Messages

16

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Sexist Scenic Designer... HELP!

« on: Jul 15, 2007, 08:50 pm »

Before anything else, I don't see that this has been mentioned, but it might be a good idea to talk to the designer about these things, without going around it.  I'm not saying be confrontational, but ask him if he's been getting your emails, and explain to him you need those things.  Face to face, or over the phone.  I don't think you have to go around the topic.  Don't mention anything about him being sexist, who knows if he even is.  You're basically getting opinions from other people.

Just ask him in a straightforward way about the communication issues.  What's the worst that can happen?

If that doesn't work, then yeah, try to find a creative way around it, but I would try to work it out with him before bringing other staff into it. 

17

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

« on: Jul 14, 2007, 05:46 am »

This may sound strange, but I don't know, we'll see...

It's been years, YEARS, since I've had to really buy anything other than a maglite or leatherman, usually I just go into a theatre that has the stuff, even SM and first aid kits in each rehearsal hall, SM offices with computers onsite, nicely stocked supplies closets, and easy ways of restocking or putting in for any additional things I need...

That said, I'm about to go into really, my first situation where that's not the case, so I'm raiding my old school stuff, but I really don't think it's going to be enough.  After all these years, I actually have to think about this now, and get some kind of a kit together.

Wish me luck, I'm pretty much starting from scratch.

18

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette

« on: Jun 30, 2007, 07:27 am »

I agree, 04SDwall, it takes a few seconds, even if it's an announcement right before tech, or during the tour of backstage, where you just slip in the warning to the actors about the mics, it can save a lot of aggravation later.

19

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Creating Paperwork

« on: Jun 29, 2007, 03:51 pm »

Usually when I assist I just ask the stage manager if they like it a particular way, and if there's no preference, I look at what the last few looked like in that space, and do it that way, that way the different departments are pretty used to the format.  I fudge things here and there, but for the most part it's the same.  I've only had to start from scratch once when I went into a theatre for a season.  I love it when stage managers double check my work, not every day, but before I make dozens of copies of something, or mass email a major document, that way I'm sure it's something they would put their name on.  Maybe what happened in your situation, is the assistant did have a hand in the paperwork, but the SM is the one that emailed, or distributed it, or their initials are on it, so the artistic director assumes it was the stage manager who did it.  I can't picture an assistant not doing paperwork, but I've dreamt about it.

20

College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM Colleges

« on: Jun 29, 2007, 03:50 am »

Defenetly look at other schools, and find the one that fits you.

However, KMC, the original poster asked for recommendations, of course if I liked the program I went to, I'm going to suggest it, and there's nothing wrong with that.  It's the one I went to and it's not the only one I know.  I've worked at regional theatres tied with theatre programs, and they're great programs too, but not in the East Coast.  I can't talk about any others in the East Coast.  I think one of the best gauges of how a school is is first hand experience from people who actually went there.  I'm not knocking other programs, or saying, Oh, Go to mine over all others.  And I've been out of school over five years.

21

College and Graduate Studies / Re: SM Colleges

« on: Jun 28, 2007, 07:02 pm »

I got my BFA from Rutgers, which was about 45 minutes on NJ transit, into Penn Station, so it's close enough you could go into New York all the time.  The program was nice.  There's an MFA program too, and you take classes with MFA's, but it doesn't hurt your assignments any because they keep the program small, 2-3 stage managers or so per year for BFA's and same for MFA's.  It's got great people there.  It's hard maintaining shows plus the GPA you need to stay in the program (in gen ed plus theatre classes), but good financial aid too.  My final year alone I stage managed in one of the large spaces, production managed the blackbox space, did my internship out of state, PA'd a Bway stage manager for a fundraiser for the school on the stage of the Majestic while Phantom was dark, and stage managed the MFA actor's showcases in New York and Los Angeles.  It's a hard program, a lot of demands, but I'm thankful for it, just embrace the experience.  You get some really cool teachers that work in the field, not just in stage management but in all subjects.  I'd recommend it, and it's close to New York.

