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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / MUSIC: How much should I be able to read?
« on: May 22, 2012, 05:31 pm »
I haven't seen a thread like this yet, so I apologize in advance if this is a re-post...
When working on a musical or opera, I know that reading music is a must. But just how well-versed does an SM need to be? I know what an eighth-note is, time signature, and can follow along with sheet music for the most part, but I couldn't tell you what a C# sharp looks like on a treble clef staff. I just stage managed a production of Sweeney Todd, but called based on text or visual cues. In some instances, I listened for a trumpet or a downbeat or something similar, but I never once looked at the score. I assume my experience is uncommon and I'm curious: How much theory does one need to know to handle running a show?
Thanks!
When working on a musical or opera, I know that reading music is a must. But just how well-versed does an SM need to be? I know what an eighth-note is, time signature, and can follow along with sheet music for the most part, but I couldn't tell you what a C# sharp looks like on a treble clef staff. I just stage managed a production of Sweeney Todd, but called based on text or visual cues. In some instances, I listened for a trumpet or a downbeat or something similar, but I never once looked at the score. I assume my experience is uncommon and I'm curious: How much theory does one need to know to handle running a show?
Thanks!