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Post by SuperTrooper on Mar 6, 2024 8:50:40 GMT
Interesting. What is LX in the above post? LX = Electrics
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 6, 2024 17:56:14 GMT
Here’s something I’ve always wondered about. In musical theatre I’ve noticed the MD speaks on a phone (which is usually black for some reason, the traditional chorded type) before a show starts and before the interval. I assume this is to speak to stage management to confirm they are ready to start…but I’ve noticed these calls can last for up to a few minutes which seems a long time for a quick “we’re ready”…sooo what is discussed? 🤭😀 Once Beginners is called, the DSM comes on cans and checks everyone in. The conversation with the MD is checking they have a full band/orchestra and that everyone is happy with the set up. Sometimes a call will go out for LX to sort out a problem with a Music Stand, or to Sound for a Comms problem. Obviously the weather, a day off or other such important things can also be discussed at this point too 😁 Thank you! I’m sure some of those calls are amusing to listen to.
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 7, 2024 19:48:51 GMT
Another one from me, mainly associated with musicals too. I love sitting near to the stage and when you sit in the side seats you often get a good view into all the activity that goes into the wings. I’ve noticed some times a member of the backstage team will either wait to collect a cast member in the wings and/or cue them on. This made me wonder, how often is this done in musicals? And leading on from this, what measures are taken to ensure cast enter stage at the correct moment and exit safely?
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107 posts
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Post by SuperTrooper on Mar 8, 2024 11:49:02 GMT
Another one from me, mainly associated with musicals too. I love sitting near to the stage and when you sit in the side seats you often get a good view into all the activity that goes into the wings. I’ve noticed some times a member of the backstage team will either wait to collect a cast member in the wings and/or cue them on. This made me wonder, how often is this done in musicals? And leading on from this, what measures are taken to ensure cast enter stage at the correct moment and exit safely? The DSM controls everyone! If actors have a long enough break between scenes they may go back to their dressing room, a call will be put out 5/10 minutes before the next time they need to be on stage. The ASM will then let the DSM they are standing by. Stage Crew/ASM's will open the black masking to allow cast to get on or off stage. The DSM also does FoH calls (mostly) and will do a call 5/10 minutes before the interval to FoH so they are ready.
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385 posts
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 8, 2024 16:35:00 GMT
Thank you SuperTrooper, that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms?
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107 posts
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Post by SuperTrooper on Mar 8, 2024 23:42:31 GMT
Thank you SuperTrooper , that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms? Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary! There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance! If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby.
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385 posts
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 9, 2024 9:30:52 GMT
Thank you SuperTrooper , that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms? Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary! There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance! If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby. Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂
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107 posts
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Post by SuperTrooper on Mar 9, 2024 10:54:24 GMT
Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary! There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance! If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby. Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂 😆 Sharpies & hi-lighters are kept safe and not leant out! Notebooks, post-its. If a Ryman run is needed there are always plenty of volunteers!
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385 posts
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 10, 2024 10:35:28 GMT
Oh I can understand the importance of highlighters and sharpies. Never trust an actor to return your stationary!!
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Mar 16, 2024 16:57:59 GMT
Hopefully this fits into the topic and is deemed to be acceptable.
Do actors receive sick pay if they are not able to perform (either the odd performance or slightly longer term)?
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Post by d'James on Mar 16, 2024 17:26:55 GMT
Hopefully this fits into the topic and is deemed to be acceptable. Do actors receive sick pay if they are not able to perform (either the odd performance or slightly longer term)? I’ve always wondered this, too.
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3,028 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 17, 2024 14:22:46 GMT
Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂 That all depends on the complexity of the set and how much movement is required!
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