Messages

1

SMNetwork Archives / Re: I could have kissed them!

« on: Dec 18, 2008, 04:47 pm »

I was SMing Equus in Jackson, MS and we had a turn table type set where the "horses" rotated this part of the set so that the scene of Alan on Nugget at the end of Act I could be seen from "all angles."  My Dysart left a clipboard on the edge of the set piece as it started to rotate (this had accidently happened before in rehearsal and the clipboard ended up flying off and causing a horse to fall).  Dysart made it all the way across the stage before he realized it, and then simply waled back over to the set piece, in motion, and grabbed the clip board off the set piece before the set gained enough momentum to throw the clip board.

In the same show, one of the horses lost their hoof,  and Alan picked it up, pretedned to "clean" it and then set it near our "barn" set before beginning his monologue.

2

SMNetwork Archives / Re: SM: the musical

« on: Dec 18, 2008, 04:44 pm »

You could have a "fight call" where the actors completely forget the choreography and end up injuring the lead....that's how the ASM could be needed.

3

Employment / Re: SETC

« on: Dec 18, 2008, 04:31 pm »

Most of my mentors have told me to only prepare pictures for two reasons:

1) You either helped design or build part of the final project

2) Some companies think it is helpful to know what kind of show you SM-d for.  For example, you could have SM-d Les Miz, but it was for a community theatre so you only had 5 cubes to make the set and your cast was a fourth of the size.  If you had production pictures, you could show the quality of the production you SM'd.  Because, let's face it, the size and quality of the production often dictates how difficult/demanding/professional the management gig will be.

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Mentorship Program

« on: Dec 18, 2008, 04:16 pm »

I think this sounds like a great idea!  The best part of your idea is that there will be an email program.  This would allow SMs from different countries and areas to communicate.  Then, also, if some SMs are in rural areas, they still have the ability to participate in the program

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Student Stage Manager's Challenge #4: When being an SM and a friend collide

« on: Dec 18, 2008, 04:07 pm »

Similar situations have crossed SMs at my college. It is rare, but we discuss it because it can be a potential issue. Personally, my friends are well aware of the two sides of my personality. They have the side they are friends with the the stage manager side which treats them like professional actors.

I agree with you about having two sides to your personality.  My friends, and collegues, know that once I enter the theatre doors...I'm going to behave as a professional.  It's also nice that at some universities, participation in the theatre events counts as a class with a grade.  If this is the case, see if you and the director/coordinator can agree upon a tardy/absence rule.  For example, can you make a rule that if they are absent from rehearsals 3 times unexcused that the letter grade for the class will drop.  Perhaps decide how many tardys will equal an absence.  This way, the actors/technicians know in advance what is required of them.

6

Employment / College Name

« on: Feb 22, 2007, 04:00 pm »

I am interested in how important is the name of the college attended when going in for an interview.  Will directors/producers look for experience or name of school more?

7

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Apprenticeships

« on: Feb 21, 2007, 07:55 pm »

Every district has some version of a theatre conference (my state is in South Eastern Theatre Conference).  These groups have annual conferences with job postings for permanent and internship type positions.  You could start there; then, you'd get to interview with numerous companies and see what all was out there

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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Microphone list

« on: Feb 19, 2007, 07:58 pm »

I do the same general idea as the spread sheet; however, I also make one that has the actors names going down, and the scenes going across.  I found that often questions are asked in such a manner that both types of graphs are useful.  I prefer this addition because I can ease actor's who are quick to assume they have the mic.

It is really a "what works for you" situation

9

SMNetwork Archives / Re: hello from your moderator!

« on: Feb 19, 2007, 01:47 pm »

Hi all!  My name is Alice (yes, like Alice in Wonderland) and I've been stage managing for 6 years (or there abouts). I'm in my junior year of college at Millsaps College in Jackson,MS.  I just finished Equus and I am about to start auditions for The Runner Stumbles.

It is so great to meet everyone!