Monday, March 4, 2013
January and February in Review: Catch-up Complete
After a very nice Christmas break, I headed on back to UNC for the second half of my sophomore year with a full load in front of me. Aside from one LAC and another run of IP, I’m taking Stage Speech, Costume Design, and Stage Management. And man, have I been having a whole lot of fun.
I’ve had a lot of firsts this semester, namely in meeting some of the people integral to the theatre department. My Stage Speech class is taught by Shelly Gaza, a specialist in voice, speech, and acting. Up to this point, we’ve learned some wonderful voice exercises, as well as proper breathing techniques. We’re currently working on Shakespearean sonnets that we’ll soon be performing. I’ve been able to put my new skills to practical use, as well – my last doctor’s appointment showed great improvement in my breathing, and I can’t help but think that this class has helped somewhat.
Costume Design has been my first true foray into the world of design. Run by Anne Toewe, the head of the Theatre Design and Technology program at UNC, it’s given me a significant challenge. Aside from learning some basic drawing techniques (which I certainly needed), we’ve already read two scripts, the classic The Man who Came to Dinner and the modern play Spinning Into Butter. I was tasked with creating a very descriptive French scene and research binder for the first; the second is the subject of our current project, a costume collage. We also have to write analyses for each mainstage show. It’s been a constant challenge for me, but I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s my only class on Tuesdays and Thursdays; entirely worth the long drive to Greeley.
Now we come to Stage Management, headed by J. David Blatt, a master scenic designer and general design aficionado. Each class, we’ve focused on a different aspect of stage management: the essentials of being a stage manager, coordinating with the different designers and shops, running rehearsals, etc. However, our class is also in charge of running the One-Act plays put on by UNC. We’re the stage managers. Now, due to the size of our class, there was no way that we could all be stage managers; no one-act play should ever require three SM’s. Instead, a few students were assistant stage managers for the mainstage shows, and two were chosen as house managers, tasked with running the lobby during performances. That left nine of us, eight of which were paired up and are working as dual SM’s with the four one-acts. That only left me. What’s a guy to do?
Well, with a recommendation from Anne (see: head of Design and Technology), J. David gave me the position of Production Manager. I’m in charge of making sure the entire show runs smoothly. That means keeping track of props, scene changes, interludes between the shows, coordinating between all the SM’s, everything. This is the first real job I’ve had in theatre.
And as terrified as I am, I’m loving it.
(I think I'm finally caught up! Thanks to anyone who's stayed around to read - I promise to try and post regular updates now. Until next time!)
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Fall 2012: A Semester in Review
Wow. Have I been gone long enough?
To say life's been crazy would be an understatement.
I finalized transferring to the University of Northern Colorado over the summer. This past fall, along with a few general-education classes, I had the chance to take Theatre Management, Introduction to Technology, and Individual Performance in Theatre.
In Theatre Management, I learned the basics of running a theatre, both in the logistical and legal sense. We took on two different projects over the semester; for the first one, four of my classmates and I were put in charge of the publicity for one of UNC's mainstage productions, Parade. For the second project, we were again split up in groups, this time to create a fake theatre company from the ground up. We had to create a season lineup, secure a location and funding, and build a list of workers. Both projects were very difficult and took a lot of work, but they were great experience.
Intro. to Tech. gave me a good overview of all the design areas in theatre. Our group started off in the carpentry shop, where we spent our first three weeks learning all of the tools (there are much more than you probably realize). At the end of the three weeks, we built a simple doorstop using certain tools around the shop. After our test, we moved on to the lighting portion of the class. We learned some of the lighting basics, like hanging and focusing lights. We put together a simple light plot, then got to hang the lights for said light plot as part of our final. Another test, and we were off to the properties shop, where we made fish and experimented with plaster. The final area was costumes, where we learned some basic sewing techniques, stressed some of the costumes for an upcoming show, and sewed our own little designs on a piece of felt. It was all a very fun, informative overview.
Now, Individual Performance (IP) basically gives students a chance to participate in the season's shows for credit. Students can work in the shops, be a part of run crew, help out in the lobby, or any combination. I chose to work exclusively in the properties shop. I got to transport 200-lb. columns across town for The Waiting Room, tied several hundred knots to simulate willow-tree leaves for Parade, and built crossbows for Queen Lear. It was a lot of hard work, and some occasional pain (I cut myself up pretty bad at least twice), but I had a blast. By the end of it, I had a wealth of experience under my belt, and a greater hunger for the art.
