New to board if not theater

[Spikesgirl]

Okay, so just came on board today and really should be working on my renderings instead of messing about on the computer. I've been working in the theater since 1974 and professionally for about 20 years. My original discplines were scenic artist and carpentry, but then a work-related injury resulted in some pretty serious weight restrictions and some changes. I know work as a resident stage manager and set/lighting designer for a community theater. I work in the front office during the day and have had had several plays/ musicals produced and published, so I like to think of myself as an all-around sort of techie.

I'm married to a sound tech/designer and our son is currently working in NYC for a Broadway designer (he's a model builder).

Am hoping to be able to lift...ahem...learn some new stuff and meet some new contacts.

Charlie

"Once you go black, you never go back"

[Van]

Welcome Aboard! I was hoping you'd get around to the intro. I've been enjoying your posts. You've been doing your reading so you probably know the regular stuff but here goes anyway. Ask what you want. Answer what you can. The only stupid question is the one that has been asked 3 times before and you didn't search for.

[Spikesgirl]

Got to figure out a way to keep thee and me from getting mixed up! When I started in tech, very few women were involved (other than costuming). by using Charlie, I got jobs that might otherwise have been closed to me. My dad was very progressive and by the time I entered high school, I had basic carpentry and electrical skills, along with being able to strip down a motor and put it back together. Then my mom said she wanted me to be a secretary - not! She never did approve of my career, but that's okay.

Anyhow, that's why I go by Charlie as my *ahem* working name. The only time my husband has ever called me Charlene (my given) was during our wedding ceremony 29 years ago. Some day I'll change it for good, but until then...what the hey!

Thanks for the welcom, Van - I try to be board saavy and play nice with others. I tell folks the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask (after proper research, of course) and the answer is always no until you do ask.

At least I know there are like minded folks here!

Charlie

[gafftapegreenia]

Hello hello and welcome to the Booth.

Looks like you'll get along nicely.

Please pull up a tech table and stay for a while, too many people stop by and never come back.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by gafftapegreenia

too many people stop by and never come back.

Some people never leave, even though some people wish they would.
Guilty(raises hand)

[derekleffew]

Don't worry about it, Spikesgirl: Charlie. We almost always refer to charcoaldabs as "Charc," (who turns the big one-seven today!) It's nice to have an experience member of the feminine persuasion here. Ignore misogynistic Van!

[Van]

I'm not Misogynistic! I don't like anybody.

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by Van

I'm not Misogynistic! I don't like anybody.

Someone's giving out Misogy-es? SWEET. My arm's killing me and my lower back...

Welcome to the booth Charlie! As others have said, get involved, it's a great community but only because of the many voices... and not just he ones in my head.

[Spikesgirl]

It's just nice to be in a place where I can use the word strike and have everyone know what I mean...or grand rag...or even vomit (could I tell you stories about that term!).

I plan to stay for awhile as I believe theater is something that gets into your soul and doesn't let go. And, heck, if I can handle the hostility over on the cruise board, it can't be as bad here.

It's isn't unusual for women to be backstage anymore, but when I started, women were pretty much restricted to costuming or stage managing. Bast help any woman who wanted to design, construct or work as a ME. In fact, we had a great picture at my former scene shop of a young woman(about 20), in a mini and high heels trying to work on a flat while it rested on the floor. Too funny for words!

Cheers!

Charlie

P.S. I could always use O.G. which is what they used to call me at work....

[gafftapegreenia]

Strike! Some of us call it load-out. We just had a thread debating that, which I cannot find.

Cruise board? So, have you worked cruise ships? We have a tread for that too.

O.G.? Like original gangsta? I like.