Quick, Like A Circus Monkey!

This entry will be short-ish, rather than one of my more standard rambles. The reason is that I am awaiting the beginning of a production meeting here at the Summer stock where I am working.

That disclaimer aside.....

I'm eager to do some more work on one of the projects that I have in mind for the upcoming academic year. I am reticent to share too many details as of yet, though I have let some things out via other sources (such as Facebook, etc). Part of the reason for my reticence is I 1) want things to be 'just so' and sort of impress folks when I finally share and 2) I find myself (perhaps unreasonably) concerned about having credit for project ideas taken out from under me. It has happened once or twice on previous occasions and as they say, once bitten and all. Anyway...

As I mentioned, I find myself very eager about this project. At least as eager, I think, as I was when I was in process with The Veldt. And that was kind of a big thing for me. This project holds excitement for me in part because I see it as one production amongst a potential new series that would take place in a venue that is currently unused/underused and yet holds so very much potential.

Meeting time. More later.


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                                              My school related fundraising site:
                                   Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

              A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise. 

                                             My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
                                                     Semi-Random Shavings 

Something Of A Ramble: Regarding Prep For Summer Departure, Budget Planning, And Likely Another Thing Or Two.

It's currently about 29 hours (+/- a bit) until I climb aboard a Greyhound bus to start off for my 2014 Summer stock gig in Michigan. As I mentioned previously I'll be at the Tibbits Summer Theatre as the mainstage properties master. And, as almost always happens, I find myself in a bit of a 'dither' about the packing of my gig bag(s).

Not so much about my tools, as they are a pretty standard collection based on a compilation of some of the published I.A.T.S.E. lists for required tools at a call. I started with the list I received in a tech direction class circa 1982-ish. Since then I've adjusted and reorganized things a time or three, in part based on personal experiences as to what I've needed, and in part based on research as to what lists from various other designers/technicians use and travel with. So that packing is, in the main, complete. The other components of my traveling ensemble are, however, another matter.

My wardrobe selection will need to be drawn from any 'fat clothes' that I can rustle up, as I have gained several inches over the last few months. Which is frustrating because 1) I want to get back to a healthier weight and 2) most of the 'fat clothes' which I do have are in storage in Alaska, since the clothes I wore when I moved up there were larger sizes but then I trimmed down somewhat and so put those clothes away. And the items I packed for my Summer stock gig a year ago were all in my 'skinnier clothing' spectrum. [An aside: Wow. It has been a year since I was last in Fairbanks. Sigh. No wonder I get angsty about some things...Anyway, enough of that digression for now.] Fortunately, my brother had some jeans that will work so I am not working completely from scratch.

I've traveled with drafting paper and related supplies before. I'll probably be packing some of that again this trip, less for the needs of the Summer gig than for the needs of some various projects that continue to ramble around within my synapses. Beyond those items I do find myself working through my packing options for any additional art supplies, since I have some supplies here (though most still remain in storage in Alaska) and as I do not want to have to make any more purchases during the gig than I absolutely have to. So, beyond some sketchbooks and related items I am debating the various merits of 'not having something and needing it versus having something but not using it'. Herrmn.

I'm hoping to spend as little as possible out of my pay this Summer. Yes, that sentiment is often expressed and, unfortunately, doesn't always meet with success. But I think that my current plan is a solid one, to wit:

         **Based on current calculations, after taxes I should be clearing ~$212/week.

         **The theatre does provide for direct deposit, which will (I hope) prevent the classic 'I have cash in my pocket' syndrome that can often scuttle a budgeting plan.

         **Using those numbers, I intend to only use a maximum of $12/week for food, etc, leaving the  rest to be applied towards school (both past due and saving for the Fall). Granted, that will only give me ~$1,800 towards those items. However it is at least a step in the correct direction.

         **I've been fortunate enough to be able to 'raid' the pantry here at my brothers. So that, plus a  few dollars spent at the local Dollar General, has let me gather together some peanut butter, rice, lemonade mix and dried cranberries to form a starter pantry. And since I often lived on less during  my most recent academic year at UAF (2012-2013) I feel absolutely blessed.

