Messages

1

College and Graduate Studies / KCACTF

« on: Oct 23, 2022, 07:47 pm »

Hey folx!

I'm posting a call for feedback from anyone who has experiences with KCACTF (the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival).

The festival for 2023 is well into the planning stages (in person, yay!!!) and I'm hoping to hear about what you thought of the festival...
Did you go?
Any great workshops?
What did you think of the feedback, if you competed?
Was there a barrier to you going?
Did you decide not to attend for some reason?

And for any professionals out there:
Have you ever served as an SM Respondent?
What do you prioritize when you've given feedback for students?

Thanks everyone!

2

Tools of the Trade / Re: help with prop

« on: Jun 08, 2022, 06:19 pm »

So you're still gettin' science-y, but Gallium is an alternative.

It melts at about 85 degrees, so will go from a solid rock to a mercury-like substance in your palm. It also is used frequently as an alternative in science-like experiments with bare skin, and according to a bit of googling I just did, has no known biological use!

Good luck!

3

The Hardline / Re: radio plays

« on: Oct 05, 2021, 06:30 pm »

Agreed on jurisdiction, always check your rep.

I've mentored a few student projects like this and also supervised an original podcast release. Some tips:
• Make sure your audio team has all the resources.
• Schedule your call times with more time than you think you need. It takes longer, takes always go over, and you can't generally record more than one person effectively without all the right things coming together.

4

Stage Management: Other / Re: Company Name Change

« on: Jan 28, 2021, 08:42 am »

Assuming same structure, facility, contact information, location...Maybe: Your Favorite Theatre! (formerly Your 2nd Favorite Theatre)

5

Employment / Re: COVID-19 resources

« on: Mar 26, 2020, 05:06 pm »

This is more Rhode Island-centric, but someone might be able to glean something and get an idea about what to do in their home state:
https://risca.online/coronavirus-and-the-arts-resources-and-updates/

Also, call your state and local reps! Gig workers, part-time contractors, and small businesses have a lot of resources now available for them and there's a bunch more coming.

6

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How Do You Deal With Tension Among Actors and Directors?

« on: Oct 26, 2019, 10:23 am »

Hello all! I was just wondering how some of you go about dealing with tension between actors and directors should it arise. I know sometimes there's a liaison who directs cast and crew concerns to the stage manager, but what is done after the stage manager gets the complaint(s)?

Tension is a pretty vague term. Any more specifics?

Each instance has to be dealt with on its own, according to the variables of the situation.

7

The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: WHO recognizes burnout as a medical condition

« on: Jun 03, 2019, 09:58 pm »

The article in question is called "High Achiever Burnout." While the whole thing (a short page skim) is worth a read, the part that really grabbed my attention was in the first 2 paragraphs:

Essentially they expand the scope of their job by assuming others’ responsibilities. In the short run this isn’t a problem. Their intent and resulting outcome is good. However, it’s rarely a one-off situation. It can easily become a habit and create what we call the “stage manager” syndrome—when things are going well no one notices your contributions, but when things aren’t, you end up holding the bag.

Coming from my background in low/no budget small regional theatre....I was jumping from tech to opening to tech for a while).

Wise realizations Michelle! It sneaks up on you. It sounds like you have a good support system, but remember to support yourself too. We all want to make the most happen with the least resources and that certainly is our employer's standpoint too (best productivity for least pay...I know that sounds evil, but it's business!). Keep in mind your personal equations: What makes you able to work? Do you have time to be healthy? Do you have time to recharge? Do you have time to be with loved ones? But OOOooooo you're giving me some flashbacks.

Last year, the theatre I worked at folded. I served as that PM, SM, ME, Designer, IT fella, do-it-all person and was - unbeknownst to me DURING it - burning out fast and unhappy. I have spent the last year, refocusing and re prioritizing myself in different ways (different job [i.e. teaching], taking classes, doing the jobs that I want, seeing my spouse and family and friends).

