511
Introductions / Re: Here to Learn!
« on: Jan 24, 2014, 12:34 am »
Hi and welcome to the boards!
News:
14 Jan 2021: Happy 21st birthday, SMNetwork! I replaced the old broken mobile theme. -K
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513
The Hardline / Re: AEA: E-Cigarettes
« on: Jan 23, 2014, 05:44 pm »
I don't know of any specific rules regarding e-cigs in contracts that I've worked, but it sounds like you should get in touch with AEA directly and ask them.
514
Employment / Re: Taking Apprenticeships after working as a Professional SM?
« on: Jan 22, 2014, 11:35 am »
It seems from your previous posts that you've graduated within the last year. If that's the case, I don't think that's been too long to take an apprenticeship. But, I agree with previous posters about choosing the gig that's right for you and your career.
515
Tools of the Trade / Re: POLL: Paperwork Ownership
« on: Jan 16, 2014, 11:31 am »
I will say, I am glad we are having this discussion. When I first started stage managing I had NO IDEA that anyone would consider paperwork proprietary. It never occurred to me to ask someone about using or adapting their form. I am much more sensitive to that idea now.
That being said, I frequently use, borrow from, and adapt forms from other people. I often "try out" a different form on a show to see if I like it better than what I currently use, and then pick my favorite, or make a combination of the two. It seems crazy to reinvent the wheel, just for the sake of having paperwork that is "my own". But I am proud of the forms I've generated from scratch, and I like to see it when other people use and improve on them.
Now, for a homework assignment, it seems like straight up lifting someone else's form misses the point. You will more fully understand the purpose and usefulness of a form if you created it. You will know why a particular column exists, or why it's on the left instead of the right, if you made it yourself.
Post Merge: Jan 16, 2014, 11:45 am
Another thing to consider in this discussion- when you are the SM or PSM, do you insist on the ASMs using your forms/formats for paperwork? There are merits to doing that- consistency, being sure that something is being tracked in a particular way, etc. But if you do, and have the same ASM for an entire season (or longer), aren't they likely to use that form, or something very similar, in the future? Is there anything wrong with that?
That being said, I frequently use, borrow from, and adapt forms from other people. I often "try out" a different form on a show to see if I like it better than what I currently use, and then pick my favorite, or make a combination of the two. It seems crazy to reinvent the wheel, just for the sake of having paperwork that is "my own". But I am proud of the forms I've generated from scratch, and I like to see it when other people use and improve on them.
Now, for a homework assignment, it seems like straight up lifting someone else's form misses the point. You will more fully understand the purpose and usefulness of a form if you created it. You will know why a particular column exists, or why it's on the left instead of the right, if you made it yourself.
Post Merge: Jan 16, 2014, 11:45 am
Another thing to consider in this discussion- when you are the SM or PSM, do you insist on the ASMs using your forms/formats for paperwork? There are merits to doing that- consistency, being sure that something is being tracked in a particular way, etc. But if you do, and have the same ASM for an entire season (or longer), aren't they likely to use that form, or something very similar, in the future? Is there anything wrong with that?
516
Tools of the Trade / Re: Skin-tone colored Ace bandages/wraps
« on: Jan 15, 2014, 01:55 am »
You could also do a simple tea-dip on them. I've never heard of a different tone for Ace bandages, sorry.
517
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Ensemble tracking
« on: Jan 14, 2014, 11:49 pm »
Are the lines assigned to specific characters? Or to specific actors? If it were me, I would designate it based on character name, and actor name if the ensemble was designated by Ensemble 1, Ensemble 2, etc.
518
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REHEARSALS: Giving line notes
« on: Jan 07, 2014, 08:51 pm »
I note lines in my script, and do line note forms during run-throughs. If actors consistently say something incorrectly in rehearsal, I will give a verbal note.
During performances my method is similar to Ruth's. I will do a couple of "refresher" notes during the run if things get off, but not usually for one-offs. If it's just one or two lines, I mention it when I check in with the actors after the show. If it's more than a few, I write them out and leave them on dressing tables.
During performances my method is similar to Ruth's. I will do a couple of "refresher" notes during the run if things get off, but not usually for one-offs. If it's just one or two lines, I mention it when I check in with the actors after the show. If it's more than a few, I write them out and leave them on dressing tables.