I'm still working on finding funding/scholarships/sponsorships/etc to allow me to return to UAF in the Fall so I can complete my Bachelors degree program there. Just 11 hours of core courses required. Sigh. I've been digging through any items I have to sell, but the first item I listed on Ebay (a commemorative coin from before the opening of EPCOT) has not yet sold even after being re-listed 6 times. Sigh yet again. If any of you reading this have any leads on finding funding/scholarships/sponsorships/etc please let me know...

Well....reflecting on this I must say it has turned into a bit of a ramble. So, even though I suspect that I could ramble on about other topics I need to return to my preparations. More entries, in regard to other schtuff, to come.

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                                              My school related fundraising site:
                                   Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

              A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise. 

                                             My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
                                                     Semi-Random Shavings 

Interpretational Dynamics

[NOTE: Because I am something of an academic, I attempt to properly attribute any media I might post. That said, this image set has shown up in various sources on my feed for some while. I do not know who originally created the set. Any credit for the image set belongs to them…]

Normally when I see this photo set show up across my feed(s) there is some sort of ‘snarky response’ included. And that sort of response may well have been the intent of the editors/writers of the reality show in question because, after all, conflict helps sell such programming.

However, as one who aspires to various creative fields I think that the set is worth sharing not for any ‘snark’ but rather as an important lesson on one of the proper ways to respond during a critique. Because critiques are about getting better, and about looking at your work through another, potentially neutral, set of eyes.

Don’t get ‘defensive’.

Don’t attempt to ‘bargain’.

Listen.

Take notes.

Even if you still disagree, that is not the point. Say ‘thank you’, consider what was said, and after that then decide how to apply it to your work.

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                                              My school related fundraising site:
                                   Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

                                             My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
                                                     Semi-Random Shavings 


              A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.

Summertime. And The Livin' Is...

Well. Not too many people who have experienced Summer stock gigs would refer to them as 'easy'. But having a gig is a living. Or at least some badly needed income. So, with that said...

I've held off with this announcement for a bit, because I wanted to be certain to have the contract and related paperwork signed and mailed back. Now that that has been accomplished, I am happy to (officially) announce that I have a gig with a Summer stock company for their 2014 season.

I'll be working as the properties master for the Summer mainstage shows at the Tibbits Summer Theatre, in Coldwater MI. A nine week contract, beginning in June. The season as it stands currently will be: The Look of Love, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, and Alone Together. There will be a properties intern, but their focus will be on producing for the children's theatre shows. So it is, basically, a one person shop. As such I suspect that the workload will be similar to some of what I did previously at TLTOTS (The Little Theatre on the Square). Given the composition of the season, I do not currently have any significant worries.

As I said, I'm happy to have the gig. And I also must say that I am admittedly a bit surprised in how my gig searching turned out. Why? Because of the following:

** There were, basically, three theatres that all contacted me around the same time regarding gigs for the Summer. That is three responses out of ~18 resumes. Plus one response which I believe I may have mentioned in an earlier post, which I really only got the call back on due to an error (since corrected) in my resume (short version of the recap: I had not adjusted my 'expected graduation date' to reflect various changes to my timetable...and the schedule they had would not jibe with my schooling. Shrug.). Not all of the resume submissions were for properties (some were for carpentry gigs, some for scenic design, etc). Basic calculations imply that I had, for this gig search, a ~1 in 6 positive response rate, with a ~1 in 9 job offer rate. So very roughly a 10% positive result. Having had similar searches in the past which never even resulted in getting a single phone call back, I'll take that as a win.

** Of those three responses mentioned, the phone interview from one seemed less an interview and more a "here's how things work with us...would you like it?" sort of conversation. And the other two were pretty 'soft' interviews as well, IMNSVHO.

** And the idea of having more than one venue offer me a gig....As I said: surprising.

I've been told I shouldn't really be surprised. And I do know that, to be somewhat immodest, I do have some skills and talents. I just suffer from the occasional spasm of self-doubt, which many in the creative fields can be prone to.

On practical matters I think that having added the URL for my Tumblr based portfolio (which can be found here):

            A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise. 

to my resume(s) and cover letter(s) may have aided in garnering the interviews. I am hoping that I can get some additional items to post onto it from this upcoming gig. And, if the time allows, perhaps some items from additional outside projects (ie: general drawings, woodworking, etc) as well.

