76
Tools of the Trade / Re: Glow-in-the-dark Glow tape
« on: Mar 09, 2011, 12:47 pm »
Thanks for the input. Since I am old school, I'll probably stick to what I know, but interesting to hear others experiences.
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77
Tools of the Trade / Re: Glow-in-the-dark Glow tape
« on: Mar 08, 2011, 01:09 pm »
So a year later, has anyone used this? Thoughts?
78
The Hardline / Re: CAT question
« on: Jan 17, 2011, 04:46 pm »
(I am assuming when you say "union crew" you mean IA)
I don't know if this helps but: My IA union rule experience has been a) that show call is 1/2 hour before 1/2 which would give you the hour dinner break or b) the theater has a specific agreement with the union on how to handle these tech days or assumes it always pays the OT.
I don't know if this helps but: My IA union rule experience has been a) that show call is 1/2 hour before 1/2 which would give you the hour dinner break or b) the theater has a specific agreement with the union on how to handle these tech days or assumes it always pays the OT.
79
The Hardline / Re: Equity? In this economy?
« on: Jan 17, 2011, 04:40 pm »
I second, third, fourth, and fifth everything said above.
But to get slightly back to the topic, I just wanted to point out that yes, Equity does have some rather low paying contracts, but those contracts also protect you by limiting the number of hours you are required to work and the number of performances a week. So yes, you may be getting paid $226 a week, but you are limited to 24 hours a week and only 4 performances (last year's SPT numbers for Cat 1), unless of course the theater wants to pay overtime. And even though you are getting a smaller amount into a checking account, you are still having monies placed into Pension and Health on your behalf.
From my point of view, no I never felt joining the union limited my job options, I always felt like it opened up all the big time options, that if I wanted to compete for Production Contract jobs I was now eligible. (though for the record B-way was never my goal, though like most, of I wouldn't mind the opportunity...and the paycheck...) Please don't take this the wrong way anyone, but I also knew that I wanted to be a Professional stage manager. I didn't want to have to put up with the idiosyncrasies of non-professional theater. So again, I didn't feel like I was really missing anything by not having non-union theater as an option.
But to get slightly back to the topic, I just wanted to point out that yes, Equity does have some rather low paying contracts, but those contracts also protect you by limiting the number of hours you are required to work and the number of performances a week. So yes, you may be getting paid $226 a week, but you are limited to 24 hours a week and only 4 performances (last year's SPT numbers for Cat 1), unless of course the theater wants to pay overtime. And even though you are getting a smaller amount into a checking account, you are still having monies placed into Pension and Health on your behalf.
From my point of view, no I never felt joining the union limited my job options, I always felt like it opened up all the big time options, that if I wanted to compete for Production Contract jobs I was now eligible. (though for the record B-way was never my goal, though like most, of I wouldn't mind the opportunity...and the paycheck...) Please don't take this the wrong way anyone, but I also knew that I wanted to be a Professional stage manager. I didn't want to have to put up with the idiosyncrasies of non-professional theater. So again, I didn't feel like I was really missing anything by not having non-union theater as an option.
80
The Green Room / Re: Snowed in in the South
« on: Jan 12, 2011, 01:38 pm »I'm in Boston and we cancelled our opening night show for the night.
Shoot I'm north of Boston and getting ready to start a 2:00p Matinee for a handful of people! (Personally I don't agree, but I'm not the boss...) let alone not canceling our evening show.
Update: at 2:04 with only 2 people in the house we decided to cancel. But those two are currently eating pizza with the cast and are getting a personal tour backstage, so I guess it is not a complete waste of their afternoon.
81
Tools of the Trade / Finding Slip NoMor in the Boston Area
« on: Jan 05, 2011, 12:36 am »
Does anyone know if you can get Slip NoMor in the greater Boston Area? I am in a slight "emergency" situation and was hoping to put my hands on some quickly without having to wait for overnight shipment. Or does anyone have an "over-the-counter" remedy for slick floor that is not a sugary soft-drink?
Thanks
Thanks
82
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: Managers in rehearsal?
« on: Dec 16, 2010, 09:31 am »Quote
Ms. Birch has been replaced by her understudy, Emily Bridges, whose father is the actor Beau Bridges; Ms. Bridges’s role will be played by Katharine Luckinbill, whose parents are the actors Laurence Luckinbill and Lucie Arnaz.
Oh great googlie mooglie.
I couldn't have said it better...
83
The Hardline / Boston Area AEA Annual Meeting
« on: Oct 26, 2010, 10:36 am »
(Not sure the best place to post this, feel free to move it...)
The Boston Area Annual Meeting is coming up on Monday, November 15th and as a member of the Area Liaison Committee I would like to encourage all SMs to attend especially those of you who work or have worked under the NEAT contract. The contract is up for negotiation in the spring and we have added a special 45 minute caucus prior to the regular meeting to specifically discuss SM issues and we would love as much input as possible.
I also want to encourage everyone to spread the word to his or her casts. The more the merrier!
Monday November 15th
Boston Playwright's Theatre
949 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Doors Open at 6:30
Stage Manager's Caucus Will Begin at 6:45
General Membership Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will finish before 10 p.m.
