Messages

91

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: Pre-show drink

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 09:52 pm »

Hm...this one's tough. Me, personally, one beer before a show is not going to affect me at all, but it depends on a lot of factors. In your case, since it is with people involved with the show, then no, just in case something happened, and it could be listed as a factor for my judgement.

If it was by myself, or with family or friends that were NOT involved with the show, then maybe. Usually, I just try to avoid it at all costs. 

This also pesters another question: What about your crew and cast? I know that it is sometimes in contract that they can be fired for showing up to call intoxicated, however,  what if they just have 'one.'  Anyone have any thoughts?

92

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: What SMs Should/Should Not Say During Casting Process?

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 09:27 pm »

A lot of good points have been made in this  forum.  I would have to say, I have actually run into this situation, at the university level.  At auditions, and callbacks, I have had directors, OFTEN, ask me about specific people. Here is the standard that I apply to: is it personal or is it professional.  I have had personal problems with actors in the past, some even to the point of attempting to attack me outside the theatre because of something I did in rehearsal(aka, marking them late, telling them to be quiet, even for not defending them in front of the director because they were not learning their lines).  However, did this affect their performance and relationship to the cast? no. Therefore, I didn't speak about it, because it didn't affect the show, just me and them. I have a very thick skin, and I like to say that I can get along with anyone, even people I have a problem with, and I don't let that get in the way of someone's career.  I have never had to actually talk bad about someone, because if they were a problem, I was usually able to find a solution to manage them, and help the situation work itself out.

In theory, as SM's, we have the power and knowledge in some ways to ruin someone's career if we play it well. However, this is two fold , because it can also destroy ours. Therefore, I try not to say ANYTHING unless specifically asked. 

93

Tools of the Trade / Re: [FAQ] Electronic Prompt Copies

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:47 pm »

I type up all my scripts using Text boxes for cues. I am more than willing to Zip File anyone a copy if they would like to see it. I love putting in my cues electronically.  It really makes the script cleaner, and easier to use during a show. Also, if you send in paperwork examples, you can have the ENTIRE thing on a CD to send into companies, so they can see it, versus sending an expensive copy of your prompt book. 

94

Tools of the Trade / Re: SMART PHONES: Tips for importing your contact sheet.

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:45 pm »

I'm going to try this right now.  Thanks so much!

Mercedes

95

College and Graduate Studies / MFA at same school as BA?

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:43 pm »

I would just like some other's opinions on this. 

I was offered a position to go into the grad program here at Wayne State University, where I just graduated with my BA in December. I have a pretty decent pro/con list set up, but I was just wondering what some others would think. I would like to hear from some of you that are working SM's, and what you would think if you saw the same school for both degrees on a resume. Let me know! Thanks so much for your input!

Mercedes


Anyone have any thoughts? I have to give an answer tomorrow. Anything would be appreciated.

96

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: 2009/2010 Stage Management Internships for The Shakespeare Theatre Company

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:35 pm »

are you still looking for applicants? I would be interested in a summer position, if there is one available. 

97

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: SETC?

« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:33 pm »

No, i'm not going, but I did go there last year. Basically, from what I experienced, if you are looking for an internship or possibly an ASM position, that is where to do. Usually most of the companies hire their SM's at UPTA or earlier than that even.  I just couldn't justify the 200.00 admission fee for a conference just to spend three days in a job fair, and not get the chance to enjoy much else.  It's a great place to go if you want to sit in on some mini seminars, and network a bit, but not for me this year. I'm going to USITT and UPTA. 

Here are the websites:

www.usitt.com
www.upta.org

98

Tools of the Trade / Mac or PC?

« on: Jan 06, 2010, 08:21 am »

Does anyone have a preference? Pros? Cons? I'm currently working off of a PC, and considering a Mac. Just wanted some input. Thanks!

99

Tools of the Trade / Re: Random, household things, you use/keep on stage.

« on: Jan 06, 2010, 08:17 am »

I was a dancer for 19 years, and nail polish was a common trick for dance tights.  we still use them at our theatre. Nail polish stops runs VERY well with dance tights.  i've even been able to stitch fishnets back together with it.

100

Tools of the Trade / Re: Random, household things, you use/keep on stage.

« on: Jan 05, 2010, 01:17 pm »

I use clear nail polish.  It's good for stopping runs in hoes, tights, etc. It also is great for putting over rough edges on sets, as a temp. glue, and quickly sealing things that have ripped. 

101

Tools of the Trade / Re: Useful iPhone apps?

« on: Nov 07, 2009, 01:44 pm »

Another program I've just discovered is Drop Box. Basically, it's an online filing cabinet. You download it, and it creates a folder for your desktop, and you can move any and all documents you want into this folder. And it is constantly synced with their online server, so it's always up to date. Basically, you can access this folder from any computer any time with internet. I love it. And it has an iphone app so you can see all of it there as well.

102

Tools of the Trade / Re: Useful iPhone apps?

« on: Oct 24, 2009, 03:46 pm »

I use Docs 2 Go- it's amazing. It can sync everything document-wise from your laptop to the iPhone. You can view excel, word, and PowerPoint, as well as create one of those documents as well. I think it's an invaluable backup/quick reference for any of your paperwork. Heck, most of my prompt books are in electronic form, including my scripts with cues. It costs 4.99, but it is so worth it for an SM, in my opinion.

103

Employment / Re: UPTA vs. SETC

« on: Oct 22, 2009, 05:09 pm »

I went to SETC last year, and it seemed a bit disorganized. It was long, and there were mostly college-level and even lower professionals. Very few were actually working professionals in the "real world."

104

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What I did over my summer vacation...

« on: Oct 21, 2009, 02:27 pm »

I worked at Hershey Park, in Hershey, PA on one of their entertainment shows. I was a techinician working with ZFX fly systems to lift dancers. It was like a mini-Cirque show, called "Beyond the Dragon Gate." I had a 30x30 Hydraulic wall that went from 0 degrees to 120 degrees, two professional tramps, and a tramp wall. The ZFX systems worked a Lyra, wristloops, single point and dual-point harnesses. We also had a chain-lift chandelier with trapeze bars.

I have to admit, it was a very tech-heavy show for 26 minutes

105

Employment / UPTA vs. SETC

« on: Oct 21, 2009, 02:21 pm »

I am graduating this December from College, and am curious as to if I should attend both UPTA and SETC. From what I have seen, many of the companies at SETC are going to UPTA. And UPTA is much cheaper than SETC. Is there still really a good enough benefit for me to attend both?