When you burn out, it takes time to heal. It's not just exhaustion, but the mental damage it and you do to yourself. (I'm not good enough, what's the point, this doesn't matter, etc...)

Also, the research I referenced:
https://hbr.org/2014/06/your-work-life-balance-should-be-your-companys-problem
https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout
https://www.jstor.org/stable/25780982
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1500970

And if anyone needs to talk about burnout and frustrations with work, do it....you'll feel so much better! I felt so alone until I did (which is probably why I'm word-vomiting all over this post lol)

8

The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: WHO recognizes burnout as a medical condition

« on: May 30, 2019, 12:43 pm »

I was so happy to hear about this on The Take Away on NPR! Recognition leads to solutions....hopefully.

Having just recently done some research on it for a project, it's astonishing how much of burnout's description and characteristics you personally recognize working in theatre.

9

The Green Room / Re: Explaining Stage Management to My Therapist

« on: Oct 24, 2018, 11:51 pm »

I wish I had some type of literature to recommend, just some anecdotal stuff:

I got REALLY lucky and my previous therapist (he retired - I know, selfish right?!) minored in theatre in college and happened to work in NYC post-grad/pre-doctorate backstage. Wow, was it refreshing to hear an "I know exactly what you mean" when you're trying to vent on the frustrations of the career.

Now, I usually describe the job as middle management. You have power and responsibilities, but certainly not the major decision-making (aka design of the show, direction, casting, money management, etc...) that an audience notices most. It's important and necessary stuff, but not the glam and glitter, and not easily taught or replaceable.

"Middle management" is also a term that I've seen triggers a sympathetic response from people. They understand you're in charge, but only to a certain extent, with a wide variety of responsibilities. This sentiment is something that I think easily translates across industries.

10

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Traverse Stage Blocking

« on: Sep 27, 2018, 05:23 pm »

You sunk my Actor Ship!

11

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Traverse Stage Blocking

« on: Sep 26, 2018, 11:56 am »

Similarly to other posts, I've attributed compass directions to a particular side. Maybe one entrance is North and another South, East or West, depending on preference.

I think the trickiest part of this staging isn't necessarily the orientation of labeling, but rather how you label the grades of the stage. Center stage is a little obvious, but whta do you call the spot that's 6' from center but 10' from the North entrance? Compass directions, clock numbers, or spacial references only get you so far. Maybe adopt something like you see on the edges of proscenium stages and number the feet from center and reference those?

Whatever you choose, good luck and have fun!

12

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How to tell the Producer not to contact you on Monday?...

« on: May 08, 2018, 09:49 am »

Be honest, and just express it. Without knowing your producer, they probably think they are doing the right thing keeping you in the loop.

Agreed. Honesty is the solution to most problems.

I know the experience, Tempest, as I am also essentially "on call" for issues and solutions, due to necessity. I try and set the tone before my days off, even if it's with "I'll talk to you on Tuesday" or even saying "I'm not really available for quick responses on _____ day, so email would be best for updates or questions."

13

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Taking time off

« on: Mar 01, 2018, 07:10 pm »

As someone who does not (at times) have a healthy work/life balance, I would also love to hear everyone's perspective on this...It's  been a talking point lately for me and something I need to work on.

14

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Acting and Stage Management

« on: Oct 26, 2017, 08:47 am »

I also began my theatrical life as a performer. Singing, dancing, the whole bit.

I went into college as an actor/technician, but half way through sophomore year I transitioned to a technical/design/SM concentration. It's served me very well over the years.

Having the performance experience, like others have mentioned, serves you very well. In addition to the technical and managerial aspects making you more employable once you've graduated, it gives you a better context to relate to the people you're working with.

Good luck!

15

The Hardline / Re: Who has worked on/ attended Fringe Festivals

« on: Aug 02, 2017, 11:53 pm »

Just finished up a local fringe festival, working tech and troubleshooting. Feel free to PM with any questions!