Well.....
It has, once again, been some length of time since I updated/posted here.....And as it has and as a variety of things have happened (both positive and not so much) I will just hit things with a line or two of description....And perhaps add more at a later point.....or not.
Let's see.....
**Spent the Summer as TD at the Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company in NH.
**Even with funding issues (which were major) had a pretty good Summer at MWVTC.
**Injured my back during one of the load ins this Summer (or perhaps I should say I re-injured the disk of doom in my lumbar spine.....bleh).
**Got better-ish and finished the season and came back to school.
**Scrambling for funding due to a glitch with one of my previous scholarships.
**Floating between housing arrangements due to funding. (Couch surfing is FUN!)
**Directed and designed one of the shows in this Falls Winter Shorts production. Enjoyed the process (mostly.....mostly).
**Re-wrenched my back a couple of weeks ago.
**Dealing with not being able to see physicians due to insurance issues.....(bastards).
**Assigned as Assistant Scenic Designer for the Spring 2013 show Speech And Debate.
**Struggling to figure out exactly how I will get the credits I need to graduate in the Spring. THIS is a MAJOR concern, especially if I want to start grad school come the Fall of 2013. And I DO want to start grad school in the Fall.
**Playing some 'catch up' regarding classes missed and such due to the recent back stuff......
**Still publicly looking for additional financing via Fundrazr.com. Not so proud of doing it but "it is what it is". Here is the page (which I will be updating again soon-ish)[DELETED DUE TO FUNDRAISING SITE UPDATE AS OF 01/12/13 --PLEASE REFER TO THAT DAYS ENTRY FOR DETAILS]
Oh, and apparently Blogger seems to think that this entry is all one stinkin' paragraph rather than a bunch of smaller sections with ** as their header(s).......sigh. [FIXED 01/13/13!!! HURRAY!]
Well, that's the high points. At least as I recall them at this moment. So, as always, more later. Or eventually.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Fundraising.....
[DELETED DUE TO FUNDRAISING SITE UPDATE AS OF 01/12/13 --PLEASE REFER TO THAT DAYS ENTRY FOR DETAILS]
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Well........
Sigh.
Yes. I started this entry with an exhalation indicative of frustration or some other, potentially pensive emotive state.
Sigh yet again.
Here is the situation:
As I mentioned previously I have been hired by the Mt Washington Valley Theatre Company to serve as their TD for the Summer 2012 season. Hurray!.....And I think I also stated that A) they were unsure that they would be having a season this year and so are getting things organized late and B) that they also agreed to cover a flight out as an advance against some of my seasons pay (at least, that is how I understand the arrangement...). Those two things are important to remember.
I did some online searching and found various flights and sent the info to the contact there for them to proceed with....and then I waited......and waited.....and....well, you get the idea. Then I sent some more, alternate flight info to the contact there.....and waited. Which is, mind you, completely understandable given that they are also auditioning/hiring a full staff beyond me.....Then I discovered some......disquieting news. I saw a post via the theatre's Facebook page that they were looking for a scene shop to rent for the Summer build. Huh?! The last info I had they had arrangements with a local business owner to use a 'storefront/warehouse space' that was available. Apparently, that must have changed....
The original schedule had us starting work on the 26th (this Tuesday). The last email I have from the contact there said that 'because of other issues' things might not be able to start till the 27th and so it would be 'fine for you to arrive on the 25th or even the 26th'.......I can only presume the 'other issues' include needing to find a shop space.....shrug.
We don't open the first show till July 10th. And as the first show is Nunsense Jamboree which is, from all I can determine, a fairly light build we should be okay as far as that goes. And again, I totally get and understand that there are other arrangements needing to be made beyond mine. It's NOT my first rodeo....It is just that the waiting and all is beginning to ravel my nerves a bit is all.
Anyway, I'm very, VERY thankful that the theatre is willing to work with me as far as getting there goes. I just really want to do a good job and to get to work.......
So that's that story.....so far. I'll add more once I know more....Or should I need to 'vent' again.
In other, somewhat tangentially related, news: I am still in planning work for The Veldt production this Fall here at UAF. I must be honest and admit that it has only been about 20% on my schedule as opposed to what it might/could be, in part due to the organizing and such for the Summer gig......
Also, I have to announce that I received a continuation of my Wood Grant for the upcoming academic year. While not as large a sum as last years I am still incredibly grateful to have been selected! Not sure if I've previously mentioned it but, due to some glitch in the process, I also seem to have not been listed as having applied for the UAF Theatre Dept scholarship that I've had the last two years. So it was given to someone else. IF that person does not claim it (ie: they don't enroll or fail to show up in the Fall) I am listed as an alternate. Sigh and shrug. Which means I need to find other funding. Still searching for, submitting, etc additional applications for scholarships, grants, etc. I'll be applying for such things as the Osher Reentry Scholarship and several online essay based scholarships, but some of those deadlines are really close to the beginning of the academic year.....Eeeeeek! So, as always, if anyone has any recommendations, suggestions, etc about grants and such please let me know. Thanks!
Another bit of news: As of right now (please note the disclaimer, which is because I still have an outstanding incomplete on my transcript, even though I have submitted the required essay/paper) based on my GPA I received a letter from the Chancellors Office and it announced that, for the Spring 2012 semester, I made the Chancellors list. Amazing what a 3.92 GPA can do for you.......I just hope that the Incomplete turns into a grade that lets me keep that status.
