Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Topics - Cedes

Pages: [1] 2
1
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.

2
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!

3
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!

4
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.

5
Tools of the Trade / Virtual Callboard
« on: Aug 15, 2013, 03:53 pm »
Hello everyone!

I did a search on the site, and couldn't really find any up-to-date info, but I am wondering if any of you could give me a testimonial and opinion of Virtual Callboard. My company is seriously considering switching over to it, but we wanted to get a firmer idea of what the current theatre community uses. I met with the creators at USITT this year, and was really impressed with what they have done with it and plan to do with it, but we'd like some real-world opinions. If anyone also has another site/system that they like that they'd be willing to share, I'll take that too. Thanks in advance!

6
Employment / UPTA: Full Prompt book or no?
« on: Jan 31, 2013, 01:25 pm »
Hello everyone!

I'm leaving for UPTA next weekend, and I was wondering what the consensus was regarding prompt book at cattle-call conferences. When I have gone before, at best, they flipped through it while looking at me. I was wondering if a "paired down" version is available, as in, that we bring a book, but with examples from each section to prove that we know what we or doing. Or even a "portfolio" of paperwork; a combination of a few shows in a single binder.

I know that if we are attending these it is assumed we can create a prompt book and run a show, but I was wondering if trying to pair down the bulk is a good idea. I also was planning on bringing my ipad, so I can show the full book in electronic form.

7
The Hardline / AEA and "Right To Work"
« on: Dec 13, 2012, 12:52 pm »
Just curious:

Now that MI, my current state, has passed "Right To Work" and signed into law, how does that affect the entertainment unions? I'm looking at mainly IATSE and AEA here.

8
Employment / Cover Letters for Tours
« on: Oct 25, 2012, 10:09 am »
Hello everyone!

I'm almost out of graduate school, and I'm trying to break my way into the touring world. I have shadowed a lot of tours, and I know quite a few people currently working on them, and I really feel that is the right place for me. I have a website and resume, but, I am now trying to figure out cover letters. I'd really appreciate it if anyone had any tips on writing them specifically for these companies and what could make/help me stand out or get myself to the top of the pile. I'm having a couple friends of mine that work for them look over my stuff, but any other help is really appreciated. Thanks!

9
The Green Room / Burnt Out
« on: Mar 21, 2010, 07:32 pm »
I have heard this term a lot lately, and have been wondering about SM's being "burnt out" by the business. What are some helpful tips and advice to try to avoid this? I have been warned that my personality could lead to me being burnt out, and I just want some advice as to how to prevent this.  Thank you!

10
College and Graduate Studies / MFA at same school as BA?
« on: Feb 20, 2010, 07:43 pm »
I would just like some other's opinions on this. 

I was offered a position to go into the grad program here at Wayne State University, where I just graduated with my BA in December. I have a pretty decent pro/con list set up, but I was just wondering what some others would think. I would like to hear from some of you that are working SM's, and what you would think if you saw the same school for both degrees on a resume. Let me know! Thanks so much for your input!

Mercedes


Anyone have any thoughts? I have to give an answer tomorrow. Anything would be appreciated.

11
Tools of the Trade / Mac or PC?
« on: Jan 06, 2010, 08:21 am »
Does anyone have a preference? Pros? Cons? I'm currently working off of a PC, and considering a Mac. Just wanted some input. Thanks!

12
Employment / UPTA vs. SETC
« on: Oct 21, 2009, 02:21 pm »
I am graduating this December from College, and am curious as to if I should attend both UPTA and SETC. From what I have seen, many of the companies at SETC are going to UPTA. And UPTA is much cheaper than SETC. Is there still really a good enough benefit for me to attend both?

13
Employment / Taking Time Off (different situation)
« on: Jun 10, 2009, 11:31 pm »
I know there is another thread here about this, but my situation is a bit different, and I wanted to get some input:

I am currently working at Hersheypark as a technician for their show "Beyond the Dragon Gate" Operated and maintained by SRO Associates, Inc. I was in line for an internship at Meadowbrook Theatre back in Michigan, but that fell through. Basically, here is my current situation:

 I have 2 classes I need to finish before I can officially get my degree from WSU. I also am getting married in May. He is a Navy sailor based in Gulfport, MS. I haven't had much luck in finding other work up there. I can't go to an internship/apprenticeship somewhere else, my classes are not available online. Also, next summer I don't want to work [theatre] so that I can focus on getting my marriage started.
Plus, there is next to no theatre work within driving distance of there, so Nothing can even be feasible until the fall, when I would move temp. to work.

My questions are how do I explain that to employers when they ask why I have not worked in almost a year? And since I have just gotten out of college, my professional experience is very limited(I had things happen EVERY summer before this one, so I couldn't go out and work) so that  means I have very few contacts. I have a couple, but not many.  And, There is some opportunity for working for some local decent community theatre companies. I have heard that community theatre is not a good idea to put on resumes.

I would greatly appreciate any advice.  :)

14
Stage Management: Other / Dance Choreography Notation
« on: Dec 07, 2008, 10:23 pm »
I was wondering if there were any good links or otherwise to help me with my dance choreography notation in my book for our upcoming production of "Ragtime." Does anyone know of any good sources? Or maybe have a good system themselves they would be willing to graciously share? Thanks!

15
Employment / SETC
« on: Nov 13, 2008, 02:27 pm »
I wasn't able to find a thread on it, but since it's less than four months away, I have a few questions for it, since this will be my first time interviewing/auditioning outside of an academic setting. I was mainly wondering if there are some questions I should know the answer to, walking into it:

  I know there probably are a few standard questions they ask, and I would like to have some kind of answer ready, so I'm not wasting interview time thinking on it. 

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?

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.

Thanks so much.

Pages: [1] 2