Blog 8: Independent Component 1 Proposal

This is what being a stage manager feels like a lot of the time. Yet, I love it none the less.

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

I plan to spend more than 30 hours on my independent component by running every rehearsal for Midsummer/Jersey by Ken Ludwig. Not only will I be running the rehearsals, but I will also be running the technical aspect and overseeing the set and all other aspects of the show (except the acting, I can't act). This will culminate to more than 30 hours, guaranteed.

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

I will be showing the calendar that Hogan and I have created for the rehearsals along with a log of how long it takes me to make the charts and other necessary aspects of the show.

3.  Explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

I believe there is no better way to learn something than to just dive in and do it. I have been stage managing for the past 2 years at iPoly, but now that this is my independent component, Hogan is relying on me a lot more than previous years.

4.  Update your Senior Project Hours log.

I really do need to do this...

This is me by opening night of the show.

Last day of mentorship

This is not a required post for the senior project, but I felt the need to post about it because it applies to my project.

Tonight was the last night of "Macbeth" with the Southern California Shakespeare Festival. It was extremely bitter sweet to say goodbye to the set, costumes and props as the cast and crew took everything down and put it all away. 

As the first professional show I have been assistant stage manager for, I feel an extreme attachment to this show. I have had so many good memories with the cast and crew and will never forget my experience with this company. They have helped my passion for theatre grow immensely and I cannot thank each one of the cast and crew enough for that. The memories we have made will forever be in my heart and I hope to keep in contact with many of my new friends and hopefully work with some in the future. 

I recommend that everyone experiences a show by SCSF one day because everyone works very hard and gives each show their best.   

Please excuse the man in his underwear, he decided to be in his costume for the "Drunken Porter"

Blog 7 - Second Interview Preparation

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?  If their workplace does not reflect their expertise, what makes them an expert? 

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

1. When was your interest in theatre started?

2. How did you get into stage management?

3. When did you know stage management was the career path for you?

4. What schooling are you going for to be a stage manager?

5. Do you think that you will be stage managing for the rest of your life?

Blog 6 - Advisory Prep

Me when everything is happy and good during the show.

1. What has worked well for you concerning senior project this year?  What has made it a positive experience for you? 

Something that has worked well for me this year concerning the senior project was that  i really opened myself up to new experiences with new people. I have met so many new people through my mentorship and I am really happy that I have met these people because they have given me so much advice about stage managing. The people I work with have made this a very positive experience because they have been super kind, supportive and helpful. 

2. What are you finding difficult concerning senior project?  How can you adapt to make that portion work better for you?  How might the senior team help?

I think that keeping up with all of the logs and wb pretty difficult. I should stop putting off the things I need to keep up with. I should also start actually working 4th block like I say I'm going to. The senior team really can't do too much to help my procrastination problem... unfortunately ...

Me when everything is going wrong during the show.

Blog 5 - Interview 1 Reflection

1. What is the most important thing I learned from the interview?  Is there anything I would do differently for other interviews?

The most important thing that I learned from this interview is that you really need to have a passion for theatre to be able to be a stage manager. Spending your days and nights inside of a theatre takes a lot of devotion and discipline, especially when you have to watch the same show over and over again to get cues exactly right. 

2. Did I get additional resources and contacts?  What is the most useful?  Why?

Johanna told me that I should talk to Jeff in the theatre building at Cal Poly because he is always eager to help young theatre lovers. This one was the most helpful because Jeff has been teaching the technical theatre class at Cal Poly for many years and is an active stage manager at the same time.

3. What makes my interviewee qualified to help me? 

Johanna is an assistant stage manager with me at the theatre and is always with me. She is great at answering my questions and is qualified because she has stage managed so many more shows than I have. She is going to Cal Poly right now for technical theatre and is going to graduate soon and wants to be a professional.

This is the link to a portion of my interview.

https://soundcloud.com/jenelle-huck/interview-1-sound 

Blog 4 - House Advisory Prep 1

This is me when I get to go see a play.

Through my senior project topic I hope to figure out if this something I want to do when I get out of high school. I know I have a passion for stage managing but I am not sure if it is something I would want to do with my life. I would also like to learn how to make my last shows at iPoly the best Hogan has ever put on, at least the best set and overall tech.

Blog 3-Interview Preperation

1. I plan to interview Johanna from my mentorship because even though she is an asm with me, she has been a stage manager for quite some time and has really helped me get the most out of my mentorship.

2.The additional questions I will be asking are:
- When you do SM, how much time outside of the space do you spend on the show?
-What's your favorite part of being an SM?
-BONUS! What is your least favorite characteristic in an actor?