Messages

61

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: marijuana and theatre (I dont know where to put this)

« on: Jan 13, 2007, 08:40 pm »

I'd be very worried in any situation where I felt that a crew member's reaction time or focus might be impaired, both for the sake of the show and for safety reasons.  In your case it's pot but I've had to talk to  crew because of cold medicine as well.  I had a member of a running crew show up high on ecstacy once ... needless to say he was dismissed, but the show was complicated and we had very little time to figure out how to cover him during scene changes.  Our job, as stage managers, is to protect the show.  If you have someone speaking too loudly over his headset or joking around too much backstage, he might cause missed cues or might not be paying attention should a potentially dangerous situation occur.  I agree that there may be cause for concern.  Good luck!

62

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Dressing For The Part?

« on: Jan 07, 2007, 11:54 pm »

I go for business casual ... nice jeans or slacks, a nice top or button-down shirt, and loafers or clogs.  I usually show up in a jacket, but that never seems to last long.  However, if I'm working non-union and am expected to help schlep set pieces about, I wear stage blacks.  And, if we're being asked to work a 10-out-of-12, comfort becomes as important as appearance.

63

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Who runs your production meetings?

« on: Jan 07, 2007, 11:46 pm »

Hi!  On many of the smaller, independent shows on which I served as PSM, I ran production meetings.  However, when I worked with companies and as SM, the Artistic Director, Director or PM usually ran the meetings.  I guess it depends on the situation.

64

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Flats

« on: Jan 03, 2007, 06:42 pm »

Flat covering - my favorite (lol).  I can never seem to find enough space or time to do it well!

I'd say the covering depends on how much travelling your flats will be doing, what treatment you're using on top of the canvas, etc.  I guess the usual is probably a medium weight canvas ... I usually get it from Rosebrand, which has offices in both LA and NYC - www.rosebrand.com.  They have a lot of helpful info on their website.  If your flats are going to see a lot of abuse, I'd consider building studio flats and fronting them with lauan, but they'll be a lot heavier. 

Good luck!

LiLz

65

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Texas Schools

« on: Dec 31, 2006, 01:59 pm »

Hi!  Thanks for the perspective on UT - No one told me that before and it's certainly the kind of info I appreciate having! Ta!

66

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Merry Christmas All

« on: Dec 30, 2006, 12:06 am »

Holiday greetings to all!  I spent Christmas in Dresden, Germany with three of the greatest boys from down under who ever graced a Christmas celebration.  Needless to say, there was a bit of liquid merriment ... we even managed to cook a 5-course dinner using a hot plate and a microwave.  It was great fun.  Regardless of what you celebrate at this time of year, I hope you're all having great fun and success and that your celebrations will continue into a joyous and prosperous new year. Cheers!

67

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Texas Schools

« on: Dec 29, 2006, 11:57 pm »

Hi!  Both Texas Christian University and UT have great reputations for their theater schools as well.  Is there someone at your high school who can look at your test scores and talk to you about your academic, social, and other preferences to see how they may affect your college choices?  I don't envy you the whole college app process, but I sure wish you luck!

68

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Too many ASM’s… (who’d have ever thought!)

« on: Dec 13, 2006, 08:23 pm »

I've had the same situation and, wow, was it hard keeping them both busy!  I attached one to the director (taking notes, fetching coffee, etc) and one to me (staying on book, pulling rehearsal props, etc), and was able to keep them both fairly happy.  I went crazy, but they were okay.  Then, when the show opened, I gave one stage right and the other stage left and had them run everything that happened backstage on their side.  Lucky for me, they worked really well together and everything went really well.  I hope your situation is as successful!

69

The Green Room / Things You'll Never Hear a Stage Manager Say

« on: Dec 07, 2006, 12:21 am »

I remember there being a list of "Things You'll Never Hear a Stage Manager Say" posted in the booth of a theatre where I once worked. I really wish I'd written down some of those pearls. Do any of you folks know where I could find a copy?  What are some of your favorite things you'll never hear a stage manager say?

"I don't need to see the stage to call the show."

"Masking tape is every bit as good as gaff tape."

Hmmm ... I can't think of any others ... I've been breaking down a script all day and my brain cells are exhausted.  Oh, bartender! ...

70

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: SMgt project

« on: Dec 07, 2006, 12:00 am »

Hi, Holli;

I agree that there's no one way, but I would suggest being consistent, as best you can, within your notes.  I use abbreviations that are a lot like Mac's.  The thing I like about them is that I can grasp a lot of blocking at a glance, something that can really help keep the rehearsal moving along. 

71

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Warm-up/ Games

« on: Nov 29, 2006, 11:00 pm »

When I work a professional gig my idea of a warmup involves one more cup of coffee.  However, my high school crew kids found an Internet video called "Asian Boys Dancing" and insist on playing it and dancing along before every show.  I don't participate, but I have to admit that I get a real kick out of watching them do it.

72

College and Graduate Studies / Re: Little help please... (Seeking College Recommendations)

« on: Nov 28, 2006, 12:14 am »

I just read a back issue of Stage Directions magazine that included a very nice article on, I believe, the University of Evansville.  Also, I've heard great things about the University of Cincinnati. The thing is, however, there are so many things to consider in a college - your GPA, the size of the college you'd like to attend, other course offerings, etc.  Is there someone at your school you could spend some time with so you could look at the big picture?  My high school offers college counseling and it's really helpful.  Best of luck!

73

The Hardline / Re: Some wonderings...

« on: Nov 23, 2006, 04:56 pm »

Now that I teach I've gone inactive with my Equity membership, but when I was out in the world I was glad to have someone watching my back, especially when I was on the road.  There were situations when I wasn't always treated as nicely as I'd been promised before the tour began - I'm not sure that I would have had a recourse except for quitting had I not had a union making sure I was being housed and given per diem.