Hello! I forgot to blog last week. Apologies. Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!
The chapter for this week is on correspondence. A stage manager does not write much correspondence, but it is nice for them to write things like a letter of advice for the next stage manager. I was lucky enough to have a previous stage manager around if I had any particular questions, but in a professional environment, this is not always the case, so a letter helps. It is also beneficial for stage managers to write themselves critiques, so they can always improve on their work, as well as letters of recommendation for those they worked with who did a great job. As a stage manager for one college show...I will probably be writing none of these things. But I do plan on being around next semester to impart any stage manager wisdom necessary to those who follow me. Like whoever I get to stage manager my senior show...
Speaking of my senior show...that's a thing that is happening! I had auditions and I cast my show and we had our first read-through and I know pretty much what my set's going to look like and these things are all EXCITING which is why this is a RUN-ON SENTENCE. I look forward to more adventures and good times on this show if I do not lose my sanity the same way I lost my scripts...
See you next week. I hope.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Week 12: Closing and Moving/Touring
It's hard to believe A Man for All Seasons is done. Finito. No more. The show ran great! We had wonderful audiences for all four shows, and aside from a small technical mishap or two, the performances went off without a hitch. Strike, which followed Saturday night's performance, was highly efficient. Although it seems impossible, the set from A Man for All Seasons is now completely gone. All the various costumes and props are back in their places, and the stage is clear once more. Crazy.
This week, I read about closing a show in my textbook. The section most relevant to me was on strike, which can help act as emotional closure for the cast at the end of the play experience. Other sections in the book which were not so applicable were on how to manage a show as it moves on tour from one city to another. In closing and touring, as with all other aspects of stage management, it is important to be organized and ahead of the game as much as possible.
It seems impossible, but now it's time for me to focus on my senior show. Scary, but exciting... :)
This week, I read about closing a show in my textbook. The section most relevant to me was on strike, which can help act as emotional closure for the cast at the end of the play experience. Other sections in the book which were not so applicable were on how to manage a show as it moves on tour from one city to another. In closing and touring, as with all other aspects of stage management, it is important to be organized and ahead of the game as much as possible.
It seems impossible, but now it's time for me to focus on my senior show. Scary, but exciting... :)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week 11: Performance Week!
LO, THE WEEK IS UPON US.
Yes, this is the week for which we've all been waiting. I had to write that sentence three times to get rid of the end preposition. This, my friends, is performance week. The curtain on A Man for All Seasons goes up this Thursday night, at 7:00pm. If you are at all capable of being in attendance at some point this weekend, I suggest you do so because this show is going to be awesome.
The set is now complete, but for perhaps another coat of paint or so. Costumes, Lights, Props, Sound, etc. are all nearing completion as well. Over the next few nights, we will see everything finally slot into place for the wonderful production that is about to happen.
I apologize if this sounds rambly and silly. I wrote a paper tonight and I'm running on very little sleep.
I'm also very excited for this play.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Week 10: Keeping the Show in Hand
Wow! It's hard to believe it's already been ten weeks of school and working on the show!
This week, I read chapter 15 in my book, which covered keeping the show in hand during a long run. While A Man for all Seasons will only be running for four performances, there are still many tips in the chapter that were helpful. The most useful section was on cast morale. I especially related to the discussion of the second-performance slump, which is the natural downturn in energy after the excitement and adrenaline of opening night.
In tech, we have hung another of the tudor half-arches, and we also now have a poster for the show, which has been placed around the campus. We are starting technical rehearsals this week, for which I am very excited. We've scheduled a photoshoot with the campus photographer. I am so excited to see this show coming together!
This week, I read chapter 15 in my book, which covered keeping the show in hand during a long run. While A Man for all Seasons will only be running for four performances, there are still many tips in the chapter that were helpful. The most useful section was on cast morale. I especially related to the discussion of the second-performance slump, which is the natural downturn in energy after the excitement and adrenaline of opening night.
