Messages

76

The Green Room / Re: Convolution Creep

« on: Oct 16, 2010, 07:30 am »

I have worked in many a theatre where you simply don't flushing during the show.

Doesn't that violate "safe and sanitary" clause of contracts?

It was never posted that I can remember that one was not allowed to flush. People just didn't because it was too loud or distracting. It also may not have been with union jobs. I can't honestly remember. I just remember distinctly at least 2 different theatres where it happened.

I would say yes, especially if management has signs posted about not flushing (which I have seen and have refused to enforce, for that very reason).

77

The Hardline / Re: Equity and Checks

« on: Oct 13, 2010, 09:42 pm »

My TYA which I got last December was a stapled 8.5x11 booklet.

78

The Green Room / Re: Convolution Creep

« on: Oct 11, 2010, 02:53 pm »

The backstage toilet can be heard flushing, during the show.

Our theatre too! Any running water can be heard in the audience because the pipes run the length of the house. This is especially problematic when scenic designers and directors collaborate and decide they want a working sink onstage...

I have worked in many a theatre where you simply don't flushing during the show.

79

Uploaded Forms / Re: spike Matrix

« on: Oct 11, 2010, 01:24 pm »

Thanks jayscott!

I hope it is able to help you with your spike transfers. I used it for roughly 79 performances on tour this spring, so it served me well. The only other thing that I changed on it as the tour went on was to sort by SL and SR (I don't think this form is sorted as such) so that we would do one side of the stage as oppose to by object or scene being spike. The nice thing about it being in excel though is you can play with the sorting to best suit you.

80

Uploaded Forms / Re: spike Matrix

« on: Oct 10, 2010, 08:02 pm »

Oh I do! Here it is, with sample data! Used it on tour.

81

The Green Room / Re: Kids say (and do) the darndest things!

« on: Sep 01, 2010, 07:41 pm »

I was the house manager one summer for a summer stock that did a kids show every morning, where about 100 of the kids sat on stage. Many, many times kids would stand up and announce during the show that "They didn't like this movie and wanted to go to McDonalds."

82

Tools of the Trade / Re: iPhone Woes

« on: Aug 28, 2010, 08:29 pm »

From what I understand, the system upgrade is better suited to the 3GS which is why you're having problems with the system. I wish I could help more, but my 3G started to die (ringer stopped working, buzzer stopped working...) and I switched to a used Blackberry until I can upgrade to a 4.

83

The Green Room / Re: Funny definitions

« on: Aug 24, 2010, 01:54 pm »

First Rehearsal - The equivalent of opening Night for a stage manager.  Except they're in every scene, have only had the script for a week, haven't met most of their cast-mates, and everyone watching them expects the SM to be absolutely perfect, every moment, from then until closing night.

(Can you tell I've got first rehearsal jitters, today?)

I love it! "First rehearsal is my opening!"

84

Employment / Re: Picking jobs

« on: Aug 20, 2010, 10:22 am »

Funny story,
Not sure why I didn't notice this afternoon, but I'm the PSM of the show in question.  You for sure did the right thing, and as far as I can tell you handled it very well.  We should get coffee sometime.

Small world. My roommate is directing their next show.

85

Employment / Re: When is it OK to work for free?

« on: Aug 18, 2010, 07:49 pm »

The abuse of the "Showcase" code in NYC is rampant -

Oh I agree completely. It's extremely frustrating to work 40+ hours a week on a show that would make a living wage elsewhere and barely get paid in NYC. People keep producing showcases though because they continue to be able to staff the productions. It's a never ending cycle...

86

Employment / Re: When is it OK to work for free?

« on: Aug 18, 2010, 04:11 pm »

Exactly, $200.00 a month at 40 hours per week works out to $1.25 an hour.  How is the legal?  Why is the right?  Why do you do this?  (And home may weeks are only 40 hours . . . ?)

Not that I'm defending the job at all - because I don't think it's right - but isn't the reasoning behind the showcase stipend that a showcase is really just volunteer work? According to Equity that is. This is why companies can 'legally' get away with paying $200/500 or in many case absolutely no money for a full-time SM.

As a young (in terms of time spent here) SM in NYC it really bothers me. I PSMed regionally for a number of years and made a great living wage before deciding to move to NY and now I'm actually in a odd position because I'm more experienced that many of the folks competing for jobs 'at my level' yet I haven't been able to make some of the connections I could have if I started as an intern or PA just out of college.

And that job listing specifically is one of the ones that makes me really angry. I'm sure they're a great company who does great work, but $200 and it rehearses from 12-5pm?! When are you even supposed to have another job?

87

Tools of the Trade / Re: PROPS: Dead Birds

« on: Aug 17, 2010, 09:47 am »

Aha! Funny enough, I had a pair of dead, headless birds for a recent production.

The birds were made out of a rubber dog toy..I forget what they're called, but they're very heavy rubber and look like a snowman.

It's a Kong! That's what those dog toys are called. =)

88

The Green Room / Re: What did you learn today?

« on: Jul 27, 2010, 01:55 pm »

Vodka bears also works really well with non-melty gummies too.

Just put the gummies of choice (bear or bear-sized gummies work best) into a tupperware and fill with vodka (any variety) until just covered. Freeze for at least 1 week. Enjoy.

89

The Green Room / Re: What did you learn today?

« on: Jul 26, 2010, 12:22 pm »

You could probably freeze it and then break it into pieces with a rolling pin or a hammer...

If you freeze it soaked in vodka, it will actually get softer, and boozy. Then you could cut it into pieces and enjoy.

90

The Green Room / Re: Any other crafters out there?

« on: Jul 26, 2010, 12:21 pm »

I used to be a big knitter, but currently it's too hot to knit.

Oh yes.

I've been on Ravelry for some time too. It's a great pattern resource and even better time waster! Find me on there if you'd like, I'm MarcieA.