Messages

46

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Need help with writting SM resume

« on: May 31, 2006, 11:37 am »

I just have to say that using this site's Resume Browser has helped me tremendously when drafting my resume!!  I'm still having problems keeping it short (at the moment it's 3 freakin' pages!!) but I'm cutting and cutting and cutting.  My problem is that I've done almost exclusively 2 and 3 week runs (nothing over a month), so there are times that I've done 5 or 6 shows in one year, all with different companies.  I also did more than a dozen shows prior to going to school, so I want to put those on there so people know that I'm not basing my experience solely on what I learned doing the BFA (i.e., I'm not some kid right out of school - I have real world experience too, even if it is mostly Festival and community stuff).

I've also been doing pro stuff pretty solidly for the past two years, but am only now doing my Equity apprenticeship.  Most of what I've done is independent, self-produced work, albeit with Equity members some of the time.

The other difficulty I have is that here in Canada, having a degree in SMgt is relatively rare since there are only a few schools that offer SMgt as a major, and the one I went to is the only conservatory style one in the country (my class had 4 people when I graduated!).  Not to mention that my alma mater is out west, and here in Ontario, it's all about the National Theatre School in Montreal.  Half the people I talk to aren't even aware that the University of Alberta even has a theatre program, let alone one of the longest running BFA acting programs in the country.  Sigh.  For heaven's sake, Paul Gross and Lorne Cardinal both went through that program.  (If you're not a Canuck, you'd have no idea who these people are, but they're pretty well known here).

Sorry about the rant, but yeah, the Resume Browser is HANDY!  

47

Employment / stage management college degrees

« on: May 23, 2006, 11:35 am »

"So I'm glad that my BFA program was partially hands on with show assignments.  I don't think either going to school or learning by doing is better than the other"

Hey! I know you (Kestrel and I did the same program a year apart)

Anyway, I have to agree.  I did the same.   I think a combination of school and OTJ training is the best kind.  Prior to the BFA, I did 8 years of community and Fringe theatre, and even an Equity Co-Op or two.  Then I think being a bit older when I went to school I finally had the maturity to get as much out of it as I could.

The other thing about school was that it gave me a "tool box" of skills.  I can reach in and pull out the "tools" I need for the different jobs I do.  For instance, this week I'm doing a ballet (with 80+ kids!) for which there is no score.  I learned how to sort of create one while I was in school and, while I'm not doing it *exactly* as my prof taught, it sure as heck is helping me to get through this show.

I have to agree with a previous poster that school didn't give me the tech experience I feel I'm lacking.  So, even though I'm on my way to becoming Equity, I still volunteer as a technician at a community theatre here.  Sure, I don't have tons of time to devote, but every once and a while I'll do a call and learn something new.

Finally, here in Canada, there aren't very many college programs that focus specifically on Stage Management.  Most of them are tech/PM programs with a class or two in SM.   So the issue of having a degree or not doesn't really play out here.  

In fact, one thing I've found is a wary-ness (sp?) of my degree.  Sometimes people think I'm going to be an arrogant know-it-all because of my little piece of paper and are reluctant to hire me as an apprentice. I was asked that question in an interview a little while ago - something along the lines of "with all this experience, how do you think you'd feel to be kind of demoted to an assistant position".  Yes, she used the word "demoted".  I was taken aback and told her that the jobs of the SM and the ASM are two entirely different positions and one is not "better" than the other; they just have a different focus.  She said she looks forward to working with me next season

48

Employment / Opinions on Producers

« on: May 23, 2006, 11:08 am »

I agree with what everyone else has said.  It's entirely within your right to refuse to add to your workload duties that you are not responsible for.

That said, I found it interesting that the Canadian Actors' Equity regulations say that SMs CAN do laundry (it's included as additional duties), but I just checked the LORT and laundry is explicitely excluded as a duty.

Hmmm.

As for the "low-key secretary" thing, I think rather than politely offering Lawrence Stern's book, I'd throw it at them and walk away!!

49

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

« on: May 23, 2006, 10:47 am »

I'm in the same situation as you are this summer - doing my first outdoor show.  They've given me a sheet (well, several with information from past stage managers, as well as their own company policies.  You might try to see if there's anything hanging around from previous years that could be helpful.  Sometimes SMs will use the office computer and leave their paperwork on it.

I'm not sure about your company, but this one has decided that if there is a light rain during a performance, they'll just proceed with the show.  Therefore, they've already scheduled a rehearsal where we wet the deck and alter choreography accordingly (did I mention this is commedia?)  There are also several rehearsals scheduled in our indoor space for rain days.

I'm not sure about you, but our show is rehearsing outdoors as well.  If they're going to be spending a lot of time outside during the day, remember that UV rays can go through natural fabric, so it might be a good idea to put sunblock on shoulders, etc, even if wearing long sleeved clothing.

And yes, plenty of bug spray!

50

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / FOH calls

« on: Jun 12, 2005, 02:26 pm »

I've never had to do a verbal announcement, but both of those sound good.  As for the warnings, I will either relate all possible issues to FOH manager who would then make signs that will be posted prominently in the lobby and inform their box office personnel to warn patrons.  Or, as in most smaller theatres, I'll just make the signs myself and post them.

I figure it doesn't hurt to warn of "mature themes" and "adult language".  I'm currently working on a show that has excessive swearing, and we even used that wording on the sign!  Sure, some people have left before buying a ticket (maybe 3 or 4 total), but I think that's better than having them come in and being completely offended during the show that they leave mid-way through and disrupt the performance.

51

SMNetwork Archives / sore throat tech

« on: May 01, 2005, 12:04 pm »

I don't know if this is available in the US yet, but there's a product called Cold-FX that you can get in Canada.  Take it at the first signs of illness and, no word of a lie, it just disappears.  It doesn't make you groggy or tired.  It just seriously kills the cold.  It's the closest thing doctors have found for a cure to the common cold.  And get this: it's primary ingredient is ginseng.  The best part about it, unlike echinacea or other herbal remedies, is that you don't have to take it BEFORE the cold comes on.  I've found that with most herbal supplements, for them to really work, you have to take them before you get sick.  Well, I don't like to self-medicate, herbal or not (I don't remember the last time I even took a Tylenol!).

Beyond that, I have to agree with everyone else - rest and exercise.  And by exercise, I don't mean trying to get to the gym: trying to fit that into your schedule can be stressful in itself.  Can you park your car farther from the theatre and walk the rest of the way?  Choose stairs over the elevator.  In blocking rehearsals, do sitting exercises.  My favourites are the "butt clench" and the "buddha tummy".  Everytime you inhale, let your tummy expand.  Let it get bigger and bigger each time, and make sure you exhale all the way.  You only need to do about 20 of these at a time, and you can do it whenever.  It's great for toning tummy muscles, and the breathing also relaxes you.