In tech, we have hung another of the tudor half-arches, and we also now have a poster for the show, which has been placed around the campus. We are starting technical rehearsals this week, for which I am very excited. We've scheduled a photoshoot with the campus photographer. I am so excited to see this show coming together!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Week 9: Working with the House Manager
Another week, another blog entry. This week I read about how to coordinate duties with the house manager. These duties generally include ensuring the comfort of the audience members before, during, and after the show. It is important for the stage and house managers to confer about who will be responsible for what duties. The house manager is usually responsible for turning the show over to the stage manager, and would make the call to hold the start of the show for various reasons. The house manager is also in charge of things like reservations and keeping the theater (and sidewalks outside) clean and safe for things like emergency exits.
This week in tech, I did some work on a poster for A Man for All Seasons. It won't end up getting used, as someone else is designing a poster for the show, but it was interesting to play with the design elements of the poster. I also worked some more with props, and worked to coordinate more fittings with the costume designer. More work was done this week in set and lighting; those areas should come together very soon. We are a few weeks away from the show, and it's going to take a push, but I think all the elements will come together to make a great show.
This week in tech, I did some work on a poster for A Man for All Seasons. It won't end up getting used, as someone else is designing a poster for the show, but it was interesting to play with the design elements of the poster. I also worked some more with props, and worked to coordinate more fittings with the costume designer. More work was done this week in set and lighting; those areas should come together very soon. We are a few weeks away from the show, and it's going to take a push, but I think all the elements will come together to make a great show.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Week 8: Running the Technical Rehearsal and Running the Show
It's the end of fall break, and we're one week closer to opening night!
This week I read about Running Technical Rehearsal and Running the Show. These are the areas where the stage manager really takes the reins of the show. Tech Rehearsal is an important time at which the cast's hard work comes together with the hard work of the crew. Technical elements are laid in and perfected so the final show can look and sound its best. I also read about running the show, which for me will consist mostly of calling cues for lighting and sound effects. It's important for the stage manager to pay attention to the show so these cues can go as planned, making the show the best that it can be.
This week in technical work, the set crew finished constructing the ramp which is the main feature of the set. It is really great to have the ramp and stairs in practice now and the cast are making great use of it. I also designed the tickets we will use for all of our shows, and they will hopefully be printed tomorrow when school resumes.
See you next week!
This week I read about Running Technical Rehearsal and Running the Show. These are the areas where the stage manager really takes the reins of the show. Tech Rehearsal is an important time at which the cast's hard work comes together with the hard work of the crew. Technical elements are laid in and perfected so the final show can look and sound its best. I also read about running the show, which for me will consist mostly of calling cues for lighting and sound effects. It's important for the stage manager to pay attention to the show so these cues can go as planned, making the show the best that it can be.
This week in technical work, the set crew finished constructing the ramp which is the main feature of the set. It is really great to have the ramp and stairs in practice now and the cast are making great use of it. I also designed the tickets we will use for all of our shows, and they will hopefully be printed tomorrow when school resumes.
See you next week!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Week 7: Department Management and Property Management
Welcome back to my fabulous stage management blog!
This week I read chapter ten in my book, which covered Department Management and Property Management. The book's brief section on Department Management encouraged stage managers to interact with department heads, discussing progress and problems they encounter. For the Jewell Theatre Company, this translates to meetings at the beginning and end of each of our workdays, where our workers talk about tasks they have and what they have accomplished. The chapter also discussed managing props, which I am currently doing since we don't have anyone taking the practicum for it.
I spent most of this week working on props for A Man for All Seasons. I also had the chance to write an editorial for the campus paper about the theatre department and the fall show. In other departments, costumes had more fittings while the costume designer was away. We also painted the arches we had assembled so far, and hung the first one on the back of the proscenium. It looks really awesome!
We'll have a short workweek this week because of fall break, but I'm confident we'll be able to keep moving forward. I'll be back to blog again next week!
This week I read chapter ten in my book, which covered Department Management and Property Management. The book's brief section on Department Management encouraged stage managers to interact with department heads, discussing progress and problems they encounter. For the Jewell Theatre Company, this translates to meetings at the beginning and end of each of our workdays, where our workers talk about tasks they have and what they have accomplished. The chapter also discussed managing props, which I am currently doing since we don't have anyone taking the practicum for it.
I spent most of this week working on props for A Man for All Seasons. I also had the chance to write an editorial for the campus paper about the theatre department and the fall show. In other departments, costumes had more fittings while the costume designer was away. We also painted the arches we had assembled so far, and hung the first one on the back of the proscenium. It looks really awesome!
