Messages

46

Tools of the Trade / Re: Useful iPhone apps?

« on: Dec 03, 2012, 11:40 am »

I use the tom tom app. It's about 50 bucks, but it's still much cheaper than buying a separate gps device.

47

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Production Stage Manager Versus Stage Manager

« on: Nov 18, 2012, 08:44 pm »

I agree with Kay. I don't think that stage manager implies anything negative. PSM just implies that you were overseeing a very large team. Even when there is a PSM, often there is an SM who oversees an entire show with a PSM overseeing several. I wouldn't change your title to PSM without a change in responsibilities.

48

Self-Promotion / Re: An End and a Beginning

« on: Nov 16, 2012, 05:58 pm »

Definitely slacking on the DC drink night. Welcome, Scott

49

Tools of the Trade / Re: HELP: Static Electricity?

« on: Nov 15, 2012, 02:51 pm »

Another vote for static guard. I do my clothes before I put them on and then I static guard my brush when I use it.

50

Self-Promotion / Our Class at Theater J in DC

« on: Nov 01, 2012, 11:50 pm »

The show I am ASMing is closing this weekend, but we just got some press on huffington post! It's a pretty cool write up from a different perspective. The rest of the press is on my website under "blog" if you're interested!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cynthia-p-schneider/our-class_b_2054985.html

51

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: ESCRIPTS: Post your requests for electronic scripts here!

« on: Oct 27, 2012, 03:28 pm »

Hey guys. i'm looking for A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepherd. Bridgetwoodbury@mac.com
Thanks!

52

The Green Room / Re: Shall there be an SMNetwork LinkedIn Group?

« on: Oct 26, 2012, 03:47 pm »

Potential employers have sought out and viewed my linkedin profile and it is an entrance point to my website pretty frequently. Can't speak to how often, exactly, it gets me hired, but it does get my name out there.

53

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Cover letter tailored for gaining experience?

« on: Oct 22, 2012, 02:25 pm »

I send cold resumes and they almost never result in immediate work, but what they tend to do is get people used to reading or hearing your name. I do specify the position for which I think I have the experience, which differs based on how large the company is, what kind of shows they do, and whether they promote from within. This, of course, means, you have to do a lot of research, without the promise of immediate return. If you are looking for immediate work, you should be open about other positions: house management, general internships, or box office work. But, if stage management is what you're after, keep sending resumes. You don't want to get pigeon-holed as a house manager, etc.

54

The Green Room / Re: The Ring Cycle on PBS this week

« on: Sep 12, 2012, 09:13 pm »

I think comparing Sing Faster and Wagner's Dream is so interesting. So little has changed even with the massive upgrades in technology!.

(Sidenote: They screened Wagner's Dream at Silverdocs this year, MB)

55

The Green Room / Re: The Ring Cycle on PBS this week

« on: Sep 11, 2012, 01:03 pm »

What is the doc called? Is it Wagner's Dream?

56

Employment / Re: Grad school or professional work?

« on: Sep 04, 2012, 02:09 pm »

If you do go (to *any* grad school), know what you're going to get out of it, and make sure you get it.

This. I'm in a Masters program in Arts Administration right now because I want to be prepared to take on a more active role in theatre management or advocacy/consulting if they present themselves. I know a lot of people who transitioned into those roles and then realized that, while SMs have most of skills that are necessary, sometimes they lack the information to use their skill set. I decided to go back to school rather than trying to learn by doing, because there are often a lot of legal and financial issues at stake in running an NPO or lobbying, so I picked a school with a curriculum that focuses on those things. On the other hand, I always knew I didn't want an MFA in Stage Management because I look back on my undergraduate experience and it's clear that I learned much more from doing than I did from sitting in the classroom.

57

The Green Room / Re: Introducing the Unicorn Rainbow Sparkly Theatre Company!

« on: Jun 10, 2012, 12:32 pm »

All union breaks must sync up.

This is all I've ever wanted.

58

The Green Room / Re: BLOG: How to get hired

« on: Jun 09, 2012, 02:32 pm »

I loved this. So many things that I "know" but could totally stand to be reminded of right before interview season!

59

The Green Room / Re: Introducing the Unicorn Rainbow Sparkly Theatre Company!

« on: Jun 09, 2012, 02:26 pm »

Here I was about to suggest a bed in the SM office, but you just took the cake.

All the SMs HAVE adequate office space that is clean, private, and not in a closet.

60

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Training

« on: Jun 04, 2012, 02:46 pm »

If possible, I'd recommend  having your potential ASMs read a book or two about stage management (there are a ton of recs on the boards for good ones) over the summer. That way they have some time to wrap their heads around what the SM team is responsible for during the course of the show.

I went through a number of ASMs in high school and sometimes it's hard to find someone who is willing to drop everything for a show in high school. If you can find someone who is committed to the production, you are often able to get someone to do what they need to do by explaining the benefit to the production. i.e. having the right paperwork allows you to help the crew be in the right place at the right time, or being on comm allows you to fix any problems that might come up quickly and without the audience knowing.