Breaching the Fourth Wall

Google Calendar is an online application created by Google, Inc., founders of the prolific search engine and a number of other applications.  Since it was introduced in April of 2006, Google introduced several updates, which increase its compatibility with mobile devices and other calendar programs like iCal and MS Outlook.  Although the program is relatively new, Google’s well established name has helped the program to become popular quickly.

Google Calendar consists of one basic interface and it can be viewed in daily, weekly, or monthly segments.  Laid out much like a physical calendar would be, appointments are noted with colored boxes filling the duration of the appointment.  Multiple calendars can be set up on the same account, and it is possible to drag and drop appointments or change times without refreshing the page.

Adding an event is easy, and can be done in one of several ways.  The first is to click the add event button and enter event information into the pop up window.  Gmail also recognizes appointments referenced in emails and offers the option to have such appointments imported directly into your calendar.

The extensive settings tab also makes it easy to customize the calendar’s display and sharing features.  Calendars can be shared with specific users by entering their email address, in which case the recipient is given the option to import the calendar into their own account.   It can be made public, in which case events can even be searched for in Google’s search engine.

For anyone looking to get a better grasp of his or her own time, Google Calendar is a great solution.

Live productions are timed events.

Time allotted for setup and rehearsal is limited and at the end of the day everything must be ready to go by the time published doors opening time comes around.  Whether on production management level of scheduling how time will be spent from load in to strike or on the individual level of balancing work and personal activities, the organization of time is essential for both success and sanity in the business of live events.

Fortunately for us, technology is of great assistance when managing time.  The introduction of computers, spreadsheet software, and PDAs all aid in our task.

Another recent technological innovation of which we can take advantage is an online scheduling application, Google Calendar.  Unlike Microsoft Outlook or Apple’s iCal, both computer based programs, Google Calendar can be accessed and updated from any computer with an internet connection.  Within one’s account, multiple calendars can be created so that it is possible to categorize events by whatever specifications are set.  For instance, one could have several non-work calendars, one which outlines office time, and another for off-site meetings.  And the best news for organizationally obsessed users?  Each calendar can be titled and color coded!

Most importantly, since calendars are stored online, it is possible to share them with others through their own Google account.  As collaboration is as central to the success of productions as time management, the ability to share calendars with others is the application’s greatest asset.

Google Calendar is an incredibly useful online application for anyone looking to manage their time, and is especially useful for people with odd schedules, like we production folk.  If you haven’t yet used the calendar, check it out!