I guess that's about the size of it for this entry. Here's hoping that the next one will include details about the NH gig....and, if I keep focused, about the scholarship and grad school searches......Till then.
Yes. I started this entry with an exhalation indicative of frustration or some other, potentially pensive emotive state.
Sigh yet again.
Here is the situation:
As I mentioned previously I have been hired by the Mt Washington Valley Theatre Company to serve as their TD for the Summer 2012 season. Hurray!.....And I think I also stated that A) they were unsure that they would be having a season this year and so are getting things organized late and B) that they also agreed to cover a flight out as an advance against some of my seasons pay (at least, that is how I understand the arrangement...). Those two things are important to remember.
I did some online searching and found various flights and sent the info to the contact there for them to proceed with....and then I waited......and waited.....and....well, you get the idea. Then I sent some more, alternate flight info to the contact there.....and waited. Which is, mind you, completely understandable given that they are also auditioning/hiring a full staff beyond me.....Then I discovered some......disquieting news. I saw a post via the theatre's Facebook page that they were looking for a scene shop to rent for the Summer build. Huh?! The last info I had they had arrangements with a local business owner to use a 'storefront/warehouse space' that was available. Apparently, that must have changed....
The original schedule had us starting work on the 26th (this Tuesday). The last email I have from the contact there said that 'because of other issues' things might not be able to start till the 27th and so it would be 'fine for you to arrive on the 25th or even the 26th'.......I can only presume the 'other issues' include needing to find a shop space.....shrug.
We don't open the first show till July 10th. And as the first show is Nunsense Jamboree which is, from all I can determine, a fairly light build we should be okay as far as that goes. And again, I totally get and understand that there are other arrangements needing to be made beyond mine. It's NOT my first rodeo....It is just that the waiting and all is beginning to ravel my nerves a bit is all.
Anyway, I'm very, VERY thankful that the theatre is willing to work with me as far as getting there goes. I just really want to do a good job and to get to work.......
So that's that story.....so far. I'll add more once I know more....Or should I need to 'vent' again.
In other, somewhat tangentially related, news: I am still in planning work for The Veldt production this Fall here at UAF. I must be honest and admit that it has only been about 20% on my schedule as opposed to what it might/could be, in part due to the organizing and such for the Summer gig......
Also, I have to announce that I received a continuation of my Wood Grant for the upcoming academic year. While not as large a sum as last years I am still incredibly grateful to have been selected! Not sure if I've previously mentioned it but, due to some glitch in the process, I also seem to have not been listed as having applied for the UAF Theatre Dept scholarship that I've had the last two years. So it was given to someone else. IF that person does not claim it (ie: they don't enroll or fail to show up in the Fall) I am listed as an alternate. Sigh and shrug. Which means I need to find other funding. Still searching for, submitting, etc additional applications for scholarships, grants, etc. I'll be applying for such things as the Osher Reentry Scholarship and several online essay based scholarships, but some of those deadlines are really close to the beginning of the academic year.....Eeeeeek! So, as always, if anyone has any recommendations, suggestions, etc about grants and such please let me know. Thanks!
Another bit of news: As of right now (please note the disclaimer, which is because I still have an outstanding incomplete on my transcript, even though I have submitted the required essay/paper) based on my GPA I received a letter from the Chancellors Office and it announced that, for the Spring 2012 semester, I made the Chancellors list. Amazing what a 3.92 GPA can do for you.......I just hope that the Incomplete turns into a grade that lets me keep that status.
I guess that's about the size of it for this entry. Here's hoping that the next one will include details about the NH gig....and, if I keep focused, about the scholarship and grad school searches......Till then.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A Bit Frazzled......
It's been roughly a week since the last post....As I mentioned last time I had had an interview with Opera Saratoga, in Saratoga Springs NY, for a carpentry position. And how I was waiting on hearing back from them about it and potential travel details. I was also waiting to hear/have a phone interview with the representative from the Mt Washington Valley Theatre Company, based in North Conway NH.
Well, first let me say that I did not get the carpentry gig, due mainly to transportation issues.
That said, I also did have an interview on June 5th with the rep from Mt Washington Valley Theatre Company. We talked for about an hour, which truth be told I took as a good sign at the time. I had applied for a gig as the seasons Scenic Designer. However, I also (as mentioned in the last post here) said I was/am amenable to other positions. My interpretation of the spin of the interview ran towards it being (mainly) a TD interview with a Scenic Design component included. After the interview I submitted some portfolio materials and started waiting. Of course, given that the rep had stated pretty succinctly during the interview that they would be interested in my being a part of the Summer team had me in a pretty positive mindspace. A few days passed and my neuroses were beginning to raise their head(s) when I got a call last Saturday (the 9th) from the rep. They offered me the following (and bear with my description because it's a little convoluted):
** The position of Technical Director for their Summer season. OR (potentially) the Scenic Design position, IF they do not find someone whose scenic qualifications exceed mine AND IF they have another option for the TD slot......
Like I said, convoluted.
