Author Topic: Stage Management Day in the UK  (Read 3338 times)

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ejsmith3130

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Stage Management Day in the UK
« on: Oct 04, 2013, 07:46 pm »
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/10/theatres-honour-backstage-staff-first-ever-stage-management-day/

This strikes a weird chord with me. I don't know too much about the UK SMA, but I would feel really uncomfortable being invited to a curtain call, and there is NO WAY I would invite actors to 'help set up for the show'.

My favorite response in the comments:
SMA executive director Andy Rowley explained: “We have felt for a while that there ought to be some way of recognizing [sic] the work backstage people do, and particularly what stage managers do.”
I think I know of a way to recognise [sic] them. I believe it’s called a wage.

Lizzie

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #1 on: Oct 06, 2013, 09:10 am »
It's an odd one. I'm a UK-based SMA member, but I won't be taking part in any activites related to the day. I definitely get why they are doing it, and I think it's great that they're getting some recognition for who SMs are and what they do, and have got support from Equity and The Stage, but I feel a bit like, what about all the technicians/stage staff/wiggies/wardrobe/etc etc etc ?

BARussell

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #2 on: Oct 09, 2013, 07:46 pm »
Wonder how this went...

This sort of sounds like the opposite of what I would want on SM day, except for the cake, that I would like. I would much prefer a day when no one bothered me and I was able to nap during the show.
"We don't negotiate with weirdos!"

dallas10086

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #3 on: Oct 11, 2013, 02:28 pm »
Now that it's the day after, did anyone's cast do anything for them - US or UK or other?

loebtmc

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #4 on: Oct 11, 2013, 03:39 pm »
I heard on FB about some shows knowing and celebrating their SMs, and others not knowing or doing nothing - my cast didn't know, nor acted on it, but I think we need to make a concerted group effort to make this an American event as well, and let everyone know.....starting now!


bex

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #5 on: Oct 11, 2013, 03:51 pm »
My twitter feed was blowing up! @Offstagejobs and a couple of UK SM's I follow were retweeting all kinds of fun pictures of casts bringing cake and things for the SMs. From my twitter perspective, it seemed like a success!
You will have to sing for your supper & your mortgage, your dental coverage & your children's shoes, over & over again while people in desk jobs roll their eyes the minute you start to complain. So it's a good thing you like to sing.

brettnexx

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Re: Stage Management Day in the UK
« Reply #6 on: Oct 12, 2013, 11:17 pm »
I know some directors bought the SM team lunches and such on that day, and there were many facebook posts, I'm not working on a show at the moment, and many people didn't know about it.. But, I did receive an amazing job offer that day, so that's how I celebrated :P

 

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