thoughts on sharing

[MatthewShiner]

It’s interesting to think about what each of us WOULD share.

Job finding techniques, career shaping techniques, paperwork - each of us have a line.  And for some of us, I think it has a lot to do with how we define the job.  I don’t give a damn about paperwork, as my paperwork continues to evolve on each show (and technically, doesn’t really belong to me, but the show and the theatre I work for), so here, here is the paperwork I used for this show or that show.  How I guide my career . . . like hbelden, I am a little more secretive about that (I actually give a lot of, I think, good public advice, but the advice I am following is actually very specific given my career trajectory, current location and specific stage management style.)

There was one thing I wanted to address, and there is the notion that we are separated by age, experience and location - and the reality is, all of you are, and I don’t want to sound paranoid, are in some ways, my directed competition for jobs or soon to be.  Location is meaningless in this career, if you are willing to jump on a plane this afternoon (I always have my passport on me . . . how’s that for readiness?).  But the reality of the rest is, that although there is a stratification of stage managers, you are either a professional stage manager or you are not - after that . . . everything is up for grabs.  Yes, I have quite a bit more experience then some people in some areas, but if I was to start branching off into, musicals or opera, I would be years behind some people on this board.  If I were to pick up and move to the bay area, I would be putting my business up against stage managers who already have a market advantage in that area.  This is not even factoring in age factors, style factors, etc.  Let’s not discount that those graduating from college this year and just a couple of years away from going head to head for me for some jobs.  (That’s just a fact of life . . . )


About using my real name . . . it’s funny.  But when I started on this web site, I never thought to use a fake name . . . and never quite new how much this site would take off, or how much it would launch my name in the business.  Within certain groups, I am introduced as M. William Shiner, and three or four stage managers know me from this site alone.   I would never miss a chance at marketing and networking.


And Hbelden, I come up with interesting comments, mostly at bars, mostly at 1:30a in the morning, and mostly fighting with stubborn, older stage managers who should remain nameless. 

[loebtmc]

I will say, in retrospect, that at a show recently someone came up to me and introduced themselves as an SM looking for work. In a town where work is scarcer and scarcer, and having trained numerous young SMs who now work more regularly and at much higher pay scales, I kinda avoided sharing much and suggested alternate sources of employment - not sure I am willing to help in this case....

[on edit] I might have been more forgiving if they weren't a recent transplant from NYC, and if our jobs here weren't being taken right left and center by people coming from NY just cuz they are from NY. As an older SM who learned by experience competing with all those young bucks fresh out of SM school, I am protective of MY jobs but more willing to help in arenas where I don't work regularly.

[RuthNY]

 I share as much as I can with students, assistants, my peers, friends, and SM acquaintances. Ask a question, and I'll answer it if I know the answer. I share forms (which do not a Stage Manager make) phone numbers, email addresses, and I even send employment postings that I see, to colleagues I think would fit well into the position, especially to young stage managers I know!

Competition is a fact of life in this business, and I can't spend my energy being jealous of other SMs. Do I THINK about it, yeah of course!  (For example hbelden, who now holds his dream job...and mine!) Sure, there are jobs out there I'd love to have, but if I'm envious or covetous of one SM at a certain level just because I know them personally, then I have to feel the same about every SM working at the same level, right? And who has the time or energy for that?  Totally negative and destructive!  You are on your career path, and I am on mine. I can't think of a time I shared information with another SM, which directly led to him/her getting employment that I really wanted. Take a deep breath everyone. The "competition" is here to stay, and it's much better to be allies in the good fight than it is to be enemies.After all, you do a good turn for someone, hopefully they will do the same for you when they can!

And, let me just take this opportunity to thank my fellow SMs who have purposely shared information with me that led to MY employment. I hope I will always be able to return the favor!

[aquadrama]

Speaking as someone who is still in school and still learning their craft I greatly appreciate any knoelwdge/leasons imparted to me on SMNet and beyond.
I started stage managing in middle school. I mean, it wasn’t so much stage managing at that level, more like glorified babysitting, but the term and the profession was introduced to me then. For a few years I was stumbling in the dark making up my own rules; theatre was more about having fun and being with friends. I got serious about stage management in high school and was given a very early edition of Stern’s book. That’s when I stumbled across this site and it has been an invaluable tool to me ever since. Not just because there are paperwork examples or because I can get advice but also because there are stories of what it’s like to be out in the “real” world working.
Now I’m in college and have been fortunate enough to meet at least two people who have been willing to share what they’ve learned and know about stage managing; one is a professor, the other a fellow student (who has since graduated and is/was/will be in direct competition with me when I graduate and yet we are still friends). And I intend to share what I know with those underclassmen who are willing to ask and learn because I believe what PSMKay said is correct, it’s what makes our industry better. Sharing our knowledge, or trade secrets, is what makes the industry better.
And I still check SMNet regularly, if not for advice, then for the antidotes. It’s how I learn; it helps me grow as a person and stage manager. I may not contribute regularly (mainly because I don’t feel I have enough experience to do so) but for what it’s worth SMNet and the people who do contribute to it have helped me immensely on my journey as a stage manager and I think it would be a disservice if people stopped sharing what the know.