WOW!! Can't believe its all over. I really did have the best time on this production and am excited to see what we will do for Wizard of Oz. I enjoyed being Stage Manager so much and would love to pursue a career in it, if I can get a job in the field. I think everyone worked really well with each other, after a few hick ups we pulled it all together well.
*The lights would not turn on at one point, decided just to bring up the house lights as a last resort otherwise the fight scene would have been carried out in the dark. Lesson learnt for the lighting designer to have back up states saved on the subs.
*There were hardly any issues ie with dressing room mess etc everyone knew what there roles were and did it well including actors.
*I was nervous the first time Sam called the show however realized that it was out of my hands and she did really well. It was so handy having a deputy and assistants.
*I was able to see one and a half shows from the auditorium and enjoyed it.
*After doing this production I think I am more confident to design for Wizard and would like to be involved in the lighting.
All in all a great production design wise.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Student Preview
Student Preview went well regardless of a few stuff ups... I wasn't nurvous at all I think this was due to knowing the script so well and having studied the Ques all afternoon... that said there were a few Ques that were wrong...
-I brought the lights up too early after a scene change and there was a crew member still on stage AHHH It is a difficult part to call though with the entrance of the old lady, its taken me a bit to get right and hopefully tonight it will work.
-Im confused with the entrance of Singing Girl and when to call the fade out of the animation... BUT I just need to know to watch Rhys really closely.
-Scott said some of the Ques are a little early.
-THERE WAS A STUFF UP WITH LX40, LX40.1 and LX41... The fade on LX40.1 was way too long which meant LX41 didn't go meaning Charlotte was stuck laying on stage for ages, Droogs wait for the black before entering with torches in the end we said GO Que 0 which takes all lights out.... PHEW!!
Im absolutely loving the production the more we do on it the more I love it, and am so proud of everyone's achievement including actors... Im so impressed when Laura or Lighting (Liam and Maddy) can fix a problem ASAP and can see that they are all getting better with the programs. Costumes are fantastic, to be honest I was worried about them for awhile and secretly didn't like them BUT now after some fine tweaking they look great, I guess that goes for everything else as well ie acting, set, lighting, sound, directions etc all the final tweaking has made it all come together..
SAM is doing great with props her set up backstage is nicely organized etc and she is a great help with things like getting working coms, coffee, cleaning etc. Im worried about her calling the show HOWEVER she is sitting with me every time looking over my shoulder and I have been explaining Ques to her during Que to Que that im doing every night as a warm up for me ad the operators. So hopefully she is confident enough when it comes to her time to call, I would like to see the show at least once from the audience.
-I brought the lights up too early after a scene change and there was a crew member still on stage AHHH It is a difficult part to call though with the entrance of the old lady, its taken me a bit to get right and hopefully tonight it will work.
-Im confused with the entrance of Singing Girl and when to call the fade out of the animation... BUT I just need to know to watch Rhys really closely.
-Scott said some of the Ques are a little early.
-THERE WAS A STUFF UP WITH LX40, LX40.1 and LX41... The fade on LX40.1 was way too long which meant LX41 didn't go meaning Charlotte was stuck laying on stage for ages, Droogs wait for the black before entering with torches in the end we said GO Que 0 which takes all lights out.... PHEW!!
Im absolutely loving the production the more we do on it the more I love it, and am so proud of everyone's achievement including actors... Im so impressed when Laura or Lighting (Liam and Maddy) can fix a problem ASAP and can see that they are all getting better with the programs. Costumes are fantastic, to be honest I was worried about them for awhile and secretly didn't like them BUT now after some fine tweaking they look great, I guess that goes for everything else as well ie acting, set, lighting, sound, directions etc all the final tweaking has made it all come together..
SAM is doing great with props her set up backstage is nicely organized etc and she is a great help with things like getting working coms, coffee, cleaning etc. Im worried about her calling the show HOWEVER she is sitting with me every time looking over my shoulder and I have been explaining Ques to her during Que to Que that im doing every night as a warm up for me ad the operators. So hopefully she is confident enough when it comes to her time to call, I would like to see the show at least once from the audience.
