Messages

361

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Onstage as an SM

« on: Jun 18, 2011, 07:37 am »

While fulfilling the role of ASM I also happened to get my "off broadway debut" as an actor at the same time. I was onstage in full Revolutionary War garb (with musket) and I even had lines to speak. I also had a song in the original version of the script, but that ended up being cut and I was removed from that scene. I still haz a sad for that....

But I was the ASM and the backstage ballet was a very simple one for that show and I had a props mistress who was more than up to the task of handling the crew and tracking while I was onstage (or offstage and unavailable because I was doing things). I found ways for me as an "actor" to do things I needed to do as an ASM. Like "Oh, I have to cross over to SR now....I suppose I could carry these three props to their home."

Seems like a good thing for your particular situation that you're playing a camera person. You should easily be able to wear a headset and be able to talk to your board ops.

362

Tools of the Trade / Re: Covering Tattoos

« on: Jun 14, 2011, 12:49 pm »

too intimate of a space to try to pull off some of the more traditional theater magic. She's going to be walking among the audience so that's why we're looking for a really good cover up. Of course saran wrap is obviously a very cheap method of protection. That shall be thrown into the conversation as well.

But this has certainly been a great deal to go on! I've also got word in from a couple of my more inked up friends on facebook, so hopefully one of these ideas pans out! Thanks guys

363

Employment / Re: Altered Terms...

« on: Jun 14, 2011, 02:41 am »

Without seeing your contract and any of the potential fine print contained within, it's impossible to say one way or another what rights you have in regards to your current situation.

But that being said, (and not to sound harsh) if your contract is written with stipulations that allow termination/alteration of the agreement at any time you aren't entitled to any explanation or warning at all. My wife is a teacher at a private school and in the fine print of her contract it states that either party can dissolve their employment agreement at any time for any reason. No notice has to be given, her bosses can look at her one day and say "Nope, sorry. Get out," and they never have to say why. If you've signed a contract with similar stipulations, then you have no real recourse other than hold on for the ride and hope you don't fall off because they can renegotiate/terminate your deal in full or in part at anytime.

If housing wasn't in your contract, and you didn't sign a lease or renters agreement with the company: the best you can try to do is prove you were a legit renter (ie receipts from rent checks, cashed rent checks, or utility bills), and you'll gain some renters rights. But if it's not in writing and there is no money trail, you are up the creek because there's no legal proof you were living there. If you have proof, you at least will have a fall back plan if this other place falls through because most city's renters rights make it hard to kick people who've paid their rent on time out on the street as planetmike said.

I had this problem in my first NYC apartment. The only way I was able to prove I lived there (thus preventing me from being treated as a squatter) was utility bills in my name. I was subletting from a friend thus making my landlord wait until the termination of my friend's lease before she could kick us out because I proved I was legally renting/subletting the place.

If they continue to be evasive about certain important things (like getting you a lease for the new place they negotiated, getting you in contact with this new landlord, your new agreement or proof of termination of the old agreement), you should consider other options like legal council. Lots of times, AM radio stations will air programs that give free legal advice to those in need and all you have to do is call in.

The lesson to be learned: If you don't have a union to protect you, see if you can't get a lawyer to look over your contracts for illegal clauses or conditions, and have them check the fine print (if there is any) to put it into layman's terms for you. And even when you do have a union to protect you, you should always seek council from the union if you are confused by any of the wording or conditions. And under no circumstances accept verbal agreements! Verbal agreements may be binding, but when they come into dispute it's always he said/she said and it's a tough battle to fight. Put everything in writing!

364

Tools of the Trade / Covering Tattoos

« on: Jun 13, 2011, 08:35 pm »

I am looking for a tattoo cover up makeup that will not run, smear or stain. Want to know the best part? It's to cover up a lady in a wedding dress....so the not bleeding part is clutch. There's not going to be enough of a budget to clean the dress off if it bleeds. So what have you guys used in the past?

I looked for this topic, but I couldn't find anything covering it. If I missed it, I apologize and please point me in the right direction.

365

Tools of the Trade / Re: Cleaning out an Office - what to do with all that STUFF?!

« on: Jun 02, 2011, 03:42 pm »

Totally agree with the Equity's Binder Reclamation Project that smccain mentioned. It's really fantastic for anyone who doesn't have the cash (or a budget) to buy 20 binders for cast members, and crew.

I shred all my old paperwork now a days. Especially contact sheets. Honestly, I don't keep anything physical from my shows anymore. If a company doesn't want the book, I shred it unless I feel the need to file it away for some reason.

