#foreveramarshmallow

[aiee]

My favorite Pi Day tradition. #foreveramarshmallow

[katerinaraine]

No problem! Also, is your profile pic you?

Yeah it’s me as Harley Quinn for halloween

[counterintelligent]

do you mean fuck tyler from ink master in a good way or a bad way? like fuck him or fuck, him

i liked tyler at the beginning of the season but then ??? when he started dating marissa i didn’t like how he talked about her and idk i don’t like him anymore

[hraugur]

FIGHT ME

I REFUSE TO FALL TO A MARSHMALLOW. AND IF I SHOULD, YOU’RE COMING WITH ME!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpl7XU9sLfs

[housetohalf]

what is a sex doughnut

A time-honored tradition (typically seen in summer stock, but not exclusive) that should an actor, stage manager, or crew person gets lucky the night before, they are "obligated" to bring in doughnuts for the company the next morning. It's a subtle way to brag about getting some, and those who didn't get doughnuts!

It typically only applies to one night stands/the first time in a burgeoning relationship, not for married people or people in long-term relationships.

It's the best tradition.

[housetohalf]

I really appreciate your answer regarding the return stage manager. on another note, do you know anything, or happen to know anyone who knows anything, about the Alabama University technical theater program?

No problem. I don't offhand, I'd recommend checking out smblrsunite's directory or the SM network's forums.

[housetohalf]

hi so i was wondering if you could talk a little bit about the maternal stage manager stereotype thing because that was something i super prided myself on but now i'm not so sure

The maternal stage manager stereotype (which I see exclusively in women, about which more later)

Treats her cast like children: assumes they are helpless and that it is her divine duty to hold their hands through the whole process. Doesn't trust them to read a calendar or a note on the call board. Talks down to them, especially with regards to safety and their duties in scene changes.

Thinks bringing baked goods will automatically get her in everyone's good graces. (Don't get me wrong, I love baking and when my SMs bake for the cast, but I don't use it a ploy for love, I do it because cookies are delicious and tech is hard)

Has a desperate need to be liked at the expense of her job effectiveness. At the end of the day, you don't need your cast to love you. You need them to respect and listen to you. Yes, that is a thousand times easier when they do like you, and you should be a likable person. But there will people in your casts who will never be your friend for a myriad of reasons. As long as they still respect your decisions and leadership, it ultimately doesn't matter. Don't lose sleep over it.

Is too forgiving of errors: If a crew person is consistently coming late, call him on it. If your actress is constantly screwing up a crucial line, keep giving the note. If the have excuses or explanations, listen to them and instead of saying "oh that's fine", explain how it's not fine and brainstorm solutions to fix it.

A disclaimer: there are times when doing small facets of these examples is acceptable/necessary, but that is case by case and depends on your judgement and attitude.

I used to have actors who would call me Mom, "Thank you 10, Mom!", that sort of thing. In the words of Liz Lemon, shut it down. A quick, friendly, "I'm not your mom, I'm your stage manager." is all that's needed (usually).

The reason I hate this stereotype is because it happens (almost) exclusively with cis-female stage managers. It robs us of our leadership potential when we are relegated in the minds of our cast to a domestic role that is coded as subservient and a safety net. To me it also conjures up the image of the moms in high school theatre who made the costumes and chaperoned the cast parties because "it was something to do". Being considered a maternal stage manager does not make me feel like I am being regarded as a professional who has spent nearly a decade in honing my skills.

I have never noticed a cis-male stage manager having this problem. Chalk it up to the patriarchy or male privilege, but I've never interacted with a male stage manager who was treated like the girl who volunteered to organize everything and set up the snacks. They're taken as seriously as the director is. (This is in my experience and I am sure there are exceptions)

It also makes conditions actors to be lazy and helpless. There is absolutely no reason for young adult/adult actors to not be responsible for checking the call board for notes, and communicating conflicts to you. (yes, following up is doing due diligence, but it's time consuming to have to hold everyone's hand through it). An actor who is cognizant enough to notice a personal prop is going to break soon and lets me know before it breaks will always be more helpful than one who breaks it and looks at me like the world has ended. I do not think it is too much to ask/expect of a performer to at least be a little aware of what's going on directly around them.

Ultimately, I don't stage manage FOR a cast, I stage manage WITH a cast.

Hope this makes sense.

[housetohalf]

bed. 13/12 doctors would recommend.

It's only like 10:30. I'm mostly just bored. Thanks!