1. Always Get to Rehearsal Early

This can be difficult when you have a crazy schedule, but it’s very important to show up early to rehearsals. You need time to get everything set up and ready so that you’re not in a rush when everyone else gets there. If you forget something or feel unprepared, you’ll feel stressed, and that will put more stress on your stage manager run crew and cast.

2. Teach Your Crew to Work Together

While you may not be able to get your crew to love each other, you can get them to work well together by arming them with all the knowledge they need to get through the show successfully. Before each show, go to each crew member and make sure they know their cues, scene changes and all other duties. Ensure everyone has their cue sheets and always have an extra one on hand, to be safe—someone will inevitably forget theirs.

You should also have everyone run their scene changes before the show starts and keep a checklist for yourself so you know you’ve accomplished all your tasks. Your stage manager can also weigh in on whether there’s anything else that needs to be taken care of.

3. Stay Organized

It’s very important to stay organized and keep up with all rehearsal and show reports. You don’t have to print them out the way that a stage manager does, but it’s a good practice to keep them in a file on your computer in case your stage manager forgets one and you need to help him or her out. You should also keep an eye on the stage manager kit to make sure everything is fully stocked and in its place. It’s a nice way to stay organized and keep from running out of anything you might need.

4. Bring Snacks

You don’t have to do this all the time, but it can help the cast and crew’s morale if you bring in snacks such as fruit, cookies or candy every once in a while. Technicians especially tend to skip meals during tech week, so it helps to bring in something small for them. And even if you don’t bring enough for everyone, be sure to always have a snack in your bag in case of an emergency.

Being on a show crow can be stressful, but if you do these small things, it will help take some of the stress off of you and the rest of your crew.

Any tips for assistant stage managers? Post them in the comments below!

The post Tips For Being The Best Assistant Stage Manager You Can Be appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. ‘Duck Hunter Shoots Angel,’ by Mitch Albom

This play is quirky, beautiful and hilarious, with a touch of sadness. It follows the story of a tabloid writer named Sandy to his old home in southern Alabama as he writes a story about Duane and Duwell Ealy, who have supposedly killed an angel while hunting ducks. The story shows bits and pieces of the past Sandy left behind.

2. ‘The Mountaintop’ by Katori Hall

This show is a fictional telling of the night before Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. Katori Hall did an amazing job writing such a powerful and emotional show. It’s hard to even find the words to describe how beautiful this show is, but when you go see it, be ready to laugh, cry and be completely astonished by everything that plays out.

3. ‘She Kills Monsters’ by Qui Nguyen

This show follows the story of Agnes, whose younger sister, Tilly, has been killed in a car wreck. In looking through some of Tilly’s possessions, Agnes finds her “Dungeons and Dragons” notebook and gets to know her sister for the first time as she reads through a quest Tilly wrote. There are so many great effects in this show, with monsters galore and lots of fight scenes.

4. ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ by Bob Martin and Don McKellar

This silly, fun musical is a show within a show. The Man in the Chair tells the story of his favorite musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” to the audience, and the show plays out onstage as he plays the music and tells stories about the original cast.

5. ‘Metamorphoses’ by Mary Zimmerman

Not to be confused with the story about a man turning into a bug, this play follows wonderfully told stories in Greek myths and legends. The stories are told in short vignettes, and yes, there is a full swimming pool onstage in most productions, which makes for some amazing scenes.

Any suggestions on great shows for theatre nerds? Post them in the comments below…

The post 5 Lesser Known Shows Theatre Nerds Will Love appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. What Is a Scenic Carpenter?

Well, that is fairly simple. It’s a person who builds the sets for shows. We are given construction drawings from the technical director, and we build whatever needs to be built. You need a bunch of 22×7-foot walls? We build those walls exactly to the specifications of the set designer and technical director.

2. What Types of Skills Do You Have as a Scenic Carpenter?

I have many different skills. I am very skilled at woodworking and can build pretty much anything you want, just like so many other carpenters out there. Most are also trained in welding, foam carving and paper-mâché and have the ability to use a vast number of power tools. We are also very skilled at solving problems on the fly, since we often encounter tricky issues and have to think fast to solve them in a quick, efficient manner.

3. So, If You Have All These Marketable Skills, Why Use Them for Theatre?

I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked this question. We chose theatre for the same reason a lot of other people have chosen their careers: because we love what we do. We love theatre, even if it is a lot of hard work. Yes, we know our skills could have gotten us a lot of other jobs, but if we wanted those jobs, we would have gotten them. We didn’t choose theatre as a last resort — it’s what we love and what we’re good at.

4. Can You Even Get a Job in That Field?

This is another question I get a lot (along with everyone else who works in theatre). The answer is yes. There is a high demand for carpenters in the theatre space, though sometimes you have to travel a long way from home to get one of these jobs.

