What would I need to do to become a stage manager?
I enjoy managing back stage for theatrical and musical performances, but I only do them on a high school level for now. So I was wondering, what college courses would I need to take to help me become a stage manager for more major productions? Does anyone work in this field and know what schools would be best? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks :)
How can i be a good stage manager?
I've been a stage manager at both the high school and collage level. To be a good stage manager you need to understand how to "handle" all people because, unlike other positions in the theater, you are privy to almost everything going on, you are the link between the cast and crew. The directors may tell you things for your ears only or they may be in teacher mode, and your classmates may tell you things as a a fellow student or as a stage manager You are also the one that has to keep your cool and be prepared for anything and everything. Having a SM notebook is the key to most of this, It keeps you from panaking because everything you need, and the answears to most peoples question will be in this notebook. Your book should have : Audtion information (if that is relevent for you, I don't know if they involve you or not in the audtion process) Cast/Crew information: (schedules, phone numbers, and part played) Rehearsal/show schedule: This will be the question you get the most "when is such and such?" what time does such and such start/end/" be sure you have a watch too it helps:) Script : I recomend photocopying the script So that the text is on the left side of the page, that way you can write the blocking and light cues on the right side, make sure this is clear and neat, anyone should be able to pick your script up in the middle of the show and understand what should be happening on stage next. Rehearsal reports: you might not be doing these quite yet, but this is where you should be keeping notes on what the direct needs you and everyone else needs to do, it's also where you keep track of absences and such things. If someone has a question about a rehearsal they should be able to go to you and and get the information (which you will have because you wrote it down in your note book :) Tech info: not sure how much you might need this, but this is where you keep information about the stage, the scenery, etc.
High school classes to take to become a stage manager?
If your school offers a stagecraft class, take that for sure. They handle all the technical aspects of the theater production, and often give students leadership roles in different areas. If they don't offer a class like that, there has to be somebody handling the school plays and shows. Go talk to the acting teacher and see if there's a way for him to put you on the crew.
There is a difference between computer engineering and computer science. Computer engineering is a greater part of electrical engineering and needs extensive knowledge of both hardware and software, while computer science is coding based. In either case, you should try to be very good at your math skills and practice on your programming/analytical skills. I will give you advice based on what you need to do right now which will make your foundation better for the future as an engineering student. If you know you want to study computer/electrical engineering for sure, try to do this:Try to be very savvy in calculus based math and work on your math based problem solving skills(majority of the ECE major classes need good amount of math skills). People talk about tinkering and taking things apart but no matter how good you are at fixing tech issues, you cannot become a good engineer if your math based foundation is weak. Even in CS, the better you are at your mathematical/analytical skills the better programmer you can become.You need good conceptual understanding of some physics topics as well if you take the more EE related route later.Practice coding on basic C/C++. The main idea is to know how to solve a coding problem no matter what the language is in use.If you are into electronics, try to play with some micro-controllers. You can buy off the shelf robotic kits, try to program and run them, play with Arduino. As you get more comfortable try other devices like Raspberry Pi (run on python/Debian Linux). Once you get into college you can do side projects with some FPGA, PIC and other more academic/professional micro-controllers/processors.
What does a stage manager do?
Basically, you are the whole reason that the show works. Your job (in a nutshell) is to make sure that what the director envisions actually ends up happening. You will be in charge of maintaining “The Bible.” That is the master copy of the script that contains all of the blocking for the actors as well as any notes about set changes, tech cues, etc. It is very important that you attend all rehearsals so that you can make note of any changes or director's notes. This way, if anybody has any questions about anything, they can just go to you and you will have the directions. You will also need to make sure that once blocking is put in place that the actors actually follow it. You are also the go-between person for everything. You are the one who makes sure that the tech crew knows what the actors need who know what the director wants and so forth. Often, you will be in charge of communicating with the cast/crew and letting them know details about scheduling, call times and that sort of thing. You are also responsible for assembling a stage crew, and making sure that they know what they are supposed to be doing and when they need to be at the theatre. Depending on the size of your crew, you may end up being a part of the stage crew as well as your other jobs. You may also be responsible for “calling the show”, or giving the tech crew the cues for lights, curtains, etc., although this may not happen in a high school setting. You will make sure that everything runs smoothly backstage during the show. You become the go to person if anything goes wrong, so if the lead actress somehow loses her dress moments before going onstage, you will be the one required to come up with a solution. You basically need to become a mind reader, a therapist, a weight lifting champ and a master organizer. It is often thankless work, you often get the dirty jobs that nobody else wants to do but have to be done and you are usually the last to leave the theatre. However, it is incredibly rewarding. I had so much fun working as SM for various high school productions, even though it is exhausting. The show really can't run without you. Have a fantastic time!
I want to become a stage manager on Broadway someday.. :)?
Not unrealistic at all!! Do all you can to be involved with ALL the aspects of theatre while you are in high school- one of my favorite quotes is "To be a good stage manager you need to have the soul of an artist, the mind of a director, the eye of a designer, the joy of being an actor, and the ability to manage them all." You really have to have lived in everyone's shoes to communicate effectively with them. If you play and diversify what you do now, you will have no problem transitioning into a conservatory BFA program where you can concentrate on SMing. HOWEVER- make sure that that is what you want before you do- be thinking whether or not you want to be stuck doing one thing for all of college. Consider your options between a BA and BFA programs carefully. But- you've got ages to think about that- first and foremost, have fun with high school theatre! It is the best time of your life!
One of the first requirements in the path toward becoming a medical assistant is graduating from high school or earning a GED. Don’t let this deter you, becoming a medical assistant can be a rewarding career. If you decide to get a medical assistant diploma, it opens the door to many opportunities!
As a high school students normally you have less life responsibilities. However we know that there are tons of things you would like to do or to own, so firstly you need to know exactly how much do you have to pay from your pocket money on your everyday expenses such as (transportations, food.. etc), then you need to deduct these expenses to obtain how much money do you have for other things.After you make your calculations I highly recommend you to keep a wish & and to-buy list beside you, this list will help you to know on what you should invest your remaining pocket money. There are many To-do lists apps out there such as "Wunderlist".Secondly, if I were you, I'd search for opportunities to raise my budget you have all the summer to improve your skills and find a part-time job or maybe you can launch your first startup who knows maybe you can make the next big thing :)