Messages

1

Employment / Workers' Comp

« on: Jul 16, 2009, 12:50 pm »

Being a person who is currently making the transition between educational and professional work, I was wondering how often workers' comp is included in stage management contracts?  How about for internships?

2

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What I did over my summer vacation...

« on: Jun 09, 2009, 01:25 am »

Currently I'm the Master Carpenter at a theatre in NC, and in August I will be filling in for a TD and some carpenters at a theatre in ME.  In between the two jobs, I'll be packing for my year SM internship at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Care and Feeding of your Crew

« on: May 27, 2009, 08:36 am »

This thread brought up a question that I've been wondering.  I know at my college, it used to be tradition for the stage manager to go out with the crew for a crew dinner at some point during the production.  I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen on a regular basis, but I figure I would put out the question: How much does a stage manager feed their crew?  With weekly cookies?  Opening night sweets?  A crew dinner?

As for myself, I would try to find the time before tech week to make small sacks of chocolate and starbursts that I would give to my crew on opening night.

4

Tools of the Trade / Re: Legal ramifications with cell phone jamming.

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 03:06 am »

I've realized recently that every corner of my theatre has metal in it that in the winter is constantly shocking me from the dry air.  However, it has got me to thinking...if all the walls have metal, maybe I should just put some current through them during a show... an "accidental" faraday cage

5

Tools of the Trade / Re: What Type Of Drill Is Best?

« on: Feb 10, 2009, 03:03 am »

I must say, for years I had been a firm believer in the DeWalt Cordless Drill, but this past year I was introduced to the Bosche 14.4 BruteTough Drill Driver, which is built like a tank.  Needless to say, I am now a huge fan of Bosche.

For stage managers though, I must say that the 12V Litheon Drill Driver by Bosche is perfect.  It charges in 15 minutes for approx 100 screws worth of battery life.  It is small enough that it can fit in your pocket, and has a decent enough amount of torque to it.

6

Employment / Re: Blacklist of companies for SMs?

« on: Feb 03, 2009, 12:39 am »

I second what Centaura and Matt said.  I feel that as a stage manager, it is often very easy to fall into the trap of just looking at the downside of bad situations.  Matt's idea helps us keep our focus on more of a positive note, which I think is much more beneficial for not only this site, but also for thinking about our work environment, whether it be ideal or far from.

7

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Reading a play for the first time

« on: Jan 21, 2009, 12:07 am »

I've never been an avid play reader, but for different reasons.  No, it's not because I break down every play I read as if I were working on it, but because plays (to me) are not written to be read, but are meant to be performed or interpreted by actors. 

I agree this this a lot Ruth.  I've always had a problem trying to visualize every aspect of the play if I'm just dry reading it.  But I agree with Matthew too, I will read the play through once in order to start on my pre-production of the show.  Also to prepare myself for any large challenges that the show might have.

8

Tools of the Trade / Re: Holiday SM Gifts

« on: Jan 08, 2009, 01:34 am »

I used to use those when I was in elementary school.

9

Tools of the Trade / Re: Protecting your tools

« on: Jan 08, 2009, 01:29 am »

I always spray paint my tools an odd color that is easily identifiable for me.  So if I see a tool with my color on it (neon green) I know it's mine.  Downside to this is if someone else happens to use the same color...

10

Tools of the Trade / Re: Glass breaking

« on: Jan 08, 2009, 01:27 am »

If you place a small speaker in a spot close to the broken glass, and just keep the volume low, it won't sound like it's recorded at all.  I've done sound in a very small black box where I had to record lines of people who were offstage but couldn't be there for the show.  With a little tweaking in the space, I was able to make the recorded lines sound like the people were standing behind the curtain backstage, and the audience really thought that someone was back there.

11

The Green Room / Re: Trivia Tournament II: Electric Boogaloo

« on: Dec 24, 2008, 04:32 am »

There are 7 Dark Tower books.  Amusing enough, those are the only Stephen King books that I have read.

12

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Picking a New Stage Manager

« on: Dec 08, 2008, 09:53 am »

At that age I would say the most important thing to look for would be someone responsible and willing to learn

13

Employment / Re: SETC

« on: Dec 07, 2008, 12:20 pm »

Also, I am taking my current show prompt book with me as a "resume," along with a true resume. I also see some sites want a picture as well. Should I be ready with a few, in case they ask for one there?

Unless you are planning to audition for acting parts at SETC, you won't need a photo.  Photos I believe are only for actors resumes.

Also, I am in a bit of a scheduling challenge. My fiance and I are planning a wedding, and I am trying to stay local-ish(like a 6 hour drive or less) so I can come home occasionally when I am free to help plan some things.  He is in the NAVY, so it's pretty much me and the mothers.  I was just wondering what co. I should maybe target to get interviews with, that are good for a summerstock/fall season position.

Congratulations!  As far as what companies are good summerstock: in most cases summerstock is summerstock is summerstock.  I would just focus on trying to find one as close to your location as you can.

14

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: KCACTF Region II

« on: Dec 05, 2008, 07:39 pm »

I'll be at Region III

15

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Creating a Calling Script

« on: Dec 05, 2008, 11:45 am »

I am also a sticker user; however, I get small transparent colored stickers from Staples, that allow you to still be able to read the script when you place the sticker over a line. 

I also usually use a different colored sticker for all standby's and warnings.  I find it makes it easier read whether it's a cue that I'm giving, or a standby and I should get ready for a cue.

As for standby times, I usually use 20 seconds instead of 30 seconds.  I've always felt that 30 seconds seemed to give too much dead time, unless it is a complicated cue where there has to be a lot of prep for it.