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Stage Craft Guild

Thu, 26 Oct 2000, 12:40 am
JoeMc20 posts in thread
To those lonely few who may have some weird thoughts of doing other things in theatre, besides being an actor (although they are most welcome to join in and find out what they are missing out on), like that which is done in the dark and how to perform safe sets or all the other thigs that go to make a performance.

We are forming a Stage Craft Guild {The First in Australia possibly the universe), at least we have the battery fully charged and only awaiting to be given the key for the ignition, at the ‘Old Mill’ in South Perth (which is going through a major refit).

From the last head count we are about 7 in number made up of those who do It from the heart and a few old pros thrown in or about (possibly more - but they have not owned up yet?).

As we have been doing so much lately with so little (which is theatre) I don't think anyone has had the time to find out and I doubt if this completely official yet? so take this as a teaser or tormentor, which ever is your want?

One of the main thoughts was firstly to have just a basic workshop, this was not our idea as we wnted a full weekend one - but those with more experiance suggested we do just a few hours in December sometime, dependant upon interest shown from other ITA theatres and individuals - although we will probably end up just playing with and/or amongst ourselves -

Anyhow, a programme has been devised of strictly basic stuff, which may go some way in answering some of those questions such as;-
Where, Who, What, When, Why, We and How?
{Not really in that order)

Even if you have done IT all in a previous life - we need your interjections (under the Health Act all perishables missiles must be kept fresh or refrigerated and wrapped in an approved manner or enclosure - this saves an cleaning staff) and what ever else you do best. The main thread is attitude with experience and aptitude as a bonus - If nothing else we will shout you a coffee all other orders are taken at the Windsor Hotel opposite.

So, if your new or old to theatre and would like to while away a bit of time - email or ring me (08)93377682 but unfortunately as I seem to be at the Theatre all the time, you can try there and give us your expression of interest.

Now comes the crunch - PAYMENT - unfortunately.
And we do apologise in advance there will be a significant charge - like all things, nowadays -

The cost of the workshop is payment at the door of $YOUR:00 (ONLY YOUJR Participation)
although all major / minor cards will be accepted with hourly interest charged and those of age must be accompanied as a passable adult (No crèche provided)

So if your intersted - you know what to do, I hope?

See you in IT

Joe McCabe


Thread (20 posts)

JoeMcThu, 26 Oct 2000, 12:40 am
To those lonely few who may have some weird thoughts of doing other things in theatre, besides being an actor (although they are most welcome to join in and find out what they are missing out on), like that which is done in the dark and how to perform safe sets or all the other thigs that go to make a performance.

We are forming a Stage Craft Guild {The First in Australia possibly the universe), at least we have the battery fully charged and only awaiting to be given the key for the ignition, at the ‘Old Mill’ in South Perth (which is going through a major refit).

From the last head count we are about 7 in number made up of those who do It from the heart and a few old pros thrown in or about (possibly more - but they have not owned up yet?).

As we have been doing so much lately with so little (which is theatre) I don't think anyone has had the time to find out and I doubt if this completely official yet? so take this as a teaser or tormentor, which ever is your want?

One of the main thoughts was firstly to have just a basic workshop, this was not our idea as we wnted a full weekend one - but those with more experiance suggested we do just a few hours in December sometime, dependant upon interest shown from other ITA theatres and individuals - although we will probably end up just playing with and/or amongst ourselves -

Anyhow, a programme has been devised of strictly basic stuff, which may go some way in answering some of those questions such as;-
Where, Who, What, When, Why, We and How?
{Not really in that order)

Even if you have done IT all in a previous life - we need your interjections (under the Health Act all perishables missiles must be kept fresh or refrigerated and wrapped in an approved manner or enclosure - this saves an cleaning staff) and what ever else you do best. The main thread is attitude with experience and aptitude as a bonus - If nothing else we will shout you a coffee all other orders are taken at the Windsor Hotel opposite.

So, if your new or old to theatre and would like to while away a bit of time - email or ring me (08)93377682 but unfortunately as I seem to be at the Theatre all the time, you can try there and give us your expression of interest.

Now comes the crunch - PAYMENT - unfortunately.
And we do apologise in advance there will be a significant charge - like all things, nowadays -

The cost of the workshop is payment at the door of $YOUR:00 (ONLY YOUJR Participation)
although all major / minor cards will be accepted with hourly interest charged and those of age must be accompanied as a passable adult (No crèche provided)

So if your intersted - you know what to do, I hope?

