Tuesday

Panic

I'm starting to panic...but telling you that is getting ahead of myself. Lets start from the top, shall we?

I got my work schedule today. I usually have mixed feelings about getting this schedule. I'm part excited to see what shows are coming in and which I'm working, and part tired of seeing the same job (load in, load out, electrician, deck crew) listed on each one.

This time was different. I was looking at the call for a FOX television shoot that is taking place on our stage that I was assigned to work. Then I looked at the column describing the crew types needed, expecting to see "load in". Instead I saw "ME" and "Rigger"...

Ok. I've been a ME at a high school...and I rigged one point on a truss once.

-_-

I'm going to talk to my boss...If she thinks I can handle it or if she says I can learn as I go, Ill totally be down for trying...as long as the FOX people know I'm 18 and a student. If she wasn't aware of my inexperience as a rigger, then Ill drop the call. I don't want to be that guy trying to do a crucial job and failing miserably at it.

Also, and I think this is pretty flippin' awesome, that call goes from 9PM to 8AM. Coolest hours ever.

Enjoy life.

-Me.

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Monday

LDI

I went. It was a waste of my time...

I'm a student...so obviously every single vendor ignored me.

I was pissed. Even when I directly asked someone a question, they would tell me to talk to someone else and walk away.

I hope I never need to work with asses like that.

-Me.

EDIT: Props to ETC, who held a student forum. That was a really cool idea and was put together very well. Thanks ETC!

I'll use your products more...If that's possible...

-Me, again.

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For Googles Spiders

This is a a blog about technical theater.

Just because I titled it with "Stagecraft" doesn't mean I don't want it to show up when people search for "technical theater".

Damn you riged stubborn spiders...

-Me.

P.S.- Technical Theater.

-Me, again.

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Sunday

Random Pictures

Pink road case! Sweet!

Photobucket

Our console.

Photobucket

Mics we used for an orchestra show.

Photobucket

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For all the Carpenters

How well do you think you can eyeball it?

The Eyeballing Game

Test yourself!

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Co-Workers

I would call them "colleuges", but they are all folks with 10-30 years expirence, where as I have...lots less.

Any who, my point is, they are your friends. They will do you favors and, in return, expect you to do the same. If you go out of your way to help them, they will go out of their way to help you. For instance, on of my co-workers needed help getting to work, so I gave him a ride.

Yesterday, on my way to work, I locked myself out of my car and, lets suffice it to say I wouldn't have been able to make my call. I dialed up one of my fellow technicians and they gladly covered for me. It's like a cliche family.

P.S.-If you have an embarrassing story about locking yourself out of your car, don't tell your boss unless you want everyone at work to know about it.

-Me.

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Monday

Class Sizes In Relation To Lab Sizes.

So, the technical aspect of the entertainment industry is a pretty hands on thing. Not only that, but most of your skill set comes from expirence, seeing as how most shows don't have the same set up when it comes to any technical aspect...and when I say " most shows don't have the same set up" I mean "no two shows are ever set up the same".

Due to this necessity for "hands-on learning", most of my classes have Labs. For those of you who don't know, a "lab" is time, usually after class, that all are some members of the class use applying what they learned in class to a real life situation. All of my classes have a Lab portion set up so that, for example, 90 "lab hours" are offered, but only 70 must be complete for an "A"

60 for a "B"

50 for a "C"

So on...

Just to get strait to the point, if your labs are set up this way, if you don't just do all 90 hours (You should really do all 90 hours...don't be lazy), try to have your 70 lab hours be the labs with the least amount of people.

I went to an audio lab today...it was total

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x44/OphidianGod/Overkill.jpg

 14 people to run 1 NL4. Wow. There was a lot of awkward hovering as one person did a job, then he would step to the side, and someone else did the next job and so on.

I'm pretty sure that's definitely not what real shows are like...they're lots more frantic


This post really only applys to people with a certen Lab structure...so sorry if this was a waste of some peoples time.

Small Labs people!