We'll have a short workweek this week because of fall break, but I'm confident we'll be able to keep moving forward. I'll be back to blog again next week!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 6: Keeping the Cast on Time and Supervision of Shifts
Welcome once more to the land of stages and the management thereof!
This week I read about enforcing punctuality and coordinating scene shifts. The chapter on enforcing punctuality was probably more helpful to me, as scene shifts for A Man for All Seasons will be minimal, and completed by the cast members. The chapter on keeping the cast on time was probably most helpful in explaining ways to communicate the importance of a prompt arrival to cast members. Some actors just might not get it, or might not think it's important, or might not think call rules apply to them, but it helps if I am able to say, "Being here an hour and a half early is important for these reasons..."
In tech this week, progress continues apace. Two of the four Tudor half-arches are now completed and covered in fabric, waiting to be secured in place. Our costume designer will be gone this week, but we will still have cast members coming in for fittings. A lot of work has been done in lighting regarding the hanging and focusing of the lighting instruments. I am excited to see what more we get done this week!
This week I read about enforcing punctuality and coordinating scene shifts. The chapter on enforcing punctuality was probably more helpful to me, as scene shifts for A Man for All Seasons will be minimal, and completed by the cast members. The chapter on keeping the cast on time was probably most helpful in explaining ways to communicate the importance of a prompt arrival to cast members. Some actors just might not get it, or might not think it's important, or might not think call rules apply to them, but it helps if I am able to say, "Being here an hour and a half early is important for these reasons..."
In tech this week, progress continues apace. Two of the four Tudor half-arches are now completed and covered in fabric, waiting to be secured in place. Our costume designer will be gone this week, but we will still have cast members coming in for fittings. A lot of work has been done in lighting regarding the hanging and focusing of the lighting instruments. I am excited to see what more we get done this week!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Week 5: Rehearsal Procedures
I can't believe we're already on week five! This week, rehearsals for A Man for All Seasons have continued apace, as has technical work. I also read the chapter in my text on Rehearsal Procedures.
My reading went into a lot of detail about the conduct expected of stage managers during the rehearsal process. Since I have already been in rehearsals for two weeks, it was interesting to compare what I have been doing with the procedures Stern and O'Grady seem to expect. Some things the text recommended I knew would be received unfavorably in our rehearsals, or were already being done by another person. I found several of the book's suggestions on blocking note-taking very helpful, such as drawing diagrams of where all characters are according to "french scenes" (which begin and end with character entrances and exits). It was also interesting to note the different methods of prompting lines, as I will begin doing so at tomorrow's rehearsal.
In rehearsals, we are almost done blocking the show, with the exception of one or two large and complex scenes, which we will be tackling tomorrow night. On the technical front, we have had many costume fittings this past week, with many of the costumes fitting just perfectly! The set is also making great progress; I believe most, if not all, of the pieces for the Tudor arches have been cut and are ready to be assembled. I am also very excited about what is going on in publicity, as the student worker in charge of that area has been developing a marketing plan for the play and has several great poster ideas.
I can't wait to see what we accomplish this week!
My reading went into a lot of detail about the conduct expected of stage managers during the rehearsal process. Since I have already been in rehearsals for two weeks, it was interesting to compare what I have been doing with the procedures Stern and O'Grady seem to expect. Some things the text recommended I knew would be received unfavorably in our rehearsals, or were already being done by another person. I found several of the book's suggestions on blocking note-taking very helpful, such as drawing diagrams of where all characters are according to "french scenes" (which begin and end with character entrances and exits). It was also interesting to note the different methods of prompting lines, as I will begin doing so at tomorrow's rehearsal.
In rehearsals, we are almost done blocking the show, with the exception of one or two large and complex scenes, which we will be tackling tomorrow night. On the technical front, we have had many costume fittings this past week, with many of the costumes fitting just perfectly! The set is also making great progress; I believe most, if not all, of the pieces for the Tudor arches have been cut and are ready to be assembled. I am also very excited about what is going on in publicity, as the student worker in charge of that area has been developing a marketing plan for the play and has several great poster ideas.