When classes ended within the first few weeks of December, I already had next semester's classes planned out.
To be continued... soon!
To say life's been crazy would be an understatement.
I finalized transferring to the University of Northern Colorado over the summer. This past fall, along with a few general-education classes, I had the chance to take Theatre Management, Introduction to Technology, and Individual Performance in Theatre.
In Theatre Management, I learned the basics of running a theatre, both in the logistical and legal sense. We took on two different projects over the semester; for the first one, four of my classmates and I were put in charge of the publicity for one of UNC's mainstage productions, Parade. For the second project, we were again split up in groups, this time to create a fake theatre company from the ground up. We had to create a season lineup, secure a location and funding, and build a list of workers. Both projects were very difficult and took a lot of work, but they were great experience.
Intro. to Tech. gave me a good overview of all the design areas in theatre. Our group started off in the carpentry shop, where we spent our first three weeks learning all of the tools (there are much more than you probably realize). At the end of the three weeks, we built a simple doorstop using certain tools around the shop. After our test, we moved on to the lighting portion of the class. We learned some of the lighting basics, like hanging and focusing lights. We put together a simple light plot, then got to hang the lights for said light plot as part of our final. Another test, and we were off to the properties shop, where we made fish and experimented with plaster. The final area was costumes, where we learned some basic sewing techniques, stressed some of the costumes for an upcoming show, and sewed our own little designs on a piece of felt. It was all a very fun, informative overview.
Now, Individual Performance (IP) basically gives students a chance to participate in the season's shows for credit. Students can work in the shops, be a part of run crew, help out in the lobby, or any combination. I chose to work exclusively in the properties shop. I got to transport 200-lb. columns across town for The Waiting Room, tied several hundred knots to simulate willow-tree leaves for Parade, and built crossbows for Queen Lear. It was a lot of hard work, and some occasional pain (I cut myself up pretty bad at least twice), but I had a blast. By the end of it, I had a wealth of experience under my belt, and a greater hunger for the art.
When classes ended within the first few weeks of December, I already had next semester's classes planned out.
To be continued... soon!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Props and Transferring
Well, I'm back!
I realize it's been months since I last posted. I've gone past some pretty major holidays, but honestly, there hasn't been anything theatre-related to share. But no longer!
As you know from my past few posts, I am currently at the University of South Dakota, studying Theatre. We recently just finished something that I believe needs to be shared: our performance of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
Those songs are gonna be in my head for weeks.
At first, I'd hoped to audition for Sweeney Todd, and after seeing it, I wish I had. However, at the time of tryouts, life was just too busy for me. So, tryouts came and went, and it looked like I had no chance to participace in the show. And I most likely wouldn't have, if not for one of my mandatory theatre classes, Practicum. Each theatre student, regardless of their specialization, is required to spend four semesters assisting backstage for shows, either through work or helping run a show. After finding an undiscovered passion in props (back during God of Carnage), I decided to spend my hours working in the prop department. Two months ago, I went in to talk to Professor Tim Case, the Scenic and Properties Designer for USD.
When I first started working, we were still working on a show at the tail end of its production, Coyote on a Fence. I helped to paint a majority of the set, and Tim taught me some cool tricks. It was performed just a few weeks later, and it was very well-done.
Soon after, we started working on Sweeney Todd, and I was still painting sets for the most part. But eventually, I got my first job in props, and probably my biggest job, as well. Tim gave me the job of building Mrs. Lovett's harmonium. The entire build process is on my other blog. The finished piece is heavily detailed--Mrs. Lovett got it very cheaply after the chapel burned down.
Aside from the harmonium, I was able to work on a number of smaller pieces. I worked on Pirelli's sign, as well as his "miracle elixir."
I also helped to sew (and blood-proof) Sweeney's barber cloths:
One of the cooler props I helped with were birdcages. I glued in fake birds and stands, and they looked pretty awesome!
And the white birdie in the top cage?
He's such a cutie, huh?
He gets his neck snapped. I made that possible!
By the end of it, we had a very full prop closet:
I was also able to work on some furniture, like these benches:
Tim taught me some amazing skills! Check out the texturing on these:
Anyway, the time finally came for the show, and while I don't have any shots of the production in action (no cameras allowed, unfortunately), I was able to get one of the full set:
Needless to say, the show was amazing. The cast did an amazing job and everything looked amazing. Due to my work behind the scenes, I was listed as the Assistant Properties Supervisor, second only to Tim himself.
