Software..

[Oobleck1441]

Does anyone know of and free software that can help me keep myself organized while running a show?
Maybe one with a digital cue sheet?
Or a digital Prompt book?
Any help would be great!
Thanks,
Oobleck1441

[Footer]

openoffice.org.... thats about it. Most people that do "soft" prompt book have their own way of doing it. There is some software out there for SM's, but from last check it was not that well developed and I cant remember who made it. It cost about 300-1000 for a license if I remember.

[icewolf08]

I have seen script writing software, but I don't know if it could really work for a prompt book, unless you were going to print it after. Cues sheets are easy, could be made in Excel or File Maker Pro, or Microsoft Access. YOu might also look into Google's new MS Office alternative, it is free, though you need to be online to access it.

[gafftaper]

There are a couple of good books out there on Stage management. Some if not all have examples of all the forms you need. I would start with one of those. In my opinion there really isn't that much a software program can do for you. You need to develop a system that works for you while keeping all the needed information organized. So start by finding out what others do and work from there.

[thorin81]

I do not think it is wise to use a "soft" prompt book to begin with. There are too many factors that could cause you major issues mid-show (computer crash, power bump, spilled coffee, etc.). With a hard copy of the prompt you eliminate a lot of the issues that could happen otherwise.

[thebikingtechie]

Also in my opinion it's easier to be able to hand write it in, that way you don't have to worry about where you are and you can walk around with it freely.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by thebikingtechie

Also in my opinion it's easier to be able to hand write it in, that way you don't have to worry about where you are and you can walk around with it freely.

Tablet computers my friend.

As for software, there isn't a defining piece of stage management software out there yet.
There is some doubt in our minds that there ever will be, mainly because of the nature of the animal.(SM's are quite particular)

[kwotipka]

The website http://www.thedvshow.com/ has some scriptwriting software and other management software but it is mostly for television. Maybe you can adapt it's use for your needs.

kw

[avkid]

I was just told about something interesting:
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

I used it today, and it works great.

[Footer]

Originally Posted by avkid

I was just told about something interesting:
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/
I used it today, and it works great.

Ah yes, the 1200 dollar device doing the action of a 10 dollar device... BRILLIANT!...

Running the downloadable version would not be a bad idea however, at least to have around.