5. So, You Started Off as an Actor. Why Didn’t You Stick With That?

Let me just clear one thing up for anyone who has ever asked this question of any theatre technician. We are not failed actors. In fact, a lot of us who started off acting were very good at acting but realized we enjoyed another side of theatre even more. Some of the best carpenters I have worked with have been really good actors, but they chose to do carpentry because they enjoyed creating shows instead of being in them.

6. Doesn’t It Bother You That Your Creations Only Last for a Short Time Before They’re Torn Down?

Sometimes, yes. I’ve had situations where it would take me months to build a set for a show that was only going to run for three days and would get torn down immediately after it closed. It can be a bit frustrating, but at the same time, I like to look at it like it’s my way of creating art that changes people’s lives. A show’s run might be short, but when people come to see it, they get to escape reality for a bit, and I know I played a part in helping them do so.

Thanks for reading! Have any questions that you get asked a lot about your theatre work? Have any other questions about scenic carpenters? Let us know in the comments below…

The post A Guide To The Life And Work Of Scenic Carpenters appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Use these four tips to get through this crazy week:

1. Schedule Time to Study

Tech week during school can be especially difficult, since you have classes to attend, tests to study for and perhaps a side job you have to show up to. All of these things can be hard to keep up with, and tech week only adds more nuttiness to the mix.

The first thing you need to do is explain to your teachers what is going on. Many will work with you to make things easier, especially if they are part of the theatre department. Some may let you turn in assignments earlier or give you a little extra time. Even if they don’t make accommodations, at least let them know what is happening so they’ll understand if you seem a little out of it.

Another problem is getting your assignments done. You’ll always have something due during tech week. If you’re a member of run crew and have some downtime during the show, bring your work with you and use that time to your advantage. If you’re a stage manager, this can be far more difficult, since you’ll only have time to study when you’re on your breaks. Time management is key here, so if you can get started on your assignments a few weeks before tech week hits, you’ll be in far better shape later on.

2. Get Some Sleep

Between late rehearsals and early days in the shop, sleep is a hot commodity during tech week. With all the stress, you may feel like you have to push yourself to keep going even when your body is begging you to get some shut eye. However, if you don’t take care of yourself now, you could be worse off by wearing yourself out before the show premieres. Even squeezing in a quick, 30-minute nap where you can get it can help you feel better.

3. Eat Healthy

People tend to live off coffee and snacks during tech week, since it can be hard to eat right when you’re running around trying to get all your tasks done. If you only have the chance to munch on small snacks, try getting healthy ones such as fruit, granola bars, protein bars, mixed nuts and fruit juice instead of soda. Yes, you want caffeine to keep you awake, but protein is vital to getting the energy you need to keep going.

Drink lots of water, too. You don’t want to wind up dehydrated in the hospital because you didn’t take the time to drink enough. One good way to remind yourself to eat and drink is to set a reminder on your phone from time to time. This will ensure you take care of yourself.

4. Rest When It’s Over

Once you get through tech week in one piece, give yourself some time to wind down. You’ve gone through a successful show run and need to take a breath before launching into your next project. Get some extra sleep, talk to friends who haven’t heard from you in a while and celebrate — you survived tech!

Have any tips for surviving tech week? Share them in the comments below!

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Having worked in summer stock myself, I’m here to pass on some wisdom to make it easier for those who are just starting out in this field. Here’s my advice:

1. Research Where You Are Going

This is very important. Not only do you need to know about the theatre you’ll be working for, but you also need to know about the city or town you’ll be living in. You won’t have a lot of time to explore once you get there, so it’s nice to research where you can hang out and get groceries ahead of time.

Also, check on what kind of weather you’ll be dealing with. How hot does the area get? Is it a different altitude than you’re used to? Does it see any extreme weather? If it’s a new area, you could be facing a lot of crazy changes.

You should also look into the theatre you’ll be working at to see the styles and sizes of the shows it typically produces. You never want to be blindsided by these things. For example, I was used to doing smaller shows in a black-box theatre, but my first summer stock theatre produced very large musicals on a stage at least twice the size as the biggest one I’d ever worked on. Had I not researched its past shows and theatre space, I would have been in for a huge shock.

2. Make Friends

One of the best things you can do is make friends with the people you work with. Summer stock can get lonely, and it’s always nice to have at least one person you can hang out with outside of work so you can blow off steam. Also, it’s always a good idea to network in the small world of theatre. You never know who is going to end up where, and it’s always good to make connections in your field.

For example, the people I worked with in Georgia had connections with the people I worked with in both Oklahoma and Michigan. These places are thousands of miles apart, but these people had still worked together in the past. The more connections you make, the more jobs you’re likely to get in the future.

3. Be Comfortable

When you’re working long hours, it’s always important to wear comfortable clothes. There’s nothing worse than dealing with tight clothes, itchy tags or being pinched mid-show.