I can't wait to see what we accomplish this week!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Week 4: Budgeting and First Rehearsals!
It's been another great week in stage management! This week, we've finally started rehearsals for A Man for All Seasons and I read another chapter, this time about budgeting.
The chapter on budgeting is fairly small. It provides a breakdown of chain of command when it comes to purchases and budgeting. However, in my capacity as stage manager for this fall production, I will probably not have to deal with a budget at all.
The more exciting update this week is definitely in regards to rehearsals. The cast read through the script on Monday and Tuesday and we had our first rehearsals on the stage on Wednesday and Thursday. It's so interesting to see the cast start to get a grip on the characters and story. I'm really excited about the cast; I think we have a lot of great people and particularly a lot of first-time actors or people who are new to Jewell Theatre. It's exciting to think that in seven weeks we'll be almost ready to open our show! But we have a lot more work to do to get there... See you next week!
The chapter on budgeting is fairly small. It provides a breakdown of chain of command when it comes to purchases and budgeting. However, in my capacity as stage manager for this fall production, I will probably not have to deal with a budget at all.
The more exciting update this week is definitely in regards to rehearsals. The cast read through the script on Monday and Tuesday and we had our first rehearsals on the stage on Wednesday and Thursday. It's so interesting to see the cast start to get a grip on the characters and story. I'm really excited about the cast; I think we have a lot of great people and particularly a lot of first-time actors or people who are new to Jewell Theatre. It's exciting to think that in seven weeks we'll be almost ready to open our show! But we have a lot more work to do to get there... See you next week!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Week 3: Scheduling and Company Rules and Getting Acquainted with Your Theater
Hello again! The third week of my blog is upon us and I have some more chapters from my stage management reading for you, as well as a report of this week's activities in the tech practicum.
This week, I read chapters 4 & 5 in Stern & O'Grady, which were "Scheduling and Company Rules" and "Getting Acquainted with Your Theater". Chapter 4 was mostly about how keeping a schedule (or multiple schedules) is important to keeping everyone in the company on-task so that progress towards opening night is being made at an adequate rate. Scheduling mix-ups can cause days of work to be lost, which will always result in a lower-quality end product. Fortunately, I do not have to create the rehearsal schedule for the fall play, as our director Kim Harris will be doing that himself. However, I do think it would be a great idea for me to create and keep a master calendar of all rehearsals, deadlines, work days, etc. Also included in chapter 4 was a section on the callboard, which is an area where I can post useful information for the cast and crew.
Chapter 5 was about understanding the organizational structure of your theater. It is important to know who is responsible for what so that communication can be effective. You will also want to know as much as possible about the physical structure of your theater: stage dimensions, location of circuit breakers, locations of light instruments, etc.
This week in the tech practicum, I finished reading the script for A Man for All Seasons. I also participated in tool certification for all the new student workers.
Tomorrow we have our first read-through with the cast of A Man for All Seasons (which is also on my birthday!). See you next week with more on the show!
This week, I read chapters 4 & 5 in Stern & O'Grady, which were "Scheduling and Company Rules" and "Getting Acquainted with Your Theater". Chapter 4 was mostly about how keeping a schedule (or multiple schedules) is important to keeping everyone in the company on-task so that progress towards opening night is being made at an adequate rate. Scheduling mix-ups can cause days of work to be lost, which will always result in a lower-quality end product. Fortunately, I do not have to create the rehearsal schedule for the fall play, as our director Kim Harris will be doing that himself. However, I do think it would be a great idea for me to create and keep a master calendar of all rehearsals, deadlines, work days, etc. Also included in chapter 4 was a section on the callboard, which is an area where I can post useful information for the cast and crew.
Chapter 5 was about understanding the organizational structure of your theater. It is important to know who is responsible for what so that communication can be effective. You will also want to know as much as possible about the physical structure of your theater: stage dimensions, location of circuit breakers, locations of light instruments, etc.
This week in the tech practicum, I finished reading the script for A Man for All Seasons. I also participated in tool certification for all the new student workers.
