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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Contracts?
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 06:09 pm »
Thank you! this was great information to read
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77
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Prompt books: What to do with them after closing?
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 05:26 pm »
I take everything out of my prompt book and put it into manilla envelopes to use in the future for reference materials. I re-use binders until they start falling apart (they get pricey after a while).
I like to keep all my past prompt book material. Never know when I will need them next. May need them for self-critiques that I do, and even future interviews.
I like to keep all my past prompt book material. Never know when I will need them next. May need them for self-critiques that I do, and even future interviews.
78
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Useful equipment and software
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 05:21 pm »
What equipment and software do you find come in handy?
(please avoid the typical word and excel software)
Is it beneficial to video record a run through so that lighting designer and other designers can view it?
Maybe even audio recording to help the cast with practicing outside rehearsals?
(please avoid the typical word and excel software)
Is it beneficial to video record a run through so that lighting designer and other designers can view it?
Maybe even audio recording to help the cast with practicing outside rehearsals?
79
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Contracts?
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 05:18 pm »
Do you remember what 'guidelines' or 'rules 'you found in those contracts?
80
The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 04:30 am »
Such a shame that a lot of theaters and theater companies closed are in danger to close.
81
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: 3 Directors in 3 Years.. Transitioning.
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 04:26 am »
That's great news!
Further into the year, talk to her about because you've been SM'ing the past couple shows, can train the ASMs more hands-on, or even supervise stage management crew. She could be willing to have you SM one more show so there's good amount of time for you to train potential SMs for future shows.
Further into the year, talk to her about because you've been SM'ing the past couple shows, can train the ASMs more hands-on, or even supervise stage management crew. She could be willing to have you SM one more show so there's good amount of time for you to train potential SMs for future shows.
82
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling Vs. Board Operation
« on: Aug 27, 2013, 04:19 am »
I mean that a director or designer told a board operator to ignore your calls and take cues by themselves.
83
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling Vs. Board Operation
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 07:16 pm »
Has anyone experienced when a director, or designer would tell an operator to take a cue off a word or visual instead of your call?
84
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: ESCRIPTS: Post your requests for electronic scripts here!
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 07:09 pm »
I am looking for the script "Moon over Buffalo". If you have it, and would be willing to share, [Email Removed - Please contact via PM]
85
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PRE-PRODUCTION: Noises Off! How to be Prepared?
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 07:07 pm »
A good first step, that was probably most likely mentioned before, is to meet with the director. For me I like to get business out of the way (schedules, needs, ideas for costumes and such) before I ask them their "vision" for the show. I like to get to know my director, so It will be easier for me to work with their new style as well as anticipate needs.
Next I read and re-read the script. I make note of technical needs of the entire show, page by page. It's a good start so I can pull rehearsal props and rehearsal furniture for the future. I sit down with my director to discuss the needs I found in the script and if he has any early decisions for cuts. If theres a set, costumes designs at that time, I look at it and note whats in the picture. This helps me know what may be needed as well
When auditions are around the corner, I ask about audition needs and how he wants the audition forms. This is also a good time to talk about what to give to the cast on the first rehearsal.
Next I read and re-read the script. I make note of technical needs of the entire show, page by page. It's a good start so I can pull rehearsal props and rehearsal furniture for the future. I sit down with my director to discuss the needs I found in the script and if he has any early decisions for cuts. If theres a set, costumes designs at that time, I look at it and note whats in the picture. This helps me know what may be needed as well
When auditions are around the corner, I ask about audition needs and how he wants the audition forms. This is also a good time to talk about what to give to the cast on the first rehearsal.
86
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: PM responsibilities during rehearsals?
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 06:58 pm »
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I do have a little knowledge of what a PM is, but never really worked with one. I'm sure that a lot of the work I've done as a SM, also went into the PM side as well.
I believe I should have a sit down meeting with my new director soon, to outline what jobs I would be in charge of and what he has in mind that it entails. I wouldn't want to walk on people's toes, so to speak.
I do have a little knowledge of what a PM is, but never really worked with one. I'm sure that a lot of the work I've done as a SM, also went into the PM side as well.
I believe I should have a sit down meeting with my new director soon, to outline what jobs I would be in charge of and what he has in mind that it entails. I wouldn't want to walk on people's toes, so to speak.
87
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Contracts?
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 06:53 pm »
In college theater, community theater (maybe even high school) have you ever been part of a show that "actor contracts" and maybe even "tech contracts" were given out?
