Messages

886

Self-Promotion / Re: THE TOTAL BENT (Delayed)

« on: Feb 07, 2012, 09:32 pm »

It's like a rain delay, only different

(little grumble over the fact my current theater has a no stage manager in their press release policy - but other then that . . . . we are now just 9 days out from tech.)

887

The Green Room / ARTICLE: Another Intern suing . . .

« on: Feb 03, 2012, 05:11 pm »

Interesting snippet of an article about internships

Former Intern Sues Hearst Over Unpaid Work and Hopes to Create a Class Action
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/former-intern-sues-hearst-over-unpaid-work-and-hopes-to-create-a-class-action/


again, it's a fine line between fair internships and exploitation 

888

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Equal-Opportunity Program?

« on: Feb 01, 2012, 06:35 pm »

There are some top tier BFA programs (like North Carolina and DePaul for example) where there is a bit more expectation.

As much as I am opposed to 17 years old picking stage management as a career goal based on their high school experience and expectations, and pumping up to 120,000.00 into BFA program, there is some stiff competition for these top tier programs.

It really depends on the program, but a good program will look for potential - but it depends on the program. 

889

The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: Rights, Royalties and Script Changes

« on: Feb 01, 2012, 01:04 pm »

The question is as SM, who does our loyalty lie to . . .

Do you report the text changes or changes at all in the report, and let General Management and producers raise the red flag?

I feel like it's not my responsibility to make sure the contract is being upheld, especially since I didn't sign the contract, but I do feel like it is my responsibility to report changes being done in the hall.

Also like I don't feel it is my job to make sure music being used in the production has been cleared, etc.

890

The Green Room / ARTICLE: Toronto Tax Credits to Lure Theater

« on: Feb 01, 2012, 09:35 am »

Very interesting article . . . show the economic impact of theatre, and how one city wants to lure it there

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/in-toronto-vs-chicago-theatre-war-tax-credits-are-the-new-ammo/article2319934/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheGlobeAndMail-Entertainment+%28The+Globe+and+Mail+-+Arts+News%29

891

Employment / Job Opening . . . Guthrie PSM

« on: Feb 01, 2012, 12:00 am »

(I have no affiliation with the Guthrie . . . )

Production Stage Manager
Job Title: Production Stage Manager
Department: Artistic
Reports To: Production Director
Status: Seasonal, Full-time up to 42 weeks/year, Non-Exempt,
this position is covered by the Actors' Equity contract

Position Purpose:
The Production Stage Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating the Guthrie stage management department and also stage manages up to three shows per year.

Key Result Areas
Act as a Stage Manager for Guthrie productions - up to three shows per year
Acts as a liaison with other departments in meeting the needs of individual productions
Manage personnel in Stage Management department

Qualifications
B.A. in theater with an emphasis in stage management preferred and a minimum of 5 years experience as an Actors' Equity Stage Manager preferably in LORT. Previous experience stage managing with IATSE crews required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of the LORT/AEA rulebook.
High degree of interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to work in a team environment
Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects at once.
Proficient in Microsoft word and excel.

To Apply: 
Applications will be considered as they are received. Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: search@guthrietheater.org or fax 612.225.6004.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse work environment.

892

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Equal-Opportunity Program?

« on: Jan 31, 2012, 08:29 pm »

Well, wait, Heath. . . if one is applying to a BFA program, there might be a higher standard or expectation . . . I think that a MFA has a higher expectations then a BFA, but a BFA would most likely have higher expectations then a BA.

BUT, I think there are ways to sell and package yourself to make up for the lack of credits on your resume - and there is time to add other credits.

893

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Screwing Up

« on: Jan 29, 2012, 01:23 pm »

but there are times when you make a mistake, and we make a bad decision with poor judgement - ala, I know this wrong, but I am doing anyway.

There are honest mistakes, and not-so honest mistakes.

894

The Green Room / Re: Things Stage Managers Say

« on: Jan 29, 2012, 01:00 pm »

"Don't lick the props."

Don't lick the actors . . . I HAVE GIVEN THAT NOTE.

895

The Hardline / Re: Right of first refusal?

« on: Jan 29, 2012, 12:33 pm »

This is based on my own experience, the quick answer is, call AEA and ask. 

Moving a show from LORT to Broadway is complicated, because it's changing producers, changing contracts and there is often a down time that seems to make people forget there was a previous production.

Unless you have written in your contract, it is best to assume that you are not guaranteed a seat in the next production. There is nothing outlined in the LORT contract book about it, but there is precedent setting situations they maybe referred to.  But every situation is different.  (They are clear guidelines about inter-LORT transfers, but in reality nothing spelled out clearly for transferring a show form a LORT contract to another AEA Contract.)

I always look at it as, if I am doing a LORT production, I have a contract with that theater.  If an outside commercial producer then takes the show, I would have to enter a new contract with them.  Often, a commercial producer may come in and clean house, but in reality, if you know the show, then why wouldn't they keep you?  (Unless there other reasons).  So, even if I had a contract with, let's say The Alley theater saying that I am guaranteed a spot on the transfer or a buy out, unless The Alley itself is producing the Broadway production (unlikely), then I am not sure legally where you would stand.  At the very least, the very minor amount of the buyout could happen.

Every LORT to Broadway transfer I know about has involved a second set of negotiations, but all the ways I worked on were very carefully constructed to protect the commercial producers' interests.

In short, it's not automatic, nothing rarely is.

896

Employment / Another way to look at your resume - vizualize.me

« on: Jan 29, 2012, 12:20 am »

I played around with this tonight, just as something to look at . . .

I am not thrilled about the years, because it tends to date you - you can easily guess with in two or three years my age based on this.

But a fun game to try to remember years and so forth of projects.

Unsure if I will use or link to . . .

But here is mine

http://vizualize.me/mwilliamshiner?r=mwilliamshiner#.TyTWf5gr5q7

897

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROFESSIONALISM: How to Deal with Screwing Up

« on: Jan 26, 2012, 10:44 pm »

So, ever make a bad call, bad judgement, bad decision and ROYALLY screw up . . . how do YOU deal with it?

Edit to subject line-Rebbe

898

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dear Abby: What classes would you look for in a BFA stage management program?

« on: Jan 24, 2012, 11:15 am »

I took a great class called music for dancers/choreographers which was a great practical class . . .  but I went into undergrad knowing how to read music.

899

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dear Abby: What classes would you look for in a BFA stage management program?

« on: Jan 23, 2012, 06:37 pm »

I think if you are going to require drafting, both would be ideal.

Wouldn't the university itself have a foreign language requirement?  I think making a specific requirement to stage management is odd.  (If it's for Opera . . . you could focus on one language that is opera specific.)

Dance/Music history would be interesting, but I would prefer it was a pretty quick history . . . you could easily spend two years on this subject alone. 

900

The Green Room / Re: Picture Wars!

« on: Jan 23, 2012, 01:09 am »