Messages

901

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

« on: Jan 22, 2012, 07:53 pm »

I would also a dance class to this; Opera appreciation.

902

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

« on: Jan 22, 2012, 06:36 pm »

I am not sure these are one course things, or things covered in the entire time in the program.  It might take longer to learn to read music; basics of project management might be four weeks.

As far as directing, I don't think you should directing as a stage manager . . . I want a stage manager to learn how to be a director . . . take control of a room, feel comfortable talking to an actor as creative force, shape a scene, pay attention to tempo, stage picture, etc, etc.

903

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

« on: Jan 22, 2012, 03:35 pm »

As did I - but teaching hand drafting and the CAD is a huge time commitment, that at the end of the day in a BFA program might be better spent in other places.

904

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

« on: Jan 22, 2012, 01:34 pm »

I disagree having to learn to draft to read to draft.  (One doesn't know have to write a book to read a book.)  But a class on reading ground plans - as some sort of technical theater program.

I also firmly believe that any undergrad program needs to leave the student with a good, well rounded education.

I also would add some sort of "Personality and collaboration nature" of stage management.

905

The Hardline / Re: Public reading during rehearsal process

« on: Jan 21, 2012, 11:07 pm »

That would be an odd reference to go form one contract to another . . .
usually it's a LOA (Letter of Agreement) to a Specific Contract (LORT, Off-Broadway, SPT).

But your combo would be INTERESTING . . .

906

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

« on: Jan 21, 2012, 09:18 pm »

I think a directing class is a MUST.  In fact, I would require a SM to direct a one act - all the way to production (be on the other side of the table).

I think classes in General Management and Production Management.

Lighting Design (for sure), but other design core classes.

Basic Acting.

Basic Management / Production Management

Communication / Team Management

They need to be able to read music.

They need to be able to read a ground plan.

Basic AEA understanding (using LORT as a basic understanding).

Advance Scenic Element (automation, etc)

That's a lot  . . .

907

The Hardline / Re: Public reading during rehearsal process

« on: Jan 21, 2012, 09:14 pm »

Nick - what contract were you performing under?

908

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROP: Almost, Maine Shoe

« on: Jan 19, 2012, 12:18 am »

A drop pocket?

Something where there is a piece of fabric that holds the show.  One side of the fabric is fixed, the other can be released with rope, letting the shoe fall freely.

909

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Fullerton College - Recomend?

« on: Jan 17, 2012, 07:11 am »

A lot of stage managers I know have worked at Disney, but most of the positions are full time, and there are lot of politics about union, management, versus just employee - I am not sure if it is something you are passionate about - but it can get frustrating at times for certain people . . . other people LOVE their time working at the park.

You should always shadow.  South Coast Repertory is a regional theater close, there are lots of road houses in Southern California as well.

910

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Senior Showcase"

« on: Jan 16, 2012, 09:19 pm »

For example, AEA offices in New York does a yearly off-broadway speed dating event where stage managers meet with producers and non-profit theaters who produce on the off-Broadway contract.

It was great way to get "seen" and have face-to-face time . . .

911

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Fullerton College - Recomend?

« on: Jan 13, 2012, 08:43 am »

I went to UCIrvine for most of my undergrad, and although they have a MFA program, I was able to reap the benefits while being an undergrad.

912

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Double Casting Your SM

« on: Jan 08, 2012, 06:28 pm »

To be honest, I don't know many people that do both in the professional world, at some point you may need to chose - now I am sure that there are examples out there.

But, given you are paying for your education, you should probably discuss with an advisor your desires in this situation.

913

The Hardline / Re: OFF-BROADWAY - Actors being the musicians and issues

« on: Jan 01, 2012, 05:23 pm »

Oh we have an A2 and and another sound person on the show, so that is the first plan.

914

The Hardline / OFF-BROADWAY - Actors being the musicians and issues

« on: Jan 01, 2012, 03:07 pm »

So, doing a show where some of the actors are playing some instruments in a show.

Obviously, there is nothing in the contract that allows or requires a music call or sound check of any sort.

Has anyone dealt with this in the past on an AEA contract (I have, but looking for other's input). 

Tuning is another issue we have to looking into.

One of the things I am looking at possibly doing is having an amp in the green room area in case they want to self tune . . .

Thoughts. 

(Instruments are guitars for sure, but other ones tba)

915

Employment / Re: Response Time

« on: Dec 30, 2011, 02:35 am »

Meg, a call might be, if it wasn't for the fact we were sending out a wide net checking for availability and interest.

What got me was someone responding over 3 days later, and being genuinely upset we had filled the position already.

If it was an offer, it would be most likely be a phone call or email/phone call follow up.