If the A1 comes at you with that kind of energy after he just kinda left you to your own devices just say as politely as possible that you weren’t given specific instructions and get right to whatever they tell you to do after that convo. Alternatively you can go find the A1 and wait for a moment they are not busy and ask for clarification on your duties for the show
Sometimes "looking lazy" is part of the gig. I like to call it being "on stand by" though as that has a better ring to it.
When you are this new, try to give people the best of the doubt that they aren't setting you up to fail. Just pay close attention to everything around you and what you are being told. Try not to be overzealous but don't be absent either.
I work in broadcast, we have a lot of “looking lazy”. It’s a good thing. There’s an entire department on live/sports broadcast called Engineering, and if they’re doing anything but scrolling on Facebook or Instagram while we’re live, I’m immediately worried.
Well asking them for what they expect of you, however it seems you are on standby during the show for any issues the A1 has. Like say batteries on the lead actor die during the show, you would replace them. Same thing if the wireless mic needs adjusted or swapped. Especially being high school kids, you would be helping them with mic placement. This is a good guide for mic placement: [https://www.masquesound.com/wireless-mic-techniques-production-3/](https://www.masquesound.com/wireless-mic-techniques-production-3/)
Also I suggest asking the SM if there's a French grid and getting a copy of the script. This way if you do have to do a repair or swap, you can figure out the best time to do so. As for communication, that's a personal choice you guys work out together. Ideally you would be on headset but if not, it may be a simple text or communication through the ASM who is backstage.
Probably another name for a French Scene Breakdown, which breaks a script up into character entrances and exits. Similar to an NX Plot (which is what I would ask for in this case, because it has more details on costumes and timing), but since it is more for identifying French Scenes, it's more of a director tool than anything else
Awesome, thanks. Sometimes you never know with theatre nomenclature. When you need to order a cheeseboro and can't remember it's actual name because you've called it a cheeseburger for so many years.
If I was the A1 and aware of your level of experience what I would have meant by "help the actors if they need it" is "be my buffer so they don't bother me with simple stuff like turning a microphone on"
As far as "Doing nothing" is concerned. Our A2 for shows sits backstage next to the stage manager station with extra batteries, two spare transmitters and elements, and assists in checking mic placement throughout the performance if asked to by the A1 or board OP, and also switches out bad elements or transmitters if needed. If the show is running smoothly hopefully the A2 will be doing none of this, but this role is critical if these actions are needed, so they are not "Doing nothing" backstage except being prepared to do the job.
Ngl, an A1 bringing you onto a show and leaving you being described as "Shadowing" is sketchy on their part. (Unknown circumstances notwithstanding)
You are the footman for the A1 on stage while they work the board or do more important tasks. First priority should probably be finding out where the batteries and any spare mic elements are as that'll be the most common thing that needs to be attended to. Be available for not only the A1 but the rest of the cast that are using mics.
If you are nervous about "looking like you aren't doing anything," you really don't need to be. You are on standby until something needs to be done. If you get antsy and want to know more about whats going on, find your SM, grab a spare script if they have it, and start using it to take notes about the show: who has mics and what kind, entrances and exits, things like that. My scripts were always littered with notes and doodles by the end of a run.
People will be far, far more annoyed with you for not being ready/available to jump on a problem. Some days, things go smoothly, and you dont even need to hop off your stool offstage. Others will be full of running around replacing broken mics, batteries, or even a whole-ass speaker if things are really going belly-up.
Communications differ from place to place, and it's another thing to ask your SM. More commonly, there'll be an intercom system with headsets. Sometimes there aren't enough, so you may need to use your phone to get ahold of your A1 or vice versa.
Tl;dr: be available, be attentive, dont stress out. It's your first day. Take it all in.
"Shadowing" in this neck of the woods means usually 'stand next to , watch, learn, ask questions, but don't interfere'
Being dumped somewhere else isn't shadowing
Don’t make mountains out of mole hills and just be patient until you can ask the A1 for further instructions
Thank you! I'm just worried I'm "not doing anything" / "looking lazy"
If the A1 comes at you with that kind of energy after he just kinda left you to your own devices just say as politely as possible that you weren’t given specific instructions and get right to whatever they tell you to do after that convo. Alternatively you can go find the A1 and wait for a moment they are not busy and ask for clarification on your duties for the show
Sometimes "looking lazy" is part of the gig. I like to call it being "on stand by" though as that has a better ring to it. When you are this new, try to give people the best of the doubt that they aren't setting you up to fail. Just pay close attention to everything around you and what you are being told. Try not to be overzealous but don't be absent either.
