Day 7: Kiss, Kick, Laugh, and Tell

It's Monday! Also known as Monday Funday! Not really, but I had a pretty enjoyable day so I'll just keep the title. I began the day in the office, as usual. I was given the task of going through all of our contacts in the Folio system, and making sure everything was consistent throughout. I changed all the Mr. and Mrs. to Mr. & Mrs. Made sure addresses were correct, and edited the mailing list. See, how I just made it seem like I did a ton of work. Details will do that. Really I got through 8 pages of I'm not really sure how many, but its a pretty good stack. Now, you all of a heads up on what I'll be doing tomorrow. Once I got about half through (the 8 pages that is) I sent probably the most complicated email ever. 

I had to send an email to one of the actors with line notes. Well it turns out I'm real good at making something really easy, really complicated. So being well aware of that, I mentioned it in the email once or twice. Come to find out one my explanations was like a math equation (great job, I know) :) Luckily Mr. Duke was understanding and, it actually just ended up being funny. Me and and line note emails are not friends, I think I should just go over them in person from now on.

After emailing and list editing I went to lunch. I have been packing my lunch but, 1. Iran out of ham, and 2. I decided I should branch out, and meet the locals. :) My branching was very short lived. I got my sammy and ate quick, fast, and in a hurry! I didn't want to be gone too long! After all I'm only an intern and had to get back! I did enjoy my time out of the office though, also do to the outrageous temperature (by the way it supposed to be something below zero this week) I didn't want to be out too long. When I got back I was happy to find another key on my desk! (in case you haven't noticed I'm starting a collection, I'm up to three) And again, BIG and IMPORTANT!!!! :D I now have my very own key to the rehearsal room. Also on my desk was an article Ms. Denise printed for me to help with my study guide. She said I had a good start, but that the article would help me with some details on the synopsis. It was almost time for rehearsal so I started to read the article before heading over. 

The scenes we were rehearsing today were the ones between Dwight (Gordon's brother) and Jean (the woman who has Gordon's phone). The first scene was them in Dwight's stationary store (note to my sister Jenna, they were talking about paper, you would enjoy it). It is a fun and romantic scene, and you learn a lot about the characters especially Dwight. Also, rehearsal today was just fun in general. Beth and Duke were on their A game and it was really enjoyable to watch them. There are several funny little moments throughout this scene, and it was so funny (I know, I know you get it), but it really was. Literally I'm laughing now just thinking about it. Duke and Beth, thanks for the great work today! And of course the usual gems from Ms. Denise, great day today.

The Fight scene was next on the list. Today we were able to rehearse this scene in the theatre. As you know from previous posts It's going really well. I filmed again today, and got some really awesome footage. Now, it will be much easier to edit. The last footage I had when I pieced it together, half the time Jen was in shoes and the other half she was not! I should have the footage put together and ready by the end of the night. That is now my project for the evening. I still have some editing to do, but here is a sneak peek I'll leave you with. Until Tomorrow...

Day 6: Crownies for Everyone!

I had to be in at one today! I was secretly excited because I have yet to adjust to the time difference, and was a sleepy girl this morning. After a few more hours of sleep, after letting the puppies out, I woke up at about 11. I immediately had to go to the grocery store because I said I would bring cookies today. When I'm home I find it perfectly acceptable to out to the grocery in lacrosse shorts and uggs, in any weather really. I'm not sure it is as acceptable here, but lax shorts and uggs are my signature outfit so I was totally comfortable getting stared at :) After my short trip to the store I headed back to the house to get baking. I chose to make crownies instead of just cookies. That way, you get the best of both worlds, cookies and brownies. A quick mixing, a shower, and perfect timing later, the crownies were ready!

When I arrived at the theatre today I was surprised to find that it was locked. According to the schedule we were suppose to be in the Liberty today. So being official I just whipped out my keys and let myself in. Well, that just proved to be silly because no one was there. I hurried over to the Meriweather building, already a few minutes late. As I walked in the group was discussing scenes and what needed to be worked on. I wasn't too behind, but behind enough that it was time for a break! 

Mr. John, Ms. Denise, and Ms. K.O. and I headed to Shorty's (the local diner, kind of like Double T, but obviously nothing compares) for lunch. I got to sit in on the meeting to take schedule and tech notes, and make sure I'm up to speed on what's to come with rehearsal. After some more discussing, and I had finished my lunch (I packed my lunch today:)) I went back to the rehearsal room as they finished up. I was given the key to let the actors back in. Once everyone returned and got settled we began running through the first act. I was again on line patrol! I also helped with the transitions between scenes today. 

After we ran through the act one time, each of the actors was given notes on what needs to be worked on in the separate scenes.  Instead of starting from the very beginning again, Ms. Denise picked the second scene to start from, and work through from there. The scenes are coming along really well, and all of the actors are doing a fantastic job. Our Dwight (Gordon's Brother) has finally arrived! Everyone was so excited for Mr. Duke to be here and eager to get the scenes that include him completely on their feet. So far everything looks really good! We open 2 weeks from Wednesday, I cannot wait! More to come on my intern adventures. Until tomorrow...

Day 5: Actors in Action, hiiiiyaaa!

I had intended to begin my day with some yoga, but was a complete fail and set my alarm for the wrong time. DUMB! So I headed to work slightly embarrassed I missed yoga this morning. Ms. Denise said it's because I'm still adjusting to the altitude. Either way my goal next week is to get up for yoga, even if it is just one of the two days!

