Messages

16

The Hardline / Re: Staged Reading in NY

« on: Jul 27, 2008, 01:22 pm »

I have done several reading in NY and like Matthew said expectations vary.

Some of the readings involved light and sound cues, rearranging the chairs and music stands at intermission and sometimes reading the stage directions.

Regardless I usually still give calls starting at half hour.  Usually there is no AEA meeting involved but there is a form that everyone will need to write their name and AEA ID number on.

Hope this helps!

What, where and when is your reading?

17

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How far in advance do you...

« on: Jul 21, 2008, 11:38 pm »

I would agree with Matthew.

As far as requesting days of the week etc.  I personally dont mind when someone asks for a certain day of the week.  Most people understand that all of our schedules are hectic.  Just make sure its clear that you understand if your dates dont mesh.  If the only dates you have available are in the middle of the show putting in a new cast member it might not work out.

18

Tools of the Trade / Re: Headset Side

« on: Apr 23, 2008, 11:35 pm »

It just depends.  If I am calling from backstage I wear it on my downstage ear so my other ear is free for folks who need to come up to the calling desk.

19

The Hardline / Re: Musicals at an Opera House vs. AEA

« on: Mar 16, 2008, 09:57 pm »

I would still call.  I had once been offered and opera and South Pacific at an opera company and they said it was okay.

Now it could be that the rep I talked too didnt know what I was talking about...

If there is any doubt... CALL!!

20

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Number Markers for dance?

« on: Mar 06, 2008, 01:56 pm »

I have always loved that Tony Walton designs the dance numbers into his floor treatment.  ie. For Forum they were roman numerals, Guys and Dolls they were dice... FUN

While a cute idea, it seems like it would be less than effective.  II, IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, XIV?  I can't imagine my dancers being down with that...

As long as thats what they have in rehearsal its fine.  Going from 4,5,6 to IV,V,VI is a nightmare!

21

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Number Markers for dance?

« on: Mar 05, 2008, 11:29 pm »

I have always loved that Tony Walton designs the dance numbers into his floor treatment.  ie. For Forum they were roman numerals, Guys and Dolls they were dice... FUN

22

Tools of the Trade / Re: The comfort of a featherweight headset

« on: Feb 20, 2008, 04:06 pm »

My favorite headset is the Sennheiser HMD 410-6.  Sadly they are now discontinued... so if anyone has one they want to sell....

23

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Caling the show...

« on: Feb 12, 2008, 01:09 am »

I will be the first to say that I prefer calling from backstage.  Especially with many flying elements and automated scenery.  I feel more comfortable being in the middle of it all that I way I can see what is happening with my own two eyes.

24

Tools of the Trade / Re: i discovered the best SM/backstage shoes ever

« on: Feb 06, 2008, 01:03 am »

never heard of those, but i do love my capezio split-sole dance sneakers for tech.

My favorites too!

25

The Hardline / Re: Who Locks Your Doors?

« on: Jan 26, 2008, 11:01 pm »

Where I am now (and the last few theatre I have worked at) the doors lock automatically and everyone uses a fob or key card to get in.

The best of all possible worlds...

AMEN!!

26

The Hardline / Re: Who Locks Your Doors?

« on: Jan 26, 2008, 01:38 pm »

Where I am now (and the last few theatre I have worked at) the doors lock automatically and everyone uses a fob or key card to get in.

27

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Visual Cues--Who's Responsible?

« on: Jan 25, 2008, 06:28 pm »

Often times, the SM will take off the headset during the performance and ask us to watch the book while he "takes a break."  He missed a standby once because of that.

Wow... they gotta go!!

28

The Hardline / Re: Archival Video Taping Vote

« on: Jan 24, 2008, 07:44 pm »

I generally do it at first rehearsal to get all of the voting out of the way.  I have never had an actor pose that question but I do understand and feel that it is a fair thing to ask.

Jess

29

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Question from an newbie! (Merging Libretto and Score)

« on: Jan 14, 2008, 02:27 pm »

If you read music calling from the score is easier and more exact.  It also makes it easier for someone who might be taking over the show.  I also like to make mine as clean as possible.  All of my books are done electronically using PDFs of the score that I usually get from the composer.

I find it just makes for a cleaner call.  I have taken over shows where people did not use music and it is just rough until you learn the music.

30

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Props Question....

« on: Jan 02, 2008, 11:26 am »

My typical pattern is EVERYTHING ends up on the prop list.

Me Too!!