361
Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Computer
« on: Aug 12, 2007, 05:19 am »
Trying not to turn this thread onto Audacity 101, but you have to start a new project/file then import your media files.
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362
Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Computer
« on: Aug 11, 2007, 10:37 pm »
It is an audio application aimed at the consumer/garage band that want's to mix their own stuff. Audacity is a piece of free software which will do much the same stuff at no cost on any operating system.
As for laptops in rehearsals. I don't agree with using them DURING the rehearsal - I have mine set up, lid closed, and hibernating during the actual rehearsal, keeping it only as a reference tool or to do my reports on after the rehearsal. I believe the SM should keep their attention on the actual rehearsal, and for me, that means something like a binder and notepad where I can 'blindly' scribble is the better option. It is less distracting for me, the cast and the director. Others of course may (and do) see it differently.
As for laptops in rehearsals. I don't agree with using them DURING the rehearsal - I have mine set up, lid closed, and hibernating during the actual rehearsal, keeping it only as a reference tool or to do my reports on after the rehearsal. I believe the SM should keep their attention on the actual rehearsal, and for me, that means something like a binder and notepad where I can 'blindly' scribble is the better option. It is less distracting for me, the cast and the director. Others of course may (and do) see it differently.
363
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 10, 2007, 05:24 am »
Correct, it was however just an example of how what started as a good idea (we can use IM to send bug reports to the programmers instead of relying on email, that way it is instant) turned into a situation where things became impersonal, or started getting used in the wrong situations (ie when someone was offering to go out and get lunch).
The principals can be applied to SMing too - the wrong situation, IMO being the rehearsal room.
The principals can be applied to SMing too - the wrong situation, IMO being the rehearsal room.
364
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 09, 2007, 06:45 pm »I figure it's silly not to make use of the technology that's available. No it may not be the standard but standards can change.
The 'thing' is not that we don't want to change the standard, but more "is this a technology we want to make standard" - in my opinion, the answer is no.
I did a short stint in an office that used MSN to communicate between people within said office. Everyone was in a cubicle, less than 10m from everyone else, and it was such a depressing way to work. Sure, using IM to copy across a bug report was great, but "Hey all. I am going to lunch in 10 minutes, going to the fish and chip shop. Anyone want any" over an IM... It's just not cricket.
365
Employment / Re: Getting Jobs & Leaving Jobs
« on: Aug 06, 2007, 11:01 am »
If some well-wisher does not decide to throw you a good bye party - consider organsing a quick 'good-bye' drinks at the local, and to make sure that you are remembered fondly - first and last shout should be on you ;-)
My first job, I burnt a hell of a lot of bridges when I left it, and it has haunted me ever since - as well as ensured that I lost out on a few jobs. I made the mistake of telling them extactly why I was leaving, and it was not complimentary to them. From what you say, that won't be a problem, as you seem to have a lot of fond memories of the place, but make sure they know it.
Also - make sure that when you do announce it, you let everyone know. Finding out someone has left through the grape vine leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth .
My first job, I burnt a hell of a lot of bridges when I left it, and it has haunted me ever since - as well as ensured that I lost out on a few jobs. I made the mistake of telling them extactly why I was leaving, and it was not complimentary to them. From what you say, that won't be a problem, as you seem to have a lot of fond memories of the place, but make sure they know it.
Also - make sure that when you do announce it, you let everyone know. Finding out someone has left through the grape vine leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth .
366
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling a warning for a cue
« on: Aug 03, 2007, 12:29 am »
Warns are used when there is a situation that requires 'long' preparation - that is, more time than a standby - I don't use standby's for anything longer than 45 seconds. Instead of saying "Hey Steve, you need to get ready for Deck 13" because Steve has to make sure X and Y are done, it's "Warning, Deck 13" (or "Warn, Deck 13"), then just before the cue - "Standby Deck 13". It is also used when a long run of cues are coming up - something like this:
"Warn, LX 13 through 15, Sound 12, Deck 1, Fly's 3 through 6, Standby Vision 1 through 3. Vision 1 .. go. Vision 2... go.. Vision 3... go... Sound 12... go... lx 13, fly 3... go..."
