What I Do At Work: Backstage Edition
January 9, 2010 at 7:11 am 1 comment
The Time: 6:20 pm
We are on Day 2 of Tech. for Romeo & Juliet, having just returned from the Equity dinner break. The actors are getting into costume and are about to come to the stage. I have checked the props Stage Left, Up Center, On-Stage and Stage Right. Letters, potions, poisons, daggers and swords are all in place. I check-in with the Assistant Stage Manager.
Me: Is there anything else you need?
SM: Yes, could you please move the potted plant.
(pause)
Me: What?
SM: The potted plant up-stage.
Me: Potted plant?
SM: Yes.
Me: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
SM: There is a giant plant sitting in the middle of the Cross-Over.
Me: You’re so full of shit.
SM: I am not. There is a huge potted plant. Sitting. In the middle. Of the Cross-Over.
Me: What-Ever.
SM: (rolls eyes)
We cross up-stage.
Me: mumble mumble potted plant grumble grumble
Sure enough, there it is. A 4-foot tall fake potted plant sitting smack in the middle of the Cross-Over. There are no potted plant props in the show. There is no potted plant set dressing in the show. No one knows where it came from.
Me: Who would just put something right in the middle of the Cross-Over. Phhh. It must have been the electricians.
WTF
Entry filed under: That's Show Biz, Uncategorized. Tags: electricians, props, stage managers, theatre, What I do at work, work.
Sara Today 
1.
Bee | January 10, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Mercury Retrograde. Dec 26- Jan 15.
Usually there’s one or two a year, this year it is 4. Full Moons and Mercury Retrogrades affect me each time I’m in a show with one. Put yourself on alert for a few more days. I’m sure the electricians have all sorts of ghosting lights and they blame the sound guys.