Messages

46

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Hispanic Theatre and Stage Managers

« on: May 24, 2006, 09:26 am »

I have thought about working in another country in theatre, but I'm personally more partial to Mexico. What parts of Spain are you guys going to?

I don't know yet.    I'm still exploring the options.  What kind of theater community does Mexico have?  I was thinking that in Spain, I might be able to get involved with opera.  I'm still about three years from being able to go anywhere though.

I had to admit that I was "the one who didn't know Spanish."

That must have been hard.  The nice thing about Spanish is that, for the most part, it is an extremely phonetic language.  The words look like what they sound like.  This should make it easier to follow when you're on book.  Afraid I can't help you with Q/A section though.

47

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Outdoor Theatre - Basic Information

« on: May 23, 2006, 11:17 am »

I worked at an outdoor Shakespeare festival last summer where everything was trucked in an set up in the middle of a field.  They made the huge mistake of painting the stage black.  It lasted about a week before everyone involved with the three separate shows started complaining loudly!  Let me tell you something,  when it's 95 F outside and humid as heck a black deck is impossible to work on.  You could have fried eggs on that thing, and I'm not kidding!  They repainted it a light grey.  Made a huge difference!!!

48

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Hispanic Theatre and Stage Managers

« on: May 22, 2006, 09:36 pm »

I am a Spanish and Theatre major in college right now...so I am looking forward to working in Spanish theatre.  I will also be studying abroad in Spain and hope to maybe get into something for the year that I'm there.  I think it's an excellent tool to have.. and that is interesting about AEA.

That's so neat!  When I start college in the fall, I will be studying arts administration with an emphasis in theater. (wanted to mix in a little business in with the theater classes)  Anyway, the school that I'm going to go to has a really great student exchange program.  Because I had 3+ years of spanish in high school, I too would like to go to Spain and possibly get involved with theater there.  I would be really interested to hear how your experience goes.  What part of the country/school are you planning to go to over there?

49

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Hospitality backstage

« on: May 14, 2006, 01:08 pm »

"milk does nothing to your vocal chords but it increases mucus secretion which clogs your throat and can make a bad sound if you don't know to stop it correctly..(without clearing your throat, because clearing your throat is bad for your vocal chords)"

As an SM who is also a trained singer I completely second that!!!  Phlegm (mucus secretions) is one of a singers worst nightmares because, as Isha said, it clogs your throat.  Anything with a lot dairy can cause phlegm but milk, yogurt, cream cheese, and some kinds of dips are the worst.

"that is what I know....water is really the only safe thing...
I usually do water with lemon juice in it, and suck on a ricola..."

Water is always your best bet.  Putting a slice of lemon (or lime) in your water is also a great idea because it helps your body absorb the moisture.  A good thing as the air in theaters tends to be very dry.  

Singers are the ones who have to be especially careful about what they eat/drink right before a show.  It's not just a diva thing.  What you consume can really effect your performance.  Though it is going to vary some from person to person.

50

SMNetwork Archives / Calendar Programs?

« on: May 02, 2006, 08:21 pm »

WOW! I never thought of doing calendars online like that.  Thanks for sharing your method!  I will definitely use this for my next show.  It makes so much sense!

51

Students and Novice Stage Managers / How to ASM

« on: May 01, 2006, 04:32 pm »

I know from experience that it can be a little daunting working with a different company for the first time till you get to know people. I would definitely second what KC_SM_0807 said about talking to the SM to find out exactly what is expected of you.  Musicals are always more demanding than straight plays and different SMs have different ways of delegating the things they may want their assistants to do. There are no dumb questions!  The best way to find out is to ask.  

You might also want to find out if the company has any special policies or ways of doing things that you need to know about. This helps to avoid any surprises down the road.    

Things might be a little boring at the beginning of rehearsals, but the closer you get to opening, the more there will be for you to do! Best wishes!

52

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MORALE: What to do After the Show Closes

« on: Apr 11, 2006, 02:14 pm »

I have seen a couple of threads that talk about tech week stress, but I was wondering how others deal with what I call adrenaline withdrawal; that is, the emotional let down that comes after a show closes. True, there are some productions that you can't wait to kiss goodbye, but more often, I find closing a show to be bittersweet.  You've just spent that last however may weeks expelling tons of energy (emotional, physical, mental, etc... ) into something that no longer exists. You've made new friends, and (hopefully) had a good time, but you longer get to go and work with those people every night.  

For me, the first couple days after everything has been "put to bed" are the hardest. Even if I don't miss the show, I often find it hard to get reoriented to "normal" life.  The things that got put off during the run (family issues, homework, misc. personal stuff) suddenly come rushing back at me when I'm the most tired and the least able to handle them.

Do other people have any experience with this, or am I the only one? Any suggestions for making the transition from rehearsals/performances five+ nights a week to no show at all smoother?

53

College and Graduate Studies / Has Anyone Ever Worked at ATL?

« on: Mar 24, 2006, 02:06 pm »

The college I am hoping to go to would allow me the opportunity to do an internship at Actors Theater of Louisville. I was wondering if anyone has ever worked there before. I have several friends who've said it would open a lot of doors and be good for networking, but I don't know anyone who's had first hand experience there. Any information would be very much appreciated!