"Warn, LX 13 through 15, Sound 12, Deck 1, Fly's 3 through 6, Standby Vision 1 through 3. Vision 1 .. go. Vision 2... go.. Vision 3... go... Sound 12... go... lx 13, fly 3... go..."
367
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: thoughts on hanging out with the cast after shows
« on: Aug 02, 2007, 10:58 pm »
Sure. There is no rule that says "Thou must not hang with thy cast and crew" - just an expectation that as stage manager, you act in a professional and unbiased way when on the job. That means that at work, you must act 'fair' - as seen by the eyes of the cast. It has a lot to do with perceived fairness.
If you have a weekly dinner at their place - you don't drop it because you are working on the same show as each other. However I would avoid discussing any 'after work' plans and leaving in the same car at the end of the day. Either that, or leave an open invite for people to come with you if you are going to get a few drinks.
Common sense really.
If you have a weekly dinner at their place - you don't drop it because you are working on the same show as each other. However I would avoid discussing any 'after work' plans and leaving in the same car at the end of the day. Either that, or leave an open invite for people to come with you if you are going to get a few drinks.
Common sense really.
368
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 02, 2007, 08:55 pm »
It's a feature on my phone - it uses caller ID to check that the caller is allowed, otherwise it sends the standard divert thingie - but I have seen quite a few that seem to have it buried somewhere in some form - mine is called "Restrict To Group" and allows you to select a group from your phonebook, and only members of that group can call you. It also has "Restrict to Known Callers".
369
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Bows
« on: Aug 02, 2007, 03:09 pm »Quote
It's beyond tacky... almost awkward.
But at least Mum and Dad (Who really didn't want to go and see the show, but felt obligated as their Son/Daughter was on the crew) get to see their child on stage.
370
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 02, 2007, 08:55 am »
My appologies, I had not updated my email address in my profile when I resigned from my pos. at that group - my new (permanant) address is there now ( - or you can click mac@austheatre.net to do it the easy way.
371
Tools of the Trade / Re: IM Programs in Rehearsal
« on: Aug 01, 2007, 09:22 pm »
Email only is also my policy.
If it is urgent and MUST interupt me (ie the theatre just burnt down with the set designer, the lighting designer and the costume designer in side (along with the costumes and set)), then you have my phone number. I don't turn my phone off - although I do restrict my incoming calls to those involved with the show (a very nifty feature IMO).
If it is urgent and MUST interupt me (ie the theatre just burnt down with the set designer, the lighting designer and the costume designer in side (along with the costumes and set)), then you have my phone number. I don't turn my phone off - although I do restrict my incoming calls to those involved with the show (a very nifty feature IMO).
372
Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Software
« on: Jul 31, 2007, 09:25 am »
I have beta tested a number of SM and PM toolkits/applications and have never been impressed by one of them. I even tried my hand at writing a stage management application - but after a while, I lost interest in the idea (partly due to the fact that I could not define exactly what the application should do).
Almost any programmer will tell you that the core of good software design is the knowledge of what the software will do. Now - define what goes in a prompt book. It is entirely subjective and is defined differently by each stage manager, and changes based on a number of factors - including but not limited to the show, the director, the crewing situation, the venue and the mood of the SM at the time.
So to make a great stage management appliaction, it needs to be extreamly configurable. But if you make it extreamly configurable, then usability (generally) decreases, and the setup will be more involved - especially when you take into account that it will most likely need to be customised on a show by show basis.
So to approach from the other angle - design a tool that does 'generic' SM stuff. It may work great for one SM on one particular show, but the second the SM wants to do something outside of the box, things start to fragment and data loss becomes a major problem, and in the end you would be better off reverting to the old fashioned way.
