Messages

541

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Orchestras moving out of the pit

« on: Mar 25, 2012, 12:42 am »

I am wondering if anyone has dealt with this whole in another building/in the basement thing and might share some perspective or experience. Did it work for cues? Did you have any actual interaction with the conductor or any of the musicians? Did you have to provide a whole new set of coffee/tea and run around for a second set of far-afield calls? Please share details if you have worked this way.

542

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Orchestras moving out of the pit

« on: Mar 25, 2012, 12:10 am »

(Thanks for cleaning up the link - I wasn't sure how to bypass!)

And yes, it's an interesting conversation - I also love seeing the live musicians and how many actual instruments, what kind of systems they are using, how they cram them in, how many men vs women, where they stash certain things etc. I know for several shows, the drum kit is in another building so it doesn't blast everyone else out of balance, but the whole orchestra? wow! Not sure I like this trend....but interesting nonetheless.

543

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MUSICALS: Orchestras moving out of the pit

« on: Mar 24, 2012, 11:41 pm »

Where do you stash your orchestra?

Interesting article:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2012%2F03%2F24%2Farts%2Fmusic%2Fmoving-orchestras-out-of-sight-maybe-even-out-of-the-theater.html%3Fpagewanted%3Dall&h=PAQHOqkOj

Edit to subject line-Rebbe

544

The Green Room / Re: USITT 2012

« on: Mar 24, 2012, 02:38 pm »

Let's plan to formally connect at some point on Fri or Sat during the day - I have a few friends going (non-SMs, either sound or TD type folks) and we are going to hook up on Thu -

And - I know where all the good happy hours are.....

545

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: TECH: Paper Tech

« on: Mar 20, 2012, 07:59 pm »

I can usually get a whole play done in about 3-4 hrs or so - director and designers sit down and get it done.

546

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: TECH: Paper Tech

« on: Mar 20, 2012, 12:17 pm »

Paper techs are used most often when a dry tech isn't gonna happen - it's a chance for director and LD/SD to discuss where and when each of them sees or specifically wants to see things. No, it isn't universal, but it is done professionally and, even when not done, it's useful as a prep for the SM to do it themselves since we've been in the rehearsal and know where the director has said things like "light shift" or "underscore" that sometimes isn't obvious or hasn't been translated to the designer.

547

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dear Abby: What classes would you look for in a BFA stage management program?

« on: Mar 14, 2012, 12:44 pm »

Given all the input, I'd love the original poster to report back what decisions were made and why. What did you decide needed to be the curriculum for this BFA course? Please share!

548

The Green Room / Re: Meals!

« on: Mar 13, 2012, 08:33 pm »

I am terrible about cooking ahead, but I do make lunches the night before using fun lunch pails. A friend of mine, a lovely and talented musical theater performer, has a side business selling these wonderful containers - basically clever plastic bento boxes - that allow me to give myself a lot of variety cuz I find I want many different flavors by the time I get a meal break. And I can prepack a whole bunch of stuff that would otherwise require separate tubs.

http://www.easylunchboxes.com/

She is always doing giveaways and sales, and altho I get nothing financial out of it, if you mention my name she will let me know (she is wonderful abt thank you notes).

(again, I get no commissions or goodies, so I hope this doesn't overstep my bounds)

549

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Mentorship Program

« on: Mar 13, 2012, 12:18 am »

Many good questions. There is such an interesting balance; each of us is an up-and-comer in one way and a mentor/teacher in another. As someone who trains newbies all the time, I agree that seeing someone in a real life situation helps - so many people misperceive their/our strengths and weaknesses. And people on this site mentor each other all the time. But yes, something structure married to realistic sounds like a great plan. I like the idea of something like "what have you always wanted to ask a working stage manager" and seeing what popped up. Or, maybe, we could lend stories to a "what's the most important thing you learned from your mentor" or "what do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out".

550

Employment / Re: Anyone work for Gateway Playhouse in the past?

« on: Mar 07, 2012, 01:22 am »

I worked there in the 70s - will PM you but the question is, did you get the summer position?

551

The Hardline / Re: Multiple LORT contracts and Health Insurance Weeks

« on: Mar 05, 2012, 02:11 pm »

check w your rep - but a key factor is if they are separate contracts.

552

The Green Room / Re: USITT 2012

« on: Feb 24, 2012, 04:11 am »

Wow I didn't realize it was in LB - I will be there! Exactly when will depend on whether I am working or not (dang it) but what an opportunity! I look forward to finally attending one of these. Thanks for the code!

FWIW I work in that complex all the time, and if anyone has questions about parking, metro access, where to eat cheaply etc, feel free to ask!

553

The Green Room / Re: What a Stage Manager Does

« on: Feb 21, 2012, 02:31 pm »

thanks JessieK - I need to learn how to transfer and post things like that, not just share it on FB!

554

Self-Promotion / Re: Julius Caesar & The Comedy of Errors National Tour

« on: Feb 11, 2012, 03:27 pm »

you'll be here in May - does this mean we will finally meet face to face?

555

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: SHOWS: Chicago

« on: Feb 08, 2012, 06:44 pm »

cue lights are easy, cheap, and the standard way to go so there shd be no ego issues - and assuming you will need to tie it to light or other cues, also makes the most sense . Turn it on for standby, then off for go