The Theatre Question Amnesty Thread

[SuperTrooper]

Mar 6, 2024 8:14:01 GMT happysooz2 said:

Interesting. What is LX in the above post?

LX = Electrics 

[Distant Dreamer...]

Mar 5, 2024 23:21:56 GMT SuperTrooper said:

Mar 5, 2024 21:44:19 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Here’s something I’ve always wondered about. In musical theatre I’ve noticed the MD speaks on a phone (which is usually black for some reason, the traditional chorded type) before a show starts and before the interval. I assume this is to speak to stage management to confirm they are ready to start…but I’ve noticed these calls can last for up to a few minutes which seems a long time for a quick “we’re ready”…sooo what is discussed? 🤭😀 

Once Beginners is called, the DSM comes on cans and checks everyone in. 
The conversation with the MD is checking they have a full band/orchestra and that everyone is happy with the set up. Sometimes a call will go out for LX to sort out a problem with a Music Stand, or to Sound for a Comms problem.

Obviously the weather, a day off or other such important things can also be discussed at this point too 😁

Thank you! I’m sure some of those calls are amusing to listen to.

[Distant Dreamer...]

Another one from me, mainly associated with musicals too. I love sitting near to the stage and when you sit in the side seats you often get a good view into all the activity that goes into the wings. I’ve noticed some times a member of the backstage team will either wait to collect a cast member in the wings and/or cue them on. This made me wonder, how often is this done in musicals? And leading on from this, what measures are taken to ensure cast enter stage at the correct moment and exit safely?

[SuperTrooper]

Mar 7, 2024 19:48:51 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Another one from me, mainly associated with musicals too. I love sitting near to the stage and when you sit in the side seats you often get a good view into all the activity that goes into the wings. I’ve noticed some times a member of the backstage team will either wait to collect a cast member in the wings and/or cue them on. This made me wonder, how often is this done in musicals? And leading on from this, what measures are taken to ensure cast enter stage at the correct moment and exit safely?

The DSM controls everyone!

If actors have a long enough break between scenes they may go back to their dressing room, a call will be put out 5/10 minutes before the next time they need to be on stage. The ASM will then let the DSM they are standing by.
Stage Crew/ASM's will open the black masking to allow cast to get on or off stage.

The DSM also does FoH calls (mostly) and will do a call 5/10 minutes before the interval to FoH so they are ready.

[Distant Dreamer...]

Thank you SuperTrooper, that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. 

Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms?

[SuperTrooper]

Mar 8, 2024 16:35:00 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Thank you SuperTrooper , that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. 

Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms?

Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary!

There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance!

If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby.

[Distant Dreamer...]

Mar 8, 2024 23:42:31 GMT SuperTrooper said:

Mar 8, 2024 16:35:00 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Thank you SuperTrooper , that it really interesting. The DSM and ASM roles can be properly described as dealing with logistics! I wonder if the DSM feels like a chess master. 

Where would cast normally go if there is insufficient time to return to their dressing rooms?

Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary!

There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance!

If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby.

Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂

[SuperTrooper]

Mar 9, 2024 9:30:52 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Mar 8, 2024 23:42:31 GMT SuperTrooper said:

Logistics is a big part of Stage Management, logistics and stationary!

There's not a lot of spare time on musicals really, especially if there is a decent sized ensemble who would probably be changing costumes as soon as they exit stage ready for their next entrance!

If there are a few free minutes then they'll hang out in the change areas/stairs/corridor offstage so they're nearby.

Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂

😆 
Sharpies & hi-lighters are kept safe and not leant out!

Notebooks, post-its.

If a Ryman run is needed there are always plenty of volunteers!

[Distant Dreamer...]

Oh I can understand the importance of highlighters and sharpies. Never trust an actor to return your stationary!!

[Distant Dreamer...]

Hopefully this fits into the topic and is deemed to be acceptable.

Do actors receive sick pay if they are not able to perform (either the odd performance or slightly longer term)?

[d'James]

Mar 16, 2024 16:57:59 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Hopefully this fits into the topic and is deemed to be acceptable.

Do actors receive sick pay if they are not able to perform (either the odd performance or slightly longer term)?

I’ve always wondered this, too.

[Dr Tom]

Mar 9, 2024 9:30:52 GMT Distant Dreamer... said:

Sooo the most important question is…what are the most coveted stationary items? 😂

That all depends on the complexity of the set and how much movement is required!

[Jon]

Strange question but in 2021, 2.22 and The Windsors: Endgame went to the Noel Coward and Prince of Wales because their current shows at the time were not ready to return but what happened to the sets of those shows, did they go into storage or did they build a set in front of another set?