22

Tools of the Trade / Re: Stage Manager Books/Manuels

« on: Jun 27, 2007, 04:54 am »

I second Tom Kelley's book. He was one of my advisors in school, and yes, we had to read his book, but I look back at it all the time.  There's samples of paperwork, etc. in there and he gives you guidelines with enough room to be able to come up with your own style.

I just have to put this in, because these books that aren't "stage management" but if you come across them, I wouldn't pass them by:
Design and Stage Lighting, by Parker Wolf
Lighting Design by Richard Pilbrow

23

SMNetwork Archives / Re: Multi-tool advice?

« on: Jun 26, 2007, 05:07 am »

I have the Juice XE6
It has pliers, screwdrivers, knife, etc., but it's very light and small.  I have a bigger one, which I didn't even bring out last show because the juice did me well.

24

The Green Room / Re: SMs in media?

« on: Jun 25, 2007, 09:14 pm »

Has anone seen the documentary ShowBusiness The Road to Broadway? It's in theatres now on limited release.  It's behind the scenes at Wicked, Avenue Q, Caroline or Change, and Taboo.  The trailer starts with a stage manager calling places.  It follows the Broadway shows from rehearsals to the Tony's.  I'm seeing it tomorrow, anyone seen it?

Here's the link:
http://www.showbusiness-themovie.com/

25

The Green Room / Re: SMs in media?

« on: Jun 22, 2007, 09:04 pm »

The comedian Kathy Griffin mentions the stage manager for an awards show in her act, how Ryan Secrest was going to do something off the script, and the stage manager overhears him and calls him on it.  It's really funny how she does it.

26

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 13, 2007, 03:56 pm »

Speaking of viruses.  The antivirus that came with the computer is about to expire today, so I brought out my handy 2007 antivirus disc, and I guess it doesn't work with Vista.  They don't have an update.  This Vista thing is coming out pretty expensive.

27

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: quick cleanup of raw egg?

« on: Jun 13, 2007, 02:17 pm »

I'm afraid I'm the last person that can give advice on the issue of raw eggs.  I worked on a one act in college, a new work by one of the MFAs, and we were in the middle of two other one-acts (the first had a huge set-up, and I forget why we weren't last).  There was a food fight involving eggs, flour, and water.  We did the most to clean up each night, but the modules we used were carpeted, and we tried, believe me, to get it all out.  Needless to say, we spent a good part of the strike shampooing, and eventually ended up having to recarpet the modules, and it was pretty nasty underneath.  So yeah, I'm the last person to give advice over this.  Just thought I'd share. It brought back memories.

28

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Problem Actor...

« on: Jun 10, 2007, 12:00 pm »

Well, it sure sound like you're handling it well, and bringing the artistic director in may give her a wake up call.  I hate it when people don't realize there's a long line (thousands) of people who would give up being on the phone or computer for a few hours at a time for a job in theatre.  I hope the meeting goes well.

29

Tools of the Trade / Re: Vista and Microsoft 2007

« on: Jun 10, 2007, 06:12 am »

Does anyone have Photoshop Elements and Vista together?  I have Photoshop on my old laptop and my desktop, and I have no downloads left on it.  During slow shows especially, I like getting fancy with my pre-set pictures and headers.  I didn't want to buy a software program on the laptop that costs as much as the laptop, so I went for downloading the elements ($79) version.  I can't download it without downloading the update for Vista, and I can't download the update without having the program installed on the computer.  So, it's been a never ending cycle of error messages.  Any thoughts?

I have done one show with Vista, and it's ok.  I've started getting used to it.  I just miss my photoshop  The best thing about it was the cost of he laptops the week it came out.  $700 out of pocket including two years of accidental insurance, I couldn't turn it down.  Especially not after my last "coffee incident".

30

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Hydraulic Scenery accident, London "Lord of the Rings"

« on: Jun 09, 2007, 05:39 pm »

I'm not saying that's the case in LOTR, but I wouldn't be suprised if they're more common than we think.  When we're talking big bucks, possible permanent disability, possible lawsuits, people's reputations... It just adds up.  Nobody wants anyone's, individual or company's name tarnished or a big hoopla out of nothing if it is nothing.  We just haven't heard about them because they're confidential, and are probably staying that way.  All I'm saying is I wouldn't be surprised.