In part that is due to the fact that, as is often the case, the theatre received more design oriented resumes than production oriented ones. So to make best use of the pool of applicants, they asked if folks would consider other, non-design gigs. And as I've said, while I would love to get the additional scenic design credits and imagery for my portfolio, a TD gig is a worthwhile resume addition too. And it's a gig. Which is important to get after the whole VADA debacle down in Palmer. Plus this theatre was on the edge of not having a Summer season, due to a variety of factors. It was the local supporters who, as I understand it, basically said: what do you need to make the season happen? And after some discussion, the local sponsors came up with the funding and in kind support to make it possible. Which is why they are hiring folks so late in the game. And why the gig itself is still a bit muddled.
I think that the late start is a portion of why they are also willing to help with transportation costs. Of course, the search for appropriate flights has me a bit frazzled (part of the reason for the post title). Especially when you research on a 'compiler site' (ie: Kayak.com) and it gives you one price and when you click through to the airline it gives you a different, higher price.....Anyway, I'm still searching for airfares and forwarding the info to the rep there in NH.....
The rehearsals and build are slated to start on June 26th. And so I should be flying out as early as next Wednesday (June 20th). The season consists of
Still working through what all I can/need to pack. With the *insert expletive* baggage fees it makes things interesting for someone who travels with tools, drafting gear, and some reference texts and, as a consequence, HAS to check luggage. I was fortunate enough to come across, at the "Really Free Market" that was held recently, a soft sided footlocker sort of luggage piece that just might be able to hold everything that has to be checked as well as most of my wardrobe for the Summer.....At least, that is the current hope. I want to keep it down to one checked bag, my carry on (backpack) and my laptop case. We shall see how that works out.
When I started this post I was certain that I had more to say but.....When it comes to me, I'll post some more. Till then......
Well, first let me say that I did not get the carpentry gig, due mainly to transportation issues.
That said, I also did have an interview on June 5th with the rep from Mt Washington Valley Theatre Company. We talked for about an hour, which truth be told I took as a good sign at the time. I had applied for a gig as the seasons Scenic Designer. However, I also (as mentioned in the last post here) said I was/am amenable to other positions. My interpretation of the spin of the interview ran towards it being (mainly) a TD interview with a Scenic Design component included. After the interview I submitted some portfolio materials and started waiting. Of course, given that the rep had stated pretty succinctly during the interview that they would be interested in my being a part of the Summer team had me in a pretty positive mindspace. A few days passed and my neuroses were beginning to raise their head(s) when I got a call last Saturday (the 9th) from the rep. They offered me the following (and bear with my description because it's a little convoluted):
** The position of Technical Director for their Summer season. OR (potentially) the Scenic Design position, IF they do not find someone whose scenic qualifications exceed mine AND IF they have another option for the TD slot......
Like I said, convoluted.
In part that is due to the fact that, as is often the case, the theatre received more design oriented resumes than production oriented ones. So to make best use of the pool of applicants, they asked if folks would consider other, non-design gigs. And as I've said, while I would love to get the additional scenic design credits and imagery for my portfolio, a TD gig is a worthwhile resume addition too. And it's a gig. Which is important to get after the whole VADA debacle down in Palmer. Plus this theatre was on the edge of not having a Summer season, due to a variety of factors. It was the local supporters who, as I understand it, basically said: what do you need to make the season happen? And after some discussion, the local sponsors came up with the funding and in kind support to make it possible. Which is why they are hiring folks so late in the game. And why the gig itself is still a bit muddled.
I think that the late start is a portion of why they are also willing to help with transportation costs. Of course, the search for appropriate flights has me a bit frazzled (part of the reason for the post title). Especially when you research on a 'compiler site' (ie: Kayak.com) and it gives you one price and when you click through to the airline it gives you a different, higher price.....Anyway, I'm still searching for airfares and forwarding the info to the rep there in NH.....
The rehearsals and build are slated to start on June 26th. And so I should be flying out as early as next Wednesday (June 20th). The season consists of
Still working through what all I can/need to pack. With the
When I started this post I was certain that I had more to say but.....When it comes to me, I'll post some more. Till then......
Monday, June 4, 2012
Drought, Then Flood.....Or So It Seems.
Well.....It's been an interesting few days. Actually, to be more specific, an interesting last 48 hours (+/-).
Since this is intended to be a brief update (other stuff to do....stuff to accomplish) I'll work at keeping it short. So.......Late on Friday/early Saturday, after what was seeming to be a total wash on all the resumes I had submitted so far for Summer gigs, I saw that there was a new, last minute job posting on Backstagejobs.com seeking a Scenic Carpenter for an opera company in Saratoga Springs NY. So I sent out my resume. Then late Saturday/early Sunday got a message back that they wanted to do a phone interview. Had that (various details being expurgated at the moment due to time....I'll potentially add more detail later) and had to wait to see what the artistic directors decision was. That was supposed to occur this afternoon (Eastern Standard Time). Shortly after the interview for them, I finally got another email back from the theatre in NH (which I believe I mentioned in a previous posting) asking to set up a phone interview with them too. So I emailed back within thirty minutes or so but have not heard back yet.....I was hoping to have spoken with them by now so that, when the opera company calls/emails back with a decision I would have things to compare....IF, of course, either or both make any offers. The opera gig would need me to fly out.....tomorrow. It would be that quick. The NH gig would not start till the 26th of June and then end after the last show opens/whenever my final responsibilities are complete....Or Labor Day, whichever is applicable.