Tomorrow we have our first read-through with the cast of A Man for All Seasons (which is also on my birthday!). See you next week with more on the show!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Week 2: Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager and Understanding the Script
Hello! This week I've read some more chapters in Stern and O'Grady, as well as started working on A Man for All Seasons. While our technical crew is still getting situated and the real work of building the show hasn't begun yet, I spent my time this week making some forms that we'll need once the show starts. I worked with the director and technical director to create the audition form we'll be using at auditions this Tuesday and Wednesday. On my own, I also created a cast sign-in form which I'll use at every rehearsal as well as a cast and crew contact sheet so everyone will be able to get in touch with each other once work on the show starts in a little over a week.
My reading this week covered chapters two and three in my book, the characteristics of a good stage manager and understanding the script. The chapter on the characteristics of a good stage manager impressed upon me the stage manager's overall responsibility for running the show. The responsibility extends from preproduction to the end of a show's run and afterwards, meaning that it is a good stage manager's job to expedite and manage everything from auditions to rehearsals to final dress to curtain call. A good stage manager will make sure everyone's time is being utilized in the most effective way so the show can be the best it can possibly be. A good stage manager is also prepared for any emergencies that might happen, from injuries to fires.
The chapter on understanding the script was very helpful. It described many different tools that will be useful to me in running the show, such as how to create and use the prompt script, identifying problems, or things that must be done to run the show, and the creation of various technical plots. These will all be tools I can use to make A Man for All Seasons run more smoothly from start to finish.
I will be back next week, when I'll be able to talk about the audition process and more from Stern and O'Grady!
My reading this week covered chapters two and three in my book, the characteristics of a good stage manager and understanding the script. The chapter on the characteristics of a good stage manager impressed upon me the stage manager's overall responsibility for running the show. The responsibility extends from preproduction to the end of a show's run and afterwards, meaning that it is a good stage manager's job to expedite and manage everything from auditions to rehearsals to final dress to curtain call. A good stage manager will make sure everyone's time is being utilized in the most effective way so the show can be the best it can possibly be. A good stage manager is also prepared for any emergencies that might happen, from injuries to fires.
The chapter on understanding the script was very helpful. It described many different tools that will be useful to me in running the show, such as how to create and use the prompt script, identifying problems, or things that must be done to run the show, and the creation of various technical plots. These will all be tools I can use to make A Man for All Seasons run more smoothly from start to finish.
I will be back next week, when I'll be able to talk about the audition process and more from Stern and O'Grady!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Week 1: Why Manage a Stage? and The Audition Process
Welcome to my brand new stage management blog for my stage management class! Here I will be taking the time every week to recount my experiences working as stage manager for my college's fall show A Man for all Seasons. For the first few weeks, I will also be talking about my readings in Stern and O'Grady's Stage Management, which so far is a very good book indeed.
This week, I read the first and sixth chapters in Stern and O'Grady, which were about a stage manager's job and expediting the audition process, respectively. The first chapter makes two things very clear: 1) it is a stage manager's job to make the entire production run smoothly, from prerehearsal to postperformance, and 2) stage managing is often a thankless job. One should not get into stage managing looking for lots of recognition or awards, but for the love of helping a good production be a great one.
The chapter on the audition process was very helpful, as in a week's time I will be assisting our director with auditions for A Man for all Seasons. A lot of the information in the chapter was more useful for professional and/or union theatres, but general ideas like striving to make actors comfortable during the audition process and keeping organized notes of the readings are definitely applicable to even a college theatre.
That is all for now, but I will be back next week with a report on the first week of technical theatre work study and more from Stern and O'Grady!
This week, I read the first and sixth chapters in Stern and O'Grady, which were about a stage manager's job and expediting the audition process, respectively. The first chapter makes two things very clear: 1) it is a stage manager's job to make the entire production run smoothly, from prerehearsal to postperformance, and 2) stage managing is often a thankless job. One should not get into stage managing looking for lots of recognition or awards, but for the love of helping a good production be a great one.
The chapter on the audition process was very helpful, as in a week's time I will be assisting our director with auditions for A Man for all Seasons. A lot of the information in the chapter was more useful for professional and/or union theatres, but general ideas like striving to make actors comfortable during the audition process and keeping organized notes of the readings are definitely applicable to even a college theatre.
That is all for now, but I will be back next week with a report on the first week of technical theatre work study and more from Stern and O'Grady!
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