Messages

1

The Green Room / Re: Moving to fight off burnout

« on: Feb 26, 2018, 09:45 pm »

Unfortunately, the job that I was looking at didn't pan out. I'm still at that theatre, and it's tough. It hasn't gotten any better, if anything it's gotten worse. I had a really rough show on the last one personally, and the stress affected my quality of work: something I never EVER thought could happen.

I can't really afford much right now, and my SO is also looking for different work. We're stuck at the moment, but looking. I am in a relatively isolated region, so taking a break would mean having to quit the industry entirely for awhile.

I'm a bit lost at the moment. I hope whatever you decided to do works out well for you!

2

Tools of the Trade / Re: iPad Pro for Blocking?

« on: Feb 20, 2018, 09:53 pm »

I might have to try ForScore. I haven't thought of it for blocking as of yet!

I use Notability, which lets me upload my scripts to the app itself, and I can use highlighting, multiple colors, types of pencil medium, etc.  I just used it on my most recent production of Show Boat, and it worked incredibly well!

3

Tools of the Trade / Re: Digital Script App Query

« on: Feb 20, 2018, 09:46 pm »

I read the survey, and that is what got me thinking. The one thing that stuck out to me was the statement that people would like an app that could be used for multiple things and could be modified to work for them. The first step would be a script, but further steps could be adding options to import other paperwork and have at the ready quickly for reference, etc. I'm just testing the waters right now regarding if there would even be a market for this. I know app building is incredibly expensive, but I've got a few friends in the industry that are interested in working on something like this with the resources to help.

4

Tools of the Trade / Digital Script App Query

« on: Feb 20, 2018, 07:04 pm »

Hi All,

I'm in the idea stages of possibly building a prompt script app that is specifically designed for performances. I've been using multiple apps for years now, and none of them seem to function in a way that makes it useable, as well as not being able to customize it the way I'd like for quick and easy access.

Of course, I am still a strong proponent of having a paper copy on hand, but in today's age we are slowly but surely moving towards digital, and I'd like to at least look at the possibility of creating an app that could keep up.

Some things I've thought about already:

-Dual page view (including swipe to the left-right to change both pages)
-"menu" on the side (essentially grouping pages into scenes, beats, songs etc. that can be set by the user for quick access)
-Writing on it with a stylus, with saving to a cloud service like dropbox so it is accessible for others on the production staff)
-multiple saved versions
-Quick Search (for a specific line, cue, etc)
-Quick marks (like fourscore) to allow for jumping to various positions (this is esp. helpful for Cut shows for special events, school shows, etc)
-a "sticky note" function to allow one to make temporary notes that can be removed at any point without much trouble.
-Ease of page inserts or cuts and auto tracking to a "group" they are put in

Basically I want to see if it would even be possible to do something like this. If there is anything that anyone on this forum also would like to possibly see, please let me know. I'm just curious to see if there could be a potential market for something along these lines to be developed.

5

The Green Room / Re: Moving to fight off burnout

« on: Aug 02, 2017, 08:11 pm »

I needed to see this thread. I am at the exact same point you are and have been seriously considering dropping out of theatre for awhile, if not forever. I won't do that and I don't want to leave permanently, but an opportunity has come up on me recently in a different field (but still related) and would give me more money (giving me the ability to save and possibly relocate), a normal schedule and weekends off. I think that is exactly what I need right now. I'm coming off of 3 years of non-stop, constant work both internationally and regionally (while losing 2 grandparents, a close family friend and a best childhood friend for which I could attend NONE of the funerals) at a place that has recently turned very volatile and has sent my anxiety through the roof. High maintenance actors and design team, processes that don't change, constant sense of having to watch my back and a blatant lack of disrespect. I think I need to hit the reset button.

6

The Hardline / Re: Getting In: Experience and EMC

« on: Sep 25, 2016, 07:05 pm »

That does, thank you. I'm definitely in the camp of "going where the work is" right now. The jobs have just been either in a remote theatre location (cities that don't have a huge theatre network, or much relationship with the bigger ones) or to tours and ships. I just need to find a city where I can get a job and say I'm moving there. I've been considered for positions before, but they were nervous to hire me because I didn't already have an address in that city yet. I'll see what I can find.

