Messages

16

Uploaded Forms / Rehearsal Report for email

« on: Jul 06, 2006, 11:18 pm »

Rehearsal Report Form, suitable for email.  To expand boxes for manual use, click in individual boxes and hit "Enter" to expand them as desired.  Then print.  Word format.

17

Tools of the Trade / Re: Condom reference??

« on: Jul 05, 2006, 12:44 am »

Alternative to latex:  denim!  A costumer of mine once came up with an idea to effectively hide transmitters under dresses.  If you have someone who is clever with a sewing machine, you can make little pouches out of sturdy cotton fabric such as denim, sized to fit your transmitters.  Sew a couple of belt loops on the back, a small flap over the top with a velcro closure, and cut a little hole in the bottom so the antenna wire can dangle.  Then you can cinch it to your body with a simple elastic "belt."  Absorbent, washable, reusable, comfortable.  And if your actor really sweats a lot, you can always wrap plastic or another layer of fabric around the transmitter before you drop it into the pouch.  Only drawback we have found is that on the rare occasion that a battery starts dying in mid-show, it does take a few more seconds to change it out since the battery hatch is located on the bottom of our Shure transmitters.  If you would like to see a picture of one of ours, PM me and I'll send you a photo.

18

Tools of the Trade / Re: What goes inside a SM Kit?

« on: Jul 04, 2006, 11:58 pm »

SM kit shopping checklist attached. 

I culled this together from various lists in SM books as well as good suggestions from this site.  in Word format.

19

Uploaded Forms / Dance Segments

« on: Jun 30, 2006, 11:09 am »

"Dance Segments" form for musicals, in Word format.

I use this sort of chart for several things.  It helps identify in advance where the dances are in a show--full production numbers as well as little segments.  I give copies to the director, choreographer and accompanist.  It is a wonderful tool to facilitiate discussions during those critical early planning stages.  It allows everyone invlolved to think about specific things that should occur (plot action, character business, etc.) during the course of the various dances, and provides a concrete list of music sections that need to be recorded for the choreographer's use in rehearsal.

20

Uploaded Forms / Entrances & Exits chart

« on: Jun 30, 2006, 10:24 am »

Entrance and Exit chart for "Meet Me In St Louis," in Excel format.

Note: the symbol legend is in the footer of the document.  Symbols used are listed below, but obviously you could select your own.

< = entrance
> = exit
<> = entrance and exit on same page
OS = lines delivered offstage

21

SMNetwork Archives / Great Resource!

« on: May 30, 2006, 08:08 pm »

BMI Supply is the cheapest source I've found for spike and gaff tape.

22

The Green Room / thank you notes

« on: May 30, 2006, 08:01 pm »

A director I had in college had a creative way of making thankyou cards, which I have adopted.  He took a few of the show posters and cut them into card-sized sections, folded them in half so that the printed side of the poster became the outside of the card, and wrote his sentiments on the blank inside.  Cheap, unique, easy and very memorable.

23

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Prop tracking for a large show

« on: Apr 28, 2006, 08:31 pm »

Since I work with students, I ususally have the luxury of having a Deputy Props Master as well as a Props Master.  This allows for double checking every time props are brought out and stored away.  One person could do the job just as easily.  Below is the procedure we use.

Before Rehearsal/Performance Begins:

•PROPS CREW members retrieve all props containers from locked storage.  (Note:  These containers are sorted by act and scene during early rehearsals.  During full-act run-throughs and dress rehearsals when props tables are set up backstage, they are sorted by backstage location--SL, SR, etc.) The  DEPUTY PROPS MASTER will call off each item in each container.  PROPS CREW members will remove each item as it is called, check it for damage, make sure that it is functional, and place it in its proper preset location.  If any item is missing, damaged or non-functional, report this to the DEPUTY PROPS MASTER immediately.  

•When all props are in place, the DEPUTY PROPS MASTER notifies the PROPS MASTER, and then reports to the STAGE MANAGER, who will sign off the prop check on the Preshow Checklist.

•PROPS MASTER inspects all props for accurate function and placement and reports to the STAGE MANAGER, who will sign off the prop placement on the Preshow Checklist.


When Rehearsal/Performance Ends:

•The PROPS CREW polices the stage for any misplaced props.

•The DEPUTY PROPS MASTER calls every single item on properties checklist to be sure all props are present and accounted for; and marks any item that is missing or damaged.  PROPS CREW members locate each and every item as it is called and quickly but carefully inspect it for damage.  Missing or damaged items must be reported to the DEPUTY PROPS MASTER immediately.  After each item is inspected thoroughly, PROPS CREW members carefully place each prop into its appropriate storage container or location designated by the DEPUTY PROPS MASTER.

