Messages

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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Working with Dogs

« on: Jun 11, 2013, 11:35 am »

I did Legally Blonde the musical and we had three dogs. Two Bruisers (alternating) and one Rufus. The first thing we did was made sure all the dogs got along well, we also had a dog handler to make sure things went smoothly. She wasn't specially trained but she handled things well and she grew to love the dogs over the run of the show.
Also make sure the actors that are in direct contact with the dogs get a lot of time, maybe a full rehearsal, to play with the dogs: find out how they like to be pet, held, played with, etc.
Our dogs were specially trained to not bark. If you have dogs that bark, make sure they aren't just hanging out back stage because that could cause a big mess.
Make sure the dogs get walked at some point during the show. Most dogs are content with napping for hours, but schedule a time for the dog to take a potty break during the show (with its owner or handler).
Lots of doggy treats. Always give the dogs a treat when they get off stage.
Don't let the handler/owner be off stage in the sight line of the dog. The dog will simply be looking at them the entire time.
Depending on the breed, you may be dealing with a lot of slobber. I can tell you from experience that french bull dogs love to slobber and chew on EVERYTHING. Watch out for this to make sure they don't get their paws on some props or furniture!

Just a few things I picked up. 

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The Green Room / Re: 10 things actors can do to get off to a good start with a stage manager

« on: Jun 05, 2013, 04:18 pm »

10. Always support your stage manager (rather than critiquing them).

I recently worked on a show where I was on stage calling the show (my director called it "reverse in-the-round," audience in the middle, action on the outside) and there were several places on stage where the actors and audience could hear me whispering my cues. One incredibly egotistical actor came up to me one night and said that my cue-calling was distracting him from acting.  I was upset because 1) what? Really? and 2) he had no lines and his face was covered with goggles and a respirator. Anyway, one of the actresses spoke up and defended me before I could even open my mouth. Her words of support made me relax a little and made me feel glad that she understood how hard I was working.

Also, I had lines in this show. It was a werid, but very cool experience.

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Introductions / Re: Newbie Getting started

« on: Jun 01, 2013, 01:28 pm »

my partner worked at PCPA,

I was a production assisstant this past summer at PCPA! It was a blast

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Introductions / Newbie Getting started

« on: May 31, 2013, 08:24 pm »

Hi!

My Name is Audrey and I am currently a third year Theatre Arts Major at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. For the past six years (three high school, three college) I have been focusing on stage management and stage managed about 12 shows. I also work for my college's theatre (Spanos) and I work for the AV department on campus. I love stage managing and the lifestyle that goes with it.

I am graduating in less than a year and I thought it was about time to start looking around at possible jobs and places to take myself.