-Me.

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Sunday

Asking Questions

Another quickie post.

If you have a question, feel free to ask. If you e-mail me, I'll definately see it, because I check me e-mail all the time. If you ask and I don't know the answer, I can ask someone else for you (because if I don't know, then it's likely I want to).

Also, if you have information to contribute, please do! I would love more input since I can imagine that no 2 experiences in this situation are the same.

Just putting that out there!

P.S.- Stumble my site!

^Cheap Advertising^

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/s/sticking-out-tongue-emoticon.gif

-Me.

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A good place to ask questions

community.livejournal.com/theatre_techies/

I also added it to my links.

Enjoy!

-Me.

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Saturday

Express 24/48

Common console, right? My old high school has one and they called me and asked me to come in and look at it, as it was having problems turning on.

The problem turned out to be power. First, I thought it was a problem inside the power supply, but then it just turns out that the connector that delivers power to the console, which has eight pins, was missing two.

It was pretty lame...anywho, they have a show this week and are going to end up running the show using their dimmer rack.


Sensor+ Standard_AF Rack

I thought it was funny!



-Me.

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Friday

Watching a Show

I dont know if I have mentioned this already, but my school has two theateres, a small one used for class shows and a large one used for tours and rentals.

I saw a really good version of Cabaret last night in the 'lil one. That show is so...emotionally skitzophrenic. One minute your laughing, then, at the end of the scene, something sad will happen. Then the scene ends. Blackout...and when the lights return the mood on stage is light and happy again. It threw me off a little.

Any who, good show. If you get a chance to see it, you should.

http://www.seatwave.com/FileStore/SEASON/IMAGE/cabaret_000045_MainPicture.jpg

-Me.

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Thursday

Being A Technician With Actors Around

Actors are not technicians.

But actors and techies still work in the same industry.

Yet there is still this weird divide between the two. Technicians seem to think that every actor is a stupid, arrogant, baby that requires constant supervision. Actors seem to think that theater technicians are untrained, useless, low-life scum with the same skill-set as a janitor.

Some actors are.

Some techs are.

I don't think it's the norm.

If it was the norm, the entertainment industry would not work at all.

If you are one of the people that lumps all techs/actors in a bad category and will not stop talking about it...

...uhhh...

don't bring it here.

Yeah!

>.>

Talking crap about a large group of people at once, especially if you don't know most of the people, pretty much makes you as silly as the stereotype you're bashing.

Now if you know of a large company of stupid arrogant actors or a team of useless dumb technicians that fit the above stereotypes, by all means, bash away.

Just try to avoid doing it when you should be working.

That's the end of that half energetic rant...

I'm slightly tired tonight.

: )

-Me.

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Links

I added a few links I thought you would find useful. The can be found to your left. So far there are only three, a site where people post job offers, a forum where you can ask people questions, and another blog of a woman who already works in the industry.

Enjoy!

-Me.

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What I Carry

No matter what day it is, Monday through Sunday, I'm working in the Haugh (the name of my venue) or the "Little Theater" (the name of the venue that is also on campus that is used for Labs) for at least a few hours. Now, seeing as how I really don't want to carry my gig bag around every day (it's pretty heavy) I've decided to keep a few small portable things on me at all times.

First, my wrench:

http://images.toolbank.com/images/full/BAH8069C.jpg

Which looks something like that. It's always clipped to my belt-loop using this:

http://www.toolsforstagecraft.com/cucoil2.jpg

As you may know, it's important to keep your tools attached to you in some way when you are on a ladder/truss/cove/catwalk/lift...etc.

Next, I have my Gerber. I love this little tool so much!

Ok...focus...this isn't an add for Gerber...

Gerber Multi-tools MP600

That's pretty much the same model, except mine is black. I carry that in a little pouch that came with the tool.

I also have a flashlight. It's a shitty LED that doesn't seem to be able to handle anything. I ordered this:

https://www.fenix-store.com/images/Fenix%20L2D%20100t.jpg

...and I expect it to arrive soon. That will also go in a little pouch.

