Shadowing: General Q&A

[CBT]

It may have it's place on an educational resume - when applying for internships or possible first job outside of school, but it should go away very quickly.

I am still in school, and don't plan on PSMing any time soon. I am, and will be, applying for mostly Internships and PA positions.
I already took out all of my high school productions.

[TechGal]

I am going to be in vegas Tomorrow and go see "Phantom" at the Ventain

I saw the B'way touring production of Phantom last week as it's currently playing in my city.  It's was fabulous!  Being a techie at heart I was totally geeking out.      

I also happen to be fortunate enough to know the production supervisor for the theatre where it's playing and he's been able to arrange for me to sit in one of the production offices backstage and watch the show via the video monitor and listen to it being called over the clear com biscuit.  I might be able to sit backstage, but he wasn't making any promises.  Regardless of where I observe from, I'm still hoping to be able to meet the SM and chat a bit. I'm going this weekend.  I can't wait!!!   

[Bonus]

Well,
I am amazed! 25 years ago, when I started the SMA program that we called "Operation Observation," I never dreamed it would still be going strong all these years later. And all across the country!
I am so happy and proud to see all the young stage managers out there talking about "observing." And I am also thrilled that those of you who are currently calling a show have allowed sm's backstage to see how it's done.
Keep up the good networking!
Spread the word!
Take care.
Bo Metzler

[SummerShakespeare]

I'm still hoping to be able to meet the SM and chat a bit.

That would be so cool! I hope you get in!

[Techguy]

Does anyone know any of the SM team at the MET?  I am going to NYC in a week and a half and am trying to get an observation in there but I cannot get anything past the HR department....if anyone would be so kind as to help me that would be great!!

Thanks!!

[Scott (formerly Digga)]

I'm at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT calling The Price till Feb 17th and also in rehearsals for Driving Miss Daisy (Open on Feb 29th).  If anyone wants to shadow us, shoot me an email at lcpomo@gmail.com

Scott

[Kilodolcevita]

I'm a senior in high school, considering pursuing a collegiate education in Technical Theatre/Stage Management with hopes of one day acquiring a professional career in the field. While I had a rough understanding of what such a job entails (all of which I'm amenable to..) I gathered that there was simply tons of responsiblities that I didn't know about the job. I didn't want to get get an education for something I'd find only after attaining, that it wasn't my "thing".  So to cure any false conceptions about the job, I recently shadowed the PSM of the National Jersey Boys Tour for a performance during their run in Cleveland. It was a phenomenal experience to say the least, and many of my ideas about professional PSM/SMing materialized, as well as aspects of the job i wasn't familiar with. I was exceedingly greatful for the opportunity, but I now find myself again in the dark about a few things...

For one, I realized I only saw a GLIMPSE of the PSM's job while he called the show, and to truly understand all the perameters of it, one would just have to be there from the beginning. No, I don't mean the rehearsal process, because I rather think that'd be both impossible and tedious. Or vice versa. But to be there from the tour's arrival to the theatre, when nothing is set up, and you've got only a few days to set up for a 5-week run, before you pick up and leave again. I'm writing to inquire if anybody has ever heard/done of this?? I figure if you can learn so much in just watching the calling of one show, there has to be so much more that one doesn't see, until it's actually you there doing it for a living.  So i guess what I'm trying to relate is -- "shadowing" days before performances even begin.. Is it possible? Unheard of? I know there may be scenarios where extra bodies around would only inhibit the setting-up process, for a tour show that opens in only a few days time. I feel as if organizing a "shadowing" session as extensive as this, would be almost impossible to happen.


So...What do you think? I need thoughts/opinions/possible outlets...
and preferably in Cleveland, as I am still in high-school, and only an hour out from the city... but i think to do this would be worth it. Cleveland's Playhouse Square is offering a full season of Broadway Tours.. so it's just something to think about...

[nmno]

Good for you to take the initiative and start shadowing.  I wouldn't expect a show to let you come in and watch the load in, etc...  There's too much going on and too great a liability (my show has had frequent requests from people wanting to intern - we'll have them come shadow the call, but other than that, we can't really offer much else.)
It's great that you are curious and thinking about it but, how to say..., you might be getting yourself a bit in over your head at this point.  Frankly, I think you might benefit more from observing/interning at a local regional theatre...  You'll be able to see/understand more, the PSM will probably have more time to play teacher, the theatre probably has some kind of program set up (an education or intern department), and you'll be able to see an environment that you are more likely to work in in the upcoming future.

[Kilodolcevita]

first off, i appreciate your advice. i apologize if i sound over my head... chances are i probably am. i currently am interning for a technical theater scholarship at Kent State Univ. for their Summerstock program.. and i have to admit it was alarming to go from working on a summerstock stage to observing an equity stage full tilt for a day...  i figured going beyond shadowing a call was nigh impossible, but i'd rather that i'd have asked for opinions about it here, before i went about trying it!!! thanks, nonetheless..

[GalFriday]

I would recommend splitting the difference...the Cleveland/Akron Area has a wide range of theatres. I would suggest shadowing in an Equity non-tour environment...Carousel & Great Lakes are two places that come to mind but I have not lived in the Area for a long time. I would think these theatres would have more time to talk you through what is going on but still expose you to a more professional environment than a typical summer stock. You are very lucky to live in an area with so much theatre...and yet....a much less competitive environment than you might find in a larger city. Take advantage and remember there is a whole world of theatre outside of production contracts....   

[Kilodolcevita]

wordd...

I actually have recently seen a few shows at the carousel, all of which were fantastically designed. I took your advice, and went to see who i might be getting in contact with staff-wise there, and it turns out the Production Manager of the Carousel is actually from my city, and graduated from a high school right down the street from my house, as well as graduated from the university i am currently interning at... it's a small, small world...

 

[GalFriday]

Was that Mike Stein? Is he still there - Wow!...I am glad they were able to assist you. Mike was the PSM when I worked there and would be interesting to follow.

[Rebelsw/oapplause]

Hey guys I just got my letter back in the mail today and they are letting me shadow at A Chorus Line! I also sent out 7 other letters but am still waiting for a reply. A Chorus Line replied 2 days after I sent it!!! So overall, Im just wondering what to expect when shadowing the show? Has anyone ever done it before?

[Jessie_K]

I have shadowed several shows.  You will probably be asked to arrive about 1/2 hour before the show.  The SM(s) will probably show you their office, walk you through the preset check and set up you up with a headset and a seat near the calling station.  You will watch the show as they see it (monitors, etc) and be able to ask questions during down time.

It can be a great learning experience even for SMs with a good deal of professional experience to watch other SMs in action.

[CBT]

I just shadowed last week and got to hear the SM call the show for the first time.

It was fun