Messages

46

The Green Room / Re: [GAME] The Show Report

« on: Mar 04, 2014, 03:45 pm »

Solution-If it is large enough for someone to fall in, at an appropriate time (end of song or an exit),  bring the curtain down and hold the show in order to fix it. Tell house management the situation.  If it can't be fixed in a relative short time, (5 minutes or less) warn the cast about the hole, put a mattress underneath it,  and if there are any blackouts, bring up blues (as there are a few cues that are blueouts) After the show discuss with crew chief and put in the report that they will come in early to troubleshoot.

Problem-(this happened to me years ago) An actor calls from a payphone 14 miles from his car saying it broke down. He doesn't own a cell phone.  No understudy. He is a major character. You just called 1/2 hour.

47

Employment / Re: Cutting the Cord

« on: Feb 15, 2014, 11:17 am »

I had that same conversation with my parents when I started out. Unless they are in the business, civilians have no idea how it works.

Eventually I had to seek advice elsewhere and tell my parents that I know what I'm doing (even if I didn't)

Try to keep in mind that their questions are out of love; they want to see you successful. Right now their definition of successful is a little different than your definition. 

48

Employment / Re: WHAT NOT TO PUT ON YOUR RESUME . . .

« on: Feb 11, 2014, 09:40 am »

I scored one million on Asteroids. On Atari. In 1984. Totally a special skill...

49

The Hardline / Re: Going Equity 'Young'

« on: Feb 10, 2014, 03:32 pm »

I got my card when I was 28 after working non-union for about two and half years.

50

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Stage managing negative shows . . .

« on: Jan 06, 2014, 02:31 pm »

I've noticed all these things to be true Matthew, on a show that has had a negative atmosphere.

BUT, I usually find that no matter what environment the Stage Manager tries to create, that the fish stinks from the top. If the DIRECTOR has not provided strong leadership, specific characters, specific moments, specific staging, mined every laugh out of a script, and given EVERY actor in the show at least one moment to stand out, "star" or be special, the situation can deteriorate very quickly.

All the things you mention happen when actors don't feel supported, or feel like they had to create the play themselves. We as Stage Managers do the followup leadership. The tone and the quality of work, has to be set in the room and the rehearsal by the Director by his or her own tone and quality of work.  If that's not there, it's always difficult to keep the cast's noses out of the rulebook, have them not call out for tiny ailments, or aggressively go after other employment so that they can out in for MRE or even give notice. Directors have a huge responsibility in keeping their actors happy in a show, and it starts on Day One of rehearsal. 

I couldn't agree more. The last show I did there was no discipline/leadership coming from the Director/Producer. I tried to maintain a sense of order but I kept saying "Don't do this, No to this," that I just ended up being white noise. When I explained this to the Director all she could say was "I know. They're horrible"

What kept me sane was at the end of each day I would gather my asm's and we would come up with 5 things they were grateful for. It was the only way we could end the day on a positive note.

51

The Green Room / Re: Your Paranoia/Obsession

« on: Dec 16, 2013, 02:02 pm »

I'm paranoid about not having all the performance dates correct on my performance calendar.

52

The Hardline / Re: How did you get your card?

« on: Dec 02, 2013, 01:57 pm »

I didn't answer this either.

I got my card in May 1999. I was supposed to be the Equity ASM, but then the SM got a Broadway show, so I was bumped up. (On the first day of rehearsals no less)

53

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Nov 18, 2013, 12:30 pm »

Opening Night
Is only four days away
I'm so glad its done

If I only can
have actor not wear snuggie
onstage would be great

Most unruly cast
in my professional life
never ever ever again

54

The Green Room / Re: Stage Managers have legs?!

« on: Nov 06, 2013, 04:27 pm »

I agree. If I wore a dress half the people I work with would die of shock....

55

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Nov 04, 2013, 11:52 am »

Friday rehearsal
Gave actors two months notice
Now they notice it

People calling out
Can't get off from their day job
But two months notice?!

Only 2 actors
Will show up on Friday night
No more. I give up.

56

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Oct 30, 2013, 10:58 am »

The Sound Designer
Is not coming to the tech
Not such a big deal

The Sound Designer
Is also mixing the show
Now I am concerned

Theatre's last show
Reviews talked about the sound
And how bad it was

Did he design it?
Not sure, but the producer
plays Russian Roulette

I guess we'll find out
If we can hear the actors
Are we opened yet?

57

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PEOPLE: Vent vent vent

« on: Oct 29, 2013, 01:25 pm »

I hope this thread sticks around. As soon as my show opens I'll have plenty to vent about....

58

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SCHEDULING: How much information do you give actors?

« on: Oct 21, 2013, 10:37 am »

I thought I would give an update

Yup, it's a disaster.  Director couldn't stay on schedule. Director also fired the Music Director this weekend. I think I'm on the chopping block as well.

Note to self-Next time listen to your gut when it's screaming: "Don't work for this group!!"

59

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Oct 14, 2013, 01:41 pm »

I learned my lesson
I threw my phone in the lake
Wait, Broadway just called?

60

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Oct 11, 2013, 01:43 pm »

Calls on my day off
Says he doesn't complain but
He is complaining

Scheduled for a
half hour rehearsal and
then done for the day

Does not want to go
I say aren't you going,
to be out all week?

Yes he says but its
to Vegas for a conference
but it won't be fun

so you're out all week
and now you want off Sunday
and you don't complain

See you on Sunday
Try not to enjoy Vegas
What a boring town