Messages

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Word Use

« on: Sep 14, 2007, 06:03 pm »

I thank you all so much for your input on this and I agree that saying "My set" was going too far; it was a slip of the tongue and I got nailed.  It is a rented set, but that is beside the point.  I had nothing to do with loading it in nor refacing it; thankfully!  I like the suggestion of saying "Our set", because after all it is ours.  The collaborative efforts of many different talents is why I fell in love with production in the first place.  As far as the other issues I have been able to roll of my back and take lead from the fabulous director and choreographer that I am working with.  Though she (the producer) frustrates them to no end I watch and learn from the way they deal with her.  Occasionally I am given a glare from one of them as the director starts pacing furiously when she interrupts rehearsal, sometimes a roll of the eyes follows, and I simply say "We will discuss this over a round of cold ones after closing."  For some reason this ordeal of my word usage stuck with me, but it's gone.  I open in 5 hours! 

I would like to get picked up for their next show or the whole season as this will look great on my resume and offers some valuable experience.  Until this issue they were waiting to see how I call the show before offering me the contract for the next show (auditions are Monday).  I think the reason it got to me was in my head I blew my chances for the next contract, which may just be in my head.  Even though the stress over being unemployed once again in a week weighs on me I know I need to focus on calling the show.  Especially since I have had a hard time getting all the first time new elements together such as a the pin rail and spot operators.   

Again, thank you all and I will let you know how it goes tonight.

Cheers!

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / PROFESSIONALISM: Word Use ("my" crew)

« on: Sep 13, 2007, 11:19 pm »

Ok, looking for some opinions on this one.  

I received a 20 minute lecture the other night from the Producer of the show I am currently Stage Managing about my use of the word "my" when referring to the crew, stage, cast, etc.  She went on to express that she does not like it and I am to not say it anymore.  Going on, she stated that I must be on a power trip further pointing out that the stage is not mine rather the production coordinator's; whom by the way is now taking direction from me as a stagehand.  I explained to her that it has nothing to do with a power trip, more so a term of endearment and a way I embrace the production.

Things to consider:  
I used the phrase only once, last Saturday on the first day of tech, to express to the cast that water bottles and personal items are not to be placed on 'my' set because we now have a crew to move set pieces in and out in show order as this is a hazard for one, and simply a no-no.  

This woman has been the thorn in my side from the beginning as she is a producer that walks into every rehearsal after starting and pulls the director or choreographer aside to talk about things.  And I mean right in the middle of working a section.  So now I have 27 people standing around for 15 minutes.  She gives notes to the actors during rehearsals and makes comments to me how the cast needs to learn how to rehearse.  Referring to the first incident, the girl who was marking the choreography that she was learning on the "First" day of rehearsals.  She stops the rehearsals to talk about ticket sales and so forth.  She pulled me off during the third day of blocking (while missing 3 actors) to talk about the set.  There have been no production meetings so every instruction that either of my directors has given me to pass on gets road blocked by her and I am in between.  So, I may be on the defensive by this point.  

I have a show to open tomorrow and have been able to let all this other BS roll off my back to get to this point until now with this crap about the use of the word 'my'.

What do you think?

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Notating a Dance Sequence

« on: Sep 07, 2007, 03:04 pm »

Yes, different work environments and let me tell you I am learning everyday how different the world of educational theatre and professional theatre is.  I am one week away from opening my first professional show, though non-union, and it is so crazy for me to not have to do everything and pick up the slack of others.  I appreciate you (Paul) for reminding me that the change of duties is even greater at the union level.  For the first time in eight years I have not had to make copies of scripts, write out a mic assignment sheet, set up the orchestra, help build the set, help hang lights/focus, etc.  But it's nice...very nice.  It took me a couple of weeks to relax about the anxiety I had feeling 'I should be doing something'!  Even so, 2 nights ago we needed the sound designer who had went to her office and I ran to get her, my TD explained to me that I could have/should have had her assistant track her down.  My decision to switch to professional theatre, aside from wanting to make a full time living as a SM, came about by way of technicians not showing up to work prepared and skilled. I have very high standards, which I have realized proceed that of techies not carrying a flashlight, multi-tool, and wrench at all times or actors who do not respect my position.   On that note, I am also a carpenter and grip who takes every tool I will need to a call.  Basically, I am ready for union standards but certainly have much to learn about what is expected from a SM at that level. 