[marob]

Don’t know about sets but the Windsors definitely still had the church proscenium arch from Book of Mormon.

[edi]

What are fake cigarettes made of and are they safe for the health?

In the Hills of California there was a lot of smoking!

If an actor is not prepared to smoke even these presumably herbal cigarettes, what happens?

[Jon]

Apr 28, 2024 7:42:25 GMT edi said:

What are fake cigarettes made of and are they safe for the health?

In the Hills of California there was a lot of smoking!

If an actor is not prepared to smoke even these presumably herbal cigarettes, what happens?

I assume that they can work around by making the characters not smoke.

Vaping is one I wonder about, it is a real vape or a prop vape?

[firefingers]

Yes you can get rechargeable vape imitation cigarettes now. Previously herbal cigarettes were normal. Some actors will still insist on the real deal to make them more authentic. When the smoking ban was introduced in the UK a specific exemtion for performances was put in to ensure theatrical pieces weren't compromised. This led to bands etc declaring smoking as a key part of their performance so they could smoke on stage as well.

[Deleted]

Plays featuring someone playing Churchill were an issue I remember with the cigars a key prop.

If a character is required to smoke and the actor playing the part somoked in real life and wanted to use real cigarettes even herbal ones could other actors in the scene object I wonder? Would it be up for the director/producer to make the decision?

[blamerobots]

Apr 28, 2024 12:37:32 GMT Jon said:

Apr 28, 2024 7:42:25 GMT edi said:

What are fake cigarettes made of and are they safe for the health?

In the Hills of California there was a lot of smoking!

If an actor is not prepared to smoke even these presumably herbal cigarettes, what happens?

I assume that they can work around by making the characters not smoke.

Vaping is one I wonder about, it is a real vape or a prop vape?

In some shows I think the vapes use nicotine-free fluid or something like that, or are fancy humidifier machines which in musicals can definitely help But I'm not well versed on it, I'd have to ask some friends.

[Jon]

In commercial theatre, the producers often collaborates with the creative team and actors saying what isn't working or is working since money is on the line but is that the case for theatres like the National, Old Vic etc or do ADs leave directors and creative teams to their own devices?

[nick]

Apr 28, 2024 14:22:31 GMT @scarletmood said:

Plays featuring someone playing Churchill were an issue I remember with the cigars a key prop.

If a character is required to smoke and the actor playing the part somoked in real life and wanted to use real cigarettes even herbal ones could other actors in the scene object I wonder? Would it be up for the director/producer to make the decision?

In the uk you can’t smoke in a public indoor space so I assume it’s not allowed.

[mrnutz]

May 26, 2024 9:50:22 GMT nick said:

Apr 28, 2024 14:22:31 GMT @scarletmood said:

Plays featuring someone playing Churchill were an issue I remember with the cigars a key prop.

If a character is required to smoke and the actor playing the part somoked in real life and wanted to use real cigarettes even herbal ones could other actors in the scene object I wonder? Would it be up for the director/producer to make the decision?

In the uk you can’t smoke in a public indoor space so I assume it’s not allowed.

There is an exemption in the law for smoking as part of a performance / on stage.

From Wikipedia:

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in theatres and television studios, actors and actresses can smoke tobacco on theatre stages or on television sets if the artistic integrity makes it appropriate. However, once the person leaves the stage or set, the item must be snubbed out. Normal smoking laws exist for all other parts of the theatre or television studio, including green rooms, rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms.[16] There have been calls for this exemption to be scrapped, for the health of other actors and audiences.[17] This exemption does not apply to Scotland, where smoking is completely banned in theatres. Comedian Mel Smith tried to defy the smoking ban by threatening to smoke a real cigar during a play about Winston Churchill during the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe, however he stopped before lighting the cigar.

[Jon]

After seeing Boys from the Blackstuff, I have a few questions:

1. How did they turn the Olivier into a Pro arch theatre when it's normally a thrust stage?

2. With scenes involving food or drink, do actors tend not to eat or drink much beforehand?

[Rory]

Jun 3, 2024 0:53:18 GMT Jon said:

After seeing Boys from the Blackstuff, I have a few questions:

1. How did they turn the Olivier into a Pro arch theatre when it's normally a thrust stage?

2. With scenes involving food or drink, do actors tend not to eat or drink much beforehand?

Not sure of the exact answer to your first query but they removed the thrust and added in extra stalls seating. But the removal of the thrust made if feel very far away in the Circle, even front row.

[theatresellers]

How much will a first-time playwright make from a production of a play at a smallish theatre? Is it a set fee in a contract, or a percentage of box office? 


I'm not talking about a once-in-a-million chance massive hit, but rather a one-off production of a play that might never tour again.