Monday, May 24, 2010
1 Week to OPENING!!!!
Well Clockwork is in full swing, PLOTTING complete and going into a week of tech and last minute rehearsals. Plotting went well I thought, to be honest I was worried about how many Ques I would have with LX/SFX and VFX however they have all just plotted in beautifully. A few issues with designers not knowing the correct blocking but nothing that wasn't fixed easily, however it is just a little embarrassing for them especially when I wrote in the rehearsal reports may times that there were plenty of cuts and anyone could get blocking from me after our Wednesday class ie when I brought my book.
SUNDAY FULL DAY REHEARSAL!!! Went well Jamie was the only actor absent as he was quite ill. We rushed through the 1st act to get to know props and set changes, then warm up then ran the Act properly which went smoothly. After lunch we did the same for Act 2 which seamed to have more energy then the 1st. A couple of issues with actors: Just having to tell them things more then once which is very irritating like pick up rubbish etc and that warm ups are not a 'break' for smoking. But I appreciate that people smoke and need breaks but I think actors should wait until a time is scheduled. Actors have also been telling me so many times that they can not make it to tech etc for work and ive said NO you can not have that time off we are at the crucial time of the production and EVERYONE has to be there. I scheduled people on even though I knew they had work however i thought it was obvious that they needed to get it off just for this week. HOWEVER obviously not so obvious (i should have know better) just another example of how I need to tell Actors EVERYTHING with extreme DETAIL and CLARITY!!!
DESIGN WISE: LX/VFX seam ok only a few stuff ups however sound seam to be finding it quite tough but I can understand completely. I f I was in that situation I would be extremely lost see and though we have NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DO SOUND!!!!!!! Which a major floor in the coarse. I really like the sound though and think they have done a great job with NO KNOWLEDGE.
QUE TO QUE: Went well I was enjoying it and some of the states/fades from all aspects go together beautifully. Couple of sound issues, 2-3 LX issues, maye 1 VFX issue but should be all fixed by today at 12 when Im going in to go through Ques again.
4 DAYS TILL PREVIEW AAAAHHHHHH!!!!
SUNDAY FULL DAY REHEARSAL!!! Went well Jamie was the only actor absent as he was quite ill. We rushed through the 1st act to get to know props and set changes, then warm up then ran the Act properly which went smoothly. After lunch we did the same for Act 2 which seamed to have more energy then the 1st. A couple of issues with actors: Just having to tell them things more then once which is very irritating like pick up rubbish etc and that warm ups are not a 'break' for smoking. But I appreciate that people smoke and need breaks but I think actors should wait until a time is scheduled. Actors have also been telling me so many times that they can not make it to tech etc for work and ive said NO you can not have that time off we are at the crucial time of the production and EVERYONE has to be there. I scheduled people on even though I knew they had work however i thought it was obvious that they needed to get it off just for this week. HOWEVER obviously not so obvious (i should have know better) just another example of how I need to tell Actors EVERYTHING with extreme DETAIL and CLARITY!!!
DESIGN WISE: LX/VFX seam ok only a few stuff ups however sound seam to be finding it quite tough but I can understand completely. I f I was in that situation I would be extremely lost see and though we have NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DO SOUND!!!!!!! Which a major floor in the coarse. I really like the sound though and think they have done a great job with NO KNOWLEDGE.
QUE TO QUE: Went well I was enjoying it and some of the states/fades from all aspects go together beautifully. Couple of sound issues, 2-3 LX issues, maye 1 VFX issue but should be all fixed by today at 12 when Im going in to go through Ques again.
4 DAYS TILL PREVIEW AAAAHHHHHH!!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
2 weeks to OPENING NIGHT
Everything has been going well now that scheduling is running smoothly and we have more time per scene, which I know director is also thankful for. Im really enjoying seeing it all slowly come together and how it has changed from the very beginning where actors merely are reading lines and not particularly in position etc etc.