I'll be candid: I really would like the one in NH. I applied for the position of scenic designer for the season of four musicals. It would be an awesome portfolio builder. Admittedly, when the contact there emailed me back the first time (a couple of weeks back) and asked if I would also consider positions such as carpentry or props I did say that, even though I consider myself a designer/scenographer, I would be open to other work as well. So while I am presuming that the interview will be for the scenic design gig it could be for something else......sigh.
Anyway that is the crush of action over the last 72 hours or so.
No matter what happens, it did point out a lesson to me: I should start keeping a '30 plus days' bag packed (or at least ready to be packed) at all times. Just in case.
Time to get back to other projects.....More details/updates when applicable.
Since this is intended to be a brief update (other stuff to do....stuff to accomplish) I'll work at keeping it short. So.......Late on Friday/early Saturday, after what was seeming to be a total wash on all the resumes I had submitted so far for Summer gigs, I saw that there was a new, last minute job posting on Backstagejobs.com seeking a Scenic Carpenter for an opera company in Saratoga Springs NY. So I sent out my resume. Then late Saturday/early Sunday got a message back that they wanted to do a phone interview. Had that (various details being expurgated at the moment due to time....I'll potentially add more detail later) and had to wait to see what the artistic directors decision was. That was supposed to occur this afternoon (Eastern Standard Time). Shortly after the interview for them, I finally got another email back from the theatre in NH (which I believe I mentioned in a previous posting) asking to set up a phone interview with them too. So I emailed back within thirty minutes or so but have not heard back yet.....I was hoping to have spoken with them by now so that, when the opera company calls/emails back with a decision I would have things to compare....IF, of course, either or both make any offers. The opera gig would need me to fly out.....tomorrow. It would be that quick. The NH gig would not start till the 26th of June and then end after the last show opens/whenever my final responsibilities are complete....Or Labor Day, whichever is applicable.
I'll be candid: I really would like the one in NH. I applied for the position of scenic designer for the season of four musicals. It would be an awesome portfolio builder. Admittedly, when the contact there emailed me back the first time (a couple of weeks back) and asked if I would also consider positions such as carpentry or props I did say that, even though I consider myself a designer/scenographer, I would be open to other work as well. So while I am presuming that the interview will be for the scenic design gig it could be for something else......sigh.
Anyway that is the crush of action over the last 72 hours or so.
No matter what happens, it did point out a lesson to me: I should start keeping a '30 plus days' bag packed (or at least ready to be packed) at all times. Just in case.
Time to get back to other projects.....More details/updates when applicable.
Monday, May 28, 2012
A Beautiful Day Near The Top Of The World
Like the post title says....Today is/was gorgeous outside. Clear and bright.
I spent most of my day 'dedicated' to researching online scholarships and applying for at least some of them. The short version is that while checking one of my email accounts early this morning I saw a posting from Fastweb.com and as I had not checked in there for some while I took the time to do so today. And then checking in there led me to check in at ScholarshipPoints.com and Cappex.com and......well, you see how things branched out. I still need to go back and work on some essays for a variety of online scholarships. Thankfully, most of them have June deadlines so......yep.
That's really all I have at the moment. However since I am attempting to be more dilligent about this blog than I had been I felt I should post something. After all, an entire semester without any updates? Sad and shameful. Really.
So......more later.
I spent most of my day 'dedicated' to researching online scholarships and applying for at least some of them. The short version is that while checking one of my email accounts early this morning I saw a posting from Fastweb.com and as I had not checked in there for some while I took the time to do so today. And then checking in there led me to check in at ScholarshipPoints.com and Cappex.com and......well, you see how things branched out. I still need to go back and work on some essays for a variety of online scholarships. Thankfully, most of them have June deadlines so......yep.
That's really all I have at the moment. However since I am attempting to be more dilligent about this blog than I had been I felt I should post something. After all, an entire semester without any updates? Sad and shameful. Really.
So......more later.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Bit Of Bitterness......Some Ramblings....Some Synchronicity.....And A Bit Of Panic.
It's Memorial Day weekend.
I have noticed that, for many years, I have gotten a bit weird mood-wise around this time of year. And I strongly suspect that it has to do with the whole 'would have been an anniversary' mindset that creeps up on me once in awhile. For any keeping track: 30 years as of 05/22. Would have been. Sigh. Plus this is also the time of year that the ex and I always (well, for at least a couple of years...) visited WDW. And I kind of miss WDW the last little while.....
That out of the way, there are other things that have me a bit rattled today. Mostly it has to do with the fact that I still can't seem to let go of some bitterness about the Palmer gig. And I blame myself, at least in part, for the situation. If I had been more.....selfish might be the word......then I would have just gone ahead and submitted resumes for gigs, even though I had a verbal agreement with the Palmer folks. But my conscience said "Hey....you already have agreed to do a job elsewhere...It would not be 'right' to still apply to other places, even if you don't have a paper contract or LOA in hand yet.....". So I didn't. Heavy sigh. And now I am scrambling for a Summer gig. Still hoping that the one place who has replied recently will continue considering me. Of course, with their build(s) starting on June 26th for a July 10th opening, they probably are not in a huge hurry and I probably will not hear anything back from them before the middle to end of this week (especially with the holiday weekend).
