Messages

136

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Props List and Production Manager

« on: Apr 26, 2009, 02:14 pm »

I'm curious though, if there are extenuating circumstances. You said this was part of a larger story. I think without some of those details most people would say you should offer.

137

Employment / Re: Where do I begin?

« on: Apr 09, 2009, 02:33 am »

Some quick input: I think it's a good idea to come back and do at least 2 years of college before you go to work. I've been making some amazing contacts at school, but I find that if I haven't met or spoken to the person in more than a year or so, they have no clue who I am.

138

Stage Management: Other / Things to look for in opera

« on: Apr 08, 2009, 01:11 am »

I am wardrobe head for two operas at my school starting this week. Xerxes and Eugene Onegin are being done in rep. It's a paid position with grad student singers and professional SMs. My priority is obviously to my duties as wardrobe head, but I think there will be a lot of downtime and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on what I could pay special attention to. I have zero experience in opera, so I think this is an awesome way for me get a feel for the atmosphere and some of the caveats and differences between opera and theatre. What can I learn from? Thanks!

139

Tools of the Trade / Re: SM Software

« on: Mar 31, 2009, 02:49 am »

I had a director that decided he did not like me because he thought I was messing around on my computer when really I was working. The next show I stage managed, I started using the computer only when absolutely necessary. During breaks I would copy notes from paper to typed report and check my email. That way I cut out the huge pile of notes I was trying to avoid at the end of the night and make sure I got any pressing information, but didn't get caught up in the little things that could wait.

I think that the most important thing about staying off the computer in rehearsal is giving off the impression of being engaged. We all know we can multitask, but it makes the other people in the room feel more taken care of if there's not a physical screen between you. The more I can cut out moments like fumbling to put my computer down, the more I can streamline the process.

140

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How to explain what we do...

« on: Mar 25, 2009, 05:52 pm »

I would be really interested to see the power point as well!

141

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Specialized program vs. state school?

« on: Feb 09, 2009, 12:35 am »

Just a thought though, I am at a state school near a big city (UMD near DC) and I am learning a ton and working with some incredible professionals. I think you get out of any program as much work as you're willing to put into it; a state school just won't make you do it if you're not self-motivated.

142

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Tech Week Tips

« on: Feb 09, 2009, 12:02 am »

Out of curiousity, what group is this? I worked with a group for a  couple years that did literally EXACTLY that. We used various rooms in a church and then moved to a public high school. ... But i did it for an all youth theatre company where literally everyone is between 14 and 25; for example, I turn 21 this weekend and I am currently serving as the chairman of our board of directors. I have some specific tips, but am headed to bed after a long rehearsal. Do you have any specific questions? Otherwise, I'll share more tomorrow!

143

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: The Ultimate Decision

« on: Feb 04, 2009, 12:55 pm »

I did crew my freshman year of high school. Traditionally before me, my high school had 2 sms at a time and a high turnover rate, but they both graduated at the end of my freshman year and no one wanted to do it. The director asked me if I would like to, so I said okay. I was offered the chance to take on a second SM, but I wasn't interested, I guess. Moral of the story, I stage managed every single thing that happened on the stage for the next 3 years, but it wasn't until my senior year that it was even suggested to me that I could go pro. I realized that I couldn't really picture myself doing anything else, so our new director suggested I interview at Tisch, which I did. I got waitlisted and decided that, rather then spending a summer stressing out about it, to go to Maryland. I have done at least one show a semester ever since My favorite thing about my story is that my parents LOVE that this is what I do. They had been pushing me to study theatre since I was 16 and they love to see my work. I have so many friends at school with totally unsupportive parents and I think it's awesome that my economist dad and business degree mom are so into my theatre degree.

144

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Let's Talk "Places, Please"

« on: Feb 03, 2009, 12:01 am »

I always check in with my asms. Especially in college, I find it's easy to get distracted.

Sarah, I LOVE your Music Man solution. That's such a simple way to check nervous kids in!

145

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / SHOWS: Shakespeare Tips

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 02:33 am »

Hello all! I am an sm student at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD and I just started working on The Winter's Tale (which is the aforementioned Shakespeare). I think for the most part things are going pretty well, but I'm running into overwhelming amount of stuff. I feel like I have a handle on the organizational aspect; I'm pretty good with forms and the more technical/paperwork end of things, but would love any suggestions people had about the people managing part of Shakespeare. We don't do a lot with the bard at UMD and I think a lot of students are overwhelmed by the text as, occasionally am I by the shear number of people in the show playing multiple parts. My ASMs are good, but also fairly new at sming at this level. I want to be as efficient as possible without confusing people or stressing them out. Specific suggestions people have for information juggling in a big, long, slightly inaccessible show like this. I would also love, love, love to perhaps shadow someone in rehearsal, if there's anyone on the forums that's working on Shakespeare in the area, maybe at the Shakespeare Theatre? Like I said, I don't necessarily have a specific issue, but I want to stay one step ahead! Any tips would be helpful.

More, possibly pertinent, background: I've smed 4 shows here as well as asming 2 and I smed with a company called Wildwood Summer Theatre for several years; I currently serve as the board of directors. The company is entirely people between 14-26 years old, but is a 44-year-old 501(c)(3)!  

Thanks in advance for any advice!

146

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Daily rehearsal report notes

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 01:42 am »

Planet Mike, I'm interested to know what sort of venue you're in. How do you traditionally distributed info to the shops if not in the report?

147

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Stage Managing Schools?

« on: Feb 02, 2009, 01:37 am »

I'm at the University of Maryland in College Park and I love it. The program is not especially intensive--there's only one class-- but if you're willing to work hard, you can start working really early. I'm a junior and stage managing my 4th show, after having asm-ed two shows, one of which an equity blended production with Woolly Mammoth. That's just one example of the awesome collaborative work that happens being so close to DC. The facility is something like 6 years old and it's BEAUTIFUL. I would love to talk about the program. It's a great one for someone who knows this is what they want to do and is very motivated!

148

The Hardline / SMA

« on: Jan 19, 2008, 02:44 pm »

Sorry if this has been covered before. If so, just point me to the thread, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to join the SMA as an associate. I am a student stage manager at the University of Maryland, but I'm also applying for professional work and working with professional directors/actors in a university setting. What would the benefits of joining be and are there any costs?
Thanks!
Bridget