The link to the notice on the AEA website:
www.actorsequity.org/NewsMedia/news2010/oct13.bostonmeeting.asp
If you can’t attend or have any concerns that you would like to submit anonymously feel free to PM me.
The Boston Area Annual Meeting is coming up on Monday, November 15th and as a member of the Area Liaison Committee I would like to encourage all SMs to attend especially those of you who work or have worked under the NEAT contract. The contract is up for negotiation in the spring and we have added a special 45 minute caucus prior to the regular meeting to specifically discuss SM issues and we would love as much input as possible.
I also want to encourage everyone to spread the word to his or her casts. The more the merrier!
Monday November 15th
Boston Playwright's Theatre
949 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Doors Open at 6:30
Stage Manager's Caucus Will Begin at 6:45
General Membership Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will finish before 10 p.m.
The link to the notice on the AEA website:
www.actorsequity.org/NewsMedia/news2010/oct13.bostonmeeting.asp
If you can’t attend or have any concerns that you would like to submit anonymously feel free to PM me.
84
Employment / Re: Resumes and Cover Letters......The Nitty Gritty Part of Stage Managing
« on: Sep 08, 2010, 09:30 am »
I second all of what has been said especially the one page cover letter and following directions. I toss aside plenty of applicants due to the fact that they can't read the job posting.
I would also add 3 things:
1) Understand the job position and level you are applying for. In this very tough job market, there are many more applicants than jobs available. It is understandable that you want to stand out, but be careful that you don't up sell yourself out of a job. If you have been out on a national tour explain why you are applying for an internship. But also in reverse, if you have been in an internship explain why you are ready for a position.
2) Be honest in your resume. The theater would is small enough that those of us hiring can fairly easily verify most things on a resume. And it is likely to come out in the interview anyway. The fact that you are trying to disguise what kind of work you've done makes it makes me question your abilities even though you may be the perfect applicant.
3) And my personal pet peeve: don't try to sell to me my theater. I already know the kind of work we do and unless you have a personal connection to my theater don't try to tell me how wonderful we are.
I would also add 3 things:
1) Understand the job position and level you are applying for. In this very tough job market, there are many more applicants than jobs available. It is understandable that you want to stand out, but be careful that you don't up sell yourself out of a job. If you have been out on a national tour explain why you are applying for an internship. But also in reverse, if you have been in an internship explain why you are ready for a position.
2) Be honest in your resume. The theater would is small enough that those of us hiring can fairly easily verify most things on a resume. And it is likely to come out in the interview anyway. The fact that you are trying to disguise what kind of work you've done makes it makes me question your abilities even though you may be the perfect applicant.
3) And my personal pet peeve: don't try to sell to me my theater. I already know the kind of work we do and unless you have a personal connection to my theater don't try to tell me how wonderful we are.
85
Employment / Re: Local and not so local job resource websites
« on: Jul 24, 2010, 08:45 pm »
Two other Boston area sources:
http://www.hireculture.org (all non-profits in the area including theater)
http://stagesource.org (you have to be a paid up member to see the postings)
http://www.hireculture.org (all non-profits in the area including theater)
http://stagesource.org (you have to be a paid up member to see the postings)
86
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: The Seafarer- SM trying to figure out some card tricks
« on: Jul 03, 2010, 03:05 pm »
When I did it we added those pre-sorted hands to the top of the deck after it was shuffled. Lockhart had those cards preset in his pocket from the top of the act. He shuffled the deck, and then while we are focused on Sharky, Richard and Nicky he palmed the false top onto the deck.
87
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Saving Old Scripts
« on: Jun 13, 2010, 10:51 am »
Like Matthew, most of my scripts have ended up in theatre archives. However, now that computer and copier technology has advanced, I have started scanning my prompt script so that I can keep a copy as well without having to lug around all that paper. Those that I have saved are for personal reasons: the first show I ever stage managed (I get a good laugh out of that book 15 years later) etc.
88
Tools of the Trade / Re: Production Intercom Headsets
« on: May 08, 2010, 10:28 pm »
(This is not a comment on either headset mentioned as I have no experience with either)
Remember a headset is an investment. My first one I have had for 14 years and it still works (though I did officially replace it two years ago with a newer model). This is an item that you will spend a lot of time in. Comfort and reliability are important. Just something to think about as you make your purchase.
Remember a headset is an investment. My first one I have had for 14 years and it still works (though I did officially replace it two years ago with a newer model). This is an item that you will spend a lot of time in. Comfort and reliability are important. Just something to think about as you make your purchase.
89
The Hardline / Re: LORT: Seasonal Contract
« on: May 05, 2010, 01:07 pm »
I am on a single contract for the season at a LORT D theater which I guess falls under a "Seasonal Contract". I am the stage manager on all seven productions for the theater. I think it there is a benefit on both sides. For me, I get continuous employment for approximately 35 weeks a season. The production staff really becomes a team. We all know how each other works. For the theater, they get to save money because they only have to hire an ASM the weeks I have a show both in performance and rehearsal (for us that is about 10 to 12 weeks a year.) The theater therefore isn't having to pay 2 stage management salaries at the same time. Nor are they having to pay for the prep week for each individual show.
Does this answer your question?
Does this answer your question?