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Friday, 27 August 2004
Took a couple of days...but, here's an update
The first reading went well. I am now completely petrified! It finally got through to me that I'm the director. It's up to ME to ensure that we put on a great show.
We had our second rehearsal on Friday and I decided to start blocking (movements, etc.). We got through the first half of Act. 1 a couple of times. It's kind of hard because we are going to be in a few different venues and I have different stage sizes. Some are a little small and some are a little narrow. I know that I have to fine tune a few things, but it's easier to see what is going to work. We were missing 2 actors due to other committments, so we had to skip over a couple of scenes. But, it's going well.
Afterward, a few of us decided to go out and karaoke. This is the kind of crowd that doesn't need a few drinks to get up in front of everyone, so it turned out to be really fun.
I must admit at this point that my co-star is really hot. Which makes working with him a little easier. But I've never had to kiss anyone on stage before. It's a little unnerving. I know I'll be able to do it, but I feel a little embarassed. Probably because I'm attracted to him.
I went to the Fire Hall and spoke with the Chief about volunteering. I had no idea that you got paid that much (if at all). So that was kind of a bonus. They're only putting through 4 people and have alot of applicants, so I may not make it through this round. But, that's alright. I have alot to keep me busy.
Well, I'm going to get back to the script. We have another rehearsal on Sunday and I want to go over the blocking again.
Have a great rest of the weekend.
B
Tuesday, 24 August 2004
Happy Tuesday!
It seems, lately, that I really haven't had much to say. This is kind of a stretch for me. But, considering that I'm really busy right now, it's not hard to believe.
Today is the first reading of the play that I'm directing. I'm pretty anxious. My step-mother, trying to be helpful, went out and found me a couple of stage production books. I haven't had a chance to read them yet, but I flipped through them. They look really good. Hopefully, they'll tell me about all of the things, and I mean ALL, that I don't know about.
I've already been pre-warned by my stage manager that one of the cast members will attempt to "direct". She's been involved in theatre for a long time and has a tendency to try to take over. But, I'm not worried. I've already planned out how I'm going to deal with that. And I've prepared an address that I want to deliver to the cast tonight outlining my expectations from them and for the play. My feeling is that if we're all on the same page from the beginning, the little things that pop up won't be so difficult to deal with.
Now I've got all of this other information in my head. Set design and construction. What can we change? What can I go minimal with considering that it has to be a portable set? Costumes and makeup. Should I enlist someone to do this for me? Should I leave it up to the cast and production staff? Tickets. Advertising. Programs. Biographies. Pictures. Lighting and Sound. Props. Video.
I was toying with the idea of videotaping some of the rehearsal process and making into a tape for the cast. Kind of a bloopers reel of our time together. I'm trying to figure out what kind of gift to get them on opening night and I thought this might be a good idea. I know opening night is 2 months away, but why wait until the last minute.
Most of the other stuff I have in my head. It's just a matter of getting it down on paper. I'm really anal when it comes to organization of this kind. I need to know what's happening before it happens. I keep getting the run-around from my producer. The "we'll take care of it" comment. Hopefully, I'll have some answers tonight.
Well, it may be a couple of days before I can write again. I'm also going into the Fire Department to talk to the Fire Chief about being a volunteer Fire Fighter. So, I'm busy for the next few days. I'll fill you in probably on Thursday.
B
Friday, 20 August 2004
Gadgets...don't you just love them?!
I picked up a new cell phone yesterday. My old was just that...old. Not that it was the size of a breadbox or anything like that. It was just about 6 or 7 years old. I haven't used it in so long. The reception on it was extremely poor. Each phone call was an adventure in trying to find just the right spot to stand in.
Being that my brother and I live in the middle of nowhere, we both thought that it would be a good idea to each have a phone. Not only for emergencies, but, being that I'm my brother's soul means of transportation, when he needs to call for a ride.
The thing about buying any new gadget is the fact that you have to play with it. I LOVE electronic stuff. If I'd had the money, I would have bought one of those PDA, phone thingys. You know. The kind that cost a fortune just because they have all of this extra stuff that comes with them. But, my little Motorola is just as good.
I spend 2 hours last night just setting up my phone (phone numbers, ringtones, voicemail etc). Then I spent this morning setting up my brother's. I just finished downloading games and extra ringtones. My brother loves (and I mean LOVES) The Incredible Hulk. It's all he talks about. That and robot societies. So, you can guess what his ringtone is set to.