Think of it this way: Figure out exactly what you do definitely want to keep in your three bags, and then whatever else you think you might want to keep if it fits in the bag it goes. That way it's taking up the same footprint in your apartment, but you have more stuff that you might potentially use and won't have to spend the money on again.  if it doesn't fit in those bags: donate it to the department for use later. I'm sure directors and future SM's will gladly take some notebooks, or office supplies.

In my apartment I have two small shelves of a skinny bookcase for my SM supplies. If it can fit on those shelves, I keep it. I have tape measures, spike/gaffers/glow tapes, gooseneck light, pens/pencils, my featherweight headset, a couple of binders, and a couple of legal pads. I have traditionally kept a med kit as well, but I haven't got around to replacing it since my last production ended. That's all I generally keep on me at all times for a production as a freelancer.

366

Tools of the Trade / Re: Droid 2 v. Iphone?

« on: May 25, 2011, 02:46 am »

Its the same advice I gave before on the droid v. iphone thread. It comes down to preference to be perfectly honest. I have a droid x, and it works ok over all, but the longer i'm with it the klunkier I find the OS to be. iOS is simple, effective, and very user friendly. Droid is a little more like an actual Linux system where you can pull back the hood and futz with things to make it better, but if you aren't that tech savvy, it might not be the choice for you.

Google offers free services for things Apple charges you for (google calendar/contacts etc sync, vs. mobile me subscription).

The apps are a wash. By now, just about every app on the iPhone is available for the Droid. And unlike the iPhone, there are apps for droid that you can modify the way the phone works and it doesn't require you to jailbreak the phone since Droid allows for beta testing apps from outside its market. There are also easy/free apps for tethering  for droid that don't require any payment what so ever (but if you want to be clued into that, send me a message because I'm not going to advertise for that program). App store will always have more focus on it, and will always get new apps first.

If you have a touch screen phone already, the change to the iPhone won't be a big leap. Same with the droid, but if you want to take a baby step into touch screen technology from your current phone, droid 2 having a keyboard is a nice feature.

Again, this is most of the same stuff I covered in the other post, and the Droid 2 has been around for a pretty decent while, as well as the iPhone 4. So since these responses haven't changed, I'd suggest that if you can hold out, I'd wait until the middle of summer or fall and wait for the iPhone 5/4s (whatever Apple will call it) or a new Android based device and see if something comes along to blow your mind. You're currently on the cusp of the summer technology release season before the end of the school year which carries retailers until the fall when releases and spending really picks up again. So you're about to get a handful of new choices. Let the early adopters crash and burn on the devices and read their reviews before you make your choice. 

367

The Green Room / Re: Who are we, anyway...?

« on: May 17, 2011, 03:01 pm »

It's not the first time I would have been considered something other than an artist.

I worked at a small summer stock theater in Upstate NY as my first professional gig. The Tony awards fell during the first production and everyone pregamed at the local bar before moving the party to the Artistic Director's apartment for the actual show. I joined them at the bar, but declined to go watch the Tony's because I was in the midst of boycotting them for not having a Sound Designer award (at that time) and now having any award/recognition of Stage Managers. The director of the show I was the ASM on said "Well of course Stage Managers don't deserve a Tony award. You're a glorified secretary. At least secretaries can't tell their boss when to take a break or annoying s*** like you get to tell me." I waited for him to laugh as if he was joking. But he left the bar without another word.

First of all, his position totally explained why the PSM and I were having so many issues while working with this director. And secondly, there are sadly a great many directors and designers that I've encountered in my day that don't view stage managers as artistic because we don't design or create anything (in their opinion). All we do is implement the work of the "real" artists, make pretty paperwork and interrupt their process by making them take breaks and remind them of their own schedule.

This is definitely the exception, and not the rule. But there are definitely people out there that think what we do isn't artistic at all.

368

Employment / Re: Civilian Jobs?

« on: May 10, 2011, 12:41 am »

At the end of the day, here’s the honest truth - not everyone who wants to be a stage manager will be able to make a living as a stage manager.  (It’s one of those odd things about life - it’s true when a parent tells a child they can grow up to be president, but not every child can possibly be a president.)

Yes, I agree with Nick.  I bet at least 50% of the stage managers on this web site will find that they will have to change careers in the next five to ten years.  It doesn’t mean that they can’t stage manage for the love it.  Yes, you should always have back-up plan, but don’t jump to it right away - commit to this job, and do everything you can to make it work - if you find you have to keep compromising things that important then . . . then maybe it’s time to make a u-turn.

And we complicate the issue with life choices, such as marriage, a child, taking care of a family member.  I will tell you right now, if I had fought and won custody of my child in my divorce - I do not think I would have been able to let my career grow the way that it did.  Hell, if I had stayed married, I don’t think I could have made the decisions I made.  (The relationship I am in know makes my career difficult enough).  But you may find waiting around for the big break is nothing worth other things life have to offer, and let me let you in on the big secret - live the life you want, and find a career that can support it - as opposed to living the life you career will allow.  Stage Management has an odd way of taking over your life . . . and not always in a good way.

