Messages

1

The Green Room / Re: Hell in a Handbag (A Game for Stage Managers)

« on: Jul 10, 2012, 09:16 pm »

Is this a real snake? Will we need to feed it mice?  Do the mice need to be alive?  Would lab quality mice be acceptable or do we need pet store mice?  Do we need to clear this with any animal activist groups?  If the snake is fed at the matinee, when will it be hungry again?  Do we need more than one snake so it actual eats the food?

Will Timmy be holding the snake when he feeds him? Are worried about getting mice guts or snake spit on the costume?
 
Will a fake snake do? If it is a fake snake, can the mouth open and close so the food is inside the snake?
Or does the actor need to palm the food and hide it in his costume? 

Shouldn't the stage manager ask all these questions of the director before it ends up on a rehearsal report?   

NEW NOTE: In Act II, scene 1, the actor will place a teapot on a stove and it will need to boil by Act II, scene 2

2

The Hardline / Re: Going Equity 'Young'

« on: Aug 23, 2011, 12:18 am »

I, too, went Equity at 24.  I was working at a regional theatre as a stage manager for the intern acting company and was offered an Equity ASM position the following year. So I did not earn EMC points, but just signed an Equity contract.  Then I was offered one of the resident Stage Manager positions which I was employed in for 3 years. (I spent 5 years total at this theatre.)  At the time, it was the right move for me because I understood how the theatre worked, LORT rules and I liked the fact I was doing upwards of 10 shows a year in rotating repwith a resident acting/design/artistic/production staff.  I was working about 50 weeks a year, so continuous health insurance and all that. 

It has been hard since I've left that job because the connections I made at the theatre STAY at the theatre.  Most regional theatres that post on actorsequity or ArtSearch are looking for local stage managers and since I'm more interested in regional theatre than NYC theatre, it's hard to get your foot in the door.

I think it's about the connections you have/are making.  If a theatre is going to offer you an Equity card, but not employment the following season, it might not be worth while.  And what are your stage management goals?  If you want to work on cruise ships or for Cirque, I would wait to get your card. 

I also think it's hard to turn down a Equity card because it's a goal that has just become very attainable, right?  Most stage managers want an Equity card because it is tangible proof you are "good" at your job.

I certainly do not regret my decision to go Equity but getting a job after leaving the regional theatre might have been easier if I had other job experiences where I made more connections.

Hope this helps!!