Messages

1

Introductions / What Is Even A Stage Manager?

« on: Dec 16, 2014, 11:59 pm »

I'm a deck electrician turned lighting design student, turned stage manager. I'm in my last year of college. I like weird shows with lots of cues. I'm a people person and I like to laugh.

Also, I'm currently working on a gender-bent Comedy of Errors, so that's loads of fun!

2

The Green Room / Re: Easiest Group of People to Work With?

« on: Dec 15, 2014, 11:32 pm »

I was downright terrified of dancers when I was called to ASM my university's dance show. (I thought they were strong, tiny people who knew exactly what they wanted.) But after going in and doing an ok job, I signed on to Stage Manage their next show. I get along fabulously with them and they always request me to come back!

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Meeting the director for the first time

« on: Dec 15, 2014, 10:40 pm »

I always start with the artistic vision. I ask about the inspiration for the piece so I can go home and study up on the concept (after I get my emails answered/paperwork filed). If I'm coming into the process a little late I ask about snags in the rehearsal process thus far, and who the leaders in the cast are.

I ask if the director has used the venue before, and what he/she remembers about the experience. I ask the same for any of the production staff, too.

Then I can get down to the nitty-gritty. We can talk about the rehearsal schedule, changes to the text, rehearsal setup, rehearsal format, and how we can collaborate to keep the cast and production staff working like a charm.

This isn't a check list, though. This is a loose guide for a longer conversation that includes both yours and the directors background and experiences within theatre. There's no real format to the conversation, but it's important to show that you value the artistic vision, the various members working to achieve that vision, and the deadlines in place to achieve it as well.