Recent content by megf

When I ASM, my SM usually asks me to "run the deck" during rehearsals and performances - everything from prop tracking, to putting together scene changes (with or w/o crew), to quick costume changes, etc. During reh this means that I act as super-gopher (the director adds something, I go find it...

well, similar...This doesn't quite fit with the "folder for everything" idea, but it does solve some problems. My school includes business cards in the actor packets - with the name and phone numbers of PM, SM, ASM, sometimes AD, and whoever else is important for the cast to contact if...

Bearing in mind what has already been said - all great comments - be aware of what your specific needs are. What is said in some of the books, for example, does not apply to educational theater, so take it with a grain of salt. If you can roll with the punches - and keep the show on track -...

yep.Definitely the organization and knowledge are the two most important pieces of SM work... I would say that the third, which is usually a result of these two pieces, is a calm demeanor. A lot of the time, the cast and director (not to mention other production staff members) will depend on...

Hi all, I'm trying to piece together a program for student stage managers at my college. Right now, the administration is trying to advertise for student SMs, but there is no official "track" for stage managers and production managers. What courses (if any) are recommended at your high...

Speaking of shift sheets... For the last few shows I've been printing out shift sheet "blanks" along with all the preshow paperwork - so that whenever an actor is directed to enter with a prop, or the director chooses to block actors into a scene change, I can write it directly onto the...

Recently discovered some great additions - chalk china markers scaled ruler index cards The chalk and markers are good for taping out floors and modifying rehearsal spaces temporarily. The china markers can also be used to mark gels if necessary. Ruler is good for figuring out...

My kit doubles as my office/emergency kit. Writing materials, headache medicine, post-its, sewing kit, a few kinds of tape, bottled water and a Leatherman are usually in there.

This is excellent... I should put it in the actor packets at my school... Oh, one little thing that I like - When I SM, I always give the cast business cards with my contact info, info on the ASM (if I am lucky enough to have one), and info for the PM. I hand them out at the beginning of...

I'm ASMing a musical right now - basically, the SM keeps track of blocking, choreography and anything the director requests, and I watch over the deck. If this were a more complicated show (we only get 25 hours of rehearsal, it's a concert reading), I would probably be managing the deck and on...

Depends on what the show entails, and the working relationship between the folks on the SM team... Do you have detailed info on the show?

Speaking as an ASM... I find it can be very helpful to sit down with the SM a few days before rehearsals begin and go over what my job title entails. Every SM has a different definition of what an ASM does - from being on book, to taking all the blocking, to getting coffee on every break...

I agree - To add: Much of what technicians do is invisible to actors. I recently had a fellow student ask me what an SM does, because as she said "They never look like they're working." I pointed out that it wouldn't be very exciting to sit and watch someone compile lists and breakdowns...

I've never had an amazing ASM... the first assistant I had had never done theater before and didn't speak fluent English. She was a great person to work with - but wasn't able to pick up the slack without plenty of direction. As a rule, my light board op and I have the best working...

I just got hired to SM a show through the Student Arts Committee... and it has been in rehearsal for three weeks and opens in two. I don't have much experience in coming on board a show this far into production as the stage manager, and am wondering if y'all have any tips/suggestions on what to...