Scared to stage manage?
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Topic: Scared to stage manage?
Posted By: theaterbrat
Subject: Scared to stage manage?
Date Posted: 5/07/07 at 10:00pm
| I am doing a summer theater internship, and I just got offered the Assistant Stage Manager slot, and I am unsure of taking it. I have stage managed two shows before, they were tiny 5 person shows, and this would be West Side Story. I am really scared that I will screw up and people would be mad at me. I really want to make a good impression on these people for future letters of reccomendation. I am not really a "take charge" kind of person, and I am afraid that this would be way out of my leauge. So any advice? |
Replies:
Posted By: eagle10
Date Posted: 5/08/07 at 1:37am
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I'd think that you need to focus on the bigger picture rather than contemplate failing or your chances of making a mess. First, if they took you on, then they have the trust and belief that you have the potential and ability to grow into your role. (And since any production is somewhat uniquely different from others, you do need to grow into it.) Second, if you are into getting experience in the field, I would assume that stage managing is a field of work that you envision doing in the long term so this challenge is all in the arena of getting more experience. Third, knowing your weaknesses is good but that's all they are, if you are aware of them you can actively learn to do things that don't let them be in the way of achieving your goals. Fourth, I think that you definitely have to stick with basic principles that guide your work i.e. to know your part and more through and through so that people know that you are reliable and professional. It's not about bossing people around. Real leadership I think is being able to take the lead. And all in good faith, everyone wants to make a production work rather than cut people down. It's always a team effort anyway. |
Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 5/08/07 at 9:24am
|
Hey TB, it's been a long time - good to see you back!
You can do this. Just make sure that you get your responsibilities straight with the SM beforehand, and ask lots of questions. Don't worry about being a pest; people would rather answer your questions than have something possibly go wrong.
The best part of theatre is, even if somebody does mess up, hey, it's just a show. This is a great opportunity for you. Grab it and run! ------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
Posted By: biggertigger
Date Posted: 5/08/07 at 7:59pm
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As you stated, you are going to be the Assistant Stage Manager, this will give you a great chance to work with and observe the SM and learn. They are not going to just let you run off on your own. Additionally, just like the actors, stage managing takes practice. You will not just show up at opening night of the show and have to stage manage. They will have you work throughout the rehearsals so that you are fully aware of the show, the staging, choreography, and set design. Besides, WSS is an easy set show.
You will also learn to become more authorative and diplomatic the more you work with a SM that can show you how.
Good Luck. ------------- The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes. |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 5/16/07 at 12:06pm
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First of all you need to lose the "not a take charge kind of person" attitude. Stage managering is alot like herding sheep. They have to know that as soon as the lights go up you are in charge. Dont worry so much about screwing up (you can always blame the actors). I have an apt name for my favoite SM, "She who must be obeyed". Just become that person and do your best. That's all anyone can ask. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |
Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 5/17/07 at 11:32am
Or, often, like herding cats.
Rumpole fan, are we?  ------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
Posted By: Shatcher
Date Posted: 5/17/07 at 2:12pm
| Being a SM is fun. They are the only one out of the whole company that gets to know everything. As SM I more often than not know the show better than the director, always better than the actors.hehehe... You can do it! go for it! |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 5/18/07 at 3:01pm
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Yes POB, big fan. My Father made me listen to old radio shows and I got hooked. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |
Posted By: avcastner
Date Posted: 5/20/07 at 1:08pm
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As biggertigger said, you are the assistant, so you won't have the full responsibility on your shoulders. Some practical advice:Meet with your PSM frequently.
Know what duties you personally are responsible for (generally my ASMs are either responsible to be on book when I am not or working with props or tending to the needs of the cast. My ASMs hardly ever do the paperwork end of the job unless it is props lists.)
If you aren't sure how to do something, don't be afraid to ask. This job is an internship, so the management should expect you not to know everything.
Work your hardest with a sweet attitude and everyone will adore you. ------------- |