Back to dance notation.  I too read music and have yet to call a show from a score.  Again, different ways of doing things.  This is why (one of the many reasons) I love this site.  Here we gather under one common  , sharing different styles, techniques, tricks, and so forth of our trade.  It is truly a comfort to read these post from people who are up against a task new to the them that someone else can offer insight to or from people who are dealing with a similar situation to one that you may be in and felt like you were the only one.   More over, I was relieved in the discovery that I was not the only SM who has an addiction to office supplies and in fact seems to be a prerequisite for our craft. 

Cheers

4

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Notating a Dance Sequence

« on: Sep 05, 2007, 06:07 pm »

First this is a response to the original poster and second to the reply above.  As far as any dance notation it is crucial that you notate starting and ending positions just as you would blocking.  During separate rehearsals, choreography and blocking, the director may need to know where actors need to be at the beginning of a dance break so he/she can end the scene with them in those positions.  In that case simply use the notation you would for blocking.  As far as the sequence, know that dances are choreographed in sections just like a written piece of work, words or music.  Break your blocking into groups of people (dancers), and look for the transitions in between sections.  This is where your lighting cues will most likely happen.  Notate warnings such as "girls raise right arm" before the next group crosses down, this will help you call the que.  More over, feel the dance.  Listen to the music and know where the musical sections change; the choreography will change too.  A SM or board op should be able to 'dance the dance'.  Not meaning you should be able to get up and do the dance, but dance it in your head and have fun with calling those lights.  I am a trained dancer and specialize in musical theatre and dance production, which helps me in my notation.  If you really want to take great notes look into Laban notation.

No, a SM should not be expected to run a dance rehearsal nor teach a dance.  However, a SM needs to know every aspect of his/her show and be able to handle anything.  If a lamp goes out, and no one, for what ever the reason can fix it. my speed wrench is right on my hip to step in and take care of the problem.  Pointing out blame and fault can happen at a later time, in the mean time I have a show to put on and am willing to do what ever it takes to make sure it is clean.  So when a spot op is not following a dance sequence I want to be able to break it down for them so that they understand the movement.  On the other side, if a dancer is missing the  que step then I need to make that dancer aware that we call the que on that movement.  In short, it's theatre, it's live, and so unpredictable.   

5

Tools of the Trade / SM Software

« on: Jul 31, 2007, 02:01 am »

I am searching for the ultimate SM Software...  After doing a hundred or so internet searches I have realized there is no such thing.  However, I have found a few programs that may be worth a shot and the price.  For years I have used Excel to create and organize paperwork along side a handful of other programs to keep a show efficient.  Like many of you I am very meticulous and outright anal when it comes to my prompt book and show postings.  The slightest thing such as color scheme or format can turn me off, which is partly steering my critique of the software available.  On the other side, the lack of certain forms, functions, and so forth leave me disappointed in the developer's efforts.  So, the question is what programs, specifically written for stage/production managers, are some of you using?  Furthermore, has/does anyone use the GOFER Electronic Stage Manager software?   

6

Employment / Re: Freelancers

« on: Jul 23, 2007, 02:26 pm »

Thank you all for your advise and input; it's a lot to think about.  Over the years I have discussed this topic with several people, though they were all non theatre folk and I could never get any advice specific enough for my situation.  I knew I should be able to claim the expenses I incur but there has been pressure from others suggesting I create a business. 

Anyhow, thanks again. 

7

Employment / Freelancers

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 11:34 am »

I'm curious...

Is anyone established as a business?  How do you handle your taxes and such.  I am at the point now were I am doing this and other technical stuff full time and have been investigating creating a business.  Is is it necessary?  Business checking accounts, credit cards, and loans, etc?

8

Employment / Re: First Aid/Fire Guard

« on: Jul 05, 2007, 09:49 pm »

Personally, I think all stage managers should be CPR/First Aid Certified; just another thing in your pocket to make you more prepared, for anything.