In my role as Technical Stage Manager, it is my responsibility to source equipment for the projects and ensure that each design will run smoothly in our given studio space on the day of performance.
I have found that as well as this, I have needed to support the Production Managers in organising the designers and other team members during meetings, as well as setting deadlines for both myself and the designers so all aspects of the project come together at the right points.
There have been times when I have found Production Meetings a little difficult, as some things have not been sorted or the communication prior to the meetings has not been clear, resulting in a little confusion and clarification that I have done during the discussions.
These experiences have, however, taught me valuable lessons on clarity, and made me aware that a vital part of a Production Team is making sure everyone is at the same level of understanding in all areas of the given project. As well as this, they have helped me to fulfil aspects of Stage Management such as "excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, [and] flexibility(1)". Despite some communication problems and issues regarding the general management of the projects, I have learnt a lot about different roles within the Production Team and will be able to use these experiences in the future.
(1) Tolkoff, E. (1999) 'Places Please: The Stage Manager's Job in the Theatre', Back Stage - National Edition, 9 April, 40 (15), pp. 28-31
Monday 23 April 2012
Sunday 22 April 2012
Easter Activities
At the start of the four week Easter break, I made a list of things that needed to be done by me for the Film Projects. The main requirement was to finish sourcing key parts of the projects, and contact the designers for any final changes. Although I have two and a half weeks upon returning to Uni before my equipment deadline, I felt that the break would give me ample time to hunt, without having to rush when I came back.
Unfortunately, the four weeks haven't been as productive as I had hoped. A number of pieces of equipment can only be sourced once semester starts again as they require contacting other departments in the university. Similarly, the main frame for one of the designs is proving difficult to find - large measures of wood are needed to create an arcade booth. In a project with no budget, I've been having a hard time finding somewhere that can supply the materials. Contacting friends is one avenue I have taken in an attempt to find a generous carpenter willing to give up a few offcuts; however due to people being away and the uncomfortable fact that ideally the wood will be for free, this has so far been unfruitful. I am hoping that when everyone is back at university, there might be an easier way to find these things.
Despite these current setbacks, the rest of the project is on track and to schedule, meaning that the majority of the organisational work has been done so come production week, things should work well together with minimal disruption.
Unfortunately, the four weeks haven't been as productive as I had hoped. A number of pieces of equipment can only be sourced once semester starts again as they require contacting other departments in the university. Similarly, the main frame for one of the designs is proving difficult to find - large measures of wood are needed to create an arcade booth. In a project with no budget, I've been having a hard time finding somewhere that can supply the materials. Contacting friends is one avenue I have taken in an attempt to find a generous carpenter willing to give up a few offcuts; however due to people being away and the uncomfortable fact that ideally the wood will be for free, this has so far been unfruitful. I am hoping that when everyone is back at university, there might be an easier way to find these things.
Despite these current setbacks, the rest of the project is on track and to schedule, meaning that the majority of the organisational work has been done so come production week, things should work well together with minimal disruption.
Monday 2 April 2012
Studio model
As we have now confirmed the designs for the HE3 Film Project Installations, I have been able to have a closer look at the layout of the studio we have access to, and how the pieces will fit together within the space.
Using the software Google SketchUp, I was able to create a model of the studio, and mark out where the designs are intended to be placed. Although it is not perfectly accurate, it allows myself as Technical Stage Manager to note the distances between things, and how hazards such as cabling might be avoided or worked around in the space.
It will also show the Project Managers and Designers how the room may look on the day, making their designs 'come to life' a little more and allow us to more readily visualise the end product. Up until this point, we have speculated how it will work together, whereas now we have a visual aid that may highlight any areas that need further clarification.
Below you can see an image of the model.
Note: the lines marking out the areas will be either white display screens, or black curtain.
Using the software Google SketchUp, I was able to create a model of the studio, and mark out where the designs are intended to be placed. Although it is not perfectly accurate, it allows myself as Technical Stage Manager to note the distances between things, and how hazards such as cabling might be avoided or worked around in the space.
It will also show the Project Managers and Designers how the room may look on the day, making their designs 'come to life' a little more and allow us to more readily visualise the end product. Up until this point, we have speculated how it will work together, whereas now we have a visual aid that may highlight any areas that need further clarification.
Below you can see an image of the model.
Note: the lines marking out the areas will be either white display screens, or black curtain.
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