whaddathinkiam

[whaddathinkiam]

[whaddathinkiam]

Concept art for Crimson Peak. @crimsonpeaksecrets

[whaddathinkiam]

Back when I was doing my first show as an ASM, my SM taught me to do line notes on index cards that were then distributed to the cast at the end of rehearsal. I've done my line notes this way for every show I've done since, but after doing a show with elementary kids, I added an extra step.

For every rehearsal where an actor did not call for line, they got a sticker. I still use this for adult and college casts, who usually scoff at the first rehearsal we do it at, but are usually bragging about their sticker collection within a week.

The biggest perk is it makes every actor check in with me before they leave rehearsal, which makes it much easier to avoid the "called to the principal's office" effect that can happen when you read off a list of only one or two people to talk to, and makes me much more approachable in the long run.

Easily my favorite way to bribe the cast into memorizing their script.

[whaddathinkiam]

I'm a stage manager, right? Part of the whole "if you see me something has gone terribly wrong" group.

Something I've been struggling for a decade to explain to my mother is that just because you'll never see me on stage doesn't mean I've poured my heart into this show any less than my actors have.

I'll ask her if she's coming to see my show and she'll ask back, "why? you're not in it."

No, bodily I'm not in it. But come watch my scene changes & fog cues & props & set painting & special effects & all those bits and pieces of scenework and staging that are mine

And I explain it over and over and over again, that this is my masterpiece on the wall of the gallery. An artist need not be seen for someone to marvel at their work

[whaddathinkiam]

Y’all… what do you guys do for a living… but describe it in the worst way possible.

[whaddathinkiam]

Great Adds to your Kit pt 2

1. Book Holder

Keeps you from straining your neck to look at your script laying flat on a table.

2. Pencil Boxes

Organize your bandaids, hair ties, scissors, sewing thread & needles, staples, paper clips, safety pins, writing utensils...etc.

3. Scale Ruler

For all your groundplan measurements.

4. Highlighters

Color code your script, notes, breakdowns, cue sheets, diagrams...etc.

5. Book Light

Clamp this on your script or some place backstage to see in dimly lit areas.

[whaddathinkiam]

Woah that’s really interesting! I’ve never heard that before so I will definitely look into that, thank you for sharing!! Always best not to have exploding lights 😂

Have y’all ever met a light tech who wears gloves while handling hot lights? Never in my life have I met one, including myself 😂 We focus lights with reckless abandon ONLY

[whaddathinkiam]

Have y’all ever met a light tech who wears gloves while handling hot lights? Never in my life have I met one, including myself 😂 We focus lights with reckless abandon ONLY

[whaddathinkiam]

SMBLR advice post:

Flag your pens/pencils/highlighters that you’re going to lend to actors with spike tape. I’ve had 100% return rate on all my spiked writing utensils!!

[whaddathinkiam]

PREP WEEK: questions for the director pt. 1

Sample questions to help begin dialogue with your director

1) Are we doing a reading at the 1st rehearsal?

2) What in the design process did you have to forego or compromise? Any specific challenges?

3) When do you want to start using rehearsal props?

4) How do you prefer to be warned of an upcoming break?

5) What is your preference in making rehearsal schedule(s)? By yourself, by the SM with your approval, or together?

6) Do you want SM to correct lines and/or blocking mistakes when they happen or wait for a pause of action?

7) How do you like to rehearse? Will you set the blocking beforehand or allow actors to come up with some of it?

8) How strict or flexible do you want to stick to the schedule?

9) Will we set time aside to work scene changes and/or work with LD to set cues prior to tech?

10) How do you prefer to be contacted out of rehearsal? Email? Text? Phone? 

[whaddathinkiam]

Welcome Packets pt. 1

Welcome Packets are informative packets made for the cast, welcoming them and to introduce them to the rehearsal process for the show. Common questions and topics will be addressed in these packets such as but not limited to:

*Expectations for the 1st day,

*Rehearsal and company expectations and policies,

*Where to park, and how to access the building,

*How schedules and daily calls will be received,

*Rehearsal space info: is there access to fridge, microwave, etc.

*Box Office and comp tickets policies and info,

*Where Rehearsals will take place. 

*Rehearsal and performance dates and schedules,

*Housing, transportation and payment info, if provided by the company.

*Important contact info and who to go for regarding certain matters,

*Welcoming letter from the theater,

*Artistic team list, production team list,  cast list

….and more

Welcome Packets are sent to the cast before the 1st day of rehearsal via snail mail or even email. They are generally made by mostly by Company Managers or sometimes the SM. Be sure to work and coordinate closely with the personnel of your theater to assemble CORRECT information. 

Welcome Packets are a great way to answer first show jitters and to add a level of professionalism for any level. 

[whaddathinkiam]

Is anyone else worried they’ve forgotten how to theatre?

[whaddathinkiam]

Me, waiting backstage to catch a prop that an actor has to throw at me

[whaddathinkiam]

feeling real lonely for places. I mean, I like my apartment. but it’s not… I want the way the audience risers creak at 18th and Union. the way ancient confetti sometimes showers from the rafters at the Erickson when the building shifts, and the comforting smell of the scene shop. (so long as no one’s been spraypainting recently.)

the labyrinthine back hallways and stairways at ACT. the one, endless, miles long back hallway at Seattle Rep. the spot where there used to be steps down from stage left at the Moore but they plastered over the doorway and I don’t know why? the trap room at Jones Playhouse, playing pokemon in the dark and waiting for my next cue, or the dark lobby, waiting for my ride after locking up.

hell, just that even. alone in the theatre, just me and the ghosts and dust and echoes of something great that just finished minutes ago but it’s gone now and I’m tidying up and locking doors and setting out the ghost light, alone with the secrets.

[whaddathinkiam]

Good News: I’m Stage Manager for a fringe show this summer and I’m so excited as I’ll also get to help with costumes, lighting, set, and even make suggestions on directing decisions!

Bad News: While rehearsals aren’t cancelled yet, if the virus doesn’t calm down they might cancel Fringe in my city :(

[whaddathinkiam]

Here's to the theatre kids that weren't introduced to theatre at a young age. That weren't in musicals throughout elementary - middle school. Here's to the theatre kids that just found a newborn passion for drama and musicals. Here's to the theatre kids who are seniors and are just now finding love for and getting roles in plays and shows. You're not late. You didn't miss out on anything. You've started just fine. I will celebrate you on your theatre journey if you have no one else who will