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Topics - Maribeth

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31
Tools of the Trade / Prop cards
« on: Dec 22, 2015, 09:59 pm »
Here's a trick l learned from a stagehand....I don't use it every time, but on certain shows it can be a big help.

Make a "business card" for each prop. When you are setting up your prop tables during tech, you can tape the card down on the appropriate table. If the prop gets moved from SR to SL at some point during tech, it's really easy to move the prop card over to the other table.

It makes it really easy to glance at the prop table and see what is missing. This could also be used in a venue where more than one group is in the venue each night- easy to pack away and reset each day. I'm planning on using this method on tour for quick and easy prop table setup in a new venue. (I'm going to laminate the cards to make them more re-useable.)

34
The Hardline / Actor/ASMs on a TYA contract
« on: Oct 21, 2015, 07:24 pm »
I have a question for those of you who have worked under an AEA TYA contract. If you have had actors signed to an Actor/ASM contract, how have you made use of them? Has anyone ever used them in rehearsals?

I've had them a number of times, and never feel like I have very much that they can do, other than helping me with room setup or cleanup. Generally it's not helpful to have them be “on book”, as they have to be onstage as well. Similarly, I would never ask them to track props or costumes or any other normal ASM assignments.

I can see the usefulness of having the actors able to help with load-in/load-out in touring situations but I really don't see how they are useful in rehearsals, and I would love to hear about other people's experiences with this. Thanks.

36
Self-Promotion / Flowers Stink!
« on: Sep 30, 2015, 09:20 pm »
The outdoor show that I'm working on is a cute TYA musical in DC. It's a collaboration between the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden, performing at the garden. If you're in the area, feel free to drop by- the Gardens are free, the show is free, and it's right on the National Mall. If you haven't visited the gardens before, it's a great place to visit- there are outdoor gardens, and a conservatory full of "themed" rooms like the Tropics, Orchids, and the Desert.

Flowers Stink!
Kennedy Center with U.S. Botanic Garden
Dir. Gregg Henry
Now through October 30th- http://www.usbg.gov/theater

37
Something we haven't talked about in a while- outdoor venues! I just had my first rehearsal onstage (of a musical) in an outdoor venue, and wanted to share my experience and hear about yours.

Things to prep for:
  • What can be left outside/what can't
  • Bug spray and sunscreen!
  • Having water and cups available (and reminding folks to hydrate)
  • Hard playing surface (needing to add insoles to shoes)
  • Weather plan/checking the weather each day
  • Making sure not to damage surroundings! including but not limited to damage to grass/plants, leaving trash outside, making sure cables don't damage surroundings (cable runs instead of tape), etc
  • Needing additional sound support, and lots of ambient noise. Create a "top" level for mics so that the engineer can boost sound if the surroundings are louder
  • Limited power
  • Different lighting at different times of day
  • Dress appropriate! Hat, sunglasses, light layers, good footwear
  • Communication- walkie talkies? How are actors cued? What is the communication with FOH?
  • Plan for longer breaks if water/restrooms are farther away
  • Instruments going out of tune quickly due to temperature/humidity- having extras, or a plan to re-tune

Things I really wish I had done differently after my first day outside:
  • Brought more snacks! And more water, annoying to have to go and refill my water bottle on breaks
  • Brought a 2nd pair of shoes to change into (my favorite trick for long days)
  • Made sure I really took breaks. Totally exhausted by the end of the day.

What's your experience been with outdoor theatre? Any tips and tricks?

39
I'm going on tour for the first time next year, and I'm generating a list of questions to ask when arriving in a new venue. Tthe important logistics (esp. tech specs) will be determined ahead of time, so the questions I will be asking upon arrival are mostly about where things are/what certain procedures are. Anyone been on tour and have a list like this they'd be willing to share? Or, have any good questions to add to the list? There will be venue crew on each show so I wouldn't need to know all of the nitty-gritty details of the building.

  • Locations of: dressing rooms, green room, water, restrooms, laundry, callboard, valuables lockup, calling station, SM office (if available)
  • Any codes needed for the building (copier, door codes, etc)
  • Wifi info
  • How to communicate with HM (walkies, headset, phone) and  FOH procedures (house open, late seating, etc)
  • How to use backstage comms/PA/god mic/q lights
  • Who to ask if stage temp needs to be adjusted
  • Names of venue crew
  • Comp ticket procedures (this might be determined ahead of time, not sure)
Side note- I'd love to pick someone's brain about their touring experience. If you've done an AEA tour, especially a TYA production, I'd love to talk to you about it. Please PM me. Thanks!

40
The Green Room / ARTICLE/PHOTOS: The Fourth Wall
« on: Jul 15, 2015, 03:30 pm »
Really more of a photo essay than an article. Famous European theaters photographed from backstage.

Also a similar project photographing opera houses.

Some really gorgeous theatres!

41
The Green Room / Has anyone else ever noticed....
« on: Jun 08, 2015, 01:00 am »
....that when other stage managers come to see your show, that's the night that something will go wrong?

42
Great story about "playing it by ear" when the Arden lost power for their recent Gala. I love that the new plan involved moving the concert to the scene shop.

43
Self-Promotion / Zombie: The American
« on: May 19, 2015, 02:02 am »
About to go into tech for a new play, at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in DC. PWYC performances next Monday and Tuesday if you're in the area and interested. (There are also stampede seats and an under-30 discount.) It's a crazy play with a lot of wacky elements - I think it's going to be fun to run.

ZOMBIE: THE AMERICAN
MAY 25–JUNE 21, 2015
BY ROBERT O’HARA  // DIRECTED BY HOWARD SHALWITZ

The year is 2063 and Thom Valentine, the first openly gay President of the United States, faces a host of problems: an imminent civil war, the threat of an African invasion, an adulterous First Gentleman, and zombies in the basement of the White House! With his power, his marriage, and the nation’s well-being at stake, he must decide what he cares most about saving…and at what cost.

From the recesses of Robert O’Hara’s warped imagination comes a classically-inspired sci-fi thriller about a young Commander-in-Chief searching for the strength to hold our union together.

44
The Green Room / Dance documentaries on PBS
« on: May 09, 2015, 05:25 am »
Looks like there are some dance documentaries on PBS this week. Not directly stage management related but they look really interesting, especially the first one!

Born to Fly; Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity is the story of the groundbreaking choreographer sometimes called “the Evel Knievel of dance.” In over 30 years of practice, she has pioneered a movement form called “POPACTION,” which is couched in the exploration of human potential – both physical and emotional.

As seen in the film, Streb’s dancers become part acrobat, part gymnast, and part extreme thrill seeker as they walk on walls, dive through glass, and move so fast they seem to disappear and fly. Born to Fly culminates with Streb and her dancers preparing and presenting gravity-defying performances in London’s Cultural Olympiad leading up to the 2012 Olympics.

Also, American Ballet Theatre: A History- in honor of the company's 75th anniversary.

45
Tools of the Trade / A very silly ToTT
« on: Apr 29, 2015, 11:12 pm »
Okay, mostly for a joke I bought one of these. It's a tiny desktop vacuum (shaped like a mushroom) that runs off of AA batteries. I'm in rehearsals for a new play right now and there is LOTS of erasing and rewriting as things change, and I can't stand the constant layer of eraser bits that covers my book and desk. This thing actually works! Totally silly but I'm loving it.


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