in your post). In which case there's nothing awkward about it, it's business. Point blank - you didn't sign anything, therefore it isn't official. You don't even have to explain why you have to back out other than a generalization of 'another opportunity better suited to my personal goals arose' etc etc. It's only a day out so you're not leaving them in the lurch, and you can be prepared with a short list of other stage managers suited for the position.

326

Tools of the Trade / Re: Digital Show Binder

« on: Aug 13, 2011, 12:06 am »

The quick response: our department is mulling over the safest, most efficient way to do just that. I don't see a way to be entirely digital from start to finish, I don't trust technology enough just yet. I can see an actor going digital easily - if their information is lost, they can go to the SM as a backup. But who can the SM go to?

As great as digital technology is, the analog version still wins out in many respects. Paper and pencil never crash.

327

Employment / Re: Honest Opinion: Can I Make This Happen?

« on: Jul 16, 2011, 10:52 am »

I know that dallas10086 is playing a little devil's advocate, but I am pretty sure on my deathbed I am going to wish I partied a hell of a lot more, and worked a hell of a lot less . . . and that my friends is sort of the reality of stage management - we struggle to work at this gig full time, and then you get the work, and all you want to do is nap.
I want to keep pounding the negative side to this job as a full time career path. 

Party more, work less? I passed on my chance to marry rich...Keep pounding Matthew, keep pounding! 

And today of all days, I really do want a nap and little else.

328

The Green Room / Re: WWMD? - Merchandising...

« on: Jul 16, 2011, 10:47 am »

Um, wow. Sort of takes 'branding' to a whole new level, huh? 

329

Employment / Re: Honest Opinion: Can I Make This Happen?

« on: Jul 13, 2011, 11:29 pm »

I'll interject with this "Lily": when you are on your deathbed, which regret will you have? That you spent all your time in SM? That you only spent half your time in SM? That you didn't SM at all and went into another field? Yes, there's the article Matthew suggested which makes valid points, and there are plenty of others that will tell you to do what makes you happy. But 'happy' is temporary - doing what you love, making a ton of money even though you hate your job, etc. can all make you 'happy' - and regrets have a nasty way of sticking with you. It's deeply personal - two people can make the same decision and one may regret it while to the other it was a positive life-altering experience.

The answer to the most basic part of your question - is it possible to have a career in stage management with a degree in theatre? Yes. Others have done it, so it is in the realm of possibility. But just like any career you may choose, make an informed decision by seeking the advice and knowledge who have gone down the road you're looking to travel.

330

Employment / Re: Resident SM?

« on: Jul 04, 2011, 10:31 am »

Being a resident SM is my dream job, hands down.  But I know I will probably have to move to make that happen......

I had the same situation this Spring. If I hadn't been offered this position I would have had to move, possibly to a job in Arizona. Quite the job relocation. I hope you find something that works for you.