Messages

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First time stage managing. Mixed feelings. Tips?

« on: Dec 29, 2009, 12:43 pm »

Hi Brenda!

I kind of understand where you're coming from, because the same thing happened to me this summer. A few things I would suggest doing to be prepared would be to first talk to Mr. Peters and find out what he expects of you. Sometimes lines can get blurred in high school on who does what (I'm dealing with it all the time at my high school), so it couldn't hurt to talk to him.

My next suggestion would be to get everyone's contact information and make sure that everyone has yours. Seems obvious, but you'd be suprised at who has your phone number and who doesn't.

Last thing, make sure you make a master calendar of conflicts, and continually update it. It will be priceless when trying to figure out if someone is skipping rehearsal or had it planned.

I hope your show goes well, and definitely don't be afraid to ask questions on this website. It's saved my butt several times, and helps keep my sanity

~Kelly

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Being Assertive

« on: Sep 04, 2009, 10:21 am »

That was really helpful. I had my first rehearsal last night, and I had to ask her to tell a cast member something because he wasn't there (he had a previous commitment). It was uncomfortable for me (She intimidates me more than anything, just because she has a rude tone in her voice, and I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm a moron), but I still did it and it was easy. Thanks for the help! Remembering my success will really help me in the future!

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Being Assertive

« on: Sep 02, 2009, 12:28 pm »

I know there are already a few threads about this (search engines are fun!) but my problem is a little bit different than the current threads. The two main differences are that I am a senior in high school, so I'm not having issues with seniority and I don't have an issue addressing the full cast.

My issue is that there is just one person on the cast that I just can't seem to be assertive with. For an example, auditions were being held and I needed to keep everyone waiting to try out (in the lobby) quiet, so they didn't disrupt the auditions being held (on stage). It was easy for me to tell most people to be quiet by calling them out (i.e. "Aaron", you need to tone it down; or Hey "Laura", you don't need to shout) but when it came to "Lena", I just couldn't say anything. I don't know what it is about her, but I just feel like I can't be assertive. I've already seen the cast list (even though it isn't official yet) and I know Lena has gotten a main part. What would you suggest I do?

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student SM Challenge #8: Running Late

« on: Sep 02, 2009, 11:21 am »

First thing I would do would be to call the more trusted ASM (I try not to favor one over another, but it just tends to happen). I would ask that they show up early, and take my place until I could get there, and if there were any important things they would need to know that may not be written down in the book yet (like a cast member not coming last minute, because they are sick) I would let them know that.

Next, I would call my director, just to let him know I'm going to be late, and that my ASM will take over until I get there.

Then I would keep my phone on at all times, ready for any questions, and hurry to reheresal as soon as possible. I expect that reheresal wouldn't come to a standstill, because everything should be ready for someone to take over, just in case something like this happens.