z2oo
Active Member
Hey all, I'm the LD/projections designer for a production of Oliver! this summer at a community theatre space, and there seems to be some huge issues regarding our SM, who is majoring at IU in Stage Management... I'd like to know if you agree with me in labeling some or all of the list below as major issues that an SM major should not have. Here's a list of problems I've found:
I should also mention that after the dress rehearsal last night, I spoke to the SM privately, and made it clear how disappointed I was due to the lack of focus and even the lack of caring that the SM had. I asked if the SM was comfortable with me replacing myself as the board op, since the only thing an LX board op does is hit "Go" when told by the SM. I was told yes, and I have chosen my assistant to be the "Go button monkey." Do you think this was fair to me and the SM? Now that there is someone who doesn't know the show, the calling is entirely on the SM, and there will be no one to cover for them (like I did on numerous occasions).
This seems to me like a huge issues, yet the TD is afraid of the SM, so I felt that I had to say something, not allowing a lackadaisical SM to call the show.
Please let me know what your opinions on this issue are, and if I was right or wrong, or both.
- Nothing has been written in the SM's call binder/script. I was under the impression that just about every SM writes cues in their script...?
- Instead of calling the show during rehearsals, the SM has been drawing on blank white shoes, missing about six of my LX cues, and a few spots cues as well.
- The SM has not looked at my projections cue sheet, and barely at all at the lighting cue sheet, and the spot cue sheet. All three of these are formatted containing cue numbers, page numbers, line/cue, what occurs in the cue, and any notes. I've attached a sample of the lighting sheet.
- The SM has claimed that the director has given the SM lighting notes, when, in fact, the director did not specifically mention any of the occasions where the SM says there is now a change.
- The SM argued with the LD (myself) over a blackout cue which has been in every revision of the lighting cue list from day 1. Later the SM admitted that they were wrong, after screwing up the lighting and projections during the final dress.
- The LD has repeatedly offered to update the SM on what cues had changed since the previous rehearsal, and every time the SM said "no, I don't want those. I don't care."
- The SM has yelled at the spot ops numerous times for not being ready to spot, yet has not given them a standby or given the spots a cue sheet/asked the LD to.
- The SM (over com) has spoken to the director and blamed the incorrect calling of lighting cues on the LD (sitting in the booth next to the SM).
I should also mention that after the dress rehearsal last night, I spoke to the SM privately, and made it clear how disappointed I was due to the lack of focus and even the lack of caring that the SM had. I asked if the SM was comfortable with me replacing myself as the board op, since the only thing an LX board op does is hit "Go" when told by the SM. I was told yes, and I have chosen my assistant to be the "Go button monkey." Do you think this was fair to me and the SM? Now that there is someone who doesn't know the show, the calling is entirely on the SM, and there will be no one to cover for them (like I did on numerous occasions).
This seems to me like a huge issues, yet the TD is afraid of the SM, so I felt that I had to say something, not allowing a lackadaisical SM to call the show.
Please let me know what your opinions on this issue are, and if I was right or wrong, or both.
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