The thing about anything new is that it's just that. New. It's like getting your driver's license and driving the car for the first time on your own. It's kind of scary and a big rush. A novelty that soon wears off.
I remember when I got my Ironman Watch. The kind with the Indiglo backing. I spent about half an hour in the bathroom with the lights off just marvelling at the backlight.
Ok. So, small things amuse small minds. It was neat at the time. But then again, so was television when it first came out.
Have a great weekend everyone. Have to play with my phone.
B
Posted by brookside10 at 10:48 AM MDT
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Updated: Friday, 20 August 2004 10:49 AM MDT
Wednesday, 18 August 2004
So, the lucky contestant is...
So, last night was the final night I was holding auditions for the play that I'm directing. Everything went fairly well. I had everything planned out. I made up my own audition forms, wrote out the synopsis and character breakdowns, made up schedules, etc. Then, I read them my address detailing the play itself, commitment level, tentative schedule for rehearsals, and show dates. Each actor was given sides (a portion of the script) and my stage manager and I acted as readers. It was kind of fun. I got to make notes and give direction! It's so different being the one behind the table rather than in front of it. We had a really small turnout on Sunday. Of course, it was the weekend and the weather was amazing. Nicest day we've had in a few weeks. The Fringe is also in town. A lot of people are in Edmonton on Whyte Avenue enjoying the street performers and the plays. But, that's alright. Being summer and the fact the play is a dinner theatre, I didn't expect there to be a fabulous turnout. We had a few more people show up yesterday. Why is it that you always get a lot more women showing up to this kind of a thing? There should be more men turning out. What guy wouldn't jump at the chance to be around a lot of really attractive women? All of the male roles were filled almost immediately, as I only had 4 men audition. A number of people who auditioned read very well. There were a few who didn't audition as well as I hoped. But, I could see potential in them (be it the fact that they were more animated or better able to follow direction when given). It was really difficult trying to select some people for the roles that were available. I decided to take a role for myself, so that only left 3 female roles. But, it's all been cast. I selected some really strong, hard-working, committed people. We have our first read through next week. Now, all I have to do is call everyone. I really hate the idea of telling anyone that they weren't successful. One girl was WAY too young. She looked as if she was about 14 years old. And another one...she's apparently difficult to work with. I'll just leave it at that. After the auditions were over last night, my stage manager and I sat around for about an hour trying to place people into roles. As I said, we filled most of the roles almost immediately. In the end we were only struggling with one role. There was one role I had to fill over the phone. One of the women who was on the Dramaturge committee with me had expressed an interest in a small role. So, I cast her as the mother because she's only seen in the first 10 - 15 minutes at the beginning and the last 10 - 15 minutes at the end. Now, it's down to business. Rehearsals start next week and we can FINALLY get the ball rolling. We only have about 2 months to pull a show together, but I'm not worried. All of the people in the cast are very dedicated and experienced, so it shouldn't be a problem. B
Friday, 13 August 2004
Weekend again
Well. It's the weekend. The BIG weekend for me. This is the weekend I run auditions for the play I'm directing. You know, it's funny. I'm amazed at how much people will beg for a part and what they are willing to sacrifice. Could be kind of interesting to find out what I could get out of all of this (hee, hee, hee). But, who am I kidding. I'm too chicken to actually follow up on any of that stuff. I have at least 1 moral left and I'm saving it for a special occasion! I have a fairly good idea of what types I'm looking to cast anyway. It just a matter of now going through the paces. Making sure that I find the right people with the right commitment. And being that I'm new to the director's chair, this is going to be a very fun learning experience. I've even gone so far as to write up an "audition address" to thank all those who come out. I think I can officially be labelled a keener and/or a geek now. I'm casting myself in one of the roles. I've been told that I'm the director and I can do anything because it's MY show. This is something I've been looking forward to for the past several months. I would have already cast the parts and been in rehearsal if it weren't for the fact that 90% of the people have been on holidays. Basically, I'm really anxious. I'm usually the weirdo behind stage who's pissing everyone off at dress rehearsals with questions like, "Who wants to go for an extra 2 weeks?" Or, "Can't we just open the doors and start now?" Kind of like a kid who goes on a trip with their parents. He/she sits in the back seat and for about 300 miles (which feels more like a million) does nothing but say, "Are we there yet?" and "I have to go to the bathroom." Is it show time yet? B
Thursday, 12 August 2004
My one...and only...experience with Hollywood and LaLaLand
At one point or another in everyone's life, they travel. Although, usually when I go somewhere, strange things always seem to follow me. I thought that I would share some of my experiences when I went on a trip to Los Angeles a few years back.
