News
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2005/08/18/BL2005081800744_5.html – this is long, but touches on a bunch of topics, several of which I hadn’t heard of before.
http://www.slate.com/id/2124603/?nav=tap3 – John Roberts appears to have improperly ruled in a case concerning whether the Geneva Convention applies to people at Guantanamo Bay (he should have excused himself from the case). Does this happen often? How would we even know? I think it’s pretty scary that you might have to question the impartiality of the judicial system.
Right. More later!
SMs and Directors
And no, Im not talking about Sexual Preferences. ^_~
A director, as you probably do know, is the person with the vision of the show. They give the actors motivation, plan out much of the blocking (movement) for the show. They have visions for the designs: set, lights, sounds, costumes. And they see how everything connects. The designers generally propose ideas after meeting with a director – so it is a large collaboration. They also usually get their name nice and big on the programs and posters. HeeHee
Now, not knowing about Stage Managers is pretty normal, as they are one of the least recognized players in the theatre scheme – and is known to be a pretty thankless job. Somehow, I love the hidden control that comes with it. The stage manager is the directors right hand (wo)man. The SM and their team (more people for bigger shows) are in charge of keeping track of props and where they need to be on stage throughout the show. They have blue prints and floor plans of the set, so they can inform the director if s/he is planning any movement that would be impossible, They record all blocking notes and their changes, any regular line or movement errors the actors make. They know where every light cue will be, and a good SM should have an idea of what each cue does. They usually call the show – telling the board ops. when to change what. They call actors if they are late, the keep a schedule of rehearsals, and tell the director if s/he is running over/under. They help plan the schedule for the week/month/production and they make sure everyone sticks to it. Essentially, they make sure everyone is on the same page on EVERYTHING. Some of them also keep notes of meetings between director and designers, but that isnt necessary.
Hope that helps, and gives ya bit of appreciation for the unknowns of theatre. Next time you see a show, flip through the program and look at all the positions and names you may never have heard of. ^_^
Re: SMs and Directors
Wow! Being a SM sounds hard. I’m impressed that you pulled that off so well last year.
PS
In smaller theatres, you usually also have to play psychologist for both the director and the actors – as you are supposed to serve as the manner of communication between the two, ensuring the director doesnt overwork the actors, and actors pull their weight and more.
And thanks. ^_^