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Thursday, 30 September 2004
Boy, what a weekend!
It's been a busy week and it was a busy weekend.
We had our annual general meeting. It went really well. Somehow, though, I ended up being elected as Production Director. I have no idea what the hell I'm supposed to do. As far as I know, I just show up to the meetings and make sure that no one screws up the shows. Beyond that, I expect there's not much! I'm sure there's more to it, but I'm almost afraid to ask.
I went to my step-mother's birthday party without any clue what to get her. She's incredibly difficult to buy for. She's one of those women who "expects" you to know what to get her. Like I actually listen to every word that she says throughout the year to get just even a slight hint on what to buy her! So, I brought a fruit tray and provided the entertainment (I sang a few numbers). And I also stopped my Dad from going ass over tea kettle into the fire about 6 or 7 times, so I think I've done my part.
My dad, on the other hand, is usually easy to buy for. He always used to tell us when we were kids that he would be happy with a homemade card. Something like that was much more special as it was made by us especially for him.
For his birthday, however, I thought that I would get him something a little unique as far as he was concerned. My dad is 74 years old. He's diabetic and frequently lets his blood sugar drop way too low. He's passed out a few times. And my step-mother has had 3 heart attacks. Add that to the fact that my dad is a clutz and it spells Personal Handheld Radios. So, my brother and I got them a set. I figured that the next time my dad crashed his head into something or if someone breaks a hip, at least the other one can call an ambulance and will know where the other is.
Usually, we buy him tools. But he has everything. Literally. Chainsaw, jack hammer, drill press, you name...he has it. If he doesn't have it, then no one needs it. He used to build houses, so you kind of have to be well supplied. It just makes it harder to buy for him. He already has all of the less expensive items. The only thing he doesn't have is a welder and I don't want to dish out the money for that sort of a thing.
Well, I have to send away some stuff for our promotions people. I got a call from my agent. Looks like I'll be cast in a movie. It's only an extras job, but at least it's a paying one and it's something to put on my bio.
I'll leave you with this final thought (for those who remember the Uncle Bobby show):
Have a happy day, even if it's not your birthday!
B
Friday, 24 September 2004
Quick hello
So, I know that over the last several weeks I've been a little preoccupied. Well, about 4 weeks from today is the opening night of our show. And, yeah, I'm a little stressed.
My producer, although I think the world of him, hasn't done what he should have been doing. In fact, I've been left high and dry on a number of issues. Suffice to say that I'm also doing costumes. Kind of no choice. Someone has to step up to the plate. I'm not doing all of them, but some.
And it has been difficult working with these people. Their experience is good, but their ability to follow direction sometimes is a little lax. Let's just say that I've had to pull a few people aside and leave it at that.
All in all it is coming along. Now we're in the final stages of refining the action and delivery that I want. I think it might be a while before I decide to tackle directing again. But at least I now know what to expect.
I had to put the Fire Department thing on hold for now. I just couldn't properly devote my time to it. Considering that right now my time is so divided I have to arrange set times to even sleep. And it's not fair to everyone else when my attention is not on the task at hand.
Well, I do have more to write, but I don't have any time right now. I might try to tackle something on the weekend.
For now, hope everyone is having a great weekend. It's a sunny 21 in Alberta today and I intend to enjoy the weather while it lasts! At least I think I can sometime between 4:15 pm and 5:00 pm!
B
Sunday, 19 September 2004
Been a while!
Hard to believe that time can pass by so quickly without us noticing.
It seemed like only yesterday it was July. Now, it's almost the end of summer. Well, pretty much the end here. And so much has happened.
I've been directing the play...and learning alot along the way. It's going very well. Now that I'm no longer as nervous as I was.
Training with the fire department is coming along. I only have about 2 weeks left.
The weather is crappy. But that's par for the course here. Been too wet and too cold. One of these days I'll have to move...unfortunately that requires a little something called money. Which I'm always in short supply of.
Well, I have to go...again. I'll try to go into more detail later.
B
Tuesday, 14 September 2004
Wow!
It has been a very busy few weeks. Hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly.
Rehearsals for the play are coming along. All of the blocking is done and now we're just trying to clean everything up. The set is mostly done. Given some of our venues, we've had to make some minor adjustments to the size. But, it's working out.
Training has begun with the Fire Department. That's going to occupy the rest of my time. So now, I almost have no free time at all.
I'm beginning to feel more comfortable as a director now. But I still think that there is more that I should be doing. It's a matter of getting everything just right. We have another month yet to go and we're not out of book yet. I think that I'm going to insist upon it by the end of the week. Now that blocking is done, we have to make all of the movements smooth. And you can't do that if you're still hanging onto your script.
I don't have much time to write anything further. I'm hoping on the weekend I can do so and check out a few other sites that I haven't visited for awhile. I hope that all is well in cyberland.
Until later.
B
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
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