Messages

1

Employment / Re: UPTA and SETC

« on: Feb 03, 2008, 05:41 pm »

Thanks, Lissa!

2

Employment / UPTA and SETC

« on: Jan 12, 2008, 11:09 pm »

Hello, all!  I have perused as many threads as I can find on this topic, and have found some good info.  However, I thought I would start a new topic on it, as these two events are coming up in just a few weeks and I'd like to get as much more information as possible.   A little background:  I have been Equity for four years, and worked at one SPT theatre as the resident PSM the entire time.  My goal is to work on large-scale/musical productions (number one goal to tour and/or work on cruise ships).   This is my first time attending what I have heard referred to as the "meat market" production interviews of UPTA and SETC.

What advise do you have for a first-timer to make the most of the experience and get as many quality interviews as possible?   What are key points you feel should be made during the interview to make sure producers remember me and want to offer me a job?

I can use all the honest feedback possible, so thank you in advance for your candor!

deb

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Study Abroad

« on: Jan 11, 2008, 05:11 pm »

When I knew I was going over through BUNAC, I just searched online for Edinburgh Fringe Festival jobs and found a message board post from a production company looking for PA's.  I emailed them, had an interview when I arrived in London, and a few weeks later I was running shows in Scotland.   Although that was back in 1999, I'm sure you can find something similar now.   It's like all networking:  just start talking to producers to see where they need help.   Because I got that position, the people I met and worked with picked me up for other things once we all returned to London.  There's also a weekly theatre industry newspaper (The Stage, I believe), like Back Stage in NY, that was a great resource.  I absolutely loved it over there, and having the freedom to earn money, make your own schedule, and not worry about going to any classes is fantastic.   

4

Stage Management: Other / Re: Circus

« on: Jan 05, 2008, 12:35 pm »

ChaCha, that post is fantastic.  Thank you so much for the link!

d.

5

Tools of the Trade / Re: Should I become a Mac-er?

« on: Jan 03, 2008, 01:06 pm »

Congrats on your new toy, Justin!  My iBook turns 5 years old today.  Enjoy!   

6

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Study Abroad

« on: Dec 11, 2007, 03:40 pm »

My last year of college, I went through BUNAC, www.bunac.org, to live and work for 6 months in the UK.  I was able to PA at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and met a ton of folks who offered me work (and a British Equity card) in London.  Plus, because it's a work visa, I was able to earn enough to pay all my expenses, and travel around.   I got credit for the experience through an independent study course at the college.  It was a great experience.

7

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Dec 04, 2007, 02:08 pm »

I've shadowed production stage managers in Chicago and Las Vegas.  Shadowing has allowed me to know exactly what my goal looks and sounds and acts like, and that in turn has:  first, let me know I'm on the right track; second, helped me identify areas where I can improve; and third, tweak my approach to my career.  I am indebted to the generous people who've helped me so far, and I look forward to doing the same for other stage managers in the future.  As far as resumes and interviewing goes, I've only ever provided my resume when asked.  I do ask for advice, though, like "what kind of questions do you like an interviewee to ask you," "what do you look for in an assistant," "how do you avoid burnout," etc. 

8

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Do you have a preferred type of show?

« on: Dec 04, 2007, 01:51 pm »

I worked on three Shorts Festivals (each had eight 10-15 minute plays) at CATCO, and one full-length new play.   They were the most challenging, satisfying, difficult, and fun experiences I've had professionally.  I love working with playwrights and the exciting (and chaotic and sometimes painful) dynamics of putting up a work-in-progress.

9

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Vegas - Dec 4-7

« on: Dec 01, 2007, 05:32 pm »

Hi!  I'm currently scheduled to work during the day, but I would love to meet you.  I could possibly do a  lunch or something after 4.   When is your flight?

d.  :-)

10

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: The Pillowman

« on: Nov 15, 2007, 12:29 pm »

Ha!  My first good laugh of the day....thanks!

Remove blanks for safety.  Nice.

11

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: The Pillowman

« on: Nov 14, 2007, 02:04 pm »

Oh.  Wow.  How very cool.  I would have loved to have seen that production.   We played the stories in a stylized, 2D way.   Used handmade blood packs that Katurian popped when taking off the hood.  Nice dripping-down-the-face action there.  No pistolwhipping, though.   

Wait, why did the props volunteer get transferred to the box office?

12

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Reports during technicals

« on: Nov 13, 2007, 02:34 pm »

My practice has been what nmno said, with the exception of "don't call me..."  :-)  In consultation with my production manager, I send out an overview-type report usually the day after the tech rehearsal.  If there are notes that came in after the main tech notes session, I call the person that night, and add "new note" to the report, respectively.

d.

13

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: The Pillowman

« on: Nov 12, 2007, 01:26 am »

I've read Beauty Queen, amazing play, but have not been involved in a production of it (sorry).

I keep hearing about Lieutenant of Inishmore, too.  I wonder how the heck they deal with all the grizzliness onstage in that one.

14

Employment / Re: Changing lanes.....

« on: Nov 06, 2007, 07:40 pm »

Hi, Erin!  Thanks for starting this thread.  I'm going through a slightly similar dilemma, since I decided to leave my resident SM position and have been updating my resume for the possibility of finding a non-theatre job to hold me until I pick up another SM position.   This thread is very helpful as I continue to look for work.  :-)

I don't have much to add on the job search question, but I will say that I found that the only way I could get the word out to the couple of hundred people I'd worked with over my four years there was a mass email from my personal email address, so that people would have new contact info for me.  It worked out really well and got me back in touch with folks I hadn't seen or talked to in a while, and who are not necessarily full-time theatre people, which was great from a networking perspective, as well as personally.   The grapevine worked for a portion of it, but I wanted to make sure everybody knew that there would be a new person in my position to contact.  I had the fortune to already know who my replacement was, so I kind of introduced her in the email.  Felt good to pass the torch that way, too.

For what it's worth...

Break a leg out in the business world!

15

The Hardline / Re: Las Vegas and unions

« on: Oct 29, 2007, 11:20 am »

Thanks so much for your responses, guys.   This info is definitely helpful.   I have interviewed for an ASM position at Cirque, and am waiting to hear back results.   Packing up the moving truck this afternoon and headed west tomorrow.   See you all soon!