Messages

361

The Hardline / Re: Production Meetings

« on: Aug 13, 2007, 09:58 pm »

It depends.  On the opera I just did, we started monthly meetings about 6 months out and then switched to weekly once we moved in full-time rehearsal.  We did hold a post-mortem, which was great.

For dance (tours) we usually would pow-wow before each leg of the tour and/ or NY season.

362

Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Computer

« on: Aug 12, 2007, 01:39 pm »

I have had assistants who update paperwork on computer during rehearsal and have toyed with doing it that way myself. But I still prefer to have a printed out version that I make notes on.  It is easier to see changes and more portable.  I also like the step of having to read and then type up my notes.  Extra step to proof and to organize in my brain.

I do keep my laptop handy during rehearsal to run sound cues, internet research or have files open for reference, but rarely do "live editing" of documents.

363

Tools of the Trade / Re: Glo-tape

« on: Aug 12, 2007, 11:42 am »

Do a test for yourself, but camera-flash should do the trick.  Hold it right up to the tape like you do with your flashlight and click!  You should use one of the large removable flashes like for a 35mm SLR, not just whatever flash in on a disposable PNS.

364

Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Computer

« on: Aug 11, 2007, 10:03 pm »

PC-er here. What does GarageBand do?

365

Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Computer

« on: Aug 11, 2007, 01:34 pm »

I LOVE LOVE to use Vectorworks.  It is great to make minis and scene shift diagrams and be able to take any measurement you want.  I am rare though, I think.

It is mighty pricey and I honestly wouldn't have bought it just for use as a theater SM.  But in the dance world often the SM is the LD or TD as well and I need to use it for that.

366

The Hardline / Re: Being offered my card, good idea?

« on: Aug 10, 2007, 11:24 pm »

Sorry.  Yes, you can do wardrobe or electrics or PA or usher, etc. You just can't "stage manage" for "theater" on a non-AEA basis.  Dance, opera, special events, etc are not covered by AEA so you can stage manage them.

I am not sure about educational stuff.  You could probably get a waiver from AEA for any graduate studies you wanted to do to allow you to SM in an educational environment.

367

The Hardline / Re: Being offered my card, good idea?

« on: Aug 10, 2007, 08:59 pm »

How many years of school do you have left?  Do you think you can get enough more work in the next two years to make it worthwhile?

I got my card young (just out of college) and things worked out well.  I was able to pay my initiation fee bit by bit and take care of it all.  Yearly dues and working dues are not too bad.

My only caution to you would be: are you ready to turn down all non-AEA theatre work?  If the answer is no, don't get your card yet.  Another opportunity is sure to come around.

368

Tools of the Trade / Re: Glo-tape

« on: Aug 09, 2007, 10:41 pm »

I hate glow tape.  (I mean I love glow tape, but  . . .)

It doesn't do what people think it does.

Get little battery powered LED's and use them instead.

My two cents.

369

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Spray paint

« on: Aug 08, 2007, 04:30 pm »

Out of curiosity, what did they tell you?

370

Uploaded Forms / Re: WWW form...anyone?

« on: Aug 08, 2007, 04:28 pm »

I generally think it is ok to post sections on a publi/ educational forum.  One page or so is enough to get the idea across while still maintaining integrity of others' work.

I guess that the WWW, like all other paperwork, should fit your show and your company.  I like having the tech info in mine.  I really work well with one large document with as much info as possible that I can then edit down for distro to departments.

371

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Spray paint

« on: Aug 08, 2007, 10:20 am »

Normal spray paint CAN be used on clothes.  But it will make the fabric the fabric gross and stiff and completely non-breathable.

There is fabric spray paint.  I don't know a lot about it.  Call Manhattan Wardrobe Supply.  They can probably give you good advice.

Work:   212-268-9993
Fax:   212-268-1210
Work:   888-401-7400
E-Mail:   info@wardrobesupplies.com

372

The Hardline / Re: Guest Artist Agreements

« on: Aug 07, 2007, 05:53 pm »

The Guest Artist contract is weird.  It doesn't reference back to LORT or anything like that.  It's section on video taping and photo call are pretty sparse.  Definitely call your rep with any questions that come up.

373

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: thoughts on hanging out with the cast after shows

« on: Aug 03, 2007, 11:14 am »

I have to also offer warning about hanging out with your superiors.  It might seem fun to be friendly and have a casual working  relationship with your boss.  But struggle can arise when suddenly your "friend" is making decisions you disagree with.  It can be easy to slip into a power struggle or resentment.

374

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling a warning for a cue

« on: Aug 03, 2007, 11:06 am »

On tour I do a lot more warnings (then stand-by, then go).  Often the crew has only one (sometimes only partial) rehearsal to learn the show.  I use warnings on all deck and rail moves.  Lights, sound, color changes, spots I stick to just (stby, go).  I also warn 5 mins and 2 mins on ends of acts, pieces, show.

375

The Hardline / Re: Equity "half-hour"

« on: Aug 02, 2007, 12:23 am »

I always to make sure all calls are given via god mic and in person onstage/ backstage (and house if we are in tech) and walkie if crew is carrying walkie

All lot of factors come into play for in person-dressing room calls.  I always do at least one call in person, but which one depends on a lot of things.

Type of house (location of dressing rooms to stage)
Dance/ theatre/ opera/ concert
Tour or not tour
Cast size
Cast preferences
Cast age