Messages

1

SMNetwork Archives / I HAVE to share this

« on: Mar 16, 2007, 11:10 am »

So I've just finished a tour that was geared toward young kids for Black History Month. SO we were going into schools, mostly in the NYC area. There was this one school (which shall remain nameless) where we were playing in the gymacafetorium. We were setting up our set and sound etc. during breakfast and the very nice lunch ladies had breakfast set up on the edge of the stage. So we were setting up around them, then came the time for the show...

During our show, the VERY nice lunch ladies were making sandwiches ON STAGE. We were informed that they made the lunch sandwiches at a specific table on the stage every day during that time and if they didn't lunch would not be served on time. SO during our show, seated stage left just behind one of our central set pieces (that did not block them from view) they made sanwiches. And my actors (who I will confess were troupers) performed the entire show around them.

I just thought I'd share this because I find it hilarious.

Michelle

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / RUNNING: Maintaining

« on: Dec 20, 2006, 07:41 pm »

I'm sure this is a topic that is covered all the time but I need to ask....

I work a lot in stock theater or other areas of theater where the rehearsal process is 2 weeks or less. I know that as the SM I am responsible for maintaining the show as it appears at Dress Rehearsal. I know as a SM the statment should end there with no buts, but....

I wonder about the development of the show. I want to present the best show, and letting a show blossom a little seems to be in the best interest for all involved. Obviously if a director specifically says don't do this or this is the intention behind this those are the guidlines and they can't be changed. But is letting an actor get more comfortable in his or her character making me a "bad Stage Manager"?

As a post script of sorts I would like to just mention that I haven't been specifically approached about this topic by a director or producer, as a matter of fact our producer came to see the show today after we had been out on the road for 2 months and she loved it, I know my cast has gotten more comfortable in their roles and things have been changed slightly as a result.


Along the same lines how is the best way people have found to address notes once you're in production. I prefer to pull people aside and address thing individually and in private. What does everyone else think?


Michelle  

3

Tools of the Trade / Re: latest toyes...

« on: Oct 15, 2006, 01:40 pm »

I to confess a psuedo sharpie addiction (you all saw, i didn't really admit it) I keep my mini shapries (an highlighter) on my master keys (which never leave my person) and retractable sharpies in my kit. it's sooooo nice not to have to worry about the darn cap all the time! and I can multi-task better