Author Topic: Shadowing: General Q&A  (Read 122328 times)

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Scott (formerly Digga)

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #60 on: Dec 27, 2008, 09:44 pm »
I didn't do it in college but had prospective students sit in the booth with me during shows.  It seemed to help as they all ended up coming to the college.  I don't see it as a bad thing and can definitely help you to see how the college runs things.

SMrose

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #61 on: Dec 28, 2008, 12:16 pm »
I would absolutely visit and if possible shadow or see a show at the college(s) you're interested in. For the money you're about to spend...I see it as a "test drive".  It's worth some gas $$ or a plane ride to discover if that college is a good match for you.

lineberger07

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #62 on: Jan 05, 2009, 04:17 pm »
i want to shadow a chorus line, coming to orlando feb 10th through the 15th.  Should i send an email to the PSM or snail mail?  and if i snail mail it....should i sent it to the current theare that they are touring at?    Thank you!

boolabella

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #63 on: Jan 05, 2009, 11:06 pm »
Visiting the theater department while I was applying to college was extremely helpful.  I had the opportunity to meet students, see the theater department, meet the faculty and resident designers, and although there wasn't a show in performances while I was there, I was able to sit in rehearsal and talk to the stage managers.  Now as a senior, I meet with prospective students who come to look at the program--I think it's a great opportunity to get a student's perspective of the program--and who doesn't love meeting other SMs!  I definitely think it's worth observing and visiting before you make the big decision.
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mcfly85

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #64 on: Jan 21, 2009, 06:27 am »
Hi everyone,
Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

smejs

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #65 on: Jan 23, 2009, 11:59 am »
Quote
Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

I find that MANY people have never heard of it, but generally once they do, they find it an interesting/good idea.  Though of course they then might be nervous to have you follow them, or have a bit of trouble figuring out how to do it logistically (given cramped booth space, etc).  But in my opinion, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Heck, let alone theatre, many jobs don't think about shadowing/mentoring, but those who get a chance to, particularly in high school mentorships when you're trying to figure out if you even like the job, it has been shown to be very worthwhile.  My dad offers mentorships for counseling (like psychology), and some kids really enjoy the day with him, others realize it's NOT want they want to do.

Millie

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #66 on: Jan 24, 2009, 12:25 pm »
Hi everyone,
Being new to this forum, I'm not aware of how many of you may or may not be from Australia, like myself. I'd never heard of shadowing before, and I don't know whether that's a result of my ignorance, or whether it is harder to come by here? I wonder how succesfull I would be in asking about shadowing a show here?

It sometimes happens in Australia if you're an SM student somewhere - when I was at uni my lecturer organised for us to shadow quite a few different shows, but I think that unless you're a student it can be difficult, something to do with insurance etc.  If you shadow a show as a student, you're covered by your TAFE or uni insurance, but if you're not, and something happens to you then there can be all kinds of problems, because you're not an employee either.

Correct me if I'm wrong other Aussies, but I think that's the deal.  You could still try though, probably try the Company Management offices.
Hope that helps

mnsalz91

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #67 on: Apr 22, 2009, 10:53 pm »
I shadowed Wicked in January and In the Heights last week.  It is so much fun.  I might be shadowing Chicago in the future.

G-O gr24

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #68 on: May 27, 2009, 11:33 pm »
About a week ago I had to buy tickets for a broadway show at the box office.  I wrote up a letter for the production stage manager and stage manager (1 each) asking if i could shadow them for the day I had bought the tickets for.  I included me cell number and email address.  I then gave this to someone at the backstage door.  I didn't ask to see them because when I was there it was about 1:15 and there was 2:00 show.  I haven't heard back from either one.  Just wondering if I should call and if so how do I go about getting the number? Should I call the box office and then I should ask for the PSM or SM? Thanks for the help!

damjamkato

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #69 on: Jun 03, 2009, 05:33 pm »
Really this is a  kind of stupid question, but here goes:

You don't usually buy a ticket for the show that you want to shadow, right?
Or do you?

sorry, I'm really interested in shadowing, I just haven't done it yet.

G-O gr24

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #70 on: Jun 03, 2009, 06:05 pm »
Really this is a  kind of stupid question, but here goes:

You don't usually buy a ticket for the show that you want to shadow, right?
Or do you?

sorry, I'm really interested in shadowing, I just haven't done it yet.


I bought one because I wasn't sure if I was going to shadow and because my family is going so I needed a ticket just in case.  And considering no one has gotten back to me it's a good thing I did.

Libby

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #71 on: Jun 04, 2009, 09:22 pm »
You don't usually buy a ticket for the show that you want to shadow, right?

Typically no. But only do this if you have confirmation that you are definitely shadowing. With the confirmation you should have what time to meet the SM at the stage door and the specifics.

lightingtechevan

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #72 on: Jun 28, 2009, 12:05 pm »
Hi everyone!

I am new here and read this entire thread-it is great!

I asked someone who worked at Wicked about shadowing but he said since I am in high school I cannot shadow because of insurance reasons. I thought some people in this thread said they were in high school and still shadowed at shows.

So is this just the case for Wicked, or others shows too because I wanted to shadow at least one this summer? Any other shows I could try that may allow a high school student (I am a junior).

Thank you!

MatthewShiner

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #73 on: Jun 28, 2009, 12:43 pm »
I think if you are under 18 there would be liability issues, especially on a show that is so technically complex.  I would have a problem with someone under 18 being backstage on a show, I would have someone under 18 just sit in the booth with me.
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lightingtechevan

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Re: Shadowing: General Q&A
« Reply #74 on: Jun 28, 2009, 05:54 pm »
Thanks for the info Matt! I usually do lighting stuff and have been for 3 years now and I actually wanted to shadow some lighting techs from Broadway shows, like Wicked.

Do you think its possible to shadow a lighting person in the booth and if so, how could I try to arrange it?

Thank you so much!!