New Stage Manager

[DanniQ123]

Hi everyone! I am new to the whole craft and I just sm'd my first show. I am just learning how to deal with actors and screaming directors. An actor threw a temur tantrum when I asked him where he had placed his props (he had no idea where he put them). How does one deal with these sort of situations? Thanks in advance for advice!

[ZTucker]

Hi there Danni!

I completely understand where you are coming from, I'm currently SM'ing my HS's production of Beauty and the Beast with the largest cast we've ever had, 35 (sounds small, but not to us )

I've had situations where I've gotten snarky responses from actors, and I apply the advice given to me by my boss (I work in retail): "Kill them with kindness."  While the aim is not actually to kill them, the point is that you respond cordially and respectfully so you don't escalate the situation further.  Ask what you can do to help them feel better and avoid a confrontation.

[Stagemanagerpixie]

I agree with GHSStageManager. Kill them with kindness is a great way to go.
Make it a learning lesson for them. Explain that when they haven't placed and checked their props, they lose them like in the case that happened. Don't hound them each night/rehearsal. If you don't have a props master, you or your ASM just browse your prop table to make sure they are there. if it's not, send a brief reminder to the entire cast to make sure props are placed and checked. It won't seem as if you are targeting that particular actor then.
If one single actor doesn't place their props constantly, then you need to deal with that separate individual
Hope this helps and welcome! Feel free to PM if you'd like more advice (if i have it to offer!)

[Lauren]

Welcome Danni!

One thing I've found helpful with regards to props is to add that in to my preshow calls. Whenever I give calls to warn of house opening, I also ask them to make sure they have preset and checked all of their props. We usually have a props mistress, or my asm sets the props, but if actors have any specific needs past them being on a table, they need to take care of that, and they need to double check them either way.
Killing them with kindness is a good way to go when you're having a problem though.

[Candy0081]

Welcome to the boards Danni! 

Another thing you might try is to say something like this, "Hey John Doe, I see you're having a problem finding your props every night is there something I/props master can do to help you or something else you need to make this easier for you?" 

I find letting people voice their frustrations and be heard does a world of good for the person and the situation.  Sometimes saying out loud, yes I need xyz or no I have everything I need can really fix the situation. 

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes. 

[loebtmc]

FWIW, some professional actors will never put props back and you have to figure out where they leave them from nite to nite (it's not their job to reset props, and sometimes you just gotta know it ends in his pocket or her dressing table - and it's not necessarily obstructive, for some actors who live their roles, it never occurs to them to move/deal w props off stage)

[planetmike]

I've had good results at a few theaters having a "used prop" table on both sides backstage. The actors get trained pretty quickly that it's ok to leave props on those tables when they come offstage. Then the ASM/propmaster has fewer places to check for props.

[Tempest]

A variation of the "used prop table," that I've used to some success, is a "prop dump" basket.  I'll just put a spare laundry basket at all exit points; glo tape makes it even easier to see, and if you've got fragile props, line the bottom with a nice squishy blanket.  I like the basket, because it has the added benefit of portability.  At the end of the night, I can just pick it up, and make a tour of the props tables, re-distributing the props in one go.  I've found it a favorite with hurried actors, though I do still find myself going through pockets and raiding dressing tables to retreive props, once in a while.