Messages

76

Tools of the Trade / Re: latest toyes...

« on: Feb 09, 2007, 06:15 pm »

I recently got one of the ultra-fine tip sharpie minis.  It's on my keychain now...and very useful.

I'm not sure about the new mini-highlighters.  I've pondered getting one, but I'm not convinced I would use it. 

77

Employment / Benefits and Galas...

« on: Feb 07, 2007, 05:51 pm »

How do you get involved in the various and assorted theater benefits and galas that go on?  From my understanding, theaters tend to use their stage managers for gala events but in NYC there are so many benefits throughout the year that require stage managers.  I'd love to get involved in one to see what it's like, and also I'm sure it would be a fabulous networking experience.  Any suggestions?

78

Employment / Re: Part-Time Work

« on: Feb 07, 2007, 05:49 pm »

How did you get involved in the event work?  I am lucky not to need additional income most of the time, but I did find myself unemployed for a stretch this year.  I had another gig coming up and didn't want to get involved in a temp-to-hire situation, but was certainly bored and could have used the money.  Event work also seems like an interesting field to expand into beyond the theater...

79

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dealing with stress

« on: Feb 05, 2007, 10:54 am »

When I'm really stressed I do bread from scratch. People know it's been a rough one when I come in with bread and butter!

Bread is the best...nothing like kneading to get rid of some stress.  I also find shortbread is quite helpful at times.   

(edited to show full quote)

80

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: First and Last Names

« on: Jan 23, 2007, 08:28 am »

I'm with MarcieA.  I do Mr/Ms Smith for all my calls, but do full name on sign-ins, dressing room signs and the like.  I also use full names on character/scene breakdowns, entrance/exit paperwork, etc.

81

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Printers

« on: Jan 15, 2007, 10:33 pm »

What kind of portable printer is it that you have?  I, too, live in a small NYC apt.  The printer I have on the way out is a bit of a space hog as it is a PSC, which is occassionally nice but it sits on my floor in the way.  I'd also love to take something into the rehearsal room on occassion...

82

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Digging Out in Denver

« on: Jan 10, 2007, 08:46 pm »

It finally got cold enough in NYC to very briefly flurry today.  I can't believe it's Jan. 10th and that's the first snow here I've seen.  According to the weather people, it's supposed to be warm again this weekend.  I miss my winter.

83

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: LAUNDRY!?!!?

« on: Jan 05, 2007, 09:52 pm »

When I have done Showcases in NYC with undergarments we have laundered them.  Our schedule was once a week (3 - 4 shows a week) undergarments would be washed.  My crew person would bag the laundry and a local laundromat would pick-up at the theater to do on the day off.  They would then drop it off at the theater when it was done.  On non-laundry days we would Febreez the costumes to keep them somewhat fresh.  If the company won't spring the little bit of extra money for the laundromat to pick-up the laundry is it possible to have one of your PAs take the items with them over the day off?  Or is there a way for them to get into the theater without you making the trek in?  Best of luck.

84

SMNetwork Archives / Printers

« on: Jan 02, 2007, 10:48 pm »

I am looking into getting a new printer and am in need of some guidance.  I currently have an HP and I'm not displeased with it, but it has gone downhill quickly and I am willing to go a new direction.  I also have a Dell b/w printer that I cannot use since I have a Mac and there are no drivers available that I can find out there for it...

I'm interested in the possibility of getting a small, portable printer but am not sold on that notion.  I don't want to spend a whole lot of money whichever way I go, I just want a cheap workhorse printer.  Suggestions?

85

Tools of the Trade / Re: latest toyes...

« on: Dec 13, 2006, 12:01 am »

My latest toy is a new stage management kit.  It essentially is a milk crate that functions like a rolling suitcase with wheels and a collaspeable handle so I can wheel it around.  It comes with a canvas saddlebag type contraption that slides ontop of it with pencil pockets, assorted other pockets and a built-in expandable file folder.  I am completely in love with it!!  I believe it is a called a Memorystor and I got it at Costco this week.  It's everything that I've been looking for without realizing I was looking for it.  It is perfect for someone who takes their kit on the subway with them frequently.

86

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Interesting request for performance reports...

« on: Dec 08, 2006, 11:53 am »

In my performance reports I tend to include times for Act I Up/Down, Intermission Begin/End, Act II Up/Down and House Lights up.  I've just picked it up from some performance report forms that other stage managers I work with use and thus is a standard for me now.  The actual times are of course in addition to the stopwatch times for the acts and intermission.

87

Employment / Re: summer jobs.

« on: Nov 07, 2006, 11:16 pm »

I've worked a variety of summerstock jobs as well as the various festivals in NYC.  The best way to find a job for you is to look at areas of the country you want to work and do some reseach through the internet.  It's fairly easy and doesn't take too terribly much time.  There are tons of Shakespeare festivals which are always a good time in addition to places that do musicals, contemporary plays, etc.  Best of luck!

88

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Two shows at once?

« on: Nov 04, 2006, 11:44 pm »

I have done two shows at once on multiple occassions.  When I first was out of college I ASM'd two shows at the same time.  One rehearsed day times the other evenings.  Since then I've done it a few times.  The most trying for me was recently when I was ASMing a show in a festival setting with very little rehearsal time and PSM for another show.  Rehearsals rarely conflicted, but there was a lot of paperwork for each show that I was neccessary.  I've also rehearsed a show during the day while running a show at night for the same company.  That is much better then rehearsing two shows at once.

So, given the circumstances it can be done and can be a good experience.  The thing to remember is that you have to be able to do your paperwork, eat, sleep, and do other life things while working on these two shows.  Also, be up front with the companies you are working for about your other project.  It's always a difficult decision to make, so the best of luck to you!

89

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Calling/teching your first show, your experiences.

« on: Nov 01, 2006, 11:43 am »

My first tech is sort of a blur.  It was a while ago, but I was also incredibly nervous.  Getting started is always a slow endeavor it seems as people become familiar with how one another works and needs to tech.  Also, tops and bottoms of acts always have a good deal involved.

Hope that your performances are going well and congratulations!

90

Employment / Re: Day Jobs? Yes or No

« on: Oct 06, 2006, 09:38 am »

It really depends on your finances and how large of a show you are SMing.  Many of the stage managers I know in NYC have some sort of other job (typically temping or working load-in and load-out crews) that they can turn to either when they are in production and free sometimes during the day or when they are in between SM gigs.  These non-SM jobs tend to be fairly flexible and they have some sort of agreement with the other job that they can come and go as they need based off of their show schedule.  When in rehearsal it is fairly difficult to hold another job.