Perhaps I came storming out of the gates just a little too strongly last night. Upon the re-read....I may have been very cranky last night.

I do completely understand what Matt is saying about not falling back too quickly. You do have to give yourself a honest try at Stage Management without a supplemental job. You can (and most likely will) be amazed at the opportunities that you can find when searching for your livelihood.

I made it my goal to not work for less than my rent payment on any production and I'm proud to say that in my 4 year professional run in New York, I worked a grand total of one show that didn't meet that goal (But that's ok because I met my Stage Management "wife" on that production). It just seems that lately the pool is drying up and I haven't been able to find work that meets that standard and I refuse to work for less than I'm worth/can live off of. Its sad when some of the most consistent paychecks I've received in the last 5 years has been from the NYS Unemployment office. 

And it seems that I, much like many other small businesses, didn't quite make it to their 5th year. My transition out of Stage Management can't kill my love for the theater and I hope I'm able to find a way to continue working in theater in any manner possible. It just so happens that my priorities have to shift at this point in time. I have every intention on maintaining my Equity status (I mean...if I can't swing just under $120 a year I think my new career move is even spikier than my choice to pursue a career in theater in the first place! ) and if the planets realign somewhere down the road, I'll be right back in the thick of things with gooseneck light and headset in hand!

369

Employment / Re: Civilian Jobs?

« on: May 09, 2011, 01:09 am »

As a person who followed the aforementioned advice myself (don't have a back up plan, be willing to do whatever it takes etc), I think it creates a huge disservice to you. And as an act of full disclosure: I'm telling you this as someone who is currently transitioning out of the profession because I got married and want to have a family and theater can no longer pay the bills and my career has come to a stand still.

Here's the reality check: Theater is a hard business. The pay sucks most of the time, and the expectations people have of you for a show that pays on a Broadway level and a crappy showcase are identical. Yes, there is work out there, but if something comes up in your life that makes theater an impossible career path for whatever reason and you don't have a back up plan: what do you do then? Not everyone is as successful as some of the contributors to this forum and haven't been able to break through the glass ceiling.


My advice, and like all bits of advice, take it how you will: While you are in college now, get a second degree in something else you love and might be able to see yourself doing as a career. It's easier to do it now, vs. going back to get it done later.

When you get out and start your career in theater, DO follow all the advice you've received from everyone in this thread. The advice is solid for those who are pursuing a career in stage management. Especially Matt's and Balletdork's advice about committing to Stage Management as a career and a business. I made the commitment when I moved to NYC 4 years ago, and I was employed well from the moment I set foot on the city sidewalk. I held one side job outside of the theater and I never worked more than 20 hours a week there and it sucked. I quit 4 months after I got the job because I hated it so much.

However, I really think not having a back up plan is a horrible disservice to yourself. I'm not saying you ever have to use this back up degree you get. But there might come a time where you have been working the Showcase grind for far too long at $100 and a metro card and it's not a viable option to continue moving forward.

Relatively back on topic: Management positions in retail and offices are very similar to work Stage Managers do, and I know friends who have held those positions. A lot of what we do is similar to so many different careers...the issue becomes trying to show employers the similarities when they don't know what you might have been spending the last 10 years of your life doing.

370

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] What goes inside a SM Kit?

« on: Apr 27, 2011, 07:27 pm »

For many reasons, I also don't provide ANY medical supplies. 

None.

The theatre needs to purchase and supply all of that.   It's just a liability issue I don't want to take on.  (Someone gets sick take an aspirin I bought . . . am I liable???)

I had a production manager tell me in college to not administer any medication to anyone, period. If the medication expired or they reacted poorly and you gave it to someone, you are liable for their medical condition, or the company would be. People need to medicate their own dang selves! :-P

My medical basics are bandaids, medical grade gloves and a couple of sealed gauze pads. Only things that would be necessary quickly in case of a real emergency where going to find them could be a life or death decision. I carry pills with me at all times, but they are for myself.

371

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] What goes inside a SM Kit?

« on: Apr 27, 2011, 02:33 pm »

I totally agree with Matt, especially on the lower end of theater where there are no budgets for stage management. Years ago, I used to carry a rolling tool box full of equipment, office supplies, stapler, hole punch, portable hole punch, the backstage hand book, all assorted tools etc. because I knew these were things I needed (or could potentially need). But I found that people kept stealing  from the kit, or using and not replenishing. After working on 9 shows a year, I was sinking upwards of $300-$400 replacing things that had been taken or expendables that were used every year.