Another part of the 'rattled-ness" is concern about getting all my classes out of the way so that I can graduate in the Spring of 2013. I'm pretty nervous about the situation, since I really want to start grad school in the Fall of 2013. Of course it MIGHT be feasible, depending on the school, for me to start in January 2014.....BUT that might (probably would) impact TA possibilities and the resulting tuition issues.....So there is that concern. And there are some schools that only allow admission in the Fall. And some, like UI:U-C, only admit every other year. And 2013 is not a year they will be admitting for. But then UI:U-C, while on my list, is not the primary school I want. As of this moment, that school is still University of Kansas at Lawrence.
And speaking of KU (as the abbreviation apparently goes)....It's time to discuss some synchronicity. Going in, I fully understand the concept of 'post hoc ergo propter hoc.' However, the following occurrences recently are just too noteworthy to ignore. At least, they are noteworthy to me.....So here goes:
Starting awhile ago (maybe a few weeks(?)) I noticed that I was getting a tremendous amount of pop up ads showing up. And it was on all sorts of pages (YouTube videos, Imgur image pages, etc...). And the pop up ads in question were dealing with KU. Now admittedly, the web browser I use is a PortableApp version of Firefox and I carry it everywhere. And so the fact that I might have, at some point, done a web-search for something related to KU while using it is not just high but it is an absolute certainty. And I admittedly do not recall the last time I purged my search history from this particular browser. The fact that the ads show up on any computer I am using (the ones at the 23 Hour Lab, the ones at the Bunnel Computer Lab, or my own laptop) just seems like a little reminder of my goal. Even if it's just due to a prior search it's interesting since it serves as a 'goad' to keep me at least partly on track. And then there was a bit of strange dream realted-ness that happened today. I had a sort of sci-fi dream about a set of martial arts students and their encounter with an intelligent, human sized wasp type creature. I mentioned this dream on Facebook and someone piped up with a reference to the anime FLCL and the character of Haruko Haruhara. In the anime the character rides a Vespa and is referred to as 'The Wasp Woman'. Now here is the thing: in the English language dub the character is voiced by an actress named Kari Wahlgren, who has done a whole bunch of voice over work. Keep her in mind. Move forward to this afternoon, when I have gotten a bit of a 'wild hair' and am doing some further online research about KU. I end up, rather circuitously, looking at a page detailing various scholarships for the theatre department. And surprisingly one of those scholarships is named The Kari Wahlgren Theatre Scholarship. For which both undergrads and graduate students are eligible. And yes, it apparently is the same Kari Wahlgren. She is listed on her Wikipedia page as being a KU alumni........Something that, even though I have looked at her page previously (while looking up some anime related stuff) I don't recall having noticed. And I don't recall having noticed the mention of the scholarship on the KU website previously either. Of course, most of my focus there has, at least till recently, been specifically on the MFA - Scenography page(s). So I could have missed it or forgotten it. Like I said, 'post hoc ergo propter hoc'.....I know.
Oh....One last synchronicity thing: I came across a video about the MFA program on the KU Scenography page. And I didn't recall watching it previously. So I did. And one of the MFA students that was interviewed was an non-traditional, older, been in the world sort of guy. Kind of like me. I have to say that it struck a bit of a chord. Here is the vid in question.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nKpk28HZsU
So....Yeah.
The panic mentioned in the subject line? Oh. THAT. Well, in the main I have addressed a big part of that above when I talked about classes and getting my graduation accomplished by the deadline I wanted. And another part of the panic is just my worry about my portfolio and having enough stuff in it to get admitted. I know that I'll have four realized scenic designs (Honest Abe! - The Cavern Of Crete - The Messenger - The Veldt) and several lighting designs (various from my UI:U-C era (Bleacher Bums - Getting Right Behind Something Like That) as well as some later ones (Winnie The Pooh - Picasso At The Lapin Agile - Winter Shorts 2011 - Leading Ladies) and potentially The Diary Of Anne Frank, all though IF I get to design that one it does not open until after I have to have submitted things to KU for a Fall 2013 admission so......shrug). And I'll have some class related costume renderings and other paper/conceptual projects included as well...But I still worry about both quantity and quality. I really want this. Just as I really wanted to come back to school for my Bachelors degree. That's part of why I want so badly to get one of the scenic design gigs I've applied for.....Especially the one in NH. Where I would be the resident designer for a full season of 4 musicals. It would be a potentially awesome portfolio opportunity.......And, again, heavy sigh.
Wow.
That was a bit of a ramble again wasn't it?
Time to put your tray tables back into their upright and locked positions. This wild ride is done. More later.
I have noticed that, for many years, I have gotten a bit weird mood-wise around this time of year. And I strongly suspect that it has to do with the whole 'would have been an anniversary' mindset that creeps up on me once in awhile. For any keeping track: 30 years as of 05/22. Would have been. Sigh. Plus this is also the time of year that the ex and I always (well, for at least a couple of years...) visited WDW. And I kind of miss WDW the last little while.....
