Messages

781

Tools of the Trade / Re: Organizing Work Space in Small Rehearsal Hall

« on: Jan 27, 2008, 01:26 pm »

Is there an apron on the stage or some area down in the front of the house that isn't being used?  This could allow you to put a table there.  Another option would be to use tech tables if your theatre has them, but this can be fairly restricting for an SM, as we need to be able to jump up at a moment's notice.

782

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: SM&Acting

« on: Jan 26, 2008, 03:29 am »

Perhaps I should clarify - it's perfectly normal to take on a combine acting and SM role.  This is done quite often as someone who is a second ASM and also performs in the cast.  If you wish to do both it's certainly possible.  If your preference is to call the show, then that won't cater much towards acting.  Either way, it's pretty clear you and your director aren't on the same page.  I'd suggest having a conversation and come to an understanding of exactly what it is your role will be.

783

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: SM&Acting

« on: Jan 25, 2008, 01:36 pm »

Well, I think the first thing you should do is stop calling your director a "dictator".  Many times in your career you'll work with people you personally can't stand and may not care much for the way they do business professionally either.  Sorry to say but it is a fact of life, it's something you'll need to learn to deal with in a positive way if you want to succeed in any business.

To answer your question - I think you should have a conversation with your director and [eloquently] explain your concerns.  Also, if your primary interest is in calling the show, explain that to your director.  Tact is key, be polite, respectful and calm.  Keep us posted!

784

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: "Lighting" Cigarettes?

« on: Jan 21, 2008, 07:56 pm »

There has been a lot of talk about zippos here.  While this is certainly an excellent solution in terms of practicality, does it fit the character?  If not what are some other solutions to light a fake cigarette?

785

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Hydraulic Scenery accident, London "Lord of the Rings"

« on: Jan 19, 2008, 07:47 pm »

I don't understand....

If the safe edge is diverted out of its normal path or encounters any resistance, that's when it's supposed to trip.  That's the whole point of a safe edge.  Do you have any technical details?  I'm very intrigued by this.  Safe edge type systems should be designed so that if any element of the system fails, whether it's an electrical short, something out of place, communication error, etc... the lift is unable to move; that's how these accidents are prevented.

*steps off of soap box*

786

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Visual Cues--Who's Responsible?

« on: Jan 15, 2008, 12:27 pm »

I understand how this can be frustrating.  I have done it both ways.  Ultimately if the SM insists on calling the cue, the board op needs to respect that and take the cue on the SM's go.  If the SM calls the cue late then the SM will take fault, not the board op.  I know this can be frustrating as you all want the show to look good, however sometimes that's just the way it is! 

787

Tools of the Trade / Re: Introducing VirtualCallboard: Web-Based Stage Management / Production Manage

« on: Jan 15, 2008, 01:55 am »

Will have to check you guys out at USITT.  Have been doing virtual callboards 2004 - a great idea to make it available to others.  Would to have a quick chat at some point, maybe I will swing by and try to find you on the floor Wednesday before expo opens up!

788

Employment / Re: Two sided resume?

« on: Jan 10, 2008, 01:22 pm »

I am onboard with Matthew in his post.  If you can't squeeze it down to one page I'd opt for a second page for references as opposed to going two-sided on one page.

789

The Hardline / Re: Cleaning the greenroom

« on: Dec 29, 2007, 02:44 pm »

I'd maybe have a chat with the cast (and crew if they use it as well) and remind them it is their space to use and to please clean up after themselves.  If everyone simply cleans up their own mess it will become a non-issue.  It's amazing how the book "All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" is true!

The infestation is another matter, though.

790

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Happy Birthday Kay!

« on: Dec 22, 2007, 02:18 am »

Oooohhh fancy coffee???  I'll take two, thanks!

Happy Birthday Kay!!

791

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Giving lines for a music in a musical....

« on: Dec 22, 2007, 01:42 am »

This can be a tough situation, I know I experienced similar situations earlier in my SM experience.  As an SM you're so eager to be right on top of everything, the same goes for giving lines.  I actually had some similar experiences - in high school I interned at a professional regional theatre and one of my jobs as the SM Intern was to be on book.  I gave lines a few times when folks did not call for it, sometimes they needed it, sometimes they were acting.  It can be tough to tell.

In my experience it's good to keep consistent.  Don't give a line unless they say "line".  It's good to have a very clear, distinct line drawn that no lines will be given unless it's called for.  This tells your actors that they need to call for it, and also prevents you from interrupting if they are "acting".  I've found this to work well.

In musicals if I've had someone call line in the middle of a song I would do a speak-sing along with the music until they get back on track - once they're on track, you can back off.

My two cents, hope it helps!

792

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Before Show Pep Talks - Cast and Crew

« on: Dec 21, 2007, 11:04 pm »

I'm with Scott as well - a professional cast doesn't need the SM's help to "get up" for the show, that's their job.

The closest I've come is a running joke I had with my cast on my last ship - one night at half hour on the bitch boxes I was letting them know the seas were a bit rough.  One of the dancers joked that I sounded like an air traffic controller - so every once in a while I'd come on the bitch boxes at 30 and give something along the lines of a "jewel of the seas cast this is your 30 minutes to take off, ship is sailing 24 knots north-northeast, winds from the east at 3 knots.  clear visibility, all systems go."  Lightened the mood a bit, all business after half hour though.

793

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Dec 18, 2007, 07:08 pm »

I'll jump in on this...

The last announcement I used ended like this, "...remember that our actors are easily distracted by shiny objects, blinking lights and ringing noises. Please take a moment to silence all mobile devices, or during the show you will end up with a drooly, giggling cast member on your lap begging you to "make-it-do-it-again...".

It seemed to get a laugh and some applause...

-S

Seems a bit demeaning to me, I don't think I'd appreciate it if I was in that cast.

794

Employment / Re: Resume Question

« on: Dec 17, 2007, 07:55 pm »

I think this is another case of people worrying a tad too much about their resumes.  I worried myself sick with my resume and was guilty of it too.  Not to pick on you liamproche as I understand you want the best shot at the jobs you're applying for.  My school of thought on resumes is this: the goal of your cover letter is to get the person to look at your resume, the goal of your resume is to get an interview, the goal of the interview is to get the job. 

Rarely will your resume make or break getting a job (unless it's a really hideous  resume).  I've seen some people with really ugly resumes get hired because they've got what it takes and they have a good interview.  I've also seen people with some really nice resumes not get hired because they interview poorly.  The interview is the biggest factor in the hiring process.

To answer your question I don't think it matters a whole lot.  Make your resume look good and present the information in the order you want the person to read it.  Here's to hoping your resume gets you the interview!

795

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Dec 16, 2007, 02:44 am »

"We must not hear your cell phones ring.
We must not hear them while we sing.
We must not hear them beep or buzz.
We must not hear them just...because"

I think this one takes the cake so far!