Messages

91

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: May 07, 2007, 06:44 pm »

...I always thing a dose of reality is missing from far too many theatre programs.  I think if they were a little rougher, we could raise the bar a bit.

I agree to a point... it's a fine line! There is something to be said for educational programs being educational. I'd prefer universities just not assign students who haven't proven their ability to complete the assignment without some chance of success.

That said- I frequently suggest students not be assigned to projects that I'm not 100% convinced they can complete with great success. Which many people argue means that the same few students get all the "good" assignments.

My response is: "Yes. ?"

92

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: New Poll: Students and Stage Managing

« on: May 03, 2007, 12:24 pm »

Yeah- the whole in school situation is probably the toughest part of your life- at least it was for me!

The only advice I can give is make sure you're taking care of yourself physically in order that your mental state be the best it can be!! Stiff upper lip & all that...

 Cheers! 

93

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Who Runs the Tech?

« on: May 02, 2007, 10:04 am »

Yup. I hated Q2Q when I was forced to do it in college, and I would never do one now.

However- when it's absolutely needed I will schedule a separate shift rehearsal.

Example: I always save an hour of time w/ technicians during Nutcracker to put our Marie & Prince (children) in the sleigh, because it flys, and they need some time to get used to flying in a sleigh; in this hour we also run the Princes costumes reveal- where his Nutcracker costume is literally ripped off him via fishing line from the wing to reveal him as the Prince; and we do the Sugar Plum drag- which is a small piece of marley florr which the Plum piques onto and we drap her 1/2 across the stage using aircraft cable laid tight to the floor. - These are pretty specific bits that need some time to play about with cast and crew, who also generally need to make notes as we traditionally use 2 casts of children, and 5 casts of Sugar Plum's over the run- so everything runs a little different for each cast.

However, I certainly don't need the other 100+ dancres hanging out in the wings during this time! 

 

94

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Do you call from house or backstage?

« on: May 02, 2007, 09:53 am »

See 

95

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Do you call from house or backstage?

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:31 pm »

I know I've answered this before- BUT.... I can't stop myself from answering again...

I SM dance, and I am generally alone in my preference to call from FOH- almost all dance is called from backstage... weird dance SM people...

I prefer to have the option of seeing the whole  stage, and smacking the light board op when needed. Of course I must have a great ASM running the deck- which I do! 

Plus, when I'm backstage people come to me directly when there's any kind of problem (ie; I think my vamp is too high- how fo my feet look?) rather than going to the ASM, or waiting for a more appropriate time. (There's that whole dancer- self-absorbed thing...)

I'd LOVE for the other dance SM's on here to weigh in on this topic!!

96

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First Tech Rehearsal

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:24 pm »

Big Ups to you! 

97

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First meeting with the Director- agenda?

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:20 pm »

I think the most important thing is to establish an open line of communication - "If there is anything I'm doing or not doing, please let me know"

I concur! Open & Direct communication seems to be a failing for many of us on this site. We must strive to be open and upfront from the get go!

98

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: There may be trouble ahead....!

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:18 pm »

Just a quick note of "Good on you" to you free-lancers!!      

I can see the burn-out factor would be so much higher for you!!!

I must remember to be grateful for my 52 week contract- even though it means I'm Company Manager and Stage Manager; at least I have a check every week and regular benefits! whew!

99

Employment / Re: Mileage for Non Union

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:14 pm »

The issue w/ mileage is that a non-union company doesn't HAVE to provide it! They can expect you to claim it on you taxes- which is not a terrible idea. Also, no one has to provide at the IRS rate unless the contract says so! Alabama Ballet re-imburses at $.38 per mile.

100

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Calling Lines After Last Day to Call

« on: Apr 30, 2007, 05:11 pm »

I have nothing new to add - just a cheers and I agree with what the rest of you've already said- a hearty "give the poor actor the line!"

And the Director needs to butt-out of ASM wrangling... that's the SM's job... hence the A in ASM. eh?

 

101

Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.

« on: Apr 18, 2007, 10:30 pm »

JUST what I was thinking... Have you had those shows where it looks as if Godzilla is attacking Cinderella's Ball? 

102

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Trouble ASM

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 02:29 pm »

I always think it's best to talk to the ASM privately about your concerns. If this doesn't help bring in your advisor.  That's what advisor's are there for!

I too had some truely CRAP Asm's in college- it's much nicer when you can hire your own, and not have them assigned to you! 

103

Stage Management: Other / Re: School productions.

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 10:51 am »

Do you think my dancers would be offended if I wanted to "tag" them with plastic bracelets noting where they're allowed to be? (jk!)     

104

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: What's my job again?

« on: Apr 16, 2007, 10:43 am »

Something I do that might help with the being on book/taking line notes issue is to mark mistakes in my script (circle around changed words, line through dropped lines, double ended arrow showing inverted words, etc) and then go back at the end to write up the line notes.  This keeps your eyes on the book the whole time, and I can usually crank out the line notes in the time it takes for the director to give the cast notes.  These are also more accurate because you catch almost every mistake as opposed to the ones you miss when you're writing up notes and not looking at the book as closely.  You can use a pencil and erase as they get better

I do this too! It is a really great way to run through! 

On the topic of Director's - yup. and all you can do it take a deep breath and recognize your own worth... sometimes without any external validation! 

105

SMNetwork Archives / Re: misc prop questions

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 05:09 pm »

And yes, I carried all the food back and forth from the non-working fridge to the green room fridge every day.    I actually did it in shifts to keep all food items cool as long as possible.  (Changed out food during scene shifts/ intermission)

Yup. If you cannot have a cold fridge on-stage.....