Messages

91

Tools of the Trade / Re: Style Question

« on: Aug 16, 2012, 05:33 pm »

I also try not to out dress the director.

Funny - I'm the opposite. I always try to dress just a step (or a step-and-a-half) nicer / less casual than the director. Now - this may be because I'm young, and usually work with directors who are a fair bit older than me, so I dress up to compensate for the age difference. Though even working with directors of a similar age, I tend to dress in sync with them, but just a touch more formal. I guess I go along with your thinking about managers, and how, at the end of the day, I am, as a Stage Manager, a touch more formal than the rest of process - I am not, so to speak, "right in there, getting my hands dirty," and I'm often looked at to be more objective and removed from the guts of the show. Being a little more formal with my dress is one way of channeling that.

92

Tools of the Trade / Re: The ultimate binder

« on: Aug 12, 2012, 09:12 pm »

I have NEVER had to buy a binder before - I've always had tons of free, gently-used ones that gravitate towards me. Because they're free, I've never cared how long they last. However, I just moved and left my stash at home to avoid lugging them around. So this recommendation comes at a good time. I start auditions tomorrow, so I think I'll finally have to cave.

93

The Green Room / Re: Which line would you take?

« on: Aug 03, 2012, 07:00 pm »

I would live near the Godspell stop, and get on and off from that every morning/evening. That is the sweetest musical, and most cheerful way to start the day.

94

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Ideas & Opinions please

« on: Aug 01, 2012, 11:04 am »

I thought about this a while back, though, mind you, I never ended up trying it. What I pictured was using different coloured markers for line notes, blocking, cues, etc. and, at the end of each day, transferring anything that had been solidified onto the paper, while erasing it on the sheet protector.

I think it's a great idea as regards line notes - instantly visible, quickly erased. Though I like to keep my line notes in the script until the next time the actor gets it right (each day has a different little symbol so that I can tell them apart) and that way I know quickly how much trouble someone's having with a particular line.

95

Articles from the Old Site / Re: Stage Management History?

« on: Jul 24, 2012, 05:25 pm »

Another method of seeking the development of "stage manager" as a position is to track one of our most identifiable tools: the prompt book. The Folgers library has a wonderful record of prompt books (http://www.folger.edu/Content/Whats-On/Folger-Exhibitions/Past-Exhibitions/David-Garrick/What-is-a-Promptbook/) that certainly suggests the roots of our position as a stage prompter.

I love looking at old prompt books. The Victoria and Albert have quite a few in their collection, as well and a whack of old theatre paperwork:
 
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/p/prompt-book-for-radamisto-by-george-friedrich-handel/
 
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/d/doyly-carte-prompt-books/

96

The Green Room / Re: Gifts and thankyou cards

« on: Jun 20, 2012, 09:27 am »

Opening night cookies. I just wander through my usual pre-show stuff with the tin in my hand.

97

The Green Room / Re: Ten Reasons to Date a Stage Manager

« on: Jun 10, 2012, 07:29 pm »

In fact, according to your SM boo, if you are on time you are already late.

My day is made whenever someone (who isn't me) says this. Though I have to say, he won me over, right off the bat, with number 10.

98

The Green Room / Re: Introducing the Unicorn Rainbow Sparkly Theatre Company!

« on: May 30, 2012, 02:14 pm »

The trap room and other clean, quiet, well-ventilated spaces are equipped with dimmable lights... and have properly placed, weight-bearing hooks rated above 500lbs. along the walls. These hooks not only provide a way to elevate the cable runs from space to space, but are also used for nap time - when, in the course of an exceptionally long day, employees are encouraged to bring sturdy, safe hammocks to work, so they can rest during longer breaks.
 

Here I was about to suggest a bed in the SM office, but you just took the cake.

99

The Green Room / Re: Introducing the Unicorn Rainbow Sparkly Theatre Company!

« on: May 24, 2012, 09:20 am »

There is a power outlet every two feet, both along the walls and along the froor. You never have to hunt for one, and you never have to worry about running extention cords.

All rehearsals end early enough for the SM to leave the theatre while it's still light out.

100

The Green Room / Re: Need help making a playlist

« on: May 15, 2012, 08:13 am »

Given the uniqueness of the song title I think it's one of the songs from Weebl's stuff. There's a video or two for the song.

Now that was a weird way to wake up.

101

The Green Room / Re: Need help making a playlist

« on: May 14, 2012, 07:38 pm »

"I've got a big bag of crabs"

Made me laugh. Where the heck is this from? 

102

The Green Room / Re: What do we do?

« on: May 14, 2012, 07:28 pm »

A recent conversation I had during intermission:


Musician: So, what are you studying?
Me: Theatre and creative writing.
Musician: So you want to be a playwright?
Me: Oh no, I work backstage. As a Stage Manager.
Musician: Ah...
Me: I'm in charge of ensuring that everything happens when it should, and that everyone is in the right place at the right time. Baisically, I help people avoid problems.
Musician: Oh.


Then later that night he introduced me to someone else as "This is Lucia. She doesn't write plays, but she EDITS them!"

 

103

Stage Management: Other / Chinese Opera

« on: May 08, 2012, 12:31 pm »

I've just been officially signed on to stage manage a Chinese Opera style show for my university this coming winter. My department has ties with a group from China who will be coming in to work with us, and to do a performance of their own, which I'll also be working on.
 
I know a few basic things about the art form, but really, hardly anything. Obviously, I'll do my reaserch over the next few months, but I'm wondering if any of you have experience working with this art/culture that you'd be able to share. Or even any facts/links of general interest, that might give me a sense of what I'm getting myself into.
 
Thanks.

104

The Green Room / Re: summer vacation

« on: May 08, 2012, 11:55 am »

I have a gig in Winnipeg in July - it'll be my first time seeing the praries up here in Canada (or, really, any praries at all).

105

The Green Room / Re: Production Haikus

« on: May 06, 2012, 10:16 pm »

For the producers and director who texted me at 7 am every morning this week:
 
 Rehearsals run late
 Am not a morning person
 Wait til after nine
 

Keeping up with your
six am e-mails is tough.
Need coffee. Or sleep.