Messages

46

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: At what point to bring your own headset?

« on: May 17, 2017, 01:36 pm »

The other thing is, depending on where you are, how loud is the show. I have been in some theatres where I want those big muffs so I can hear myself, or my ASMs, or anything over music. So bring 'em along, and see what you can hear before you refuse to use alternatives.

47

Employment / Re: Non SM jobs for former SMs

« on: Apr 04, 2017, 01:28 pm »

Have you done a search on this? I am in paperwork hell but will try to find the topic name (tho someone else may find it first — PSMKay?) but this has had a deep discussion on all the areas where SM skills translate into real world assets and jobs. And — so many things, from wedding planners and event coordinators to pretty much any job that requires patience, organization and creativity.

48

The Hardline / SPT contract update

« on: Mar 25, 2017, 11:45 pm »

Hey guys — 

There is a survey out for all y'all who have worked the SPT contract. Please give it a review, then fill in any concerns, or things you'd love to see included, before its next update (which is coming up soon).

There are those who still have issues with the vacation restrictions. And some folks have mentioned a couple of cool things they'd love to see added or adjusted. So send in your ideas!

The rule book is available in the member portal.

49

Employment / Re: Backdoor Reference Checks on ACTORS

« on: Mar 04, 2017, 01:20 am »

This isn't really an answer, more a parallel, but it's common practice to blind contact people from a stage manager's resume rather than listed references, esp if the interviewer knows someone associated w the show.

This kinda happens in film, btw, if not in theater.

50

Tools of the Trade / Re: Improvised com system?

« on: Mar 04, 2017, 01:15 am »

I have had a lot of open (or nonexistant) booths and hate walkies. One thing I've used a lot is messaging w my asm, but for silent cues to board ops, visuals or touch works really well.

51

The Hardline / Re: AEA rulebooks no longer publicly available on website

« on: Dec 29, 2016, 08:39 pm »

Vernon or Ruth E may have a different memory, but I don't recall this ever coming up at a council meeting. I found out when the question popped up on a FB SM page. But perhaps this is a question we can ask at the next council meeting in January....

52

The Green Room / Re: Kay

« on: Nov 26, 2016, 04:30 am »

You are appreciated we are all grateful for what you put together here - and how you brought us together here. I feel more connected nationally (and internationally) to my fellow SMs, to our common ground and to our profession, than pretty much anywhere else. And this is your doing. You have manifested this community and have changed the landscape for all of us.

THANK YOU

53

Employment / Re: Dear Abby: Is there life after Equity?

« on: Oct 31, 2016, 12:54 am »

Here is something really important - while you are making your decision, you can take a formal leave/honorable withdrawal from AEA if you don't think you will work under union jurisdiction for a while. If/when you decide to reactivate, you pay a small administrative fee and the current cycle's basic dues. It means you sit in limbo for a bit, but it also means you have options.

54

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Communication Quandry

« on: Oct 16, 2016, 08:41 pm »

and just to get it on record ... the time it takes for her report is not be considered extra hours - tho what takes 2 hrs makes me wonder what the heck she is writing.....

55

The Hardline / Re: Name change?

« on: Oct 04, 2016, 12:45 pm »

(hmm wonder why you'd ask that ... <g>)

NO, indeed, the women I know are usually established professionals and have kept their professional names. It's how they are known. If they use a married name at all, it often is to differentiate work from home.

56

Introductions / Re: Saying Hi!

« on: Aug 12, 2016, 03:24 pm »

Hi Josh! You will see some familiar names here - there are a few of us! Hooray and glad to see you here. I have found this a terrific resource. And next time I am in NYC I look forward to meeting you IRL.

57

The Green Room / Re: ARTICLE: Life of a swing

« on: Jul 04, 2016, 02:24 am »

Mr. Shiner's comment encouraged me to post this.

One of my favorite people, a former AEA councillor, a brilliant dance captain and all-around brilliant performer is writing a series of how-to books for working on Broadway, to help a lot of folks. These are small books covering a broad range of topics. Several are already done, and she is about to publish her book on being a dance captain (she has been a swing and dance captain for so many shows, including the Evita tour, the recent American in Paris and way too many others to list). Worth checking out.
 
www.bethebestonbroadway.com

Specifically, her book about being a swing is here:

https://www.amazon.com/Be-best-SWING-Broadway/dp/1497464749?ie=UTF8&keywords=be%20the%20best%20swing%20on%20broadway&qid=1405340974&ref_=sr_1_17&sr=8-17

Just sharing -

58

Employment / Re: How far are you willing to travel?

« on: Jun 23, 2016, 02:00 am »

I've commuted to jobs an hour each way (without traffic), but the place I work for most is 1-2 hrs there, 30 minutes home. Cuz LA. I would love love love to work in one of the spaces closer to me, but this is the place that hires me.

59

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: CALLING: Rail cues

« on: Jun 21, 2016, 12:32 am »

I learned rail cues on a cue lite, and the first time I had to call them verbally it was a real trip, took a minute to fit it into my mouth along with what were always tied sound and light (and often spot) cues. Good to be ready for anything!

60

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Hanging an actor....

« on: Jun 06, 2016, 01:07 pm »

check the search function - can't recall when but someone asked abt this a long time ago -