Once I got my prompt script organized (it had to be perfect) I feel more on top of everything and am getting the hang of blocking, Im not even caring tat I need to rub out blocking ALL THE TIME.
Rehearsal reports are going out every night so that designers keep on top of information ASAP. Props keep changing a lot however I am very appreciative of Sam (DSM) who is managing all props and my ASM timetable. Its very handy having little minions, as they've been called by designers.
W have changed te sets to only 3 blocks which ha freed up the space a lot and will be interesting to see it all come together in the playhouse. We bump in next week!!! Which is very exciting however a little stressful to see how much blocking will change and also getting all the Qs together during tech. I think it will be a very heavily Q-ed production wit SFX/LX and Projection will a lot of visuals. BUT I guess thats what tech rehearsals are for.
Just trying to get the schedule out for the actors for the final 2 weeks of rehearsals before PREVIEW!!!!! I feel extremely organized, even with other UNI work/essays and am coping very well, I seam to be the only designer not stressing, BUT this may change when we get to the playhouse... weekends are my saviors...
Once I got my prompt script organized (it had to be perfect) I feel more on top of everything and am getting the hang of blocking, Im not even caring tat I need to rub out blocking ALL THE TIME.
Rehearsal reports are going out every night so that designers keep on top of information ASAP. Props keep changing a lot however I am very appreciative of Sam (DSM) who is managing all props and my ASM timetable. Its very handy having little minions, as they've been called by designers.
W have changed te sets to only 3 blocks which ha freed up the space a lot and will be interesting to see it all come together in the playhouse. We bump in next week!!! Which is very exciting however a little stressful to see how much blocking will change and also getting all the Qs together during tech. I think it will be a very heavily Q-ed production wit SFX/LX and Projection will a lot of visuals. BUT I guess thats what tech rehearsals are for.
Just trying to get the schedule out for the actors for the final 2 weeks of rehearsals before PREVIEW!!!!! I feel extremely organized, even with other UNI work/essays and am coping very well, I seam to be the only designer not stressing, BUT this may change when we get to the playhouse... weekends are my saviors...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
MAJOR STUFF UP
Well no matter how organized I think I am things will still go wrong but what can you do. I worked out the schedule for Tuesdays rehearsal knowing that Chrisx2 and Hugh couldn't be there as they were shooting GLENGARY, however wen we turned up last night the schedule was all messed up and half the cast were not there and in GLENGARY. So this was a major stuff up and we were not able to rehearse all we wanted.
i the mean time this week is crazy and I was only going to attend the last hour of rehearsals so I could do my seminar etc however after the major stuff up I stayed. ALSO got my prompt script organized FINALLY and its all ready to go.
I have another prompt script that ill bring for the prompter. Sam has organized for the 1st years to attend a rehearsal each to prompt lines, however I want Sam to attend most rehearsals as well so she can call the show at least a few times.
SAM- Has been great working out props which is so life saving for me, as im still trying to work out schedules/rehearsal space/prompt script etc etc etc.
We did the mark up of the floor last Sunday with Gab and Sam. Did not take too long as the set is not too complicated. Jeff helped me move out flats an organize something to go where the flats on stage are IE chairs and blue screens.
Ive written up the schedule for next week which should have no problems as there are no more TV DRAMAS to shoot and I can attend every rehearsal. Ive been getting emails from actors not being able to attend some days and worked around them.
Production meeting- Along with stuff ups I also was late to our 2nd production meeting as it was on TUESDAY due to the long weekend. I dont remember ever being told about this. NOT much to report for SM though. PROPS is more the issue at the moment but ive left that to Sam just for this week.
So besides the major major stuff up yesterday everything is getting organized and I cant wait just to get into the swing of things with rehearsals.
i the mean time this week is crazy and I was only going to attend the last hour of rehearsals so I could do my seminar etc however after the major stuff up I stayed. ALSO got my prompt script organized FINALLY and its all ready to go.
I have another prompt script that ill bring for the prompter. Sam has organized for the 1st years to attend a rehearsal each to prompt lines, however I want Sam to attend most rehearsals as well so she can call the show at least a few times.