That's the news. 

I'll be back again with another more reflective post, the subject of which has been percolating in my synapses for a couple of weeks now, soon. 

As always, some other aspects of my web presence can be found at the links below (and, in the case of this post, above)...

                                             My school related fundraising site:
                                   Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

                                             My general, rather eclectic, Tumblr:
                                                     Semi-Random Shavings 

Till later.

Training Nostalgia And Rambling (Chapter The First)

I have, over the past few days, found myself recalling some episodes from the directing segment of my high school theatrical training. Perhaps it is due to reading some of the works of Archibald MacLeish.

During one of the classes, we did some directing projects. And for one of them I directed a scene (the opening scene, to be specific) from the play J.B.. For various reasons I cast two females in the roles of Mr. Zuss and Nickles who, within the world of the play, evoke the personas of God and Satan, respectively. At the same time we (Waukegan West High School) were producing a musical, which happened to be Godspell. And a part of that set, used to hold up the chain link fence, was a unit of portable scaffolding - the sort used on construction sites, etc. As one of the performers cast in Godspell I had been rehearsing on the unit, since it was part of the choreography for my song ('We Beseech Thee'). And as the original textural notes in J.B. call for the show to occur (at least in part) within a circus tent I thought that the bare steel, etc served to echo some of what is seen when you look at circus rigging. So since the scenes where to be presented in the schools auditorium I took the opportunity to stage my scene using that unit.

Admittedly, had you asked me at the time I would probably not have been able to put into words anything close to what strikes me now. As a 15 year old I had no idea what my 'artistic philosophy' was. Candidly, I can't clearly recollect if I even knew what that term meant. But now given the lens of reflection I can see some small fragments of my current, albeit still fluid, 'artistic philosophy'. Simplicity. Silence. Space. In the heady high school days that followed I would read the theories of Konstantin Stanislavski, and the plays of Edward Albee (admittedly becoming a bit obsessed by latters texts). And then one day I heard a phrase that I would, in one way or another, carry as a part of how and why I do what I do. It was a quote from Faulkner, via the mouth of Harlan Ellison. I would later learn that Ellison had paraphrased the quote, based primarily (from what I can discern) on Faulkner's speech at the Nobel Prize Banquet. I have always simply referred to it as 'Faulkner's Dictum', which is:

                The only thing worth the sweat and damn of writing about is
                               the human heart in conflict with itself.

That brings me back to the works of Archibald MacLeish. As I said earlier, I have been reading some of his works over the past few days. And listening to a production of one of his self described 'verse for radio' scripts entitled The Fall of the City.

(Here is a link to an MP3 of the initial broadcast : Columbia Workshop Production of 'The Fall of the City' - 1938 )

The hearing, and the reading, have inspired me to develop yet another project for my next academic year. And the seeming synchronicity that occurs along the path of my training that now finds me once again inspired by MacLeish somewhat tickles my nostalgic soul. Almost as much as, in retrospect, I am pleased by the memory of a putative God and Satan arguing on a set intended for a musical about Jesus.

More to come...later.



Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

 A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.  

 Semi-Random Shavings

"Ohh, It's A Saturday Night And I..."

As the subject line implies: A Spring Saturday evening. And here I am with all sorts of schtuff (yes, that *is* how that particular word is spelled) rambling about within my synapses. And since it needs to leak out now and again.....well. Here we are.

[WARNING: Potential 'stream of consciousness' text segments and/or venting to follow]:

First things first: As I mentioned in a prior entry I have, happily, been hired for Summer stock gig. Which will help at least to some degree with the budget for the Fall. And in candor I also have to say that it was/is a bit of an ego boost to have realized that I didn't even really interview for the gig. That apparently my resume, online portfolio, and references spoke for me. As one who, like many artists (or those who are aspiring to be such), has faced various bouts with self doubt and angst I can freely admit that such a situation feels quite good.

I won't go into any further specifics until I get the signed copies of my contract (which arrived late yesterday) mailed back to the producing venue. However, I will say that it is a type of position that I have filled previously and it will almost certainly involve some carpentry, potentially involve some upholstering, and definitely involve some fabrication of 'paper goods'.