See you in IT

Joe McCabe


Walter PlingeThu, 26 Oct 2000, 09:41 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

A good idea, if there is anything I can do to help let me know. I'm an old Pro SM.
JoeMcFri, 27 Oct 2000, 12:31 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Hi Bernard

We need all the old pro's we can get - welcome aboard! - especialy in the S.M. area.

I will email you direct with some details

Thanks for being in IT

Joe McCabe



RebeccaSun, 29 Oct 2000, 11:40 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Expression of interest.
Please keep me informed. :) I have a few other "younguns" who I know will probably be interested also.

ta.
-bec
JoeMcSun, 29 Oct 2000, 09:48 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Thanks for the reply Rebecca - info sent direct

Joe
Robert VincentWed, 1 Nov 2000, 09:44 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

To all interested parties out there, may I suggest you make the most of this golden opportunity to learn from THE MASTER. Joe McCabe is any theatre's dream come true as can be confirmed by the members of the Old Mill Theatre now in the final stages of rehearsal for their upcoming production of Jack the Ripper. Joe's theatrical background and knowledge/expertise plus practical experience is unquestionable, the fact that he is prepared to impart that experience to all of us keen enough to want to listen and learn sets him on a higher plane. The Old Mill Theatre of South Perth supports Joe in this ground breaking programme and the use of the theatre is at his/your disposal in the belief that the benefits will not only be gained by the participants but also the many other community theatres who are prepared to take an interest. Best wishes Joe,
Robert Vincent, Board of Management, Old Mill Theatre.
RubyFri, 3 Nov 2000, 08:55 am

joining up

Joe,

I am very keen.
Please send me info!
Thanks
Ruby
JoeMcFri, 3 Nov 2000, 10:54 pm

RE: joining up

The info is on it's way Ruby - Thanks for the interest

Joe McCabe
(08)93377682
JoeMcFri, 3 Nov 2000, 11:11 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Oooohh you are a one Robert!!!!!!!

You know all my matgerial is Purloined a bit like ‘Steptoe’ - the problem is the horse doesn’t seem to be able to work some times. ( the truth is it is realy my twin brother )

But while bouquets are being handed out - I applaude your efforts on all the sets that you design and build, without much {if any at times} help even to the expense of your business with time and money.


We must apologise to viewers - but normal transmission is resumed while the admiration society has their annual conference

Thanks BOB

Joe McCabe
gregWed, 8 Nov 2000, 09:53 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Could be very interested in anythiong happening around Feb next year....It's a great idea but Dec is a bit hard to get time off...being in in albany means more than a skip across town unfortuantly
FionaFri, 10 Nov 2000, 01:40 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Hopefully the Guild will hold ongoing sessions to all interested. I believe there will be a session held at the Old Mill Theatre in ealy December and then continue into the next year and beyond that. The main aim of the Stagecraft Guild is to promote and ehance the stagecraft and backstage expertiese of anyone interested in working in theatre. Having someone as experienced as Joe on our side is a great bonus. I know, I have gained much knowledge from his experiences and we have only worked together on a couple of shows so far.

The worshops planned should be good fun and a great experience to all who attend.

Expect more info in the very near future and in the mean time keep emailing Joe with your interest.

Fiona
Willing volunteer and helper
JoeMcMon, 13 Nov 2000, 11:47 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Sorry this going to be another long one - once I sart..........

Saturday December 2nd from 10am to 4pm is the date for the first workshop of the Stage Craft guild. Thanks for the interest thus far - we were thinking of a bit of fudging by charging a $10 fee which also entitled to a free complimentary to see "Jack The Ripper - Musical" but it all became too involved and unravelled and overshadowed what we are about - so as our aim is no fees, where possible as in most cases we all pay more than our dues to do IT in the first place,

-THIS ONE IS FREE -

howeve.r if you require a ticket to the show you better ring the ‘Old Mill Theatre’ and get on to the box office as they selling really fast.

The basis of the workshop will cover from Front Of House to all the departments backstage and more, remember this is only a basic taste and we need the input of not only new players but weathered ones as well.

It will be split into separate 30 minute sessions with ample caffeine and nicotine breaks, dependant upon the expected overwhelming numbers that will be there with such short notice, It possibly be a rotating mixed group sessions (up to 10 - 4 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon with session advisors for each of the disciplines covered) so the format will end up being play it by ear in reality

While pre-registration is not required, drop us word if you think you can make it or just turn up - as I said before we will be there anyway and amuse our selves, but it is definitely more fun when there is new folks to share with.