SAM- Has been great working out props which is so life saving for me, as im still trying to work out schedules/rehearsal space/prompt script etc etc etc.
We did the mark up of the floor last Sunday with Gab and Sam. Did not take too long as the set is not too complicated. Jeff helped me move out flats an organize something to go where the flats on stage are IE chairs and blue screens.
Ive written up the schedule for next week which should have no problems as there are no more TV DRAMAS to shoot and I can attend every rehearsal. Ive been getting emails from actors not being able to attend some days and worked around them.
Production meeting- Along with stuff ups I also was late to our 2nd production meeting as it was on TUESDAY due to the long weekend. I dont remember ever being told about this. NOT much to report for SM though. PROPS is more the issue at the moment but ive left that to Sam just for this week.
So besides the major major stuff up yesterday everything is getting organized and I cant wait just to get into the swing of things with rehearsals.
Monday, April 19, 2010
PRODUCTION MEETING 19/4/10
Had our first PRODUCTION MEETING today. Not much to report on SM besides getting underway with props (Giving a lot of this to Sam). ORGANIZED rehearsal time to fit into everyone's schedule. Was hard fitting it in with TV DRAMAS mainly the Boys this week and Glengary next Mon/Tues. Also with Monday being a public holiday (ANZAC DAY). Spoke to Scott and worked out a schedule.
Need to source a BEETHOVEN head
JJ was not getting my emails, fixed that problem
All other aspects of design are getting underway and seem to be nearly ready for construction.
Sent a few emails ie Pink asked me to organize a time for MEASUREMENTS to be taken ie before rehearsal however I emailed sayin:
Pinky,
I think ill leave it to you to email the actors for a time for measurements to meet up, maybe ask them to be at their rehearsal a bit early.
I sent the action chart again so you can see which actors will be there at each rehearsal
MAYBE this Thurs would be good, between our lighting stuff, they have class/rehearsals 1-5 and only doing scenes 1 and 2 so they wont ALL be needed the whole time.
Sorry I cant help much more then that
Kezza x
ALSO sent an email to all CAST AND CREW regarding rehearsals ie time and scenes. And attached EVERYTHING such as contacts/action chart/scene list etc just so EVERYONE has everything updated and also JJ had not recieved any of this previously.
Hey cast and crew,
These will be the times for every CLOCKWORK REHEARSALS starting 26th MAY
MON 5-7pm
TUES 2-5pm
WED 5-8pm
THURS 1-5pm
Venue- Studio 2
Ive tried to work these times around your availability and TV Dramas ie THE BOYS, GLENGARY (26th/27th) etc IF ive missed anything and you cant make it let me know ASAP!
SCENES 1 and 2 will be rehearsed this Thursday 22nd during class time.
We will be rehearsing the following scenes in the week of 26th May
* Tues 27th Scenes 10 and 11
* Wed 28th Scenes 4 and 5
* Thurs 30th Scenes 6,7,8 and 9
PLEASE NOT: Only if your character has a part in that scene will you need to attend these rehearsals.
Im attaching CONTACTS, SCENES LIST, CASTING, ACTION CHART for anyone missing this information, these have been updated so please check you have the correct information.
It is a VERY stressful week...
Need to source a BEETHOVEN head
JJ was not getting my emails, fixed that problem
All other aspects of design are getting underway and seem to be nearly ready for construction.
Sent a few emails ie Pink asked me to organize a time for MEASUREMENTS to be taken ie before rehearsal however I emailed sayin:
Pinky,
I think ill leave it to you to email the actors for a time for measurements to meet up, maybe ask them to be at their rehearsal a bit early.
I sent the action chart again so you can see which actors will be there at each rehearsal
MAYBE this Thurs would be good, between our lighting stuff, they have class/rehearsals 1-5 and only doing scenes 1 and 2 so they wont ALL be needed the whole time.