Before starting your summer stock position, find a comfortable work wardrobe. Shoes are especially important. It’s best to get something with steel toes so that you don’t hurt yourself if you drop something or a piece of scenery rolls over your feet.

Also, try to get something with thick or hard soles, especially if you’re working in a scene shop. Stepping on nails, staples or screws is something that happens way too often, and getting a tetanus shot is never fun.

4. Stay Clean

We’re all friends here, so I’ll be straightforward with you: It’s “summer” stock. That means hot weather, a lot of sweat and a lot of smells. There are some good ways to handle this, though. Keep an extra stick of deodorant on hand and use it whenever you’re on break. It’s not weird, trust me — I do this every summer. Also, keep an extra shirt with you. If you find you’re getting too sweaty, just change.

Another thing you should always do is keep up with your laundry and avoid wearing anything that hasn’t been washed. You don’t want to be that guy who avoids doing laundry the entire summer — it’s not good for anyone. Follow the rules, and your colleagues will thank you.

5. Stay Hydrated

I have never worked in a shop for the summer that had air-conditioning. Even in the extreme heat in Oklahoma City, we only had a few fans placed around the shop. So, keep a water bottle with you at all times and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This even goes for people who are working indoors in air-conditioning.

Odds are, whether you’re inside or outside, you’ll be on the go for most of the day and can easily get dehydrated. I know that as technicians we tend to get busy and forget to take care of ourselves, but remember that the show needs you to be alive and well.

6. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Onstage work is fast-paced and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. During summer stock shows, everything can move faster than you’re used to. You may be working long hours and not getting as much sleep as you’d like. No matter what is going on, you always need to take time to keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anything dangerous, such as cords or rope in the grid, tools left on top of ladders or moving pipes.

7. Make a Summer Survival Kit

Every year, I like to put together a few things that will make my summer easier and help me relax in my downtime. My survival kit generally includes some things for work, including a water bottle, a multi-tool, lots of hair ties and extra deodorant, along with things for my downtime, such as a map of the area, sunscreen, insect repellent and my favorite books.

What you put in your kit may depend on the area you’re in as well — for instance, it rains a lot in the summer in Michigan, so I’d always keep an umbrella or poncho with me. On the other hand, Oklahoma was very dry, so I always kept lotion and chap-stick with me. It’s always nice to be prepared.

8. Enjoy Yourself

So, cards on the table, summer stock can be tough, but you can also have an amazing time. Go in with a good attitude and expect a challenge. Gain theatre experience and allow yourself to grow as a professional. This is a chance to really experience theatre in a whole new way. You get to meet lots of new people from all over the country who are just as passionate about theatre as you are.

And let’s face it, you get some of the best stories from summer stock. Don’t go in assuming you know everything, but be open to learning new things. So, be careful, be confident and take care of yourself, and you’ll nail it.

What advice would you give someone doing summer stock? Let us know in the comments below…

The post The Theatre Technicians Guide To Summer Stock Survival appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Format

Theatre resumes should only be one page long, with nothing on the back. Begin crafting your resume by putting your header at the top. It should look like this:

Below this should be your experience in this specific area:

Once you’ve added all your experience in that area, add in your other experiences, such as carpentry, welding or costuming. Whatever your experience is, add it in using the same format.

Next, add in your education level:

Then, add in awards and honors in the same format and your other skills in their own column:

At the very bottom of your resume should be the names and contact information for your three references.

2. Cover Letter

Most theatres ask you to send a cover letter with your resume when you apply for a job. A cover letter is just an overview of your skills and a little bit about why the theatre should hire you specifically. The first thing to remember is that you need to modify the letter for each position, because different theatres are asking for different things. This may sound like a crazy, impossible task, but there’s a secret to it. Write the base for the letter, then fill in the specifics for each job as you go along. It will save you a ton of time.

3. Portfolio

The first thing you need to remember when it comes to building your portfolio is that you need to take pictures of what you’re working on. Take pictures of props as you build them, take process shots of the set you’re working on or take pictures of the lighting effects on the set. You get the idea. However, if you’re a stage manager, you will need to have different excerpts of your call scripts, blocking scripts and research.

An easy way to make a portfolio is to just make a PowerPoint with all your pictures. Just make sure to put titles on each page so that the person reading it will know what’s being shown. You need to add in the show name and what the piece is in each picture.

It’s also a good idea generally to separate out the shows. Have one piece per page and group pieces from specific shows together. This shows you’re organized and that you have a well-thought-out portfolio.

4. Get an Outside Opinion

It’s always good to get someone else to look at your resume, cover letter and portfolio before you submit them to anyone. Good choices include professors or someone who has written up resumes like this before. If nothing else, have a friend look it over. After writing so much, you may miss some small mistakes that could easily be spotted by someone who hasn’t been staring at it for a long time.

Writing resumes and applying for jobs doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have any tips for resumes, cover letters or portfolios, let us know in the comments below…

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