That out of the way, there are other things that have me a bit rattled today. Mostly it has to do with the fact that I still can't seem to let go of some bitterness about the Palmer gig. And I blame myself, at least in part, for the situation. If I had been more.....selfish might be the word......then I would have just gone ahead and submitted resumes for gigs, even though I had a verbal agreement with the Palmer folks. But my conscience said "Hey....you already have agreed to do a job elsewhere...It would not be 'right' to still apply to other places, even if you don't have a paper contract or LOA in hand yet.....". So I didn't. Heavy sigh. And now I am scrambling for a Summer gig. Still hoping that the one place who has replied recently will continue considering me. Of course, with their build(s) starting on June 26th for a July 10th opening, they probably are not in a huge hurry and I probably will not hear anything back from them before the middle to end of this week (especially with the holiday weekend).
Another part of the 'rattled-ness" is concern about getting all my classes out of the way so that I can graduate in the Spring of 2013. I'm pretty nervous about the situation, since I really want to start grad school in the Fall of 2013. Of course it MIGHT be feasible, depending on the school, for me to start in January 2014.....BUT that might (probably would) impact TA possibilities and the resulting tuition issues.....So there is that concern. And there are some schools that only allow admission in the Fall. And some, like UI:U-C, only admit every other year. And 2013 is not a year they will be admitting for. But then UI:U-C, while on my list, is not the primary school I want. As of this moment, that school is still University of Kansas at Lawrence.
And speaking of KU (as the abbreviation apparently goes)....It's time to discuss some synchronicity. Going in, I fully understand the concept of 'post hoc ergo propter hoc.' However, the following occurrences recently are just too noteworthy to ignore. At least, they are noteworthy to me.....So here goes:
Starting awhile ago (maybe a few weeks(?)) I noticed that I was getting a tremendous amount of pop up ads showing up. And it was on all sorts of pages (YouTube videos, Imgur image pages, etc...). And the pop up ads in question were dealing with KU. Now admittedly, the web browser I use is a PortableApp version of Firefox and I carry it everywhere. And so the fact that I might have, at some point, done a web-search for something related to KU while using it is not just high but it is an absolute certainty. And I admittedly do not recall the last time I purged my search history from this particular browser. The fact that the ads show up on any computer I am using (the ones at the 23 Hour Lab, the ones at the Bunnel Computer Lab, or my own laptop) just seems like a little reminder of my goal. Even if it's just due to a prior search it's interesting since it serves as a 'goad' to keep me at least partly on track. And then there was a bit of strange dream realted-ness that happened today. I had a sort of sci-fi dream about a set of martial arts students and their encounter with an intelligent, human sized wasp type creature. I mentioned this dream on Facebook and someone piped up with a reference to the anime FLCL and the character of Haruko Haruhara. In the anime the character rides a Vespa and is referred to as 'The Wasp Woman'. Now here is the thing: in the English language dub the character is voiced by an actress named Kari Wahlgren, who has done a whole bunch of voice over work. Keep her in mind. Move forward to this afternoon, when I have gotten a bit of a 'wild hair' and am doing some further online research about KU. I end up, rather circuitously, looking at a page detailing various scholarships for the theatre department. And surprisingly one of those scholarships is named The Kari Wahlgren Theatre Scholarship. For which both undergrads and graduate students are eligible. And yes, it apparently is the same Kari Wahlgren. She is listed on her Wikipedia page as being a KU alumni........Something that, even though I have looked at her page previously (while looking up some anime related stuff) I don't recall having noticed. And I don't recall having noticed the mention of the scholarship on the KU website previously either. Of course, most of my focus there has, at least till recently, been specifically on the MFA - Scenography page(s). So I could have missed it or forgotten it. Like I said, 'post hoc ergo propter hoc'.....I know.
Oh....One last synchronicity thing: I came across a video about the MFA program on the KU Scenography page. And I didn't recall watching it previously. So I did. And one of the MFA students that was interviewed was an non-traditional, older, been in the world sort of guy. Kind of like me. I have to say that it struck a bit of a chord. Here is the vid in question.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nKpk28HZsU
So....Yeah.
The panic mentioned in the subject line? Oh. THAT. Well, in the main I have addressed a big part of that above when I talked about classes and getting my graduation accomplished by the deadline I wanted. And another part of the panic is just my worry about my portfolio and having enough stuff in it to get admitted. I know that I'll have four realized scenic designs (Honest Abe! - The Cavern Of Crete - The Messenger - The Veldt) and several lighting designs (various from my UI:U-C era (Bleacher Bums - Getting Right Behind Something Like That) as well as some later ones (Winnie The Pooh - Picasso At The Lapin Agile - Winter Shorts 2011 - Leading Ladies) and potentially The Diary Of Anne Frank, all though IF I get to design that one it does not open until after I have to have submitted things to KU for a Fall 2013 admission so......shrug). And I'll have some class related costume renderings and other paper/conceptual projects included as well...But I still worry about both quantity and quality. I really want this. Just as I really wanted to come back to school for my Bachelors degree. That's part of why I want so badly to get one of the scenic design gigs I've applied for.....Especially the one in NH. Where I would be the resident designer for a full season of 4 musicals. It would be a potentially awesome portfolio opportunity.......And, again, heavy sigh.
Wow.
That was a bit of a ramble again wasn't it?