I was working as a dance instructor at the time. Our vacations were scheduled. One week in the summer and one week at Christmas. A friend of mine was going to Las Vegas and Los Angeles and offered to take me along. Hey, free trip. So I said yes and the reservations were made.
The flight was great. We went to Las Vegas for a few days first and then flew to Los Angeles. I'd never been to the U.S. before, so this was going to be quite the experience for me.
Aside from the usual things, seeing a guy standing on the side of the road with a sign begging for money for his son and getting lost after a tie-up on the freeway, everything was pretty much normal.
Being that I was fairly young, I wanted to experience some of the nightlife that L.A. had to offer. We were staying at the Universal Hilton at the time. Not knowing anything about L.A., I decided to ask the concierge if they could recommend a good nightclub. Of course they could. A little place just off Rodeo called Tatoo's (at least I think that's how it's spelled). Boy, was I naive.
So, I get dressed up in my favorite navy dress. It was my favorite because of the reactions that I used to get from men when I would wear it. Sleeveless, form fitting, panel slits in the skirt to show off my legs. That kind of thing. Sexy and classy.
We pulled up and out in front there were a couple of limos. There really wasn't a line up, so getting in was easy. We made our way down this really strange hallway (red carpet, red walls and ceiling, with a red curtain leading into the club). The place was tiny. I could have fit my room into the dance and bar area alone.
I noticed as I walked in how "over" dressed I was. On the dance floor was a girl with bleached blonde symmetrical hair, a silver skirt, and pink tights. I can't remember what else she was wearing as those were the most noticable features. She wasn't the only memorable attraction, but I'll leave it at that.
I figured, what the hell. The place was obviously a little strange. We're here. Might as well have a beer and head somewhere else. To my dismay, I later found out that the bars in L.A. (so I was told) shut down at 1:00 am (unlike the 3:00 am here). So we never did go anywhere else that night.
My friend and I were standing at the bar when this guy walked up. He had mafioso written all over him. Big guy, suit, kind of greasy. And he said, "My boss would like to buy you a drink." MY BOSS! Either this was a joke or I was on candid camera. But, ok. What the hell.
At the end of the bar is "his boss". I go to the end of the bar and have a quick beer. I don't even remember the conversation. Probably because I wasn't really listening. Afterward, I thanked him for the drink and my friend and I left.
Glad to be out of there, I relayed to my friend what a surreal experience that was. Unbeknownst to me, however, the "employee" had approached my friend and asked if I could stay out all night.
Well, that was a creepy feeling. Three weeks after I got back home, I heard that the bar had been raided by L.A.P.D. Something else was that my friend spotted an undercover officer in the bar the night all of this had happened.
The only other thing that happened on the trip happened on Sunset. We went to this bar (can't recall which but the name Roxy springs to mind). Anyway, tiny place once again. Strange people. Weird, shitty band.
We're sitting quietly at the bar having a beer (my beverage of choice) when this guy approaches me. He says that I should be in the movies. My first instinct is to think, "What kind of movies are YOU talking about?" He then hands me his "business card". Now, I'm no expert, but business cards are usually printed. This one had his name printed on it with a phone number hand written on the bottom. I said thank you, while trying not to laugh, and he left. I then tore the card up and left it in the ashtray.
The rest of the vacation was pretty good. I haven't been back to L.A. or Vegas, but would really like to go someday. At least vacations with me are eventful. Stuff like this is always happening.
B
Wednesday, 11 August 2004
This isn't really where I thought I'd be
Do you ever feel that life just hasn't turned out the way you imagined? I know that not everything works out the way that we hope it will when we're younger. But, my life is just so far from where I thought it would be by now. It's not that I don't have alot to be thankful for. I'm healthy. I have a roof over my head and food in the fridge. Sole-control over the remote (except when my brother's home). No real responsibility (except for my brother). I have a great dog, an easy job (that I really don't care for), and a few friends. I'd just like more. Every year, for some unknown reason, I decide to re-evaluate my life. Gotta stop doing that. It's not that my life is terrible. Just sometimes it's nice to have someone to come home to. Still looking for Mr. Right. Well, now that I've had my "pity me" moment I feel a little better. On the plus side of things, I begin auditioning this week for the play that I'm directing. I'm really excited. I've never directed anything before, so it's going to be ALOT of fun. We have a great group of actors who are going to be auditioning. All of them are very committed and most have alot of experience. I've been finalizing all of the pre-production stuff this week, so I'm almost ready. About the only thing left to do is give my set design to the set construction crew. I can't wait! I also signed up with the local Fire Department to be put on the list as a Volunteer Fire Fighter. Something about playing with large hoses really appeals to me right now! B
Friday, 6 August 2004
Have a great weekend
Well, it's weekend time again. Time, once again, to attempt to get SOMETHING done, but actually accomplish very little.
