Messages

16

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Where do I start?

« on: Jun 17, 2007, 03:10 am »

Well most theatre is non-profit so I'm exactly sure of your circumstances but often stage managers feel like they want to move up and out of their current job.  However, I would recommend not quitting your current place until you actually have another one lined up.  Current work is better than no work.  Also do you need a degree, not neccessarily though it does mean those with a degree usually have done more shows through college than a non-degree holder.  However resume and reccomendations are what count the most.  If you are serious about being a professional stage manager I would look around at any local professional theatres, I'm a big fan of Equity SPT theatres.  They are small enough that they hire some fresh non-equity assistant stage managers but they still have very professional setups.  I would rather be a small fish in a big pond than a big fish in a small pond.  Also there are lots of internships and apprenticeships that can be quite benefiticial for those with and particularly without degrees.  If you want more specific information feel free to PM me. 

17

The Hardline / Re: Its the New Guy!

« on: May 29, 2007, 05:53 pm »

Scoot I have also been told that very people "week" into the union.  My main reason for being EMC is to show potential employers that I am serious about my future as a stage manager and not that I have my eyes on a different sight and that I am a good investment.  I have also been going back and forth on the way to become the most desirable stage manager I can be.  I am open to any suggestions. 

18

The Hardline / Re: Its the New Guy!

« on: May 29, 2007, 01:51 am »

I received my first 15 points as a non-equity ASM under an equity SM at a SPT 6 theatre.  I think the only caution I have been told about getting my card young is make sure you are in an area where you can get work.  My guess is I can at least get work at some low SPT theatres even if I cant get the big LORT contracts as a 25-30 year old.  Would others disagree with this?

19

The Hardline / Re: Its the New Guy!

« on: May 28, 2007, 10:19 pm »

Hey avkid,
  What theatre are you at?

20

The Hardline / Re: Its the New Guy!

« on: May 28, 2007, 10:18 pm »

Going for your card at 21?  Bold.  Good luck.

Well as far as the card is concerned someone was talking about getting EMC points and they said it takes 2 steady years of work to get it and you can wait for up to 5 years after that so... do I think I'll be ready for my card when I'm 28 problably.  Besides there are always SPT's needing good stage managers. 

21

College and Graduate Studies / Re: NC School of the Arts

« on: May 28, 2007, 03:49 pm »

There's nothing like bashing a school that people love to hate.  I'm not trying to criticize people's comments about the school but I am guessing people love to hate the school because a budget for a show is more than some colleges for their entire season.  However that being said, I go to school at NC and I work at a nearby theatre with a contract to hire Lighting Designers from NCSA.  One was a horrible lighting designer who basically hung a plot and programmed the show and turned it over without ever having seen the show.  So there were gaps all over and he never came back to fix it.  Then we had a lighting designer who was great and drove the 90 minute track multiple times.  I think they are most well known for design and technical direction and acting.  I have heard very little about their stage management program.  However while the program is rigorous, you will literally not have a life outside of the classroom which for some people is great.  Also it might not realistically prepare you for an average professional theatre that isn't up to your standards.  Visit talk to students try to get as much first hand knowledge as possible.  Thats the best way to get to know the college.  How they treat prospective students is a good indication on how they will treat freshman. 

22

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: To enter theatre or not to enter theatre

« on: May 28, 2007, 02:45 pm »

As a college student I have seen too many people get scared away from being a theatre major.  They think it has no promise or its a waste of money.  Now I am at a liberal arts college now so I am a little biased but I recommend looking at a liberal arts college out there for a theatre degree.  That way if you decide that theatre isn't for you (and its not for everyone) that way you can choose a more suitable major.  Also if you get a BA people tend not to really care what your major was (unless you are in an industry field like theatre) but just that you went through college.  Also theatre majors tend me more well rounded, be organized, have good public speaking skills.  I have met a surprisingly amount of theatre majors go onto unrelated theatre fields so don't let that be your only reason not to be a theatre major.  Also a thing that I have always heard to be true of stage managers is "a good stage manager always has work"  now Im not saying we are the best paid but consistency is a key.  Now you might have to have a real job during the day or a temp job but if doing what you love is important to you, I would recommend you give it go.  Also and School of the Arts, I go to school in NC not too far from it and I have also heard mixed things.  I hear that people regularly work on theatre projects till 4am and then have to go to class at 8am and that it is a quite intense program.  Also I haven't heard that stage management is their strongest program either.  If you want that kind of experience I recommend you wait for grad school to do it.  I have been down the same road you have along with most of the people on this network im sure.  Just keep thinking about it.  Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions. 

23

SMNetwork Archives / Re: hello from your moderator!

« on: May 28, 2007, 02:17 pm »

Well I guess this is the place where we are supposed to introduce ourselves.  I just joined SM Networks this weekend and I'm just sad I never found it before it is a great resource and I can only imagine the hours people must put in making sure these forums run smoothly.  My name is Sten, yes it is Sten that wasn't a typo, I'm a student at Lenoir-Rhyne College with a dying theatre department but I am sticking it out anyway.  However it has driven me to have to gain more experience outside of the classroom and I have been able to stage manage multiple shows at a regionally acclaimed community theatre and I have also gotten my feet wet with professional theatre as well.  I am in the very beautiful finger lakes area of NY as a stage management intern at a summerstock and somehow I will be assistant stage managing 6 productions in 12 weeks.  Sorry to ramble on.  I come from Minnesota and spent a summer in DC which was a blast.  I love to travel and meet new people so dont be shy!

24

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Headset Etiquette

« on: May 26, 2007, 11:53 pm »

Headset etiquette seems to be a rather tricky subject.  Once you have run the same show 20 times it can become so routine that people zone out on the headset and dont pay attention.  So talking can improve that.  I think that keep communication open is always a good thing, and something i am surprised no one has mentioned is positive feedback on headset, it is always good to give compliments on headset to your crew when possible and merited.  So as long as you have a mature crew and a show that isnt that complicated it usually only improves a show.

25

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Merged Topics - "Left or Right" and "Your book Left or right"

« on: May 26, 2007, 11:34 pm »

I think I must be a weird combination of the two, I have my script on the right side of the page with blocking on the left but then I always like to put my cues on the left side of the page on the right side.  I'm a leftie so I just try and find some place to put my hand and write without getting stuck in my three ring binder or get pencil all over my hand.  Either way it doesnt really work... sucks to be a lefty in a right handed world...