I also have a small folding knife:

http://www.landbigfish.com/images/store/Abel-Knife.jpg

Again, not my same knife but you get the picture.

I use all of these tools at lest once a day if not more. The flashlight is pretty much always in my hands (our work lights suck and our basement lights suck) and the wrench is pretty much always is use too (focusing, dur).

You don't need to carry all of this stuff with you necessarily, but I do find it useful. Just get into your groove first, and then decide if you need any of this stuff.

Don't just go out and blow your (or your parents') money.

Gerber rocks.

-Me.

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Wednesday

'Da Rules

My boss sent me this sheet. It's pretty much the rules for the venue I work at. I found it very insightful...and lets face it, pretty funny. I hope you enjoy it
-Me.

Things Every HPAC Stagehand and Shop Crew Should Know
Some portions borrowed from Local 16, San Francisco, CA

General Information
1. Dan’s office number: Omitted For Privacy

2. Karen’s office number: Omitted For Privacy

3. John’s office number: Omitted For Privacy

4. Arrive early to put personal belongings away. Arriving at the call time is already five minutes late.

5. Professionals carry the tools needed to do the job, they know how to use them, and they keep them in good working order. The tools you need to do a job are of little use if they’re in your car or locker. Keep them close.

6. Always bring your name tag to show calls.

7. Don’t wear open-toed shoes to work. Period.

8. We wear a lot of black here. If you are on a show call and not in black, then dress professionally.

9. Always sign in and out. Know the classifications. If you don’t, then ask.

10. Let your supervisor know you’re here and if you leave the area. Don’t make them go look for you.

11. You are a part of a larger picture. The success of the whole depends on the performance and behavior of each individual. The failure of one individual reflects on the dependability and character of this venue. It only works if everybody does their best, together.

General Stage Etiquette
12. You don’t know everything!.......yet! Don’t expect to know everything you need to know the first day.

13. Facing the audience: Stage Right is to your right. Stage Left is to your left. Upstage is behind you, and Downstage is in front of you.

14. If you can see the audience, they can see you.

15. If you don’t know what it is, you can’t sit on it.

16. Don’t assume that the way you do things is THE way. There are many ways to do most of what we do. The person “responsible” for the project gets to pick THE WAY, as they typically have more information and not always enough time to share it.

17. If in doubt, ask.

18. Listen and learn. You can’t listen while you’re talking.

19. NEVER sit on or play with the props.

20. Do not answer your cell phone if you’re working. If time allows, and you’re not specifically on a task, limit it to less than 2 minutes, or else wait for the break. Nothing is that important! If it is, clear it with the person in charge.

21. Never talk negatively about the talent or other crew when on a call, no matter how “close” you are to them. If you can do something better than what you see, audition or apply for it.

22. Bad attitudes are like alcohol. They blur your judgment and neither is allowed at the Haugh.

Safety:
23. NOBODY DIES!!

24. It can kill you!

25. Your body has many parts; none of them are spares.

26. Assume it’s hot.

27. Don’t do dumb things.

28. If it can cut wood, metal, or rope, it can cut you. Keep your hands out of the way.


Page 2


29. Always unplug a power tool before changing blades, disks, etc…

30. Make sure the switch is OFF before plugging in or unplugging any tool or device.

31. Check equipment and cords before each use. Report any damage you make or find. You won’t get in trouble; it only speeds up the repairs.

32. Just because it’s not a power tool, doesn’t mean it won’t injure you.

33. You only have two eyes. Protect them. Wear safety goggles, even for a short cut.

34. You only have one back. Bend at the knees, lift with your legs.

35. Grip flats from the same side as your partner.

36. Ladders are one of the most dangerous tools we use. The top of it is there to hold the legs together, not to act as a work platform or storage shelf.