One of my hopes is that, even with the demands of the season, I might be able to get some 'project work' done as well. Such things as some carving, sketching, etc. The idea is to achieve some skill building, some potential portfolio items (both theatrical and artistic), and some preparation for some independent production projects I have ideas about.

As for those ideas? Well, I admit that I find myself a bit hesitant to share much about them. In part because "Macy's doesn't tell Gimbles." Yes, I have been bitten in the glutes previously by letting what I am thinking out. Which is part of why this blog is, at times, a challenge to write....But enough of that particular kvetching. What I will say about one of the project ideas I have been working on is that it involves: Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Shakespeare. And the UAF Green Room.

Beyond projects of my own fabrication, there is also a potential lighting design opportunity that has been mentioned to me and that I am hoping to take advantage of. And while I understand that, since I wasn't there this last academic year, I may be out of consideration for any design slots on the Fall mainstage show, one never knows.

I continue to plan as though I know I am going back to UAF in the Fall. Admittedly, at this moment, that is partially an act of 'positive visualization'. I'm still underfunded, even with the potential income/savings that I can add up from the Summer stock gig. I can't let that stop me. I didn't let other situations, such as never having been to AK before...or having to resort to various methods of 'non standard housing' for a full academic year (and then some)...or being twice the age of most of my classmates...stop me. And so I have to keep 'walking the walk'. And questing for sponsorships and/or scholarships.

My plans for my Fall classes are pretty basic. After all, I should only need 11 more credit hours of core courses to achieve my degree. Two 4 hour lab science courses. And one 3 hour mathematics course. For Fall the plan is to get the math and one of the sciences out of the way (at the moment my choice is an Intro to Astronomy course). To those I want to add at least one studio art course. I *really* need some studio time. I have been feeling a bit twitchy without it. To that end I am intending to enroll in Beginning Printmaking. Partly because the professor who has been my art department mentor (as opposed to my theatrical one(s)) once said that printmaking is a good skill set to learn, as it can almost be "like printing money". That is to say, you can pull multiple prints and sell them at a variety of venues much more easily than you might with sculpture, etc. And partly because I have some scenographic ideas that I am curious about. I did some 'block printing' for a costume design class project and I'd like to expand that skill set. So...printmaking class. And if I can't get into that class, I'd go for my third class in Native Arts Studio (ie: Advanced Native Arts). That level of class is basically an agreed on set of independent projects, and I have had some ideas germinating regarding that possibility as well. Then in the Spring I will finish the last required lab science course and fill in with some more studio courses.

I've also given some thought to the idea of doing a Thesis Project course in the theatre department. It isn't required but I've been considering the possibility for some while now. As far as I am aware, there has never yet been a technical student who did a thesis project. Directing students? Yep. Acting students? Certainly. But no tech/design folks. Besides the fact that it would be kind of cool to be the first to do it it would, I think, also help me prepare for my MFA work. Because, after all, that *is* the next step I want to take. So skill building towards that end would be a positive thing. And the project I hinted at above might be a good choice for a thesis....maybe. We shall have to see.

Enough rambling for now. I'll almost certainly be back before the weekend is out with another post (sneak preview: it deals with pathways, training, focus, and a few things Disney). Till later.



Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

 A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.  

 Semi-Random Shavings

Adventures In Prop-istry...

Not to place any freight conveyances prior to equine species, but all things staying as they are I should be receiving an emailed contract sometime this evening in regard to a Summer gig.

I will admit that it doesn't start as soon as I might like. Nor is the producing venue close to
the metropolitan locale where I had hoped to find work. And it is not a true 'design position'. However, with those things being said it is still work. And I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I was basically offered the gig during my first phone call with the venues rep earlier this week. He even acted as though he wasn't really calling me for an interview, but rather for a job offer. Which means that my resume, online portfolio, and references appear to have spoken for me.

Which kind of floors me, truth be told.

As I mentioned above, I should be getting the packet via email before the next dawn. Once I have it and have things signed and/or sealed I'll very likely post more details. Until then, just felt like sharing a positive, if you know what I mean.

More later.

Help Me Continue My Educational Momentum

A portfolio of my various work and projects, both theatrical and otherwise.