The final angle I can see is to create applications that fill a niche in the SM world - however those applications often already exist to fill rather generic needs - timers, calendars, attendance software, report writing tools.
There is also another driving factor. Profitability. You will never make your fortune off of Stage Management software. The market isn't really there, neither stage managers nor theatres have the money to blow on the software either. So there is no incentive to develop commercially.
Most theatres I know manage their inventory in excel, they do their accounting through an off the shelf accounting package (or excel) etc.
Almost any programmer will tell you that the core of good software design is the knowledge of what the software will do. Now - define what goes in a prompt book. It is entirely subjective and is defined differently by each stage manager, and changes based on a number of factors - including but not limited to the show, the director, the crewing situation, the venue and the mood of the SM at the time.
So to make a great stage management appliaction, it needs to be extreamly configurable. But if you make it extreamly configurable, then usability (generally) decreases, and the setup will be more involved - especially when you take into account that it will most likely need to be customised on a show by show basis.
So to approach from the other angle - design a tool that does 'generic' SM stuff. It may work great for one SM on one particular show, but the second the SM wants to do something outside of the box, things start to fragment and data loss becomes a major problem, and in the end you would be better off reverting to the old fashioned way.
The final angle I can see is to create applications that fill a niche in the SM world - however those applications often already exist to fill rather generic needs - timers, calendars, attendance software, report writing tools.
There is also another driving factor. Profitability. You will never make your fortune off of Stage Management software. The market isn't really there, neither stage managers nor theatres have the money to blow on the software either. So there is no incentive to develop commercially.
Most theatres I know manage their inventory in excel, they do their accounting through an off the shelf accounting package (or excel) etc.
373
Uploaded Forms / Re: WWW form...anyone?
« on: Jul 30, 2007, 06:19 am »
I guess it all depends on what you need in your www. Mine is a simple table which literally has "WHEN"
"WHO" "WHAT" "WHERE" and I use it when I first get the script to break down the show - then keep updating it as the show goes on. I won't post mine, as it really is as boring as I indicated, and also blank as I prefer to fill it in as I go in pen.
I do each script page on a fresh page (or scene, depending on how 'dense' the show is) and I just cross out deletions, and add additions at the bottom - I don't do corrections, I just cross out and add a new line (keeps things clean). Then if I decide I need a WWW for the show, I enter all my details into an excel sheet and use the sort functions to create WWW's for individuals/departments/myself
"WHO" "WHAT" "WHERE" and I use it when I first get the script to break down the show - then keep updating it as the show goes on. I won't post mine, as it really is as boring as I indicated, and also blank as I prefer to fill it in as I go in pen.
I do each script page on a fresh page (or scene, depending on how 'dense' the show is) and I just cross out deletions, and add additions at the bottom - I don't do corrections, I just cross out and add a new line (keeps things clean). Then if I decide I need a WWW for the show, I enter all my details into an excel sheet and use the sort functions to create WWW's for individuals/departments/myself
374
Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?
« on: Jul 30, 2007, 06:10 am »
Sure you can - look at Bootcamp and Parallels. Both will allow you to run windows applications.
375
Tools of the Trade / Re: Video Assist Cameras
« on: Jul 30, 2007, 06:09 am »
Security cameras are fine - you may want to look into getting some IR light sources to mount on the stage.
I prefered to have quantity over quality - allowing me to (cheaply) put cameras in any spots that needed attention and use a matrix switcher (as I owned my own equiptment anyway). I would avoid the temptation to go for pan/tilt/zoom cameras as I have found they require frequent maintenance as their mechanisms get filled with haze fluid.
I prefered to have quantity over quality - allowing me to (cheaply) put cameras in any spots that needed attention and use a matrix switcher (as I owned my own equiptment anyway). I would avoid the temptation to go for pan/tilt/zoom cameras as I have found they require frequent maintenance as their mechanisms get filled with haze fluid.