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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / CALLING: It's Half-Hour: Do you know where your SM is?
« on: Oct 22, 2005, 01:00 pm »
One of the theaters I work at has a “policy” that the SM and board-ops need to be IN the booth at ˝ hour. I have never adhered to this policy…party because I did not know it existed until my third show with this theater, when one of their former Resident stage managers mentioned it to me. I feel strongly that it’s important for the SM to have as much face time with actors as possible during the run. Being a consistent, positive presence backstage helps me monitor morale, anticipate and address problems that are brewing, and generally project that I am there to lead and support this team. When I “ascend” 
to the booth has to do with how long it takes me to run up there and get settled in.
My question: is it kosher for a producer to dictate where the SM is at half-hour? What are your thoughts about where the SM should be pre-show?
In my situation, it’s an equity house, SPT contract, and my shows have had small casts. There is a good god-mic/backstage monitor set up, and wireless headsets for backstage crew and ASM (generally non-equity). I have a walkie-talkie to communicate with front of house, regardless of where I am. In the past, this theater has had one Resident Stage Manager who is considered a full-time staff member (does that affect the producers’ ability to make “policy”?), and hired other SMs for particular shows if runs/rehearsals overlap too much. This year is a little different; I’m one of several SMs, each with her own shows. All of us have worked there before, but none of us are in residence now.
to the booth has to do with how long it takes me to run up there and get settled in.My question: is it kosher for a producer to dictate where the SM is at half-hour? What are your thoughts about where the SM should be pre-show?
In my situation, it’s an equity house, SPT contract, and my shows have had small casts. There is a good god-mic/backstage monitor set up, and wireless headsets for backstage crew and ASM (generally non-equity). I have a walkie-talkie to communicate with front of house, regardless of where I am. In the past, this theater has had one Resident Stage Manager who is considered a full-time staff member (does that affect the producers’ ability to make “policy”?), and hired other SMs for particular shows if runs/rehearsals overlap too much. This year is a little different; I’m one of several SMs, each with her own shows. All of us have worked there before, but none of us are in residence now.