37. If it hurts, it’s bad. Stop doing it.

38. Look up! Look Down! The entertainment environment is a constant changing one – just because the stairs were there a minute ago, doesn’t mean they’re still there now. Battens show up at the strangest times. Watch where you’re going.

39. The mic is always on, the batten is always out of weight, the light is always hot, there are always screws on the stage, and the pit is down. Even if they appear otherwise, treat them as if they are!


Audio


40. Line ON, Amps ON. Amps OFF, line OFF.

41. Mark it!

42. Never wrap cable around your elbow.

43. Coil it neatly. The next person hates knots!

44. Remove any show specific markings before it gets put away.

45. Mic clips stay with the mics.


Lighting and Electrical


46. Green is ground. White is neutral. Black, Red and Blue are hot…

47. Amps = Watts / Volts. Conversely, Watts = Volts x Amps.

48. Never touch the lamp!

49. When in doubt: First on, last off. Last on, first off.

50. If still in doubt, just ask.

51. In fact, whenever in doubt, ask!

52. In almost all cabling applications (electric and audio), the male end (pin) goes to the power (or control). Intercom is the main exception.


Rigging


53. The bowline, the half hitch, the clove hitch, the square knot, the snub/rolling knot, and a trucker’s hitch.

54. An uncle buddy is not a pry bar.

55. Always coil twisted rope clock-wise.

56. Front line is in. Back line is out.

57. If you don’t know whether or not you should be wearing a harness, you shouldn’t be off the ground.

58. Never saddle a dead horse. Know when and how to use clips. Torque them.

59. The vertical face of a box truss forms M’s and W’s.

60. Is the rail really clear?

61. Empty your pockets before going above.


Stuff in General


62. It’s not about you.

63. If you don’t do it, who will?

64. Measure twice. Cut, hang, or move once.

65. If it’s broken, report it, tag it, and put it the repair box.

66. There is no substitute for a job well done.

67. Would you rehire someone like yourself next time?

68. If you use it, got it out, ate it, or seeing it lying around – clean it up or put it away!

69. These rules are numbered for reference – not priority. Whichever one you screw up first automatically becomes #1.

70. Be nice, be great and have fun.


By far, number 69 is my favorite.

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Tuesday

Mike Birbiglia

Or however you spell his name...

Anywho...his two albums are almost identical. It's very annoying.

Don't buy both of them.

-Me

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More comparison.

My high school was pretty poor. I mean, our sound technology didn't get more advanced than a half broken Yamaha 0v1 and a bunch of wireless lavs that we didn't have enough distro to run effectively, and our lighting was pretty much 16 36 degree Source 4s, 8 MF Par Cans, and a bunch of fresnels and parnels. We had no variety when it came to equipment and all of our lighting was wired by students, causing our poor breaker to flip a bitch at least four times per rehearsal until my two friends, the tech instructor and I could fix all the problems, which was pretty much always wiring the ground to the hot and hot to the ground on a stage pin.

Don't worry though, once you get out of high school, these problems are non-existent. You rarely have to worry about the way something is wired (I have yet to) and your equipment has everything it needs to function at 100%.

For instance, our stage has outlets all over that are reserved for audio. The outlets all share a common earth ground, preventing ground loops. Apparently that's common in the real world, but again, something I didn't expect coming out of high school.

Good things.

-Me.

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Sunday

Its Been A While

I don't know how I could have possibly forgotten to update this site...anyway.

I've been working at the Haugh (the name of the venue at my college) for a couple of weeks now, and I really like it. The people there are generally amazingly nice and down to earth folks. Anyone would be lucky to learn and work with these people. One thing about working in professional theater...the hours are looong. I was working on a show called "Nunsense" that was touring through the Haugh that loaded in, preformed its show, and loaded out, all in the same night.

Now, apparently this is completely normal. Common. "Un-faintastic". I was blushing as the crew was laughing at me for thinking this show would be on a high school timeline (which, for me, was a load in that took weeks, a run of a couple of days, and a strike of a zillion years).

Be prepared to work till 1am.

If your lucky.

-Me.

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