Messages

931

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Outgoing email issues/ Server move

« on: Feb 07, 2010, 08:23 pm »

Update to the Update to the update:

Server move is complete.  There is an issue with attachments (i.e., Uploaded Forms) that is preventing them from opening properly.  I'm working with the new host to get this issue fixed.  Everything else should be working as normal, let me know if you see anything else on the site behaving strangely.

932

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Outgoing email issues

« on: Feb 06, 2010, 06:38 pm »

Update to the update:

The server move is half finished.  There will be a downtime of approximately half an hour tonight (Saturday, February 6) very late in the evening while I move the database to the new host.

There will also be a downtime of approximately 1 hr next weekend (Saturday - Sunday, Feb 13-14) while I upgrade the site to some new software.

Thanks for bearing with us!

933

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Congrats to the new moderators!

« on: Feb 06, 2010, 06:09 pm »

As of today, all of the moderators in training have finished their training and graduated to full control over their boards.  Many congrats and good luck to them all!

934

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Outgoing email issues

« on: Feb 05, 2010, 03:33 am »

OK, it's official, we'll be moving webhosts shortly.  I will try to minimize the impact of the shift.  Here's what to expect:

For the next few days I am putting a hold on uploading any new user icons and attachments.

There will be a period of approximately half an hour when I have to move the database over when all posting, logins and access will be suspended.  Other than that, you can continue posting as normal.

While I am in the process of switching servers I may make some upgrades to the software.  (In other words, things may look a little different shortly after we move.)

We've moved several times before, this is nothing new, just somewhat sudden and unexpected.  I will post here again to notify everyone when the server move is complete.

935

SMNetwork Archives / Outgoing email issues/ Server move

« on: Feb 05, 2010, 02:39 am »

Hey all -

Many apologies to those of you who just got a slew of emailed PM notifications and/or delayed registration emails.  The server that hosts our website got jammed up (for the fourth time now) and has been hanging on to outgoing messages without sending them for over a month.

I'm in discussions with my webhost to figure out exactly what the problem is - it is not SMNet specific, but actually effects all sites that are hosted on the same server, including those of several of my friends.  I'll keep you posted and may need to switch to a new host if the service doesn't improve.

Thanks for your patience.

If you have set up your profile to receive PM notifications by email and notice that you are not getting them, please let me know.  It probably means that the server is stuck again.  I don't always notice as I'll frequently get the PMs here before they have a chance to hit my inbox.

936

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Feb 03, 2010, 11:45 pm »

Alright, that's five, it'll do for now.  We'll keep Mixed Bag and the theatre category.

937

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Feb 03, 2010, 12:46 am »

Gah, I keep forgetting to switch it.  It's been a while, so we'll do it this way: next 7 people to post their fave topics will set the list for February!

938

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Jan 30, 2010, 06:10 am »

First time: called in sick.
Next time: called in arrested.
3rd time call in? Dead.

939

The Green Room / Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Jan 29, 2010, 08:30 pm »

Stupid actors plague
Stage managers' every move,
Sure as winter's cold.

Stage managers need
A thread to vent their problems,
But prose is boring.

Share your actor woes!
But to keep things humorous,
Use haiku format.

Keep it short and sweet.
Syllables: five, seven, five.
Multiple poems fine.

Please be courteous:
Do not name any real names
So we don't get sued.

 

940

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROFESSIONALISM: Have I overstepped the mark?

« on: Jan 29, 2010, 08:14 pm »

One thing to keep in mind - while many of the replies here have addressed the courtesy issue of the situation, many of them have come from US based SMs who are bound by US hiring laws.  Many of the precautions that we take are as a result of these laws.  While the courtesy aspects remain, we must remember that kiwitechgirl is not based in the US and there may be cultural and legal variances between countries when it comes to hiring practices.

I am NOT a lawyer.  All subsequent advice is based on knowledge I've accumulated from working as a recruiter and in real estate, both of which deal with employment and other contracts on a regular basis.

In the US, it wouldn't matter if the job was paid or not, kiwitechgirl would be opening herself up to a defamation suit and possibly an antitrust suit if the company name were invoked in any way in the course of her correspondence.  I don't know where the laws stand regarding contract law, antitrust and defamation in NZ, though.

