Messages

46

Employment / Re: Unemployment Benefits Claims??

« on: Feb 06, 2009, 08:16 pm »

My unemployment experience is with CT, not NY.. but for the purposes of this question, the rules should be very similar.

Based on your story, you should be completely eligible for the benefits.  The only reason that the company would be able to deny your claim is if you were fired or left without finishing the contract.    Since it sounds like neither of these are true, I would suggest talking with the company.    Figure out the reason that they are denying the claim and go from there. 

Unfortunately, you may now be stuck in a lot of red tape... good luck!

47

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Summer Stock

« on: May 13, 2008, 11:29 pm »

congrats on the job!

The best advice that I can offer is to be as prepared and organized as possible.  The more prep-work that you can do on the scripts before you arrive or before you get insanely busy, the happier that you will be. 

2 week rehearsal periods is pretty typical in summer stock, although it is somewhat unusual for one person to stage manage back to back shows.

There a couple ways to use the ASMs, you can assign then to alternating shows, so that way they only have to concentrate on one show at a time, or you can use them both all the time.  If there is a chance of the director using them as cast members, I would keep both of them on all shows so that you have a better chance of them being available to you.   

Use the ASMs to track the props, costumes, be on book, etc.  That will allow you to concentrate on the blocking and large scenic pieces.

I hope that helps.  Good luck!

48

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Writing Standbys & Cues

« on: May 13, 2008, 11:24 pm »

I also do something similiar to scooter.  I draw a line from the line and write the cues where they are called.  If the cue is word specific, then I will circle or box that word in the line.  The thing I do differently is that I don't put my standbys on a line.  I write out the standby in the middle of the margin and then draw a box around it.  I don't like to use flags or colors (no real reason.. I guess its because its hard to change after a highlighter is used).   If I see a box, then I know it is a standby, but if I see a line, then I know it is a "go"

49

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: calling cues? (warning vs standby)

« on: May 13, 2008, 11:18 pm »

Typically you will only here a standby and then a go.  Warnings tend to be reserved for something that takes an extra amount or prep or safety. (AKA.... pyro, large scenery moves, etc).    The other times that I have used warnings is if a crew person has to take a cue after having done nothing for a long time.  It serves as a "wake up" call before the actual standby and cue.

ps... If you feel slightly under prepared for your first professional gig, don't feel bad.  I remember going into my first job thinking that I knew what I was doing and then realizing real quick that I had no clue what was going.  It turned out to be a great experience for me, and I will always remember my SM for teaching me.