Whether you’ve been in the business for years or you’re just starting out, we can all benefit from looking at the places where conflicts may arise between stage management and performers. Generally, the relationship between the two is one of mutual support and respect. The stage manager acts as advocate, overseer and support for the […]
Leadership hinges upon the intricate interplay of human interactions, perceptions, and experiences. In exploring the landscape of effective leadership, the framework of phenomenology resonates with me. Phenomenology unveils the essence of consciousness and the intricate layers of how individuals perceive and engage with their realities. Within the context of leadership, phenomenology serves as a compelling […]
After a successful film featuring the debut album by Prince, Purple Rain is to become a stage musical. This does come as a bit of a surprise as the film arrived in cinemas nearly 40 years ago. The stage adaptation is gunning for a Broadway debut. More information about the musical is to be officially released later this year, including the hopeful date for the opening night.
Defining Stage Management Stage management stands at the heart of every live performance, serving as the conductor of a behind-the-scenes symphony. Our roles encapsulate the coordination of every element of a production, from rehearsals to performances, and encompasses a myriad of responsibilities, from meticulously organizing rehearsals and coordinating technical aspects to overseeing the execution of […]
Our industry is a dynamic field full of creativity, innovation, and amazing people. However, the glamour often conceals the immense pressures and unique stressors that accompany working in this high-octane industry. From tight deadlines to erratic schedules and intense scrutiny, stage managers face a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact our mental and emotional […]
Introduction Last year at USITT, I attended four seminars about Artificial Intelligence, all about using A.I. image generators to inspire or generate contents for design projects. There was one conversation I found especially fascinating: “Do you think A.I. will eventually replace designers?” “No, but I think designers who use A.I. will eventually replace those who […]
Zurich is always beautiful. However, it is never more picturesque and offers more cultural activities than during summer. The entire city radiates life during those fair weather months. Outdoor cafes and restaurants pop up everywhere as do a myriad of open air concerts, festivals, and movie theatres. One such festival is the “Zuercher Theater Spektakel,” the Zurich Theatre Spectacle, which this year goes into its 43rd successful year.
The Special Gifts Theatre (SGT) is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 2000 to provide individuals who possess a wide array of special needs (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and learning) the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment that the theatre arts can bring. The program, though recreational in scope, is educationally and therapeutically based.
Jan Freese is a charismatic, successful (and I dare say brilliant) set designer from Berlin, Germany. Over the years, he has worked internationally for theater and opera with directors in Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich. Over the last few years, he has also started to work for the opera in Paris.
While many stage professionals are still concerned about the lack of work during the pandemic, we heard of some optimistic news that some countries have a step-by-step plan to open up the economy. Why not take this time to review the protective equipment and prepare yourself to get back to the stage? [Probably, it is on sale during this strange time]
The stage is a partner, a tool, a workplace, and an invitation, all at once. Each artist develops a unique relation to it, one that evolves through time, space, and shows. No place is as versatile as this one and no other blank canvas can appear as dark, bright, or colorful. Just like personal relationships, some appear healthier or messier when viewed the outside. 20 years into a non-monogamist relationship with the stage, Vancouver-born Anna Ward is far from wanting out of it.
“How long can I do this?” and “Why am I doing this?” are very important questions that every artist should be asking themselves. Nothing is more ephemeral than a live performance, no curtain will fall twice on the same show, if only because of the cast who, in spite of being the same as the previous night, will be in a different state of body and mind, just like their audience.
We have seen the reality shows that depict the lives on “stage moms” and the sort. We all watch and cringe or sometimes we even say “hey, I know someone just like that” or “that reminds me of so-in-so”. But the fact is that the odds are that someone else could be saying the same thing about us. We don’t want to face the cold hard truth that we, ourselves, can often dawn those not so desirable traits of a complete stage mom. So, just in case you don’t know how to spot these traits here are a few warning signs. Hopefully it’s not too late!
“The anniversary of his majesty’s birthday was celebrated, as heretofore, at the government house, with loyal festivity. In the evening, the play of the Recruiting Officer was performed by a party of convicts, and honoured by the presence of his excellency, and the officers of the garrison. That every opportunity of escape from the dreariness and dejection of our situation should be eagerly embraced, will not be wondered at. ” – Watkin Tench 1793
I’m addicted to Texture. It’s the app for your iPad (and other devices) that gives you access to tons of magazines. And it’s eye candy heaven! The colours and images are just glorious to take in. And I love it. And this is how I discovered Ashley Graham. Somehow I missed her entrance into the Fashion World but wow!
The New Year is upon us, and everyone at TheatreArtLife has their hopes pinned that 2018 will be a prosperous and fruitful year for our readers. As people kick off 2018, it is traditional that they should devote themselves to causes that will make them better, whether that falls towards heading to the gym more often or giving up their cancer sticks.
As a Canadian theatre artist who often works with regional and summer stock companies outside of my home in Toronto, I have a lot of conversations with my colleagues about our billeting experiences. In my career so far, I have been put up in a hotel room whilst away on contract exactly twice. The rest of the time, I’ve been staying with community members who offer up space for artists in their homes for a host of different reasons. As a result, I’m continuously honing the skill of making a home out of other people’s homes.
Tom Warneke’s 16 Essential Items For An Entertainment Technician article generated many comments and responses from around the globe, so we thought we would collate the feedback and follow up with the public’s suggestions and add to his list. So as decided by you all:
I wouldn’t say I’m a particularly superstitious person but there are certain patterns I like to follow. Call it my show ritual, if you will. Most of these things happen over time on a show and many are forgotten once I move onto another one. Some things, however, stay with me. My signature “Hiya” for check-in before a show, for example, has been with me for as long as I can remember (as I’m sure Anna Robb could attest). I still to this day wear my dads’ watch on opening night (to bring me luck). My little native smurf sits on the left-hand side of my Nomad desk and gets a nod before my first cue (right after I’ve given an exaggerated wink to my long-suffering fellow operator Kirsty). When these little things get missed out, I feel as if my show isn’t the same. I realise of course that in reality, nothing has changed about the show but purely my routine. Still, it bothers the slightly obsessive-compulsive operator part of my brain.
I started in this industry long before things like LinkedIn, Facebook, and employment forums were a thing. Jobs were posted in papers, notice boards or passed around by word-of-mouth. In some ways I’m glad about that, in other ways I’m sad. Things would have been easier to have just connected with a company or a person through social media but instead, I had to do the real legwork.
I draw, I invent, I anticipate, I imagine wildly.
I cut, I sand, I paint, I install, I experiment and I make wishes.
I ornament, I decorate, I enlighten and disguise the stage with my trinkets.
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