Messages

61

The Green Room / Re: One actor's performance divides a community

« on: May 20, 2012, 04:55 pm »

I was PM at a semi-professional theatre in San Francisco years ago.  No union cast but everyone had a contract and got paid.  One cast member was having an awful time remembering lines.  By tech rehearsal, we had a meeting: cast, director, theatre staff and the cast member was let go from the show.  The director steped in and took the role.  The cast member who was releaved from the show actually was releaved: I remember he harbored no ill feelings and knew it was best for the show.

62

Stage Management: Other / Re: Chinese Opera

« on: May 08, 2012, 08:28 pm »

The rental facility I worked for booked Chinese Opera at least once per year (I worked about 6 of the Operas).
Here are the things I recall:  The orchestra was on stage with the singers off to one side (we had a pit but they didn't use it).  The drops were amazing: made of silk (light weight).  The story usually revolves around a princess and there are long, long arias.  Fight sequences are involved.  Total run time was about 3 1/2 to 4 hours.  I always looked forward to and enjoyed these operas.
PM me if you have any other questions.

63

The Green Room / Re: summer vacation

« on: May 08, 2012, 07:45 am »

Husband just got a used canoe. Time to explore the rivers of NC this summer.

64

The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: NYT Jobs Few, Grads Flock to Unpaid Internships

« on: May 07, 2012, 07:37 am »

but as I am a current student and not a recent grad, I do not have the credentials to be a paid employee anyway so I'll take advantage of the experience and the connections.

joannamblack, as a current student, are you getting credit hours through your university for the internship?

65

Employment / Re: time to ask for a raise?

« on: Apr 22, 2012, 09:34 am »

In addition to what Maribeth wrote, you may want to do your research on the company's financial records and current budget in pursuing a raise.  Community theatres usually operate on tight budgets but, you may find that you see room for a higher stipend for the SM.  A factor I also consider is how long and how many shows I've SM'd for a particular company.

66

Employment / Re: Program Bios

« on: Apr 17, 2012, 12:09 pm »

I include what I want the audience to know about my work in theatre.  For me, it includes the name of the college I got my degree from (and type of degree "BA Theatre Arts"), productions that show a cross section of genres (I try to use favorite ones I've done), union affiliations and where I currently work (if not freelancing).  Hope this is helpful.
I think the samples you found exhibit what I've seen printed  in most programs.

67

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Special Skills on a Resume

« on: Apr 12, 2012, 09:02 pm »

I think that some of the skills you've listed are "necessary" skills of the SM.  A Stage Manager should have skills in microsoft word and  excell, basic carpentry, sewing and lighting. I do agree with dallas about any musical knowledge and being specific about it. Special skills should be just that: "Special".  What skill do you have that's out of the ordinary or unexpected in a stage manager?

68

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Orchestras moving out of the pit

« on: Mar 25, 2012, 09:29 am »

I've done several musicals where the orchestra was not in the pit but upstage on a tall platform.  The orchestra was "part of the show".  Scenically, they were made to look like the placement was logical ( A few examples: Cabaret--part of the night club, Anything Goes--the ships band).  There was no line-of-sight to the conductor, just stage audio monitors so the cast could hear the orchestra.  Another group I worked with used a small space with a pit that puts the heads of the musicians way above the stage floor so they resolved this by putting the orchestra behind the cyc.  They used a video monitor to the conductor and audio monitors to the cast.  This theatre group moved to a new space that was designed for them and the orchestra pit in the new space is really sunk below stage deck level.  Conductor sits on a platform and there is a cut out for him/her only.  Pit floor is not removable so sound has control over orchestra volume.
I saw Jersey Boys a few years back--orchestra in another room.  Can't make up my mind if I missed seeing the orchestra--loved the show.

69

Employment / Re: Health insurance

« on: Mar 23, 2012, 08:50 am »

I buy health insurance directly from a smaller insurance company.  It was too expensive to get through my spouse.

70

Employment / Re: Networking in new city

« on: Mar 03, 2012, 04:14 pm »

I moved 5 years ago from a large theatre market to a small one.  I located all nearby live theatres and dropped in: " Hello I'm so-and-so, new to the area.  Do you have time to show me around your facility?  Can I make an appointment with you for another time?"   I carried copies of resumes that I could drop off or hand to the person directly.
I was also willing to work outside of my main job skill and landed a few on-call gigs at rental facilities.  These gigs led to other gigs as managers/tech directors would refer me and I could network with the renters/presenters directly.
Now, I often have 2 to 3 things going on simultaneously.

71

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: POLICIES: Responsibility breakdown

« on: Feb 20, 2012, 11:46 am »

Keep in mind that some community theatres don't have production managers.  The technical director (who usually doubles as set designer) would be the person to ask for clarification on who does what in that particular theatre.  I would also suggest the artistic director (who quite often is the director of most of the shows) as the go-to-for-answers person.
A hand book is nice but you may find you have to write it yourself and get approval on content from the board/staff.

72

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: PROP: Almost, Maine Shoe

« on: Jan 30, 2012, 02:00 pm »

We did a variation on the pully/line system: our tie line was fastened to a wooden clothes pin (a hole drilled out on the "pull" side where the tie line was tied).  Ours worked every time.

73

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Screwing Up

« on: Jan 27, 2012, 10:32 am »

Years ago ( SMing one of my first operas)  we were in tech and I got lost in the score.   I called the rail cue to bring in a backdrop too early and nearly wiped out the entire chorus standing right under it!  No one was hurt luckily and it taught me a lesson to pay more attention and don't panic if I'm lost in the script/score.

74

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Dear Abby: What classes would you look for in a BFA stage management program?

« on: Jan 23, 2012, 05:56 pm »

Re: Follow up questions:
I would recommend both CAD and hand drafting.

75

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Working with a younger cast

« on: Jan 15, 2012, 04:12 pm »

I would also add to make sure all communication is not only going to the young actors but to a parent or guardian.  Notes and emails (things in writing) help keep the adults in the loop.  I also asked that parents personally drop off and pick up the young actors: I know some adults weren't happy with this request, but they are minors and checking in/out not only gave me an opportunity to communicate to the parent(s) but I knew they were safely in the hands of their parent when they left the facility.