Time to put your tray tables back into their upright and locked positions. This wild ride is done. More later.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Why Am I In The Mood I Am In? (WARNING: Long-ish And Rambling)
First just some housekeeping:
It is now after the end of the Spring 2012 semester here at UAF. The calendar date is May 23, 2012. It has been roughly an entire semester since my last major post. Sigh.
That said, here is some update/news:
First, let's start at the end - grade-wise the Spring semester has turned out pretty okay. The current tally is as follows:
ART 262 - History Of World Art (~1300 to contemporary) : A-
(I blew the last test....and screwed my average)
CUMULATIVE: 3.064 (current, before HIST 100x grade included)
It is now after the end of the Spring 2012 semester here at UAF. The calendar date is May 23, 2012. It has been roughly an entire semester since my last major post. Sigh.
That said, here is some update/news:
First, let's start at the end - grade-wise the Spring semester has turned out pretty okay. The current tally is as follows:
ART 262 - History Of World Art (~1300 to contemporary) : A-
(I blew the last test....and screwed my average)
FLM 427 Studies in Film: Film Noir And Neo-Noir
PHIL 322x Ethics
THR 235 The Collaborative Process
THR 291 Audition or Portfolio Review Participation P (it's pass/fail)
PHIL 322x Ethics
THR 235 The Collaborative Process
THR 291 Audition or Portfolio Review Participation P (it's pass/fail)
and
HIST 100x Modern World History
HIST 100x Modern World History
The reason behind the grade in HIST 100x is (short version) that I blew the last test and my prof has offered me a chance to submit a paper and punch up my average back towards the B+ level it was prior to the exam. He has even implied that, should I do well enough on the paper that I might pull something better than a B+ out of the class.....maybe.
As for prior grades, I missed a deadline and screwed myself on another course from last Spring so that is now one of the two F grades I have received since returning to school. But even with that and with the current Incomplete in HIST I still have a 3.06 cumulative GPA (not Deans List but.....) and a 3.92 GPA for the current semester which (once the Incomplete is dealt with) MIGHT just get me on the Deans List, if only for the Spring 2012 semester.
So the GPA's per semester have been:
Fall 2010 (1st semester back): 3.42
Spring 2011: 2.14 (adjusted for the 'uncompleted incomplete' - OUCH!!)
Fall 2011: 3.00
Spring 2012: 3.92 (current, before HIST 100x grade included)
CUMULATIVE: 3.064 (current, before HIST 100x grade included)
So I am still in the running to have a 3.0 (or better.....hopefully better) GPA for when I apply to grad schools. Since most (all?) of the schools I am looking at have a cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0 (minimum). There have been some I have seen that say that you have to have a 3.0 for each semester for (at least) the four semesters leading up to admission. If that is the case I might be screwed for applying to those schools due to the Spring 2011 debacle. BUT the school that is my current "primary"(University of Kansas at Lawrence) only has the cumulative 3.0 standard for admission to their MFA scenography program. At least, that's the departments standard. I still need to make sure that the Graduate School itself doesn't have something different......but I doubt it.
On the subject of grad schools: I had a list of about 6-8 that I was really focused on. Sadly, that list and it's affiliated research seems to have up and vanished. It's probably on my old laptop, which suffered a variety of issues (including the loss of several papers) during the last semester or two necessitating my replacing it (or at least adding in a better, newer one to my mixture of technology). So I don't have ALL the info to post here BUT here is the list as I can currently recall it:
"Primary":
University of Kansas at Lawrence
"Secondaries":
University of Iowa
University of IL: Urbana-Champaign
"Tertiaries":
City University of New York: Brooklyn
University of Texas at Austin
University of Florida: Gainsville
Yale
Temple
The breakdown between "primaries", "secondaries", and "tertiaries" is not based on the quality of the programs but rather my feeling (as of this moment) as to my ability to "fit" at the school in question.What I am looking for is a school that will work with my aspirations as a scenographer. Which is why UK: L is at the top of the list. Because that is the only type of design MFA they offer - an MFA in Scenography. And, I have to admit that as far as some of the schools go there is a component of location involved with some (eg: CUNY: Brooklyn....etc), as well as some faculty connections with others (eg: the UT: A scenic design contact for portfolio submissions is listed as Richard Isackes, who was one of my professors when I was at UI:U-C in the 1980's....etc). It's important to me to admit these reasons upfront, so that when/if I do go and tour the school(s) I'll be able to (hopefully) see things clearly.
I'll probably post more on just grad school stuff later in another entry.....eventually. BUT until then I would be VERY grateful for any suggestions, comments, etc from those who have them regarding schools, my planning, etc......Really. I could use insights from those who have gone through the process. Thanks!
Getting back to the "here and now"......
Did two lighting designs for Fairbanks Drama Association this Spring. I think I previously mentioned Picasso At The Lapin Agile. And then, most recently, Leading Ladies. And during Leading Ladies I was approached by one of the directors for next season who said she wanted to 'pencil me in' as her lighting designer for The Diary Of Anne Frank. Which will go up next February-ish.....
I'm directing a show for Winter Shorts in the Fall. The Veldt by Ray Bradbury. And I'm also designing the set for it. AND that set will also be used as the base for the other show which will be being produced for Winter Shorts. So it's interesting.....And, as a consequence, I will not be doing any mainstage design work in the Fall. Plus, with the class schedule I have I will be scaling back my work schedule in the scene shop as well.....sigh.
