Messages

346

Tools of the Trade / Re: Converting PDF Files Back To Word or Excel

« on: Feb 24, 2010, 03:59 pm »

This conversion technology has been around for a long time, but within applications one has to pay for.  Maybe this has given us the feeling of security when it comes to our files, assuming that no one will want to plunk down money for these programs, or be daring enough to pirate them.   But it has been a false sense of security, I'm afraid, especially now that the technology is gratis for all. Just another reason, I guess, to let everyone know about these sites. Then an educated choice can be made when sharing files.

This is interesting.  Many times I send out pdf files to ensure they are not edited after I send them out.  This totally changes that. I'm not sure how I would feel if someone took a file I had purposely made into a pdf and changed it into a file that could be edited- it seems very sneaky.

347

Tools of the Trade / Re: Taping a ground plan

« on: Feb 24, 2010, 11:15 am »

What Deb describes is indeed the easiest way I have found to tape a circle. Not only do you not need any supplies other than your tape measure and tape, but you only have to do the work once. Even marking out points around the circle and then filling in, is a two step process, and you are still stuck with the task of bending the tape without making "corners."

As long as the person holding the end of the tape measure stays on the center point and allows the tape to swivel/pivot naturally, you have no choice but to end up with a circle.

However, I do recommend knee pads, 'cause it's hell on the knees for the person doing the taping!

Here's a trick RuthNY just taught me!  You need two people (three is mighty helpful) but it's very simple.  One person kneels at the center of the circle holding the end of a tape measure.  The other person pulls the base of the tape measure to the correct distance from center and locks the measure at that distance.  Then start the spike tape on the floor and using the underneath side of the tape measure, push it down.  I think we ended up with the tape being held by the hand closest to center and the base of the tape measure in the hand on the outside of the circle.  Continue to push the tape down with the underneath side of the tape measure and this will force the tape to curve as you make your way around your circle.  Make sure the person in the center continues to pivot correctly and you'll have a perfect circle in no time.

RuthNY:  Please feel free to update if your written directions are more clear than mine!

348

Tools of the Trade / Converting PDF Files Back To Word or Excel

« on: Feb 23, 2010, 04:48 pm »

Two very useful web sites to know about:

http://www.pdftoword.com
http://www.pdftoexcelonline.com

If someone has sent you a file in .pdf format, you can use these sites to convert the file back to either Word, or Excel, so that you can work on the document yourself, or see how it was formatted.

You need to know which application the file was created in originally, and use the correct converter.

Also, this only works for files that were converted to .pdf, NOT scanned into .pdf.

349

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Jan 30, 2010, 02:01 pm »

Winter, snow, slush, salt.
Thrust house, actors lie on deck.
Show shoes only, please!

350

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Jan 30, 2010, 01:38 pm »

Really, once again?
Signing in that little square,
How hard can it be?

351

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Side bar..

« on: Jan 29, 2010, 04:29 pm »

Hmmm, not easy, Matthew.  How about...

accurate, detailed, distinct, especial, individual, meticulous, precise, scrupulous, selective, singular, special, thorough, notable, exceptional, unique, unusual, stickler, formalist, idealist, purist, challenging, ambitious

as opposed to:
   
backbreaker, bothersome, clamorous, critical, dictatorial, difficult, exacting, exhausting, exigent, fussy, grievous, hard, imperious, importunate, insistent, nagging, onerous, oppressive, pressing, querulous, strict, stringent, taxing, tough, troublesome, trying, wearing, weighty,

Side bar . . .

I work well with "difficult" actors/directors/designers/producers.

I want to find a word in the English language - that is demanding, perfectionist, particular, etc . . . but without the negative connotation - it would be so helpful in this biz.

352

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Websites

« on: Oct 21, 2009, 05:38 pm »

Not to mention the soundtrack...

<snip> 
I do have to question your putting copies of the script and libretto online for others to download.  Do you have permission from the copyright holder to distribute electronic versions?  No problems if you do - but just checking.  I don't think that comes with the purchase of the rights for a show.
-Centaura

353

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Wave - SMNetwork Sandbox

« on: Oct 14, 2009, 10:12 am »

Count me in, as well!

--invite sent!--

354

The Hardline / Re: AEA: Names?

« on: Aug 05, 2009, 12:52 am »

Call your region's Membership Department, and ask them!

http://actorsequity.org/membership/membership_department.asp

355

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Point Park: I guess putting it on SMNet makes it real...

« on: Jul 21, 2009, 08:02 am »

I will see you there this winter, for my annual residence at the Public!

356

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Jul 16, 2009, 08:16 am »

http://www.geocaching.com/

I wish I had more time to explain it here, but I open DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS tonight. Go to the link above and find out all about my favorite hobby/obsession.  You can play worldwide with just an internet connection and a GPS. (And I first played for months without the GPS.)

Please feel free to post your questions! Enjoy!

Okay, I've got several questions over the past few months about Geocaching.  Just have to ask--What is it?

357

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Jul 15, 2009, 08:16 am »

I got a question about Geocaching in the Hobbies category today.  How does it know I'm a Geocacher?  Is FunTrivia (gulp) watching me.......?

358

The Hardline / Re: Buy-Out Payments

« on: Jul 12, 2009, 08:55 am »

Talk to your AEA rep.  If the payment is late, they can help you get it.

Does anyone know how soon buy-outs are supposed to be paid when an offer to a production tour (required because of a transfer from LORT) is rescinded?

359

The Hardline / Re: Overtime

« on: Jun 24, 2009, 06:41 pm »

Actually, for many of the committees, there are Eastern, Central, and Western Region versions, each acting independently of the others.

which of course leads to the question - it's a national union, why can't we get the same answers across the nation?

Really, exactly my point.  I'm applying to be on some AEA committees and would like to bring this up at the appropriate time.  Maybe business reps should check with the contract committees for rule interpretations - there is only one committee for each contract, right? But I think that would take far too long.  Maybe we should just be better about building "case law" and "setting precedents" for lack of a better term.

Or, more likely, I'm just completely out to sea about how the union operates.

360

The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"

« on: May 05, 2009, 09:46 am »

Foothills Theatre in Central MA Suspends Operations

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/128821.html