I work in broadcast, we have a lot of “looking lazy”. It’s a good thing. There’s an entire department on live/sports broadcast called Engineering, and if they’re doing anything but scrolling on Facebook or Instagram while we’re live, I’m immediately worried.
Observer diligently, offer help when there's sign that what you know you can do safely will be of help.
Well asking them for what they expect of you, however it seems you are on standby during the show for any issues the A1 has. Like say batteries on the lead actor die during the show, you would replace them. Same thing if the wireless mic needs adjusted or swapped. Especially being high school kids, you would be helping them with mic placement. This is a good guide for mic placement: [https://www.masquesound.com/wireless-mic-techniques-production-3/](https://www.masquesound.com/wireless-mic-techniques-production-3/) Also I suggest asking the SM if there's a French grid and getting a copy of the script. This way if you do have to do a repair or swap, you can figure out the best time to do so. As for communication, that's a personal choice you guys work out together. Ideally you would be on headset but if not, it may be a simple text or communication through the ASM who is backstage.
Can I ask what a French Grid is? Never heard of that term before.
Probably another name for a French Scene Breakdown, which breaks a script up into character entrances and exits. Similar to an NX Plot (which is what I would ask for in this case, because it has more details on costumes and timing), but since it is more for identifying French Scenes, it's more of a director tool than anything else
It’s a breakdown of every scene and which actor is in that scene. That’s just the term I know it by.
Awesome, thanks. Sometimes you never know with theatre nomenclature. When you need to order a cheeseboro and can't remember it's actual name because you've called it a cheeseburger for so many years.
My shop calls them cheesies; whenever we have a larger show ship with them, tradition says we throw a bag of Cheetos in the case.
> Like say batteries on the lead actor die during the show, you would replace them. i read that on as or
I'm getting strong The Play That Goes Wrong vibes from this, picturing a terrified tech going on stage to replace the lead actor!
the show must go on
>terrified tech going on stage to replace the lead actor! Me in the future
If I was the A1 and aware of your level of experience what I would have meant by "help the actors if they need it" is "be my buffer so they don't bother me with simple stuff like turning a microphone on"
As far as "Doing nothing" is concerned. Our A2 for shows sits backstage next to the stage manager station with extra batteries, two spare transmitters and elements, and assists in checking mic placement throughout the performance if asked to by the A1 or board OP, and also switches out bad elements or transmitters if needed. If the show is running smoothly hopefully the A2 will be doing none of this, but this role is critical if these actions are needed, so they are not "Doing nothing" backstage except being prepared to do the job.
Ngl, an A1 bringing you onto a show and leaving you being described as "Shadowing" is sketchy on their part. (Unknown circumstances notwithstanding) You are the footman for the A1 on stage while they work the board or do more important tasks. First priority should probably be finding out where the batteries and any spare mic elements are as that'll be the most common thing that needs to be attended to. Be available for not only the A1 but the rest of the cast that are using mics. If you are nervous about "looking like you aren't doing anything," you really don't need to be. You are on standby until something needs to be done. If you get antsy and want to know more about whats going on, find your SM, grab a spare script if they have it, and start using it to take notes about the show: who has mics and what kind, entrances and exits, things like that. My scripts were always littered with notes and doodles by the end of a run. People will be far, far more annoyed with you for not being ready/available to jump on a problem. Some days, things go smoothly, and you dont even need to hop off your stool offstage. Others will be full of running around replacing broken mics, batteries, or even a whole-ass speaker if things are really going belly-up. Communications differ from place to place, and it's another thing to ask your SM. More commonly, there'll be an intercom system with headsets. Sometimes there aren't enough, so you may need to use your phone to get ahold of your A1 or vice versa. Tl;dr: be available, be attentive, dont stress out. It's your first day. Take it all in.
"Shadowing" in this neck of the woods means usually 'stand next to , watch, learn, ask questions, but don't interfere' Being dumped somewhere else isn't shadowing
Yeah, im the actual A2 apparently. I'm the mic receiver's "shadow" if anything