The guild is available to any and everyone - so no more woffle - SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2000 ‘Old Mill Theatre corner of Mend Street and Mill Point Road South Perth W.A. !0am to 4pm -

parking is available:-
Enter from Mill Point Road opposite the Windsor Hotel and we are between the public toilets and the Lawn Bowls Club, which is adjacent to the soccer ground cum sports oval, just down from the zoo entrance next to the bus stop before the traffic lights, which is on the opposite corner to the post office and diagonally across from the BP petrol station in the old painted building (Old Mechanics Institute) behind the Historical Society building which houses the RED Ticket office - if you get lost the Police Station is on the opposite side at the corner of Labourche Road and Mend Street , although it might be closed on Saturday because of cost cutting - but thats how it is these days!


Joe McCabe
(08)93377682 (never home)
WorkingoptionsTue, 21 Nov 2000, 04:41 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

The Old Mill Theatre is proud to be associated with Joe's initiative as part of its new direction in amateur theatre. We have been privileged to have Joe's support and energy in our refit and production preparation for Jack the Ripper. At our Annual General meeting members were most enthusiastic about the proposal to commence the Guild's activities at our theatre and endorsed Joe's plans to have the Old Mill Theatre support this project. Somehow I have acquired a black shirt with the Guild Logo and encouraged to be involved in the backstage organisation!! Joe is a very persuasive man and has surrounded himself with a few heavies to put pressure on people like me.

Seriously be in it. We look forward to sharing our beautiful heritage theatre with those who share Joe's ideals and want to share their "knowledge". We can all learn from each other and encourage new blood into the mysteries of the backstage world - its a lot of fun.

Warrick Bailey.
Old Mill Theatre Board Member
Walter PlingeThu, 23 Nov 2000, 01:01 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Interested???????? But what age were you looking for?
NormaThu, 23 Nov 2000, 01:04 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

All and any age who are willing to learn.
Walter PlingeFri, 24 Nov 2000, 02:03 pm

RE: Stage Craft Guild

ok count me in!!! Would some info be able to get sent out???
Walter PlingeMon, 27 Nov 2000, 06:33 pm

Building a fire on stage

Recently I was asked to build a fire for a show and I came up with the following effect that worked very well

You will need to have this put together by a qualified electrician as it uses 240volts and has the potential to electrocute.

You need some fluro starters, some light battons some coloured globes (red, orange and yellow), some wire mesh (Bird wire) and some black paper / material (Thin). You will also need a board to mount it on.

240 Volt cable.

The terms used here are Active and Neutral these represent the colours of the power cable eg Active is Brown and Neutral is Blue. Nb Earth was not used in this configuration

Wire each clobe in the following manner.

Run the Active wire into one side of the Fluro starter, the otherside goes into the Light batton, and the return connects to Neutral. Repeat this for each starter/batton you have (no more than 6)

This will make the globes each flash in a random fashion, you can do this with 4-6 units.

Patch this into a lighting desk and run at up to 75%, any higher looks too bright.

Cover the entire unit with wire mesh and papermache a thin covering of black paper/material over the top. Ensure to keep the paper well away from the globes to prevent the real thing (heat from the globes). Also make the wire look rough to ensure it looks like a fire.
JoeMcMon, 27 Nov 2000, 09:38 pm

RE: Building a fire on stage

Good on 'ya Philip

It is great we have techs who wish to share - wot they know - and you did the right thing by pre-empt it with a warning rider of having a licensed electrician to perform the work. I could not have under lined it better.

A slight refinement using the fluro starters is if you Liscened Electricain) place more than one in series with each other in the circiut will attain possibly a better effect if you are using less lights and require a flicker effect.

I have sent you direct a schematic for a solid state flicker devised by Andy Cidor of the Kilowatt Company.

This might make it easier for future productions, most components are available at Dick Smiths or local electronic parts supplier - also it will save you messing about with 240 volts and give a regulated yet random effect.

We do need more of this type of sharing information - Thanks Philip

Joe McCabe
Old Mill Stage Craft Guild




Walter PlingeWed, 29 Nov 2000, 08:25 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Is the workshop still on? Can I come? Is there anything I need to bring with me?

Louise
NormaWed, 29 Nov 2000, 10:35 am

RE: Stage Craft Guild

Louise,
Answers in order, Yes, Yes, No
10 am Old Mill Theatre, Saturday December 2nd
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