I need to tweak my class schedule for the next couple of semesters if I want to graduate in the Spring of 2013 and then start grad school that Fall......I suspect that that will be yet another, longer and specific to that subject post....As opposed to this long rambling update.
We've sort of segued into dealing with this posts title....about my mood.
The whole 'needing certain classes and not having time' issue is part of it. But that is really a 'cart and horse' situation, compared to another issue: Summer Gig(s)
Here is a VERY abbreviated version of events (do I EVER write those?) ---
I got a lead on a gig working as a TD at a Summer theatre 'camp' down in Palmer AK. I applied and was hired, with the idea that the gig would last 8 weeks and that we would end the 'camp' with two shows, which I would design (scenically and lighting). A win/win if you would have asked me. A job where I would get some 'teaching experience' under my belt. Plus two more design packages for my portfolio. Sweet. However.......The interest level for the project was much less than the planners had hoped. So first they decided to scale things back from 8 weeks to just 4. And they were potentially only going to do shows like Quilters or The Fantastiks due to the limited interest. And they were even considering doing The Fantastiks with mothers rather than fathers, since virtually all the interest (such as it was) had been from female students. Sigh yet again. They finally had another audition session last week Saturday. And only one person showed up. So they cancelled the whole thing. And now, since I thought I had a gig and so didn't put out that many resumes/applications I am stuck scrambling for a gig. Pheh. I submitted a couple of carp resumes and a TD resume or two and had at least an initial email back from a scenic design resume I submitted....But I'm still waiting to hear any more. The scenic design gig would not start till nearly the end of June (6/26/12) and would run till the end of August. But I think I could potentially tweak an earlier out date on a contract there, since as a designer I'd be done on opening night......
So yeah. Money. And work. That's basically the major part of my mood.
Plus I've been fighting yet another cluster of migraines and some hypertension. And being sick makes me worry about my reputation and such. Sigh yet again.
Well. That's been a long involved spiel hasn't it? I think that I shall close now and get this posted. Then off to eat something and maybe accomplish a few tasks from my to do list for the day.....
More.......eventually.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wow.....A Whole Semester?
Jeepers.....Has it been an entire semester since my last blog entry?
Yeah....It really has.
And this entry will only be long enough to confirm that fact...And that I am still alive (mostly....though dealing with a migraine the last 48 hours or so makes me wonder about that.....bleh).
I'll add more later. I do promise. Really. Lots to share.....Or at least, I feel like there is a lot. Shrug.
Okay. Time for more headache meds now.
Bigger entry to come.......Later.
Yeah....It really has.
And this entry will only be long enough to confirm that fact...And that I am still alive (mostly....though dealing with a migraine the last 48 hours or so makes me wonder about that.....bleh).
I'll add more later. I do promise. Really. Lots to share.....Or at least, I feel like there is a lot. Shrug.
Okay. Time for more headache meds now.
Bigger entry to come.......Later.
Friday, January 6, 2012
An Abreviated Update....I Can Be Such A Tease.....
Yet another gap between posts.....shrug.
That said, here is the update on what has occurred within the last couple of months:
Finished the Fall semester.
For various reasons, I was behind with some things and I had some worries about how classes would pan out grade-wise. But the final tally came up with a C, an A and two B's. So my GPA should stay above 3.0 and I should keep my scholarship(s).
No mainstage assignment for the Spring. Given that I have most of my classes outside the department and am unsure as to how intense their time demands will be that is probably a small blessing. I should (if things go as currently planned) have an assignment on the SDA workshop production this Spring. And I am also working up a "standing production package" for additional SDA workshop productions in the future. So with luck I'll still have some production outlet(s). I've already warned the shop manager that I'll be pulling back on my work hours to make certain that I keep up with my classes. Not that that will help the budget but if I want to go on to grad school (and I do) I need to keep my grades well into the B (or better) range.
I'm currently working on the lighting design for the upcoming Fairbanks Drama Association production of Picasso At The Lapine Agile. The current plan has me doing hang/focus work next week. The show opens at the beginning of February.
That's the short version.
Continuing to hammer at a longer, more epiphany saturated post....It'll show up. Eventually.
That said, here is the update on what has occurred within the last couple of months:
Finished the Fall semester.
For various reasons, I was behind with some things and I had some worries about how classes would pan out grade-wise. But the final tally came up with a C, an A and two B's. So my GPA should stay above 3.0 and I should keep my scholarship(s).
No mainstage assignment for the Spring. Given that I have most of my classes outside the department and am unsure as to how intense their time demands will be that is probably a small blessing. I should (if things go as currently planned) have an assignment on the SDA workshop production this Spring. And I am also working up a "standing production package" for additional SDA workshop productions in the future. So with luck I'll still have some production outlet(s). I've already warned the shop manager that I'll be pulling back on my work hours to make certain that I keep up with my classes. Not that that will help the budget but if I want to go on to grad school (and I do) I need to keep my grades well into the B (or better) range.
I'm currently working on the lighting design for the upcoming Fairbanks Drama Association production of Picasso At The Lapine Agile. The current plan has me doing hang/focus work next week. The show opens at the beginning of February.
That's the short version.
Continuing to hammer at a longer, more epiphany saturated post....It'll show up. Eventually.
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