I'm going to leave it short for today. Haven't really had much to say the last few days. Partly due, I think, to sleep deprivation. I've been having alot of trouble sleeping lately. I'm averaging about 4 hours a night if I'm lucky. This really sucks as I have to be up at 4:30 am every morning.
My brother and I carpool to work everyday. He starts work at 6:00 am. We have to be up early because it takes us about an hour to get into the city. I don't start work until 8:00 am. There's a changeroom with a shower at work, so I get ready there. My brother then finishes work at 2:30 pm and takes the bus downtown (where I work). I finish at 4:00 pm and we spend another hour driving home. It makes for a really long day. In order for me to get enough sleep, I have to be in bed by 8:30 pm. Lately, it's been more like 10:30 pm, 11:00 pm, or later.
Hopefully, I can sleep in tomorrow. I LOVE Saturdays!
Have a great weekend.
B
Tuesday, 3 August 2004
Why on Earth would you drink that?!!
My Dad, for some unknown reason, doesn't always think. Not to say that my Dad is an idiot. Far from it. It's just that sometimes I think his brain goes on hiatus for a few minutes.
I said I'd post it. So, here's the story of when he drank poison...on purpose.
My Dad and my step-mother live on an acreage outside of town. They have about 40 acres. Nice little place. Because they're both retired, they spend their time "working" on the farm.
My Dad has a leather supply business. He manufactures and designs equipment for Emergency Services Departments (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Security, etc.). He does quite well with it and it gives him enough to keep him busy.
My step-mother, on the other hand, raises animals. She's always been an animal lover. They have horses, cats, dogs, and chickens. At one time, they had geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and ducks as well. A regular MacDonald's farm.
Having alot of animals means cleaning up alot of crap. Literally. It's hard to find just the right cleaner that will sanitize and kill all the germs and leave everything smelling fresh. Fortunately, she was able to get her hands on some industrial cleaner.
As there are always puppies in the house, she decided to keep some inside in the bathroom. Being that it was a concentrated solution, she put a small amount in a Sun-Ripe juice container, marked a skull and cross bones on it, and put it under the sink in the bathroom.
So, one day my Dad is in the bathroom. For some unknown reason, he gets thirsty. Why he was looking under the sink, I have no idea. But he finds the juice container and decides to take a drink. He then comes out of the bathroom and runs up to my step-mother. All he could say at the time was, "Unngh! Unngh!" and showed her the bottle.
Of course, her first reaction was, "You didn't drink that, DID YOU?!!" So, a call was made to the Poison Control Centre. He was going to be okay. They went through the normal procedure regard when someone ingests chemicals (obviously initially expecting it to be a child rather than an adult).
It's years later and we still like to "remind" him of his momentary mental lapse. Of course, now that he's in his 70's, I tell him it's probably just due to senility. And he can never figure out if I'm kidding or not, because I just smile and walk away.
B
Monday, 2 August 2004
Long weekends...a good time to get nothing done
This weekend was the long weekend. Of course, as with any long weekend, I have all of these great plans for things that need to get done. In the end, I accomplish very little.
I'm still trying to figure out why. I know that half of the things I have planned involve working outside. Unfortunately, it's been so rainy lately that you can't do anything outside. And if the rain doesn't get you, the mosquitos will. When I let Brooke outside last night to do her thing, she got swarmed. These stupid things were coming out of everything. The grass especially because of all of the rain lately.
We did have some sunshine this weekend, but didn't accomplish nearly what my brother and I had planned.
Most of my weekend was spent rearranging everything. When you move from a house to a trailer, there's bound to be a shortage of space. Especially considering I have alot of books, movies, music, etc. Trying to find a space for everything is tough. Sacrifices have to be made. And items either get thrown out or are relegated to the shed. I'm still working on it and it'll probably take me a while yet. I only hope I'm done before Aug. 15 (that's when I start auditions for my play).
I'm going to cut it REALLY short today. Weekends are supposed to be a person's chance to catch up on sleep. I didn't. So I'm a little catatonic right now. Need caffeine.
B
Posted by brookside10 at 6:01 PM MDT
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Updated: Tuesday, 3 August 2004 2:17 PM MDT
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