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Messages - ASM

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1
Tools of the Trade / Re: Online Callboards
« on: May 05, 2013, 09:11 pm »
Thanks for your replies!  :D
$29.00 for the most basic package from virtualcallboard.com isn't bad at all. Plus a 1 month trial period - its definately something to keep in mind for the future.

If you don't care about password protection and essentially want to post a rehearsal calendar and you need it free, then go this route.
If the director wants to go the Google Sites (or maybe Wordpress -- Thanks BayAreaSM!), I am thinking that I will create a calendar and blog to post updates that don't require a password to view, and then have a section that requires a password for contact sheets, and other sensitive information.

If you're interested, I can give you a dummy login with limited viewing (that blocks contact info, union contract and casting) but you can at least see other options for downloading and viewing of schedules. I use my site for my company dancers as well as school students (and their parents) when they are involved in productions.
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, that would be great! :) I'm not too familiar with WordPress, however it may be something to consider if the director likes that plan.
And the dummy login is a great idea!! I didn't even think of that!

Thank you SOOO much for your help and speedy replies. I have a production meeting tomorrow afternoon, and I'll let you know the results, and share the site with you after a decision has been made and its complete!

2
Tools of the Trade / Online Callboards
« on: May 05, 2013, 08:15 pm »
Hi all!

I was wondering if any of you have used sites like www.stagemanagement.com or http://www.virtualcallboard.com ? I just got signed on to a production of the Wizard of Oz, where the cast will mainly be kids. The director, coming from working on larger productions, wants us to set up a virtual callboard online, where the cast members, and especially their parents, will be able to access information on scheduling, etc. There was a problem last year when the theatre produced the same type of show, where kids put their emails on the contact sheet and the parents were essentially in the dark about scheduling changes.

Has anyone used any solutions like these, and what did you think?? I understand where she's coming from, however these seem almost too complex for our needs. For example, Virtual Callboard requires users to have a username and password, which may be too much for 5th and 6th graders. These things have good benefits, but I would much rather create a Google Site with a calendar on it, and use Google Docs/Drive to share files, and of course send emails out to the cast members to relay new information or changes. What do you think about the Google solution, or can anyone offer any other solutions?

Thanks!!
Tom

3
The Green Room / Re: Thoughts on Director Acting in Show?
« on: Mar 04, 2013, 09:47 pm »
Thank you all so much for your ideas and help! I had my first rehearsal tonight, and our directors brother is planning to modify our video monitor system to be able to record the performances, instead of just having a live feed to backstage. In addition, we have found out that during tech, one of our co-producers will be acting as the director, taking notes while running. The director will then watch back the video, and give notes based on that.

Again, thank you very much!  ;)

T

4
The Green Room / Thoughts on Director Acting in Show?
« on: Mar 03, 2013, 09:12 pm »
Hello everyone!

I just began working on a production, and I have found out that the director has cast himself as a major role, basically the lead (King Arthur in Spamalot). I was wondering what your tips are on dealing with this, seeing that he will be on stage during tech as opposed to being in the audience. Have any of you dealt with this before?

Thanks!!  :)
T

5
Being in high school myself (freshman, stage managing my first high school show), I have a suggestion on what to do based on what my school does. For our production of 'You Can't Take It With You,' we have 3 stage managers. The director has assigned us each a department. I am on props, while the other two, one a sophomore and one an junior, are heading up costuming as well as the hospitality for our cast,  and the other is in charge of technical things. There are three performances of the show, so we will each have the opportunity to call one show, and the junior will take our place where we usually go. I understand that this may not work for other, larger shows (there's really no scene changes in our show), however it may be something you want to consider.

6
For the production which I am working on right now, we have a Google Drive folder set up. The whole folder for the show is 'shared' with the director and my stage manager (I am ASM-ing). We then have specific folders shared with specific people on the production team. As far as your question is concerned, we have decided to have a folder containing rehearsal reports shared with the entire production team. There is also another folder we have containing notes which is shared with our actors. We thought that it was helpful to have everything in one place, instead of sending files as attachments on emails.


7
Tools of the Trade / Re: Backstage Emergency Kit
« on: Jan 12, 2013, 10:06 am »
Thank you guys so much for your feedback. I had breakfast meeting this morning with my SM, and she said that this would be a great idea! And, more the better, she told me that we were given about $150 to buy safety equipment/gear for backstage!

Once again, thanks for your advice!
T

8
Tools of the Trade / Backstage Emergency Kit
« on: Jan 12, 2013, 12:32 am »
Hello everyone!

So I am assistant stage managing my second show coming up, but my first big show with a large cast! In addition to my (mini) stage manager kit, I was thinking of making one "emergency kit" for each side of the stage. Has anyone done this before? My last show I kept my bag downstairs with the dressing room monitor, as there were kids in the show, one diabetic and hemophiliac, so I wanted to keep the majority of my stuff downstairs.

For the emergency kit, I was thinking of putting it in a hard locking case, sort of like this (http://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Locking-Gadget-Chrome-Accents/dp/B003FMHXD2/ref=pd_sbs_op_4). Here are the things I am thinking for it to contain:
Mini First Aid Kit (Baindaids, Wrapping, Painkillers
Mini Sewing Kit
Safety Pins
Mic Tape

That's really all I have, and its based on my problems from my previous show. Since all of you are probably more experienced, does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
T

---Mod note: edited to make link active. -Mac

9
Introductions / Hello Everyone!
« on: Jan 02, 2013, 07:59 pm »
Hello everyone!

From someone who is new to the site, I'd just like to say that this thing is like the best thing ever to me. I am a freshman in high school, who has recently transitioned form acting... to crew... to stage management! I look forward to helping you all out with any questions you have and getting your feedback on some questions.  ;D

T

10
The Green Room / Re: Wedding Present for my Stage Manager?
« on: Jan 02, 2013, 06:47 pm »
Thanks so much guys  :D !

She was complaining how her stage-manager kit, or as she called it, the Jeebus Bag, was starting to wear down. I think I'm gonna get her a strong backpack or hiking backpack (she currently uses an old gym bag and always struggles to find stuff in it), and get a patch on it or get it engraved with her new name and "The Jeebus Bag." I'll see if I can find some stuff to stuff her bag with.

Once again, thanks so much for your ideas and help.  ;)

T

11
The Green Room / Wedding Present for my Stage Manager?
« on: Jan 01, 2013, 09:10 pm »
Hello!

I am a freshman in high school, and I just recently started assistant stage managing at the theatre which I have done crew for and ushered at since 6th grade. I just recently finished my first show ASM-ing under a stage manager who is the best person I have ever had the pleasure to know. She is just so willing to teach me everything and she's just great. I am working with her on another show, and it happens that she's getting married mid-way through the rehearsal period. I talked to the director of the show and theatre management and we are throwing her a shower, and I want to get her something special just to thank her for everything. I want to get her something useful and stage-managery, as I just don't see me getting her a set of cheese knifes useful or special. Do any of you have any ideas of something?

Thanks so much.
T

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