519
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MOVED: Interview with SM for Wicked
« on: Jan 07, 2014, 08:29 pm »520
The Hardline / Re: Understudies for AEA theatres
« on: Jan 07, 2014, 06:48 pm »I think that many, many, many LORT theaters have negotiated their away around this rule . . . you can get a concession from AEA to not have understudies, and then go back through the specific contract and find out who, where and when the actors need to be notified. I love no understudies . . . until someone goes out ill . . .And, according to the LORT rulebook online, it only applies to A companies and B+, B, C, and D rep companies.
I do know of some companies who truly prefer to cancel a performance if someone is sick, rather than "compromise" the performance by putting someone else on. I rarely work at an SPT theatre that hires understudies unless there is a planned cast outage.
EDIT: "A" companies, not "A+".
521
The Hardline / Understudies for AEA theatres
« on: Jan 06, 2014, 12:39 am »
Under many of the AEA contracts, theatres are "required" to hire understudies. For example:
LORT:
69. UNDERSTUDIES.
(A) In all "A" companies and "B+," "B," "C" and "D" Repertory companies, all parts except "bit parts" must be understudied.
SPT:
62. UNDERSTUDIES
(A) All roles except “bit parts” shall be covered by understudies.
TYA: (Resident productions)
76. UNDERSTUDIES.
All roles shall be understudied.
Just curious as to how many AEA companies operating under a contract that requires understudies actually uses them. For the purpose of this poll, I'm assuming no planned cast outages.
Recognizing that many of us are freelancers and work for more than one theatre, please choose the closest percentage. Thanks!
LORT:
69. UNDERSTUDIES.
(A) In all "A" companies and "B+," "B," "C" and "D" Repertory companies, all parts except "bit parts" must be understudied.
SPT:
62. UNDERSTUDIES
(A) All roles except “bit parts” shall be covered by understudies.
TYA: (Resident productions)
76. UNDERSTUDIES.
All roles shall be understudied.
Just curious as to how many AEA companies operating under a contract that requires understudies actually uses them. For the purpose of this poll, I'm assuming no planned cast outages.
Recognizing that many of us are freelancers and work for more than one theatre, please choose the closest percentage. Thanks!
522
Introductions / Re: Hello Fellow Stage Managers
« on: Dec 31, 2013, 07:01 pm »
Hi and welcome to the boards! I would suggest using the search bar in the upper right-hand corner of the page. There are a number of threads about this subject- try searching for "cruise", "cruise ship", or "cruise ship jobs" and see what you find.
I'm not personally experienced with cruise ships but I doubt you will find much in the way of internships there. Definitely check out some of the discussions on this forum about what cruise ship work is like- there is a lot of info available.
I'm not personally experienced with cruise ships but I doubt you will find much in the way of internships there. Definitely check out some of the discussions on this forum about what cruise ship work is like- there is a lot of info available.
523
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: PM for a devised site-specific piece.
« on: Dec 31, 2013, 12:44 pm »
I think it's hard for us (as internet strangers) to know what the dynamics of your group project "should" be. It sounds like a very collaborative situation, and it also sounds like there might be non-traditional artistic roles.
I tend to think of things less in terms of being "in control" or "in charge", and more in terms of being a leader of and being responsible to your cast/group. My suggestion would be to sit down with your group at the beginning of the project and talk about how you all envision the collaboration working, and what each of your roles entails. How will group decisions be made? Do you have any limitations (budget, time, venue, etc) that you are working within? How will you as a group best serve your project?
I tend to think of things less in terms of being "in control" or "in charge", and more in terms of being a leader of and being responsible to your cast/group. My suggestion would be to sit down with your group at the beginning of the project and talk about how you all envision the collaboration working, and what each of your roles entails. How will group decisions be made? Do you have any limitations (budget, time, venue, etc) that you are working within? How will you as a group best serve your project?
524
Employment / Re: Dear Abby: advice on how to choose between offers
« on: Dec 29, 2013, 12:40 pm »
Agree with Nick about future opportunities. Also want to add- what do you need most, career-wise, at present? If you're looking for more variety on your resume, working with a new company would be beneficial. Are you trying to create or strengthen your relationship with one of these companies so that they will employ you more in the future? Are you mainly concerned with filling your summer season as fully as possible?
525
Introductions / Re: From Pittsburgh to a Magical Place...
« on: Dec 29, 2013, 12:34 pm »
Hi and welcome to the boards, brangell! Love the trivia.