Messages

1

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How long does it take to create a rehearsal report? (Poll)

« on: Oct 14, 2007, 10:02 am »

View toolbars and see if you have an option for Adobe Acrobat PDF maker.  If you do, that's the tool I'm using.  Just pick the icon that lets you email.

I have a rehearsal report form open in Word on my computer.  When I need to make notes I do.  Then all I ahve to do is read it over, update any changes and add anything I missed and send by email. - Luckily there's a button that sends the document to Entourage and all I have to do is address it.

I love MACs

A button to send right to Entourage?!?! Oh! oh!!! Tell me how to do it!

2

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How long does it take to create a rehearsal report? (Poll)

« on: Oct 10, 2007, 02:15 pm »

I have a rehearsal report form open in Word on my computer.  When I need to make notes I do.  Then all I ahve to do is read it over, update any changes and add anything I missed and send by email. - Luckily there's a button that sends the document to Entourage and all I have to do is address it.

I love MACs

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Help / Suggestions needed

« on: Sep 04, 2007, 03:06 pm »

I agree with hbelden, it does sound like your interests are elsewhere.  This position is a calling, much like acting or the priesthood.    Do not consider it unless you feel that it is the job you must do - otherwise, you will resent it and everyone around you.  It is one of the most rewarding and most thankless jobs you could ever perform.  Come to think of it - it is also like being a mother to a large brood who should always know better.  It will test the limits if your patience more than you will ever know.

4

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Emerson/DePaul/Webster/Syracuse/Penn State?

« on: Sep 04, 2007, 02:53 pm »

While I have not attended DePaul, I have worked with many DePaul SM students.  They come in to work at my theatre as my ASM.  I report back to their advisor-professor and they are given a grade.  I have also seen many DuPaul graduates (SMs) work when I go out to see theatre.

While I do not speak for them all, I can say with certainty that I have worked with 1 DePaul trained SM who was worth his salt.  When I have had rehearsals at DePaul (we needed extra space) and spoken with their SMs (who have their own office BTW), not a one of them was able to give me solid information on available space, furniture or time.  They seems a mismatched lot without much guidance.

Choose wisely - or do not choose at all - get out there and start ASMing, getting a paycheck.  Trial by fire.  You will learn a lot more about this job doing it, rather than learning about it.

I belive this is an intuitive field.  If you want to do it, you ahve probably been doing it and you already know how, you just need to practice; not pay $50K-$100: to practice what you can be DOING!!!!

5

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: thoughts on hanging out with the cast after shows

« on: Aug 21, 2007, 03:13 pm »

I choose my battles.  Sometimes with a small cast, going out for a drink after work is relaxing and bonding.  With a larger cast, I am more choosey.  I pick special dates (such as last preview before opening or last weekend before the final week to closing) so that they feel I enjoy their company (mostly I do), that I support them in this endeavor and then set the line for work and play.  If something about the show comes up, I remind them we're in a bar and not talking about work.

I do not go out drinking during the rehearsal period with them.  Not only do I need the sleep, if I hold out, some of them reconsider their choice.

6

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Where do I start?

« on: Jul 17, 2007, 03:15 pm »

I actually sent my resume (at the time, not so populated, but erpresentative of my scope of work) out to all the theatre companies in my area, to the Artistic Director or Production Manager, whomever was performing the task of hiring.  Check for local listings in trades and on websites for that info.  I included a cover letter that stated I was new to the area and interested, etc. 

I got several calls from very small companies and started working for pennies, then two years later, those old resumes started getting me work from larger houses.  Well, the old resumes and some word of mouth.  Now I have to turn down offers and am semi-permanent in a local house.

So - sending your resume out, even though it may not look great, at least gets you in a file for someone to remember when their ASM or SM that really isn't pulling through disappears.

7

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: First meeting with the Director- agenda?

« on: May 01, 2007, 02:23 pm »

I also like to ask how rehearsals should progress or be ran.  Does the director like to start with a firm tone from you, stating that it **-O'Clock, time to begin with Act I scene 1.  Or does the director like to ease in after a bit of discussion - a natural progression?

I  like to clarify my role and how it should be presented to the cast from the director's perspective.  That way we look like we're working as a team, even if, heaven forbid, we're not.

8

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Artistic Director/Actor/Director/SM Relationship

« on: Apr 10, 2007, 02:45 pm »

I have worked with my AD as an actor.  He understands when he is performing each role.  At the production meeting he is the AD and in rehearsal he is the actor.  The lines do not cross and he respects those boundaries.  Maybe you need to sit down with your AD and let him know your concerns.  Somehow passing along that if you do your job there's less for him to worry about and he can concentrate on his.  All diplomatic, of course...

9

The Hardline / Re: "Unprofessional"

« on: Apr 06, 2007, 03:54 pm »

I belive it's not only in theatre, but in the business world as well ( where I have my day job...)

10

Tools of the Trade / Re: Notebook for Mac

« on: Mar 21, 2007, 03:25 pm »

I just found out what this is - Circus Ponies-notebook 2.0 Mac Os.  It is similar software to Microsoft's notebook feature in Word.  If you ave Microsoft Word or Office, I wouldn't spend $40 for it.

11

Tools of the Trade / Re: Notebook for Mac

« on: Mar 21, 2007, 03:21 pm »

I like using notebook in Microsoft office for Mac.  I use it to take notes for each department during production meetings.  Then I change the style back to page view and it prints my chosen header and separates each department on a page.

If you're going to share with a PC user, make sure you take it out of Notebook style, could cause problems...

What software are you talking about SMJorge?

12

Tools of the Trade / Re: What is Gaffer Tape?

« on: Feb 28, 2007, 02:33 pm »

I am in awe that there are two pages dedicated to Gaff tape.

13

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: School or work?

« on: Feb 28, 2007, 02:24 pm »

In my experience, getting a degree to be an SM comes from working in the field.  Actually going to school for one prepares those who haven't taken the leap you already have.  If you feel the need for a degree - why do you want it?  Because you plan to eventually get a masters and teach?  Or would you rather do - as you are now?  I have a masters in acting and halfway through, realized I didn't want to act anymore and that I wasn't ready to teach (my main reason for getting the degree.).  Now I have a great degree and a great theatrical education...I had all the basics in undergrad and all the basic theatre classes, grad school gave me a deeper understanding of history and production value, so I took a long road...but if you're doing what makes you happy and you plan to continue, I say find a great mentor to work with and then after that education experience has reached a conclusion (you'll know when it's time) then you can decide if you need the degree.

Every interview I've ever been on, as you seem to have noticed for yourself, have been more interested in experience than the degree.  I'm asked about my degree and get surprised looks when I tell what it's for - scared looks, like I lay leave to act somewhere...but then they see my dedication and ability, talk to references if they want and all is well.  I sell myself - not by my degree.

To me, theatrical degrees are for those who want to A) keep acting or involved in the theatre, but don't have the confidence to make it in the field, B) teach at a university of HS level or C)have enough dough to shell out of daddy's wallet to keep them busy for 4 years before reality sets in.

We're pushed so much for education (despite the No Child Left Behind) but we don't step back to realize if we're investing wisely in our post-secondary education.

Enough of my rant--make the decision that feels right to you.

14

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Apprenticeships

« on: Feb 16, 2007, 02:38 pm »

Lot of spacec in Chicago theatres...check out the listings on chicagoplays.com

15

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Production Manager, Checklist

« on: Jan 31, 2007, 02:09 pm »

StageMonkey - I'm also in Chicago - maybe we can compare notes...