436
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Invaluable Advice
« on: Jul 11, 2013, 09:13 pm »
You can spend 15 minutes coming up with blame, or 15 minutes coming up with a solution.
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437
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Invaluable Advice
« on: Jul 11, 2013, 01:29 pm »
Learn to be responsible, but not always in control.
Stage Management is middle management.
Theater is like a drug, you will constantly be looking for the next "high", but be careful, that lifestyle leads to trouble.
At the end of the day, it may not be your job, but it maybe your responsibility.
My favorite, Show Business / Shoe Business . . . just a difference a letter . . . don't forget it's a job.
Stage Management is middle management.
Theater is like a drug, you will constantly be looking for the next "high", but be careful, that lifestyle leads to trouble.
At the end of the day, it may not be your job, but it maybe your responsibility.
My favorite, Show Business / Shoe Business . . . just a difference a letter . . . don't forget it's a job.
438
Self-Promotion / Disney's Jungle Book
« on: Jul 08, 2013, 05:21 am »
My time in China is winding down (immigration law in Macau is not too keen on same sex marriage . . . sad, because I really and truly enjoyed my time with the Circus), so after a couple of leads, I am thrilled to announce I will be taking over PSM responsibilities for the transfer of Mary Zimmerman's production of the Disney's Jungle Book (learning the show in Chicago), handling the show in Boston with performances September 7 - October 6 . . . hope to catch up with some of you in the Boston area.
Can't wait to get into the Jungle with this show . . .
Can't wait to get into the Jungle with this show . . .
439
The Hardline / Re: Actors/Directors: Taking Photos in Rehearsal-A Disturbing Trend...or Not...?
« on: Jul 08, 2013, 02:12 am »
yes, it would either need to be in contractual language or a company policy that is posted to show that there is a policy.
most PR departments love the free press, so it always seems that some PR departments seem to turn a blind eye to it. (And some encourage those in the show to do it . . . )
But as far as the actual photo taking in rehearsal, onstage, or in the building when actors are present, I usually defer that any photo call needs 24 hour notice, and do my "bad hair day" spiel . . . and we do have language to back that up.
Also, some directors' contracts have language that allows video taping for their use as well - but I have never been privy to that, and have been able, within my contract rules, to allow such a taping.
most PR departments love the free press, so it always seems that some PR departments seem to turn a blind eye to it. (And some encourage those in the show to do it . . . )
But as far as the actual photo taking in rehearsal, onstage, or in the building when actors are present, I usually defer that any photo call needs 24 hour notice, and do my "bad hair day" spiel . . . and we do have language to back that up.
Also, some directors' contracts have language that allows video taping for their use as well - but I have never been privy to that, and have been able, within my contract rules, to allow such a taping.
440
The Hardline / Re: Actors/Directors: Taking Photos in Rehearsal-A Disturbing Trend...or Not...?
« on: Jul 07, 2013, 09:06 pm »
I am unsure in any environment I am in I could take away someone's phone for a 8 hour rehearsal, or ten hour tech . . .
441
The Hardline / Re: Actors/Directors: Taking Photos in Rehearsal-A Disturbing Trend...or Not...?
« on: Jul 07, 2013, 08:04 pm »
But the reality is, in an AEA environment, how do you enforce this rule?
442
The Hardline / Re: Understudy doing only part of a principal's track?
« on: Jul 07, 2013, 12:21 pm »
My gut is no announcement needed - if the role isn't listed in the program.
I would let GM weigh in, they may have a history.
My rule was AEA covered by AEA or AEA covered by Non-AEA I would do the 2 out of 3 announcement methods.
Major Non-AEA roles covered by whomever I would just do a lobby sign, but no insert or announcement.
Non-AEA covered by Non-AEA usually no notice (unless some wacky reason compelled us to feel it was necessary . . . like, the actor's mom was in the audience, we did it for his parents.)
But all of these were rules set in motion by the producers.
I would let GM weigh in, they may have a history.
My rule was AEA covered by AEA or AEA covered by Non-AEA I would do the 2 out of 3 announcement methods.
Major Non-AEA roles covered by whomever I would just do a lobby sign, but no insert or announcement.
Non-AEA covered by Non-AEA usually no notice (unless some wacky reason compelled us to feel it was necessary . . . like, the actor's mom was in the audience, we did it for his parents.)
But all of these were rules set in motion by the producers.
443
The Hardline / Re: Actors/Directors: Taking Photos in Rehearsal-A Disturbing Trend...or Not...?
« on: Jul 07, 2013, 11:14 am »
I am adding this to my uber production list of things to talk to general management / production management about, and get the the producer's policy on this.