•When all props are in storage containers, the DEPUTY PROPS MASTER notifies the PROPS MASTER, and then reports to the STAGE MANAGER, who will sign off the prop check on the Postshow Checklist.

•The PROPS MASTER inspects all containers for accuracy.  The PROPS CREW then places all containers in designated storage area(s), and locks them up.  When all props are properly stored, the PROPS MASTER reports to the STAGE MANAGER, who will sign off the prop storage on the Postshow Checklist.  PROPS CREW PERSONNEL thank one another, the DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER, and the STAGE MANAGER.  

•Then, all PROPS PERSONNEL sign out with the STAGE MANAGER.

24

Tools of the Trade / The comfort of a featherweight headset

« on: Apr 28, 2006, 07:16 pm »

Production Intercom makes some nice units. I like mine a lot.  Lightweight, and sturdy.  They have stood up to three years of student use without the first problem.  Compatible with ClearCom et al., and they are very reasonable.

www.beltpack.com

My local dealer (Louisville) is PSG Systems. (502) 495-1492.  
Ask for Phil.  Or email him at <phil@psgsystems.com>.  Great guy.

25

Employment / Job description of a Resient Production Stage Manager?

« on: Apr 03, 2006, 01:40 pm »

The Actors Equity website is a good place to start.  Click the link below to take you to the SM packet which contains job descriptions.

http://www.actorsequity.org/Library/production/aea_sm_packet.pdf

26

Tools of the Trade / Kit Container

« on: Mar 12, 2006, 09:52 pm »

I have an old Techni-Tool hard-shell rolling case.  Extremely sturdy.  Key and combo locks.  I took out the tool pallets and filled 'er up.  I set my tool box on top of it, strap it to the telescoping handle with a bungee cord, and away we go.  If I need my tools, then they are separate from the rest and ready to take on site or throw in the back of the car.  I can also put something else on top of the tool box if need be, which usually means I can get everything in one trip.  I found a few sites that sell similar types of cases.  Lots of great options...

Chicago Case Company - Tool Cases
Chicago Case manufactures a wide variety of tool cases. We offer a selection of tool pallets to fit many types of applications. Some cases even feature winged pallets.
www.chicagocase.com

Waterproof, Unbreakable Tool Cases
Waterproof tool cases that are airtight, unbreakable and submersible. Manufactured from space age plastic they are ideal for the demands of tool storage.
www.seahorse.net

Tool Cases - Large Selection in Stock
Case Club has a large stock selection of tool cases, with or with out wheels, aluminum, watertight, heavy duty, airline approved, economical, stock or custom at competitive prices.
www.caseclub.com

Buy Tool Cases and Tool Kits
Since 1980, R & K Supply Company has been providing quality tools and tool kits at competitive prices. Visit today and view our entire catalogue, including zipper kits, cases, and more.
www.toolkitpeople.com

Tool Cases - Order Online
Tool cases for many uses available for online ordering from New World Case, Inc. Free UPS ground shipping available today.
www.customcases.com

Pelican Products. US
Tool cases - we have all standard pelican cases and lights in stock and ready to ship, including the protector cases.
www.pelicanproducts.us

Quality Tool Cases at Great Prices
Full line of quality tool cases and zipper cases from names you can trust, including Crawford and Platt.
www.crawfordtool.com

Tecra Tools - The Tool Kit Specialists
Huge selection of tool kits and tool cases for field service, network and LAN installers, computer repair, telecom repair, plant maintenance and fiber optics.
www.tecratools.com

Tool Cases - Discount Prices
Free shipping on tool cases. Huge selection and great prices.
www.casesandmore.com

27

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Need Sound Help!!!!

« on: Feb 24, 2006, 11:52 pm »

Go to http://www.tele-q.com/  This box is the Cadillac.  You hook up any phone to the box with a standard phone cord--just like you would plug it into a wall.  Press the button on the box and it supplies ring voltage to the phone.  The phone rings until you pick it up.  No miscues or rings after the actor picks it up.  A little pricey but definitely worth having in your prop or audio dept.

28

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Looking for a Loan Acknowledgment Form Template

« on: Jan 30, 2006, 07:48 pm »

I have one.  If you still need it, PM me with your email address and I'll forward it to you.

29

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Prop dilemma

« on: Nov 24, 2005, 09:53 pm »

It's probably too late to help you for this show, but for future reference...
there are numerous companies who provide fake food for grocery stores and restaurant displays, etc.  Just do a search for "fake food" online.  You'll find quite a few of these companies.  Some of the food is expensive depending on the size and level of relaism--and some of it is amazingly realistic--but if you are going to use it perennially, it would perhaps be a worthwhile investment.

30

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Blowing yolk out of an egg?

« on: Jul 22, 2005, 11:49 pm »

You may want to post that one at www.proppeople.com.  There are some wacky. creative people on that site.