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: Nunsense Jamboree, Man of La Mancha, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. Pretty much the standard two week run/two week build cycle that I'm familiar with from TLTOTS. Though the theatre is, apparently, somewhat smaller that the one in Sullivan. According to the info I currently have the stage runs 28 feet deep, with a proscenium opening of about 20 feet by 12 feet....And about 8 feet worth of wings on either side. The space is a re-purposed dance and music venue affiliated with a resort hotel. A link to the history of the venue is here:  

http://www.mwvtheatre.org/history.html

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......