I generally address in my letter to the cast about focus and respect in the rehearsal room, asking the photos please not be taken during rehearsal (and with some directors, no cell phones, tablets, etc in the room - but it depends on the director). As far as pictures in the rehearsal hall, backstage, etc . . . I ask that common sense be used, and no one should be photo graphed without their permission - and usually I make a joke about not wanting a bad hair day to end up on Facebook and live for ever. I also ask they respect the designer and their work by not posting photos of costumes, set . . . etc . . . Usually, but just presenting it out there as a non-issue, and that mutual respect should be used . . . then I have found it, in my past, not to escalate to becoming a "real issue".
I generally address in my letter to the cast about focus and respect in the rehearsal room, asking the photos please not be taken during rehearsal (and with some directors, no cell phones, tablets, etc in the room - but it depends on the director). As far as pictures in the rehearsal hall, backstage, etc . . . I ask that common sense be used, and no one should be photo graphed without their permission - and usually I make a joke about not wanting a bad hair day to end up on Facebook and live for ever. I also ask they respect the designer and their work by not posting photos of costumes, set . . . etc . . . Usually, but just presenting it out there as a non-issue, and that mutual respect should be used . . . then I have found it, in my past, not to escalate to becoming a "real issue".
444
Tools of the Trade / Re: Simple Ground Plan Design Program
« on: Jul 06, 2013, 08:33 am »
For something a little better then word, but long before you get to any autocad programs . .
If you have PowerPoint (or a similar program) you can make your ground plan as a master slide, and then put simple drawings in the correct place.
If you want to be fancy, you can add transitions where you mark where thing go.
Fairly easy to duplicate a slide to make minor changes from scene to scene.
I like to use this . . . but I usually load in the ground plan as a PNG for the background of the file - so there is some notion of scale and scope.
If you have PowerPoint (or a similar program) you can make your ground plan as a master slide, and then put simple drawings in the correct place.
If you want to be fancy, you can add transitions where you mark where thing go.
Fairly easy to duplicate a slide to make minor changes from scene to scene.
I like to use this . . . but I usually load in the ground plan as a PNG for the background of the file - so there is some notion of scale and scope.
445
The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: Performer dies during Cirque's KA
« on: Jun 30, 2013, 09:54 pm »
My current show is a huge, Cirque like water show, and last night this news hit us between shows.
Many performers here knew her, or knew people who knew her.
It was an surreal show, people very nervous, some extremely focused, some nervous, some in tears.
This came on the heals of an another major (not death) injury on the Michael Jackson show in Las Vegas.
Many performers here knew her, or knew people who knew her.
It was an surreal show, people very nervous, some extremely focused, some nervous, some in tears.
This came on the heals of an another major (not death) injury on the Michael Jackson show in Las Vegas.
446
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REHEARSALS: Fight Notation
« on: Jun 28, 2013, 02:26 am »
You should discuss/revisit about the possibility of fight captain, or at least an assistant fight director - which would allow fight review to happen while scene work is going. Also, unless the director is going to be there other night - nice to have a fight person to deal with fight notes that come up with the run.
447
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REHEARSALS: Fight Notation
« on: Jun 27, 2013, 11:43 pm »
Discuss with the fight director and fight captain - since either will have to maintain the fight work, see what you can do to help.
In in AEA situations, we are allowed to video tape fight work . . . which is probably the best thing and easiest.
In in AEA situations, we are allowed to video tape fight work . . . which is probably the best thing and easiest.
448
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Communication with the House Manager?
« on: Jun 24, 2013, 02:21 am »
I agree with the meeting FOH and discuss their needs.
Some theaters . . . for example, I turn over the house to them, and then start at a given time like 8:03 - regardless of the house checking in - they would only check in if there was an hold required.
Also, there are times, where I don't check in with the house . . . their are told to get the house in at 14 minutes, and I start at 16 minutes - unless they contact me for a hold.
It just sort of depends on the FOH . . . since there are always going to be different rules.
Some theaters . . . for example, I turn over the house to them, and then start at a given time like 8:03 - regardless of the house checking in - they would only check in if there was an hold required.
Also, there are times, where I don't check in with the house . . . their are told to get the house in at 14 minutes, and I start at 16 minutes - unless they contact me for a hold.
It just sort of depends on the FOH . . . since there are always going to be different rules.
449
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Samuel French no longer allowing archival video??
« on: Jun 20, 2013, 09:42 pm »
Do a quick search on you tube . . . and you can find many productions of shows or clips on line. And you will see some pretty bad quality video of questionable quality productions. It's probably in their best interest to limit the ability of shows to be video taped.
I think it depends on the level of licensing you are doing. There is probably always a way, with more money, to get the ability to do a recording.
I think it depends on the level of licensing you are doing. There is probably always a way, with more money, to get the ability to do a recording.
450
Employment / Re: Listing profanity on your resume.....
« on: Jun 20, 2013, 05:51 am »
I would asterisk it out . . . you don't know the openness of anyone reading the resume . . . right?