Sorry I cant help much more then that
Kezza x
ALSO sent an email to all CAST AND CREW regarding rehearsals ie time and scenes. And attached EVERYTHING such as contacts/action chart/scene list etc just so EVERYONE has everything updated and also JJ had not recieved any of this previously.
Hey cast and crew,
These will be the times for every CLOCKWORK REHEARSALS starting 26th MAY
MON 5-7pm
TUES 2-5pm
WED 5-8pm
THURS 1-5pm
Venue- Studio 2
Ive tried to work these times around your availability and TV Dramas ie THE BOYS, GLENGARY (26th/27th) etc IF ive missed anything and you cant make it let me know ASAP!
SCENES 1 and 2 will be rehearsed this Thursday 22nd during class time.
We will be rehearsing the following scenes in the week of 26th May
* Tues 27th Scenes 10 and 11
* Wed 28th Scenes 4 and 5
* Thurs 30th Scenes 6,7,8 and 9
PLEASE NOT: Only if your character has a part in that scene will you need to attend these rehearsals.
Im attaching CONTACTS, SCENES LIST, CASTING, ACTION CHART for anyone missing this information, these have been updated so please check you have the correct information.
It is a VERY stressful week...
Friday, April 9, 2010
PRoduction Meeting
29t March- Had a production meeting with JJ and the crew. Received all the essential information that I had been waiting for ie rehearsal report sheets, accident report, budgeting ($80) etc Also got a photocopying code which ill need to copy my script ie blow it up to stick in my 'book'.
Also received info for PROPS which I think ill get Sam and the 1st yrs to organize for me obviously foreseeing everything and helping out as well. Budget for props is $200...
Ive already asked Sam to do a props extraction which she did straight away, ill send on to Scott in holidays to get feed back and start sourcing getting the 1st yrs involved straight away... Also anyone who went home can bring things back if needed...
31st March- rehearsals were canceled
1st April- information was mixed up and actors turned up half an hour late, i think this was y fault as I must have typed in the time for rehearsals the day before ... im learning still though... DONT leave anything to chance, check EVERYTHING 4 times at least, make EXTRA of anything ie photocopying, have EXTRA scripts for actors, double check contacts get them signed off by actors, write EVERYTHING down...
Rehearsals were very raw and just the beginning of things, nothing set in stone AT ALL, did not do much as theres no blocking etc
Need to get set info/floor plan so i can draw up with gaffa on floor for rehearsals
Also received info for PROPS which I think ill get Sam and the 1st yrs to organize for me obviously foreseeing everything and helping out as well. Budget for props is $200...
Ive already asked Sam to do a props extraction which she did straight away, ill send on to Scott in holidays to get feed back and start sourcing getting the 1st yrs involved straight away... Also anyone who went home can bring things back if needed...
31st March- rehearsals were canceled
1st April- information was mixed up and actors turned up half an hour late, i think this was y fault as I must have typed in the time for rehearsals the day before ... im learning still though... DONT leave anything to chance, check EVERYTHING 4 times at least, make EXTRA of anything ie photocopying, have EXTRA scripts for actors, double check contacts get them signed off by actors, write EVERYTHING down...
Rehearsals were very raw and just the beginning of things, nothing set in stone AT ALL, did not do much as theres no blocking etc
Need to get set info/floor plan so i can draw up with gaffa on floor for rehearsals
Auditions
Auditions were from 1-5m in the Drama room. I booked the room a few days earlier and stuck up posters with the schedule.
22nd March- I set up the room with table chairs for Scott, Blu, the actor and myself with the black curtain around so not the be distracted when the actor performs. Sam sat outside to keep on top of the time and take photos of each actor. We kept to the schedule pretty well having time for a break.
It was pretty emotional sitting through auditions, watching the performances, I went through different responses from goosebumps and a lump in the throat to awkwardness waning the actor to do better. Some actors definitely stood out more than others. Also each actor seemed to be extremely nervous each said they had never been like that before, forgetting lines etc... BUT the casting has been finalized... Which isent out to everyone..