Now, to reference the second part of my title, I have some news. After much consideration, I have decided to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado, and will be going there this fall. This decision was made in February, before I truly got involved in the Teatre program here at USD, and found out that they're performing Rent next April. Although I will miss the people here, I still stand by my decision. The next play I help out with will be in Colorado.
Until next you hear from me: be safe, do what you love, and love what you do.
I realize it's been months since I last posted. I've gone past some pretty major holidays, but honestly, there hasn't been anything theatre-related to share. But no longer!
As you know from my past few posts, I am currently at the University of South Dakota, studying Theatre. We recently just finished something that I believe needs to be shared: our performance of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
Those songs are gonna be in my head for weeks.
At first, I'd hoped to audition for Sweeney Todd, and after seeing it, I wish I had. However, at the time of tryouts, life was just too busy for me. So, tryouts came and went, and it looked like I had no chance to participace in the show. And I most likely wouldn't have, if not for one of my mandatory theatre classes, Practicum. Each theatre student, regardless of their specialization, is required to spend four semesters assisting backstage for shows, either through work or helping run a show. After finding an undiscovered passion in props (back during God of Carnage), I decided to spend my hours working in the prop department. Two months ago, I went in to talk to Professor Tim Case, the Scenic and Properties Designer for USD.
When I first started working, we were still working on a show at the tail end of its production, Coyote on a Fence. I helped to paint a majority of the set, and Tim taught me some cool tricks. It was performed just a few weeks later, and it was very well-done.
Soon after, we started working on Sweeney Todd, and I was still painting sets for the most part. But eventually, I got my first job in props, and probably my biggest job, as well. Tim gave me the job of building Mrs. Lovett's harmonium. The entire build process is on my other blog. The finished piece is heavily detailed--Mrs. Lovett got it very cheaply after the chapel burned down.
Aside from the harmonium, I was able to work on a number of smaller pieces. I worked on Pirelli's sign, as well as his "miracle elixir."
I also helped to sew (and blood-proof) Sweeney's barber cloths:
One of the cooler props I helped with were birdcages. I glued in fake birds and stands, and they looked pretty awesome!
And the white birdie in the top cage?
He's such a cutie, huh?
He gets his neck snapped. I made that possible!
By the end of it, we had a very full prop closet:
I was also able to work on some furniture, like these benches:
Tim taught me some amazing skills! Check out the texturing on these:
Anyway, the time finally came for the show, and while I don't have any shots of the production in action (no cameras allowed, unfortunately), I was able to get one of the full set:
Needless to say, the show was amazing. The cast did an amazing job and everything looked amazing. Due to my work behind the scenes, I was listed as the Assistant Properties Supervisor, second only to Tim himself.
Now, to reference the second part of my title, I have some news. After much consideration, I have decided to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado, and will be going there this fall. This decision was made in February, before I truly got involved in the Teatre program here at USD, and found out that they're performing Rent next April. Although I will miss the people here, I still stand by my decision. The next play I help out with will be in Colorado.
Until next you hear from me: be safe, do what you love, and love what you do.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Hiatus
When I started this blog, I had planned to write something every day. However, there just isn't enough going on in my life for that to be a successful dream. So, I'm gonna take a break for now. I'll only write if something significant comes up. The last thing I wanna be is one of those crazy bloggers who writes entire paragraphs about how A is sooo much cooler than B but neither of them come close to C and don't get me started on D etc etc etc. Anyway, until I return, goodbye, and may life treat you well.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Scene Shop
This past friday, I had a few extra hours in my evening and made my way down to the Fine Arts building on campus. The scene shop is open on weekdays from 1 to 5, and they always have people in there working on a show.
Currently, the theatre department is focused on God of Carnage. A brief synopsis: two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other at a public park, meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However, as the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish, resulting in the evening devolving into chaos. It sounds like a rather funny play that I'm excited to see! That, however, is not the topic of this post.
I went into the scene shop, and immediately met two theatre kids (whose names escape me - I'm terrible with names) who were working on two tribal masks that would eventually hang on the walls in the play. The graduate, a male who had the same major as I do, had me take a jigsaw to some foam and carve out teeth for the masks. After I did that, he worked on fine tuning the teeth while I helped the younger girl, who I'd guess is a sophomore or junior, secure one of the masks with glue and a nailgun. The details on the two masks were very ornate, yet ingenious in their simplicity. At about 4:50, we needed to start cleaning up, so everyone (and I mean everyone, not just the few people who wanted to) immediately got to work, sweeping up and cleaning up the shop. We were done in less than ten minutes, despite how spacious and dirty the shop was!
