Messages

46

Students and Novice Stage Managers / PAing while in Equity

« on: Jul 17, 2015, 01:54 am »

Interesting conundrum. I may soon be able to decide whether or not I join AEA. But I also think I still have some work ahead of me making contacts before I am able to consistently line up work as an ASM/SM. I was wondering, how common is it for PAs in the bigger theaters (let's say Off-Broadway/LORT-A or thereabouts) to be in the union already? I know Broadway PAs are commonly already AEA, but I was curious about whether or not that can be off-putting on other contracts. Thoughts? I know there are so many thoughts on when is the right time to join, but this is angle I don't think I've seen discussed.

47

The Hardline / Re: 29hr reading - need an AEA SM?

« on: Jul 17, 2015, 01:41 am »

I believe a non-union SM would be allowed, but as with all AEA matters, it's best to call them for confirmation.

48

Employment / Re: Working in USA

« on: Jul 15, 2015, 03:49 am »

As far as I know, AEA and British Equity have no reciprocal agreements in place, so you may have to join AEA in order to do any contracts with them. This was my understanding when I was an audition monitor, at least.

49

Employment / Re: Budgeting with Irregular Income

« on: Jul 09, 2015, 04:21 pm »

From the title I thought this was asking for help with that- my first thought was "I'm sure Lifehacker has some articles about that." Here are a couple of other ones I've found helpful.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-budget-when-you-dont-have-a-regular-paycheck-510000279

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-to-better-manage-your-freelance-income-1530335057

50

Tools of the Trade / Re: Google Docs.

« on: Jul 06, 2015, 12:12 am »

It would convert to a Google Doc, I believe. You can also re-download it from the site as an excel document. I haven't had much trouble with formatting issues back and forth, but I've used it on a limited basis. Blessed?

51

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROPS: Breaking a vase

« on: Jul 05, 2015, 05:48 am »

Admittedly, I don't know Splendor, but is it possible to do mis-direction? As in, throw/toss a vase into a pillow or heavily padded area, and have ASM/crew break something (cheap) offstage? Murano is very patterned so it would probably be easier to hide pre-made cracks like loebtmc recommended, but I always like a bit of trickery onstage.

Loebtmc, with the plate pre-broken, did you have to be cautious of being cut by the ceramic? I got a nasty cut from a broken plate once, so I'm curious.

52

The Hardline / Re: Opportunity to Join IATSE - To Join or Not to Join?

« on: Jul 05, 2015, 05:31 am »

Having done theatre pretty much entirely in NYC, I'm always amazed at people getting into IATSE seemingly so easily, as I hear it's hell to get into here. Either way, congrats. You never know when a SM job listing is going to ask for experience working with IA crews, and you'll definitely have that!

53

The Green Room / Re: Professional Ethics: Hearing about a job

« on: Jun 18, 2015, 03:37 pm »

Ahhh that makes much more sense. Excellent points Matthew!

54

The Green Room / Re: Professional Ethics: Hearing about a job

« on: Jun 15, 2015, 05:54 pm »

I can't pontificate on the ethics of the situation, but my first reaction is that if it's not posted publicly, and I only heard about it from Current Co-Worker, I'd stay away. Unless the PSM of the open job contacted me, my thinking is that since they know me already, if they thought I was a good fit, they'd have let me know.

I've been thinking about similar situations recently. I'm PAing around the city right now, and it's been interesting to see all the PAs I work with and how we're all finding jobs. Sometimes it's a bit of a balancing act between trying maintain relationships with people you may or may not work with again vs. trying to climb that next rung on the ladder.

55

Stage Management: Other / Re: Short-term, non-traditional stage events

« on: Jun 15, 2015, 01:48 am »

I had a friend who did a vaudeville tour for a few summers. One of her duties was to "dispose" of the leftover champagne after the juggling finale was done. Such a terrible job.
In NYC half the time they really just need you to act as the fire guard, which is something you need for public performances. I agree with Maribeth- just ask them what they're really after. Every short-term gig I've had varies wildly.

56

The Green Room / Re: Professional Ethics: Hearing about a job

« on: Jun 15, 2015, 01:32 am »

Hypothetically, would I have only heard about it from the SM I was currently working with?

57

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: JOB DESCRIPTION: PMs responsibilities during a run

« on: May 05, 2015, 03:53 pm »

I was sitting at the board and just went, "OH company manager," and then logged on to make sure I was right.  Thanks Matthew.

58

The Green Room / Re: On the importance of a clean calling script

« on: May 02, 2015, 09:43 pm »

It's also a good lesson for anyone creating running paperwork in specificity and clarity.

Yes, absolutely. I'm board op-ing right now and even for that I type up a little list (make sure the amps located USR are on, turn on assisted listening, etc.) so that way if I'm out someone still know what to do.

59

Tools of the Trade / Re: A very silly ToTT

« on: May 02, 2015, 09:38 pm »

Adorable! That's actually pretty slick too- I wonder how well it works on gross keyboards.

60

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PMs responsibilities during a run

« on: May 02, 2015, 09:33 pm »

Matthew- just curious, what do you mean by CM? Costume manager?