Just to be on the safe side, here's what I would suggest for next time.  Do not offer any advice or opinions before a hiring decision is made.  If someone enquires after the hiring process is finished, you can feel free to offer suggestions based on your experience of things you did to ease the task of working with the person that were successful in controlling their behavior.  Other than that, unfortunately, silence is the best policy.  The ONLY exception to this is when the applicant has given your name as a reference, and even then, it is the safest bet to only answer objective, yes/no questions.  ("Did they arrive on time to rehearsals?" - OK to answer.  "How was their attendance record?" - Not OK.)

941

Tools of the Trade / Re: Software find

« on: Jan 26, 2010, 05:21 am »

Danny, we have had some major problems here when new members post links to software (or anything for sale) as their very first post.  Most of the people who do so have ulterior motives, but pretend not to.

I see that the developers of this software are based in Madison, WI. I also see from your IP that you are based in Madison, WI.  I'm sure you can understand my suspicion here.

Please confirm that you are not involved at all with the development and sale of this software and that you stand to gain nothing from promoting it.

942

The Hardline / Re: Dear Abby: SM Deputy vs Disrespectful Director

« on: Jan 25, 2010, 03:24 am »

The original poster has sent me a response:

Thank you for your encouragement and support....

I spoke with our Business Rep, and was much heartened by the conversation. Apparently, while staffers at this company say the director/producer's attitude has been a consistent issue, the BR said this was the first report of such a concern by Stage Management, and agreed to put a note in the company file.

loebtmc - yes, this is a one-person show.

Rebbe - while I certainly agree with you on obligations of AEA members, my experience with this director is that a refusal to bend rules prompts him to stonewall, attack, belittle and generally disrupt the work of all departments (including the folks onstage) until he gets his way. Given that my first priority was getting us to a point where the actress could get onstage and work through the show (we had never run through the show, at this point), and that this photo session was directly between us and a run, I felt the best and most expedient option was to compromise so we could reach that goal.

Moving forward, as we only have six or so more hours to rehearse, how do folks here on the SMNetwork deal with directors who exhibit this kind of behavior? Do you have any favorite tricks (or stock phrases) that you find can minimize this attitude?

943

Tools of the Trade / Securing your gear

« on: Jan 23, 2010, 07:47 pm »

This crossed my mind today and I'm amazed we've not discussed it before.  Many of you work in shared environments - whether it be a performance space shared by multiple groups or a rehearsal space adjoining a scene shop - there are people that come into your space on a regular basis.  With increasingly expensive tools (laptops, kits, prompt books) and sensitive documents like health release forms and rehearsal reports, I'm sure many of you have pretty extensive security plans in place for keeping stuff from walking away.

How do you protect your gear?  What do you do to keep the prompt book safe but accessible in case of traumatic bus encounters?  How about your laptop?  Do you use any means to secure or encrypt your data?  (Specific software is OK, just no operating system grandstanding please.)  What lengths do you go to in protecting the private information of your cast and crew?

944

The Hardline / Dear Abby: SM Deputy vs Disrespectful Director

« on: Jan 20, 2010, 10:55 pm »

We have received the following post from an SMNetwork member who wishes to remain anonymous.  You can read more about "Dear Abby" posts on the Announcements board.

Dear SMNetwork:

Let me preface this by saying that the actress I'm working with is a consummate pro, and a kind and very pleasant colleague. The director (also executive producer) is another story....

On average, he has been twenty minutes late every day. I understand that regulating and disciplining him is not my place, but it's just one of many demoralizing, frustrating habits he presents daily. Today, he came into the theater (it's tech week) and announced that in one hour or less, he wanted the actress in costume and makeup for a press shot, to be submitted to the local paper of note. We do not have the wig yet (another irritating story) and no one other than the director had been informed of any press shots before tomorrow, when the staff photographer is due to attend the final dress.

As both the PSM and the Deputy on the production, I am disturbed by this disregard for the Union's rules re: due notice for press shots. I spoke with the actress, and she said she is not interested in filing a grievance with the Union. My question is this: given that this is another in a series of concessions requested (or, in another view, demanded by default) during this production, and that the director is also the executive producer, should I as the Deputy pursue the paperwork with the Union anyway? I'm frankly offended at how this director treats his entire staff, but know that I have grounds only to speak up on behalf of the AEA employees. I also want to continue supporting the actress, given that she has been very gracious throughout this process, and we have another six weeks to work together.

What should I do?

Thank you.

-- Tormented in Tech

945

Homework Help / Re: Thesis Research

« on: Jan 07, 2010, 08:39 pm »

Bumping this thread.  The original poster is still in search of survey replies.  If you have a moment, please help her out!