Messages

61

The Green Room / Re: Catchphrases

« on: Nov 06, 2012, 10:45 am »

I didn't realize I had a memorable phrase until I ran into some of my actors 3 months after the show closed and they all yelled "FOLKS!" (my preferred way of getting attention in the room).

I'd also add "Let me look into it."

62

The Green Room / Re: SANDY!

« on: Oct 29, 2012, 12:06 pm »

Between my SM training and growing up in Houston, I feel super prepared. Wish my show hadn't been cancelled, but it was certainly nice to stay in, cook, and catch up on some sleep!

63

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Working with a fellow student SM?

« on: Oct 22, 2012, 08:07 pm »

I agree with Matthew, but also- if this has been going on for the last 2 yrs (and mistakes have been made due to lack of communication), I bet a teacher/director/supervisor has noticed.

I say broach the subject with the SM, and if they deny the situation or are unwilling to find an agreement, I'd involve a higher-up.

64

Tools of the Trade / Re: Backstage pants

« on: Oct 06, 2012, 07:55 pm »

Seconding Dickies Girl! I'm 5 ft 2 and they are my favorite (the 5-pocket bootcut and the classic skinny in particular). They also have sales pretty often online.

65

The Green Room / Re: Reviews

« on: Sep 26, 2012, 11:54 pm »

Closest I've come to an actual review would be a critic complimenting the blood FX (I had a blood gun!) for a show. Another critic praised the scene shifts in another show (where the cast rotated the entire diner set 45 degrees 3 times), and I was proud of that.

I'm happy if my name makes the summary at the bottom of the article.

66

Employment / Re: Resume Format

« on: Sep 26, 2012, 12:09 pm »

I keep track of everything in an Excel spreadsheet (keeps everything nice and lined up), copy and paste the rows/credits I want into a Word doc, and then save as a PDF.

67

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Blocking help

« on: Sep 23, 2012, 09:23 pm »

I number each line of text, and then use that to reference blocking notes on the opposite page. If the actions happen before or after a character speaks, I add a .5.

So my text page looks like:

1 MARC: You're very pretty, Linda.
2 LINDA: Don't say that.
3 MARC: Why not?
4 LINDA: I think I'm falling in love with you.
5 MARC: Is that such a bad thing?

Then on the facing page:

2 - LN X USR of MRC on "that"
3.5 - MRC sits
4 - "love" LN turns to MRC; MRC looks away

Would 3.5 fall between lines 3 and 4, or in the middle of line 3?

68

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Blood Recipe

« on: Sep 19, 2012, 09:10 pm »

Hi! I did a show with a few different kinds of blood, depending on when/where they were used.  We had lots of luck with a mixture of chocolate syrup, blood gel, and gentle laundry detergent. Came out of costumes pretty quickly, though I do recommend soaking the costumes immediately in a tub of water to make sure the stain doesn't set!

For blood that was on the actress' face and hands, we mixed the gel blood with baby shampoo. It's less irritating than detergent, but it's a bit runny. Don't know if that's a problem for what you're doing. 

69

The Green Room / Re: Relief from insomnia

« on: Sep 17, 2012, 11:43 pm »

I was told in college that you can train your body that bed is for sleeping only by not doing anything else in it. (Well, almost nothing else. ) But no TV, no computer, no eating or drinking, nothing. Exercise is also really helpful!

70

Tools of the Trade / Online Venue Search & Rental Tool - NYC

« on: Sep 15, 2012, 02:04 pm »

(Unsure if this should be in "Regional" or "Tools"- move if you see fit!)

Fractured Atlas has the beta up of a their online rental system. You can specify the date(s), what you need the space for, any amenities (wifi, mirrors, etc) and you can sort results by price and neighborhood. I was playing with this yesterday and found it very helpful.

http://nycpaspaces.org/

Bonus: booking some of these venues online earns you an additional 10-20% off.



Moderator note: revised subject line for added clarity since this will be a sticky post. -kmc307

71

Stage Management: Other / Re: Circus

« on: Sep 11, 2012, 11:41 pm »

A little off topic, but if you're into the circus there's a great book called Under the Big Top by Bruce Feiler- a writer who spent a season as a clown with the circus. Not much info about stage management but a lot of info about the touring lifestyle. An interesting peek into circus life and a great read.

I just started reading this! As a circus buff (who has nearly run away with it once or twice) I'm really enjoying it.

72

Introductions / Re: Hello from Oz.....but not for much longer!

« on: Sep 09, 2012, 06:49 pm »

Welcome! I had an Aussie ASM who says "bless their little cotton socks"- one of my favorite phrases.

73

The Hardline / Re: AEA Staged Reading Contract?

« on: Sep 07, 2012, 11:45 pm »

http://actorsequity.org/docs/codes/Stage_Reading_Guidelines.pdf

It's under codes, not agreements, if that helps, cuz it's not a contract

have fun!

Yeah, this is what I keep finding, but this is what's throwing me:

"Should the combined rehearsal/Reading hours for the Reading extend beyond 29 then the production must be placed on a Staged Reading Contract."


So....where can I find this contract they speak of?

74

The Hardline / AEA Staged Reading Contract?

« on: Sep 07, 2012, 11:29 am »

I'm looking for the AEA Staged Reading contract on the Equity website but I can't find it. I have found the Staged Reading guidelines, but while they only reference it as a contract with more hours (and say that it in turn references the Off Broadway contract). Anybody have it? Or am I just totally misreading/misunderstanding the guidelines?

75

Employment / Re: Networking prep

« on: Sep 05, 2012, 09:51 pm »

All of the above, plus lipgloss and breath mints.

Also, I like to wear my college ring...it's subtle, but recognizable to anybody who's graduated from the school, as it's been the same signet ring for the last 75+ years. It's been a conversation starter with alums on many occasions.