If a company were to ask me what's in my kit, I'll say it's dependent on what my stage manager budget is. I will provide things I own that I prefer (as Matt said) but if they expect me to have a portable hospital on me at all times, they need to budget for me purchasing a med kit from a pharmacy. I will carry with me the essentials to a rehearsal process (basic office supplies, and very basic medical supplies), but beyond that I'm not wasting my money on something that I'm not being repaid for.

Producers provide budgets for lighting, set, costume and sound designers to purchase and rent the equipment they need to do their jobs. The same should apply to stage management equipment.
 

372

The Green Room / Re: Stage managing and relationships

« on: Apr 21, 2011, 02:02 am »

While my comment is off topic I feel it should be said; moderator please feel free to move if necessary.  Might I humbly suggest that a second degree is not always necessary to make a career change.  I have a BFA in Stage Management but haven't called a cue since mid 2006 (can't believe it's been that long).  I earned an opportunity to move to a corporate position outside of stage managing that paid significantly more than I could have expected to earn in the first 10-15 years of my career as a stage manager; I decided I could not pass it up.  It was a difficult decision to be sure, but I'm confident I made the correct move.

It's not an easy decision to make but the reality is you do need to earn enough money to support yourself and your children should you choose that route.  I know many stage managers who have made the shift to other lines of work.  Your skills as a stage manager are incredibly versatile and are applicable to many job roles and lines of work.

I should have made my secondary career choice clearer: I have a desire to become an educator which does require to go back to school to legally teach in New York State (except for Catholic schools).

I totally agree with you that Stage management provides one many skills that can be used in civilian life workplaces and another degree wouldn't be needed for all other career choices. And I'm using my SM experiences as comparable for retail management. I was already a retail manager in my life and I know for a fact that the two jobs are pretty similar. Now....just have to convince people that employ retail managers that I'm telling the truth about that.

373

The Green Room / Re: Stage managing and relationships

« on: Apr 20, 2011, 04:36 pm »

It is a hard subject to deal with, but like a lot of people have pointed out it's hard to date someone outside of the field (though if you ask me, it's harder to date within it....have you met theater people? They're crazy, yo!)

I'm getting married in less than 2 weeks to a "civilian" as it has been put and being in the theater has been a major strain on our relationship because of what strains every relationship: Money. Sure, if you are lucky enough to work on broadway money is less of an issue. But if you have found yourself stuck in the grind of showcase hell and getting $300 stipends for a month and a half of work with seemingly no vertical movement to bigger and better things, theater becomes less and less of a career choice.

If it were just me, I would have be perfectly content grinding for the rest of my life. I wouldn't have to worry about anyone but myself. But career options can be limited by committing to a relationship and starting a family. I can't get jobs out of town, or go on tours for extended periods of time anymore. I have to make decisions that will help our relationship not put us at odds with each other. And right now, theater is putting us at odds with each other because there are precious few decent jobs out there. And with NEA's budget being cut, there will be even fewer opportunities.

I'm applying for jobs now to go back into retail management, and I'm also considering going back to school to get a degree in something else that will make a family and a future more obtainable. If it means its the end of my theater career, so be it. But my soon to be wife and I have gone through a lot to become a couple. And she is more important to me than grinding my life away for $300 a month, no matter how artistically rewarding the work is.

As for friends outside of theater: I don't interact with anyone other than theater people right now so I maintain those friendships...well lets be honest, since college I don't interact with people other than theater people. I stay in touch with college theater friends, and I do the arbitrary facebooking of people from high school and occasionally make comments on their status updates. I guess for me, I've always kept a core of close friends around me and that core changes as my life has evolved. My fiancee has her friends that she hangs out with, but because our schedules conflict so much I rarely even see those friends of hers.

374

Tools of the Trade / Re: Useful iPhone apps?

« on: Apr 16, 2011, 11:30 am »

Does anyone have an app they use for weather alerts? I have The Weather Channel's app, but it is fairly unreliable and slow to update. We've been having some crazy weather lately (it's tornado season...) so I'm looking for something a bit more reliable. Someone told me that The Weather Channel also has a text message update service you can sign up for, so I'm going to do that and see if it's any more reliable than the app. Anyone have something they've used under pressure?

I use weatherbug elite on my ipod touch. It's decent and I'm pretty sure it's $0.99 so cheap as pretty much all the other iphone apps. It does pop up alerts for any weather service advisories so you'll be able to be alerted to any change in the weather.

375

Uploaded Forms / Re: Run Sheets

« on: Apr 05, 2011, 01:36 pm »

I've been using this style for the past two years. It's the standard backstage run sheet for the Guthrie Theatre. Its used for deck crew and costume crews and it was very helpful when touring. Especially the time breakdown for local crews who don't know the show and only get one shot at it.