Messages

271

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / British Stage Management VS American Stage Management

« on: Jul 29, 2005, 12:28 pm »

If you don't hear from anyone, maybe you can try contact British Equity and see what they say. You can probably get the number from US Equity.

272

SMNetwork Archives / stagemanager portfolio

« on: Jul 23, 2005, 11:12 am »

I've never been asked to have a portfolio at an interview. I also do not bring a prompt book since they become property of the theatre when the show closes.
Anyone can have pretty paperwork, but what do you do when your actress calls out sick three hours before a performance and you have no understudy? Experience helps there, not pretty paperwork.

273

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / new play!

« on: Jul 23, 2005, 11:06 am »

I just opened a new musical. If you think stage managing a new play is hard, try doing a new musical!
The writers used a program called "Final Draft". If is used in TV and Film; and I think it will eventually make its way into the theatre world. It was easier to have pgs 2A, 2B, 2C, etc......  Microsoft Word has problems with page numbers and letters. I was able to get "Final Draft" on my computer, so the writers just emailed me the changes and I would print and copy.
Having an organized assisant is esstenial; as well as having a "master script". It's a script that has all the updated changes. It's more updated than my script. So, if someone is missing a new page, you can go to the master and copy it instead of taking yours with all your blocking in it.
Also, if you have a designer run-thru, you can copy the master script and give it to your designers.

274

Employment / What is really required?

« on: Mar 25, 2005, 05:58 pm »

I do not have a masters (or even a BA or BS) and I am a resident stage manager at a professional company. So, I'm in the "don't need a degree" camp.
That being said, you have to ask yourself if this is something you want to do full-time? It might take you a year or two to get something that you can actually get paid so are you ready for that?
As for age, don't let that get you. I'm 33, and I'm going to take the plunge into the world of opera. That means I will have to start out as an intern. With age comes wisdom, and a sense of maturity when dealing with actors and singers.
There is no one "right way" to be a stage manager. If you want to do it, you'll figure out a way

275

Stage Management: Other / Transferring into Opera

« on: Feb 09, 2005, 09:55 pm »

Thanks for the advice! I've been talking to other opera stage managers, and I think I'm on the right path. I'll continue to take piano lessons, and begin to learn a little Italian.
Linka, I'll wait til next year to apply. Right now the only opera I can call is "Jingle Bells"

276

Stage Management: Other / Transferring into Opera

« on: Jan 26, 2005, 10:18 pm »

Well, no one answered, so I assumed that no one has done it.
I guess I'm treading on new ground.
I started taking piano lessons and I've learned a ton in just one lesson.
Maybe I should keep a log on how I did it and if others want to follow suit, they can read on.

277

Stage Management: Other / REVIVED THREAD: Transferring into Opera

« on: Jan 14, 2005, 01:31 pm »

I was wondering if there is anyone who went from being a "regular" stage manager (lack of a better word) to an Opera stage manager.
I have about 10 years experience as a stage manager. I do not know how to read music (fixing that problem very soon).
How were you able to do it? Should I learn a language?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

278

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Lights? Electrics? Elex? What do you say?

« on: Nov 11, 2004, 06:04 pm »

This is my seventh show with the sound designer. So, we are close friends.
He mixes letters and numbers. On this show. I have to call sound "PP"

Yup. I've busted my butt to get my card and work at a regional theatre only to call sound "PP"