The only experience I have of this was in high school, where actors were required to sign contracts. I remember it mentioning how if an actor is a no-show (no advance notice) 3 times, they'd would either be re-casted or cut. If they had no good excuse to miss rehearsals, after three strikes they were out. The director has a final say to what was excusable. It also had a code of conduct/morale and such. Emergency contact info was must as well.
I have faint memories that before call-backs, the director and I would meet to put it or take out stuff from the last contract. I hardly remember anything about "tech contract", could of been one though. The tech crews came from a tech theater class where you had to sign up for upcoming shows to get class credit.
The only experience I have of this was in high school, where actors were required to sign contracts. I remember it mentioning how if an actor is a no-show (no advance notice) 3 times, they'd would either be re-casted or cut. If they had no good excuse to miss rehearsals, after three strikes they were out. The director has a final say to what was excusable. It also had a code of conduct/morale and such. Emergency contact info was must as well.
I have faint memories that before call-backs, the director and I would meet to put it or take out stuff from the last contract. I hardly remember anything about "tech contract", could of been one though. The tech crews came from a tech theater class where you had to sign up for upcoming shows to get class credit.
88
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: ASM Help
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 06:40 pm »
Thank you for all great responses! (Sorry i haven't replied earlier, finally got back my log in info)
Now the theatre dept. staff and new director are trying to find people for future SMs, as myself will be leaving at the end of the year, and my ASM may too.
How would you teach someone to SM who has zero experience? I've never really thought how I would train someone, that they would want to continue SM for another semester or more.
Also, should I slowly give them jobs (to be on book, record blocking and notes, write minutes and reports, etc) to the point that they'd end up doing it without supervision and assistance from me.
Now the theatre dept. staff and new director are trying to find people for future SMs, as myself will be leaving at the end of the year, and my ASM may too.
How would you teach someone to SM who has zero experience? I've never really thought how I would train someone, that they would want to continue SM for another semester or more.
Also, should I slowly give them jobs (to be on book, record blocking and notes, write minutes and reports, etc) to the point that they'd end up doing it without supervision and assistance from me.
89
Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: 3 Directors in 3 Years.. Transitioning.
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 06:26 pm »
It would probably be best to meet them ASAP. Maybe you could see if they are around even before the first day.
I went through a similar experience in my first year in college. I met with the new director/instructor about a week before classes even started. I introduced myself to him, and offered to help the transition go smoother in any way I can (I already had experience dealing with school policies, and administration and stuff) , and help him rearrange his office. I mentioned how I was stage managing for the past theater, and dance shows.
I apparently made an impressions that he asked me to send him a resume, and I did. The next week he offered me the role of SM and had a little production meeting together.
I found that if you offer to help with the transition, they'll remember you and your name when trying to fill openings.
I went through a similar experience in my first year in college. I met with the new director/instructor about a week before classes even started. I introduced myself to him, and offered to help the transition go smoother in any way I can (I already had experience dealing with school policies, and administration and stuff) , and help him rearrange his office. I mentioned how I was stage managing for the past theater, and dance shows.
I apparently made an impressions that he asked me to send him a resume, and I did. The next week he offered me the role of SM and had a little production meeting together.
I found that if you offer to help with the transition, they'll remember you and your name when trying to fill openings.
90
Students and Novice Stage Managers / PM responsibilities during rehearsals?
« on: Aug 26, 2013, 06:18 pm »
This upcoming semester, my theater department and the new director/instructor wants me to act as Production Manager, train future SMs & ASMs (because I am leaving after the school year, and I am the most experienced of the departments two SMs).
My question is what responsibilities of a Production Manager be during rehearsals or in general? I was thinking about asking him what expectations of me as a PM, but i don't want to sound like i'm inexperienced and not capable.
In the past i've already did scheduling with the director and tech staff. I've assumed prop master, costume master and sound designer responsibilities when there wasn't a person for it. I even found people for missing staff positions (to help deal with costumes, props and such).
My question is what responsibilities of a Production Manager be during rehearsals or in general? I was thinking about asking him what expectations of me as a PM, but i don't want to sound like i'm inexperienced and not capable.
In the past i've already did scheduling with the director and tech staff. I've assumed prop master, costume master and sound designer responsibilities when there wasn't a person for it. I even found people for missing staff positions (to help deal with costumes, props and such).