At the end, everyone went over to a board to sign out. I didn't know I needed to sign in, so I went over and asked someone. They asked me if I was in the scene shop for credit for a class or I was paid. I told them I'd come simply to volunteer my help. They were ecstatic! I guess they don't have people coming in "to volunteer" all that often, which puts me in a very small but enjoyed minority. If I do this a lot more (which I plan to), it'll give me great experience along with showing the people who work in the scene shop that I'm dedicated and care about theatre. Heck, maybe in the future, I can work there for pay!
Currently, the theatre department is focused on God of Carnage. A brief synopsis: two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other at a public park, meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However, as the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish, resulting in the evening devolving into chaos. It sounds like a rather funny play that I'm excited to see! That, however, is not the topic of this post.
I went into the scene shop, and immediately met two theatre kids (whose names escape me - I'm terrible with names) who were working on two tribal masks that would eventually hang on the walls in the play. The graduate, a male who had the same major as I do, had me take a jigsaw to some foam and carve out teeth for the masks. After I did that, he worked on fine tuning the teeth while I helped the younger girl, who I'd guess is a sophomore or junior, secure one of the masks with glue and a nailgun. The details on the two masks were very ornate, yet ingenious in their simplicity. At about 4:50, we needed to start cleaning up, so everyone (and I mean everyone, not just the few people who wanted to) immediately got to work, sweeping up and cleaning up the shop. We were done in less than ten minutes, despite how spacious and dirty the shop was!
At the end, everyone went over to a board to sign out. I didn't know I needed to sign in, so I went over and asked someone. They asked me if I was in the scene shop for credit for a class or I was paid. I told them I'd come simply to volunteer my help. They were ecstatic! I guess they don't have people coming in "to volunteer" all that often, which puts me in a very small but enjoyed minority. If I do this a lot more (which I plan to), it'll give me great experience along with showing the people who work in the scene shop that I'm dedicated and care about theatre. Heck, maybe in the future, I can work there for pay!
Monday, September 5, 2011
USD!
Well, I just finished my first week at the University of South Dakota, and I'm loving it here! Sure, I've got a ton of homework, but it's been good so far, especially my theatre class! And, I have some sweet news, suckish news, a silver lining, and sweeter news:
Sweet: My college is putting on Avenue Q in December! I LOVE that show! If you've never heard of it, please do yourself a favor and click the link. It is a very funny show.
Suckish: Because of the intensity of the show's practices (and I can understand this), the auditions were held before I moved into town. So, unfortunately, I can't be in the show.
Silver Lining: I'll still be able to see the show, which I've always wanted to do. And I can do backstage work for it, too!
Sweeter: I'm not keeping Theatre as my minor... I'm changing it to my major! And I'm planning on getting into prop design, as well as acting, and I'm psyched to do so.
Hope all's going well for you guys. I'll catch you in the future!
P.S. I've been having epiphanies for Breathe. Check back soon for info!
Sweet: My college is putting on Avenue Q in December! I LOVE that show! If you've never heard of it, please do yourself a favor and click the link. It is a very funny show.
Suckish: Because of the intensity of the show's practices (and I can understand this), the auditions were held before I moved into town. So, unfortunately, I can't be in the show.
Silver Lining: I'll still be able to see the show, which I've always wanted to do. And I can do backstage work for it, too!
Sweeter: I'm not keeping Theatre as my minor... I'm changing it to my major! And I'm planning on getting into prop design, as well as acting, and I'm psyched to do so.
Hope all's going well for you guys. I'll catch you in the future!
P.S. I've been having epiphanies for Breathe. Check back soon for info!
College Bound
As the summer slowly winds down, and I must once again enter my schooling career, I plan to make my way to the University of South Dakota :) what my major will be, I don't know, but I do know I will be minoring in THEATRE :D I'm already signed up for Intro to Theatre, and I'm super excited!
That's all I have to share today. Hopefully as I get into the swing of things in college, I can work more on some of my musical and play ideas. Take care!
That's all I have to share today. Hopefully as I get into the swing of things in college, I can work more on some of my musical and play ideas. Take care!
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