Onstage > Tools of the Trade
[FAQ] Electronic Prompt Copies
smejs:
So Matthew,
I imagine that by now you've gotten pretty quick at doing all this and have done it for several shows, but do you ever work with a printed version of it before it's finalized, or is it on your computer until the show is set? Are you working straight into the computer during tech as the cues change, or off a hard copy and do the changes later? The file you sent me said "Calling Script", so what about your blocking script? Start with the same words but handwrite in blocking or do you do that in Word too?
Inquiring minds want to know :)
Erin
MatthewShiner:
I tech the show with pencil and script.
Then during half-hour during tech - when everyone else is running around, I put my cues into the computer at the tech table. I am doing something being productive, but still being able to to be asked questions.
Usually during tech, I may come in 30 minutes early to get it all done.
I am not saying this is for everyone, but it works for me.
The key is I hand over my shows to someone else to call, plus I work on big, complicated shows (not Broadway musicals, but close.)
Che:
Being the stage manager who has taken over calling from Matthew's typed script - I thought I'd post a comment on it :D
It's been very easy to learn and call from - everything has been annotated, including when to start speaking the cue line and exactly on which syllable or movement to call "Go".
I've only had to add a few notes for myself, since I didn't build the script, to remind me where-to-look-when (stage or monitor, prop, person or set piece) which we normally figure out on our own when teching.
I will certainly adapt this mode for myself in the future. I especially like the thought bubbles as reminders and the uber-specific nature of the cue placement. It's also very clean, and I didn't have to read someone else's writing!
I was also able to print out a copy for myself to use when shadowing Matthew, making notes and "rehearsing" the calling on my own. When he came back to call the show one night, he used his own copy - so I felt free to make what notes I needed.
It's really a fanastic method.
jenk:
Wow, Matthew- that's a great system! I'm going to go ahead and steal it if you don't mind. I can't wait till my next show when I can make a really good-looking book. Thanks for the ideas!
StageMgrJon:
I have to agree that using electronic scripts works beautifully. I have worked out a system for myself that I use all the time.
I tried the word option for blocking, but I was concerned that with a simple failure of a Microsoft product, I could lose blocking (even backups don't work every few minutes). I still use a paper script for blocking rehearsals.
However, I call my shows from a computer screen, in the following manner:
1. I make a PDF of the electronic script as I go into a paper tech (dry tech) and use comments to place cues. This was an electronic version of my old method of placing Post-It Arrows in a paper script.
2. I use a page layout program (Adobe InDesign) to create a clean call script in full color. This way I can paste in pages of scanned music as well, so that the script can flip back and forth from text to music as needed (obviously in musicals).
3. I then export the script (after tech) to another PDF which I use to call the show. This also affords me an opportunity to send my call script to the lighting and sound designers at the end of each Tech day so that they can make Q notes and know exactly what I have at the time.
4. In show run, I actually call from a computer screen. I have a printed copy of the call script in case of computer failure as well. The method I use continues to evolve, but currently I do the following: I use a Mac and have a control device that is generally used for video editing. I have a flat panel monitor that is on a desk arm (like a work light), and I split the screen with two things. On the left is the PDF of the call script, which I can use the wheel on to scroll through as I call. On the right is a databse I have written that lets me take notes in show for the report and for actor maintenance notes. I have programmed buttons on the control for various actor names and departments. Once I finish a show, I can use the database to automatically generate the show report and eMails with the report and various notes to everyone concerned.
I created the system to save time for myself, and money for the theatre. Not using paper and post-its, as well as multiple copies of the script, saves my employer about $150-$200 per tech (the savings is in supplies and overtime, I averaged it from 6 shows over a 1.5 year period).
I don't know that this system would work for everone, but it certainly works for me. It also keeps my re-typing of notes into paperwork formats at a minimum of work time, allowing me to end my days on a shorter note.
If anyone wants more info on my convoluted system, let me know. I'm happy to share.
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