Topics

46

Tools of the Trade / A little about your other moderator

« on: Apr 15, 2008, 12:39 am »

Greetings all,

I would just like to add a little bit about myself and my thoughts on the SM Network.


A bit about me:

I'm currently working in the cruise industry in the U.S. on the technical side of entertainment.  I am a stage manager by trade and education, though my career seems to have taken me more towards the technical side.  I have experience as a stage manager and production manager in the cruise industry, as well as land based stage management and event management.  I tend to prefer larger, more technically complex shows, and have used a lot of the very new, fun toys in our industry; naturally, this specific board is of great interest to me.


My views on SM Network:

I view the SM Network as an outstanding resource for people from all backgrounds and experience levels.  I do view this network as a professional forum, and would encourage everyone to treat it as such.  A good rule of thumb is don't post anything here you wouldn't be perfectly comfortable saying or writing to a colleague or employer in the industry.  Please use spell check, proper grammar, and a professional and courteous tone.

I know we'll all agree that this is a fabulous resource, and I encourage each of you to continue to contribute to discussions.  If you have anything you'd like to see added to this board please send a PM to Mac or I.  See you all around the boards!

Best,

Kevin.

47

Employment / Schools for Electricians / Light Techs

« on: May 03, 2007, 11:41 am »

Hi all,

Reaching out to the SM Network with a question!  I'm in continuous need of qualified light technicians to work onboard ships.  Given the nature of ship life we find that the typical crewmember is 21-26 or 27 years old and relatively unattached.  Our technicians must:

• Program Hog II, Hog III, Hog iPC on the fly
• Maintain an inventory of spare parts for Martin intelligent lighting fixtures
• Repair and maintain Martin intelligent lighting fixtures
• Have some familiarity with show control programs and concepts
• Have a good design eye for vegas style and rock style production

Is anyone aware of any Universities or Trade Schools (anywhere in the world) that pump out these types of techs with practical real world experience on a regular basis?  Feedback from folks who have been out in the real world working for several years would be appreciated!  Thanks guys!!

48

The Hardline / "Unprofessional"

« on: Apr 06, 2007, 03:24 pm »

I feel like this word is tossed around a bit too much in our industry, thoughts?

49

Stage Management: Other / Stage Managing onboard a cruise ship.

« on: Mar 26, 2007, 06:29 pm »

In one of the other topics someone (I believe Bridget) asked what it's like on a ship.  I can't say how it is for all cruise lines, but I can talk specifically about Royal Caribbean.  A lot of people don't typically associate ships with "good work" but there is in fact some good work out there.  Now don't get me wrong, you're not going to find art onboard ships, but you can find some decent vegas-style shows.  Onboard most of our ships (anything new than 98 or 99) we have lots and lots of fun toys.  All of the scenery is controlled by a rigging computer which takes MIDI timecode (MIDI Bridge to convert SMPTE to MIDI, SMPTE received from Show Control computer).  The fly space, orchestra pit, stage lifts, floor tracks are all fully automated.  Lighting rigs are all intelligent and we run hog (II, III, PC, and iPC) consoles exclusively.  Sound consoles vary from analog to digital, a few Euphonix consoles, some digital Yamaha consoles, and some analog Crest consoles.  All video projections are controlled via show control with SMPTE timecode received from the MX 24-24.  A lot of our ships also have human flying (flying by foy) in both the main theatre and studio b (ice rink). 

Calling a production show onboard is very different from traditional theatre.  Instead of calling each cue individually you're saying "timecode Go" at the top of the show, then simply getting clears from your stagehands if scenery is good to move.  If something isn't clear you just take your hand off of the deadman.  If everything's clear just sit back and relax!

50

SMNetwork Archives / CRUISE SHIPS: I'm New

« on: Mar 25, 2007, 02:24 pm »

Hi everyone, new to the site so I'm doing the whole introduction thing.  My name's Kevin and I'm based out of Miami.  Currently I work for Royal Caribbean Cruises scheduling contracts for the PMs, Techs, and Stage Staff for the fleet.  Before that I was a Stage & Production Manager also with Royal Caribbean.  I have a BFA in Stage Management from Penn State.