SM Box o' Goodies

[thorin81]

Do any of you have an all-in-one box that the SM carries with him/her everywhere. All of my SMs have a box that they keep everything they might need in, like tape, asprin, pens and pencils, antiacids, etc. Just in case anything might happen during the rehearsal process. I was just wondering if any other people do that. I have worked in other professional orgs and theatres that do the same thing.
Curiosity killed the cat - but I ain't no cat!!

Cheers!!

[Arez]

I have a bag that I stock with whatever I think I'll need but I'm no SM even though I carry more stuff on a regular basis then almost anyone I know...

But no not a dedicated box, I just change out what I need depending on my job and the gig.

[CURLS]

Im not a stage manager, but I do carry a box of stuff that I use quite regularly on gigs everywhere I go.
But, then again this is sound stuff.

Things I use on almost every gig: multimeter, board tape, sharpie, adaptors.
Other things that are extremely helpfull: screwdrivers, (mini's too) hex drivers, dyke's, and other small stuff for soldering.
This is just my thought for an audio box. And then again this is more related to stage managers. But, its the thought that counts.

[Footer]

Every SM I know that is worth their while has some sort of SM kit. They usually contain office type supplies (deviders, pens, paperclips, etc), hospitality supplies (cards to batteries), medical supplies (bandades to tampons), tapes, maybe some loose tools, and just about anything else you could think of.

[saxman0317]

O yes...ive SMed, but my main job is sound. I do have gig bag though. Filled with random connectors, cables, converters, batteries, flashlights, random electircal stuffs, food, asprin, food, drinks, food, stress balls, more food and drinks, and my small tool roll. Just the nick nacks that tend to be needed no matter what you do.

[punktech]

every SM i know has one, even some directors. a good book for anything and everything stage management is "Stage Management" (there are 8 editions of it out now, and a 9th in the works) by Lawrence Stern. he talks about the SM's box and just about everything else you could use.

[Van]

I have noticed one thing lacking in all the posts on this subject. The one thing that HAS to be in a SM's box. Personally I think it's the one item that is absolutely critical to the success or failure of a Technical rehearsal. I honestly can say that if the SM showed up without chocolate in thier "goodie bag" I would not allow the rehearsal to procede until the situation was rectified !
My wife has a HUGE fishing tackle box for her SM kit, Maybe I should take some pictures, and post them, she's quite possibly the most organized SM I know. < and I'm not just saying that because she's my wife.>

[len]

I just (finally!) got a work box which carries a lot of stuff.

Lighting snake, chalk (for marking points), 200' tape, 3/5 pin dmx whips, terminators, tools, stage, gaff, friction, e-tape, one of my flash drives, a spare notebook power supply, spare lamps, AND I stock it with bandaids, various OTC remedies like Sudafed, aspirin, etc. The new design (when I get the $2k it will probably cost) will have an upper shelf, a place for a folding chair in the door, and a space for my coffeemaker (no, I'm not kidding). Most people can't make coffee to satisfy my taste.

[jonhirsh]

Hey Len,

Just a word to the wise as I have run into this problem. Most employers or venues really dislike people dispensing drugs; such as asprin or sudafed because it creates a liablilty if someone has an alergic reaction.

On the plus side your case design sounds cool. I have my case which sounds simalr to yours and has given me a few years of great service. 2 grand sounds a bit expesive though, Mine which stands 5' by 3' with almost all of what you described minus the chair and coffer pot but it does have a fully removeable table. The cost was under $900 CDN dollars.

I was just thinking mabey the company your useing is a bit expensive.
JH

[len]

$2k was an estimate. My box will be quite large, and I didn't mention a lot of the features I will include (a table, power, a light, drawers sized for tape, tools, etc.). I'll probably have R&R build it, since they're close by.

As for drugs, you're correct but I don't worry about it as I carry for my own use. Also, since I don't work with underage people, I'm not too concerned about the risk, if I were to share with someone on my crew.