Messages

976

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Designer Cue Lists

« on: Oct 06, 2011, 11:57 pm »

I never request a list, I am full prepared to tech them as they come along . . . I would take them in any format - I think it's important for stage management to be flexible - and if it is creating more work for the designer, I would take it in the format they are used to - why create more work.

And having it in the script - make make it more accurate.

977

Self-Promotion / Re: Candide in Boston

« on: Oct 05, 2011, 01:35 am »

press

http://www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery/3074

978

The Green Room / Re: Halloween 2011

« on: Oct 05, 2011, 12:35 am »

I will start rehearsal for my 5th production of Titus Androncius - this time at The Public Theater.  Bring on the blood and gore!

979

The Green Room / Re: Weirdest Item In Your Kit

« on: Oct 04, 2011, 06:18 pm »

C**K Ring.

It was gift.

It's in my kit for some reason.

980

The Green Room / Re: What one item do you think describes our profession?

« on: Oct 01, 2011, 12:49 am »

Headset/Cross bones?

981

Employment / Re: On the Back of Intern Labor

« on: Sep 30, 2011, 03:27 pm »

And it spills over into things like PA positions.

Technically, PA positions should be paid hourly - they are not "non-exempt" positions.

Several Broadway shows get away with paying their PA's a small salary (think 200-400 a week) is by classifying them as interns, and giving them a "stipend" to cover expenses.

Again . . . Not legal.

The problem is by the time most people are aware of the legal issues and have the strength to stand up for this . . . Up you are past the point of doing unpaid internships (hopefully). 

982

Employment / On the Back of Intern Labor

« on: Sep 30, 2011, 12:31 am »

So, interesting article

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/business/interns-file-suit-against-black-swan-producer.html?_r=1

About the movie Black Swan.

It claims "interns do menial work that should have been done by paid employees and did not provide them with the type of educational experience that labor rules require in order to exempt employers from paying interns."  This is the key to intern positions - it has to have an educational component to it.  Now, we can all make an argument that EVERY job is educational, but that doesn't cut it legally.  I applaud those behind this lawsuits - it might make a difference.

Talks about an intern who "He said his responsibilities included preparing coffee for the production office, ensuring that the coffee pot was full, taking and distributing lunch orders for the production staff, taking out the trash and cleaning the office."

I know that many theaters could not survive without the interns - I am not saying to do away with the position, but you need to then make sure there is a strong, education component attached to it - and, hopefully someone looking out for their educational experience - or pay people a living wage salary.

Again, the market is flooded out there; this does not help with that issue.

983

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Firing Actors

« on: Sep 28, 2011, 10:51 pm »

Just to be clear, AEA members do not need to be given any notice - depending on the reason - and can be let go immediately, just paid out.  "Just Cause" can be a variety of reasons  (lateness, not abiding by drug and alcohol policy, missed rehearsals, shows, breach of contract) - but often it's general management making the decision, but you can be just let go for no reason, and paid out as well - simply, we don't like you, here's is your contractual out, have a nice day.

I am not sure they "were wrong" in not giving the reason, maybe not cool, but right and wrong is in the eye of the beholder - I think it has a lot to do with that letter said and what the reason is.  I find it hard to believe that these two people were doing great and then they were just let go.  Obviously, the ASM there was some sort of reason.  The actor, who knows.  And the gossip seems to take care and make it bigger then it. 

What was wrong is that management didn't chose to take the opportunity and discuss the issue with the remaining company - when you fire an actor, there is always some sort of backlash - so it's best for management to discuss.

984

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Firing Actors

« on: Sep 28, 2011, 06:00 pm »

The question is did the actor or ASM know the reason why - they need to be notified of that - for a wide variety of reason, especially if they are AEA.

Now, if other people need to know why they were let go, that's another story.

Say, you are letting go an actor because they were caught stealing money, or doing drugs, or something else . . . you are letting them go, but don't want to be spreading gossip about their departure.  I have been privy to letting an actor go, and the only official reason I can give is "artistic differences".

Read playbill and see all of those official PR announcements about cast replacements where they say scheduling issues, film commitments, etc, etc - they never say "fired because they are a total diva" or "fired because they sleep with the chorus girls and make life backstage a living hell."  Often, the entire departure is entirely orchestrated in such a way that the producers get what they want, and the actor gets to leave under their own story.  This is not the case, but remember, there are a LOT of HR laws people have to deal with.

985

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Resume

« on: Sep 28, 2011, 12:05 pm »

"There are several people out there that feel if you have too many other things on your SM resume, it shows that you're unfocused."

As one who is a strong advocate for a stage manager having a stage manager ONLY resume, there are times when having a resume that has other credits on it can be a huge selling point.  This is what is great about having a computer and be able to update and customize a resume on the fly.

1) When you are just starting out or transitioning into stage management - showing you have other theatrical experience, or related experience will help fill in the gaps of your resume.

2) When you are applying for a "stage management / something else" position - sometimes touring or a specific project will want the SM or ASM to pick up some other duties, and customizing your resume for what the job is requesting.

3) IF you feel like you have special skills that will help you stand out - you know will yourself and how to sell yourself best.

986

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Student Assistant?

« on: Sep 25, 2011, 10:25 pm »

I think that you can gain something from an assistant . . . it might be an "assistant to" rather then a straight "assistant". 

987

Self-Promotion / Re: Candide in Boston

« on: Sep 22, 2011, 12:46 pm »

They sheep are 900 a piece - sad, huh?


I am so glad you enjoyed!!!

988

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Projections...how do you call it?

« on: Sep 21, 2011, 04:57 pm »

Historically, the first computer program that ran projections had you hit the TAB key to take the next cue.

989

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Projections...how do you call it?

« on: Sep 21, 2011, 01:06 pm »

There is a some historical use of calling projection "TAB" cues

Tab is short, sweet and to the point . . .

990

Self-Promotion / Re: Candide in Boston

« on: Sep 14, 2011, 09:04 am »

We have preview #4 and #5, and the show is going very well . . .

production photos (on youtube)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GbJBHaTedw&feature=channel_video_title


Part of the very large press machine, this morning, I am on my way to Fenway Park for a 10:00a Sound Check, 1:27p members of the cast are singing the National Anthem at a Red Sox's game (on a semi-televised game), then we jump in a Duck Boat for a police escort back to the theatre for a 2:15p curtain. 

It is the best of all possible worlds . . .