23rd March- I went through the script with Scott to get all his cuts and scenes etc and any extra information.... Will have to re-do my 'book' as its not quite up to standard after reviewing my notes from Ali-Mo's class in 1st year. I typed up the scenes to send to everyone...
Scott also sent out the action chart...
22nd March- I set up the room with table chairs for Scott, Blu, the actor and myself with the black curtain around so not the be distracted when the actor performs. Sam sat outside to keep on top of the time and take photos of each actor. We kept to the schedule pretty well having time for a break.
It was pretty emotional sitting through auditions, watching the performances, I went through different responses from goosebumps and a lump in the throat to awkwardness waning the actor to do better. Some actors definitely stood out more than others. Also each actor seemed to be extremely nervous each said they had never been like that before, forgetting lines etc... BUT the casting has been finalized... Which isent out to everyone..
23rd March- I went through the script with Scott to get all his cuts and scenes etc and any extra information.... Will have to re-do my 'book' as its not quite up to standard after reviewing my notes from Ali-Mo's class in 1st year. I typed up the scenes to send to everyone...
Scott also sent out the action chart...
The Beginning of it All
Presentations: (8th March) Ive wanted to be the stage manager for A Clockwork Orange right from the very first mention of doing it, maybe even before. I really enjoyed ASM with Laura for Jungle last year and felt ready do step up to the big, all important job of Stage Manager for our final year at CSU. The main reasons why I enjoyed ASM so much was being able to be apart of the production from beginning to end, seeing it progress in rehearsals and finally seeing it come together with each aspect of design. Being in a role that allows me to be apart of the production so closely ie every rehearsal, brings a passion out of me that ive never experienced.
During presentations, I thought every one had some good ideas which could have taken our production in anyway, however I am glad with the final decision:
SM- Kerri
DSM- Sam VDP
Sound- Peri, Laura
Lighting- Liam, Maddy
Set- Gab
Construction Set- Bel
Costume- Pink
Construction costume- Jeff
Assist Director/projection- Blu
I am ecstatic to be the Stage Manager and hope I can do as great a job as Laura last year...
Getting Organized: Straight after finding out my position as Stage Manager, I had a meeting with Scott (9th March) for all the information needed to get this production started. we discussed the script, rehearsals, auditions and contacts etc I set off to acquire EVERYBODY'S contacts details which proved to be a bigger feat then expected with issues such as readability of hand writing and absences of some. Also the 1st year roles have been designated, I have 6 ASM which will be interesting trying to find them jobs to do...
15th March- The ANIMATORS working on the production were present in class to get their first introduction into our concepts and to meet everyone involved. Set sketches are underway, as well as costume, and sound. Ive kept a close ear in on some meetings with designers just to keep in the know of where we're going design wise.
18th March- Attended rehearsals mainly meet and greet (even though I already know all the actors), we spent the afternoon reading through the script. Helped clean the design shed on this day also.
During presentations, I thought every one had some good ideas which could have taken our production in anyway, however I am glad with the final decision:
SM- Kerri
DSM- Sam VDP
Sound- Peri, Laura
Lighting- Liam, Maddy
Set- Gab
Construction Set- Bel
Costume- Pink
Construction costume- Jeff
Assist Director/projection- Blu
I am ecstatic to be the Stage Manager and hope I can do as great a job as Laura last year...
Getting Organized: Straight after finding out my position as Stage Manager, I had a meeting with Scott (9th March) for all the information needed to get this production started. we discussed the script, rehearsals, auditions and contacts etc I set off to acquire EVERYBODY'S contacts details which proved to be a bigger feat then expected with issues such as readability of hand writing and absences of some. Also the 1st year roles have been designated, I have 6 ASM which will be interesting trying to find them jobs to do...
15th March- The ANIMATORS working on the production were present in class to get their first introduction into our concepts and to meet everyone involved. Set sketches are underway, as well as costume, and sound. Ive kept a close ear in on some meetings with designers just to keep in the know of where we're going design wise.
18th March- Attended rehearsals mainly meet and greet (even though I already know all the actors), we spent the afternoon reading through the script. Helped clean the design shed on this day also.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)