7

The Hardline / Getting In: Experience and EMC

« on: Sep 24, 2016, 08:15 pm »

Hi all,

I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong spot, Mods please move if necessary

So here is my predicament. I am a working non-eq PSM at a theatre in Phoenix. I have been out of Grad School for 3 years, done a lot of work in varying environments (tours, ships, theme parks, regional, summer stock). I am EMC, and have 30 weeks. I have worked in AEA houses as non-eq ASM, and am experienced with working under AEA rules with guest contracts from actors at my current theatre.

I think it's time that I buckle down and look at my options for finishing my weeks and getting my card. A few SM's I have talked to say that after a certain point, it is difficult to get points because of the level of experience. The other option people have told me is to apply for AEA ASM jobs as EMC, and see if I can get sponsored in. Others have said move to NYC or LA and get my name out there, and see what I can do.

I'm a little at sea here. I finally am in a good financial place that I could go either way. I am willing to move and go where the next best option for me would be.

I'd appreciate advice. I'm at a crossroads, and I would like to make a well-informed decision on my next move. Thanks all!

8

Self-Promotion / Re: Rent & Mary Poppins!

« on: Feb 28, 2016, 03:27 pm »

Wayne State Grad here. Detroit girl, too. It's great to see that the arts are still surviving in the mitten!

Congrats on the Michigan work!

9

Self-Promotion / The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas

« on: Feb 28, 2016, 03:19 pm »

Just helped open Fiddler On The Roof here in AZ, and now...

I'm off to Texas. Not really, but in spirit. The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas is next.

And right after, I have a special event here that I'm dealing with...It's still under wraps, but it's a big one. I can't wait to announce that soon!

10

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REPORTS: Report/Notes Language

« on: Feb 28, 2016, 03:14 pm »

I also believe it all depends on who you are working with. I've been super blunt, and super nice, depending on the team I was with at the time. My style has developed into a "detailed and direct" sort of style, so I say what needs to be said, and try to put it in a way that just gets the information across, no more, no less. I will re-word, depending on if the guest designer or director doesn't handle straight information well. I've had to send the same email 5 different ways, because of how I knew each person needed to hear that specific piece of information. That's a rarity, but it does happen.

Based on my team for "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas," I'll be having some fun 

11

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: CALLING: calling cues

« on: Feb 28, 2016, 03:08 pm »

I'm in a bit of an interesting situation. I hit my own light board, and the SFX from Qlab are tied into the lightboard via strings, so here's how my calling tends to run:

Lights: No verbals unless they involve spots (I call those also) so I would just say "standby Spot 1 up on Billy" when it goes with a cue. Written it's LX 23 (spot 1 UP on billy). So I can still identify where I am in the cue stacks.

Sound: Tied into the light board, so I usually have them written like this: (Bells-SX 14)_______LX 35.5. This is because it has a number in Qlab, but a specific light cue in the board, so I can also keep track via Qlab and LX stacks.

Rail: I say "Rail" and then the number, since we have 2 cue lights on the rail.

Shifts: I say "deck" because my deck manager is also my flyman, just to differentiate between rail cues and deck cues in a shift.

It's an interesting system, but it's what I have to do to make it work here.

12

Self-Promotion / Re: Carousel

« on: Feb 03, 2016, 06:26 pm »

Here's a link to the production shots:

http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/photo-gallery.html?func=viewcategory&catid=4567

13

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: REPORTS: Report/Notes Language

« on: Jan 10, 2016, 01:11 pm »

"No notes at this time."

If a dept. does something, like bring me the real props, or help out, I make sure to thank them, but I don't arbitrarily say thank you. I do say thank you in my emails, as a gesture of appreciation that they (read) them, but that's about it. I also don't say "I'm Sorry" unless I feel like it is something I need to be sorry for.

14

Self-Promotion / Carousel

« on: Jan 10, 2016, 12:38 pm »

Tech day 2 here at ABT for Carousel. It's a beautiful show and...

I like it. I actually like Carousel. Who knew? Our set is designed to look like a watercolor painting, inside a big top circus. We have 4 free-running carousel horses for the opening, and stars everywhere. It's really nice. The calling will be interesting for dance, since I haven't done it in awhile, but the challenge is nice.

15

Self-Promotion / Re: Theatres That Have Opened - Easing the Emergency

« on: Nov 19, 2015, 05:49 pm »

Detroit Public Theatre, 2015 (Collaboration and new merging of Magenta Giraffe and Shakespeare In Prison)