Messages

1

Stage Management: Other / Re: WWW detail question

« on: Apr 01, 2007, 04:37 pm »

Exactly. There lies the debate. I guess it comes down to whether the document is used more for cuing than arranging. Have any of you ever noted both, somehow, to cover bases for all sides? Without it becoming confusing. Of course, I have also seen artists and coro treated differently with this - when the coro begins their cross to exit (since the time with this isn't accurate for the most part anyway) and artists when they are out of sightlines.. but I don't know if that is exactly clear or standard either   oh my, ...

2

Stage Management: Other / Re: WWW detail question

« on: Apr 01, 2007, 12:15 am »

Gratzi, so why would someone do it when an artist begins to cross?? Maybe that is why WWWs sometimes don't make sense - have you come across this?

3

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Yale.

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 10:03 pm »

I completely agree with you. I work with a lot of people younger than me at the same place in their career , and I don't think an MFA is a necessity, nor do I look down on people who went a different route. I do, however, think it is the best route for some, especially nowadays with so many of us out there - it's hard to get the little jobs with good people. It definitely helped me tremendously.

I don't know what it is about Yale and would love to know as well.

4

Tools of the Trade / Re: Keeping Spike tape down...

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:34 pm »

I use clear packing tape, fold a corner so it's easier to remove, then pull it off at an angle. Usually I'm lucky and it pulls the spike tape up with it. The problem with it is it sometimes leaves a bit of discoloration on marley, for whatever reason.

5

Stage Management: Other / WWW detail question

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:28 pm »

Do you list a singer's exit when they begin crossing to there exit or when they are off the deck or out of audience sightlines? I prefer doing it when they are out of sightlines, but I don't know if that's standard with different companies.

6

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Texas Schools

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:22 pm »

I was there from '96-'02. The design faculty is excellent, and Donald Fox wasn't there when I was. I think I was one of the first people there with SM "emphasis". The program offers extensive hands-on experience. What I missed there was working in a rehearsal space and prepping it, working with a production manager and shop supervisors (since almost everything goes through the TD there) and we never discussed or tried the implementation AEA rules. Paperwork was pretty misguided at the time as well. I am available to you if you ever have questions:)

7

College and Graduate Studies / Re: what ARE the Yalie standards anyway?? A myth???

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:10 pm »

the standards of Yalie SMs?

Will someone please explain what they mean by that and why we as a group continue to encourage that outdated thinking?

I'm totally serious.  How many of you are yalies or know yalies or are working with them?  Actual people who have gone there in the last 5-10 years?  And how much is based on you think yale is the best because that's what you are told?

I'm really curious about this...and I'm speaking specifically about people with the SM MFA, not the tech cert or acting/design/direction MFAs (although that's worth discussing too).

What I mean is, if a person is determined to go to Yale (for whatever reason) they should know they can go somewhere else and get the same information and experience for a LOT less money (and in UCSD's case, with a previous Yale teacher).

I have worked with a lot of Yale graduates, and I really like most of them. I also know a few that have attended there and left for another program. I can't explain the support system, but it's obvious to me when I work with two Yalies that there is a connection between them, and I think that's where the networking comes into play. My point, it isn't the only school like that. Graduate school, for me, allowed me to work with and learn from professionals way beyond my league. They have been there since to support me and encourage me, and to offer advice about companies and situations, as have my colleagues in the program.

I am unsure what you mean by "encourage that outdated thinking" though.

8

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Texas Schools

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:00 pm »

I have no doubt Baylor's program has gotten better. I attended the program for stage management, and when I left, found out a world of things important to the job that were never mentioned or taught there - it was a bit of a culture shock! Mr. Sherry and Sally are fantastic, learn everything you can from them!

Personally, I have met a lot of UT grads in the real world - none from Baylor, lots from SMU as well

9

Stage Management: Other / Re: My first opera! The Magic Flute

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 05:04 am »

Call your director, or if possible, visit in person...

10

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Texas Schools

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 04:29 am »

Baylor Tech Theatre, maybe, but not stage management..

11

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Yale.

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 04:26 am »

UCSD has an excellent program, is free when you become a california resident (after one year) and the current head of stage management was the head at Yale before - lot less money, next to the beach, fantastic program and the standards of Yalie SM's..

12

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Backstage Etiquette

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:57 am »

People in love are often alone in a room of fifty. I have found that walking by, smiling and saying "you two are so cute" won't offend them, and more importantly, reminds them that others can see it. From there, in my experience, they cool down a bit and it becomes a running joke, of sorts. At least, then, you will be more comfortable talking about it with them if someone becomes uncomfortable. My two cents!

13

The Hardline / LOA?

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:47 am »

What is it? Does a "contract" follow? I'm soo confused

14

The Hardline / Opera pay..

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:43 am »

If you have worked in opera, as an ASM or an SM, where and how much were you paid?

15

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: School or work?

« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:26 am »

If you want to make yourself better, surround yourself with the best... As I see it, "good stage managers are hard to find" will decide what you do next. I haven't met a person that can define what a good stage manager is without cloning someone they know or explaining the perfect personality, and people that work consistently for years (somehow) aren't always the best of mentors. If you want to be the best you can be, make sure you work for the best stage manager you have ever met, however you need to (internship, fellowship, STUDENT) as long as they are willing to guide you in the right direction. I have met quite a few staff SMs that started as interns, and it happened because their personality had the traits the PSM saw as ideal for the position (every SM I know has a different standard for this!) and they got along well. The key is getting in with a company that will eventually pay you more than $250 a week.. if you want to have one job, instead of two (or three, etc.) Something else to consider, do you and the SMs you work with know the full capacity of the job? Not to offend, but there is a significant difference between working in a 99-seater and a large lort/opera house. I learned the most about this job when I was put in a complete union environment and I wasn't allowed to touch a thing, respectfully. Blabbering, please forgive me, but I would be half in the dark if it weren't for my education - I started with a BFA in order to learn the construction of the other skills while practicing my instincts on what SMing was about. Then I got an MFA to hone in my SM skills with professionals, and, quite frankly, the best SMs I have ever seen. It will do you no good to get advice from someone that isn't good, and you won't know what is really good vs. really bad until you see the best at work (and in the office after). I am all for education. Working with the best professionals, as well as your counterparts (some would say competition, rightfully so) will teach you a GREAT deal about the politics, as well as the practices. I guess the bottom line is, either way will get you somewhere, or nowhere - it's all about who you surround yourself with, learn from, and learn with. Cheers to you, and best of luck!