I came into the office (:D the office, so professional) around 10 this morning. My first duty of the day was to go to the grocery store! Atkinsons and I are becoming quite the pair :) Side note: before heading to the grocery store I was given a list of items to purchase and for who. One of our actors from Dead Man's Cell Phone is coming in tomorrow from New York, and I was to get together an Actor's Welcome Bag. You're probably wonder why so much back story right? Well, it is because in a previous post it is stated that Mr. Greg plays Dwight (Gordon's brother) in the play, but in reality Mr. Duke (from New York) is playing him and Mr. Greg was being a stand in until his arrival. That all being said, back to the grocery store. I once again wondered around a bit to find everything I needed. The list included:

microwave popcorn

pretzels

cookies

veggie booty

apples

oranges

big bottle of water

Once I collected all the items and two fun extras, I headed to check out, and make my way back to the theatre. My job was also to arrange the bag and make it pretty for Mr. Duke. (my packing and pretty skills are pretty legit). After getting settled and running a few things through Folio, I began work again on my study guide. I also had to send some emails and shoot a text to our fight choreographer Mr. Tony.

I had gotten a few more things finished up and was off on another errand. This time, it was the post office. Ms. Kris had brought me there on Tuesday and showed me the post office procedure. So, I did just that, dropped the outgoing mail, picked up the incoming mail, and even had time to ask to post a Dead Man's Cell poster in the bulletin board. Picking a spot in a crowded bulletin board is very tricky, I so did not want to cover anything up. After a few moves I was able to accommodate everything. (I just hope no one thinks I put mine in prime real estate)

I finally finished my Study Guide today! Well, the rough draft anyways. I hope it goes over well with Mr. John. If I could include it in this post, I would. That's how good I think it is :) Also in the office today I was able to capture the photo you see above. I call it "My View from the Box Office" Photo cred. Juliana DeCesaris. ;)

I began reading the play Doubt today too. It's one of the Shanley plays I was assigned to read. I started it the other day, but just wasn't into it. To my surprise once I got further and further in I didn't want to put it down. I felt so grown up sipping tea, and reading "paperwork" in the office today. I also had to take care of an extensive ticket sale. Which by the way, I started, but then had to start over and Ms. Denise really did most of the work on it. I had missed a few things, but it was for special event nights, so it was new information to learn. However, now I know!

Leaving the theatre today to go to rehearsal I was in charge of locking up. (big and important keys in action!) One of my  duties in rehearsals today was to film the fight scene. I got some really great footage, and am excited to edit it. I'm actually back and forth from the blog to video right now. (that's why I'm on a slow boat with posting tonight) I'm hoping to get them finished at about the same time to include a video. The fight scene went really well, and even when Jen was put into her thigh high boots, she did awesome! Even just as a rough cut, it looks really real. After the fight scene Joel came in for his monologue. I hadn't seen this scene before so was excited to see something new! The more and more we went through the scene the better it got. The character of Gordon is pretty tricky, I'm really impressed with the work that's being done with him. Sunday begins rehearsals in the Liberty!!!!! yayayayayay! So So excited to see some work on stage! Tomorrow is a day off, so Until Sunday... (try not to miss me too much ;))

Day 4: FB Official

Today was a big day for my blog! I was officially posted to the Company of Fools Facebook page!!! When stuff happens on facebook that's when you know its real! :) To see my blog FBO (facebook official, aside from my own promoting of course) and to find out more about where I'm working click here! (you won't be disappointed)

Now back to business. I was almost an hour late for work today. Mom and Dad were leaving this morning and after their luck with flights this week, I wanted to make sure they took off okay. Of course, Ms. Denise was very understanding, and it wasn't a problem. (Thank you Ms. Denise!) After the plane coming in, which was also the plane to take them to LAX, had a failed landing attempt, I began to wonder if they'd ever get out of Idaho. Two more attempts later, and third times a charm, the plane was on the ground! I waited just a little longer to make sure for certain they would take off, the fog made me very nervous. After confirmations, I felt better about leaving them. I was pretty sad leaving them. Honestly I almost cried at the airport. (Mom, I'm sure you feel better reading this, cause I know you all thought I was ready to get rid of you). I felt like I was in movie walking out of the airport, looking back at them through the glass. It was very surreal. But, being a first week intern I had to get to work! Missing you already Joe and Dons :(

When I arrived this morning Ms. Denise and Mr. R.L. were on their way out to teach a class at St. Luke's, so it was just me and Ms. Kris in the office for a while. I began the day changing the toner in the copy machine. As you can tell me and the copier are becoming best friends. Lucky for me I didn't have explosive toner, which has happened in the past. I did, however, get a few sprays on the copier door, but they were easily wiped away. (side note: if you get toner on you do NOT use water to get the stain out, words of wisdom from Ms. Kris). After the toner change-up I headed to the hardware store again. I had to make copies of keys to the theatre for me. If you haven't guessed it, having your own keys is VERY big and important in my book :) Once again, the hardware men think I'm crazy. I went to check out and the guy at the counter asks, "what's the PO?" Me thinking I know what he is talking about say "Oh, I don't know, I know the Main St. number though" In case you haven't figured it out PO does not mean PO Box. He was basically asking what he can label the transaction for the charge. Fail, again at the hardware store. Back to the theatre I went.

I spent the remainder of the day working on the Study Guide. I am having such trouble finding the details I want about the play and author. It is still coming along, and I was able to start typing up the actual guide. I still have some time, so I'm hoping I'll find what I'm looking for. In the midst of my research, Ms. Linda came by the theatre. She is another board member, and was a pleasure to meet! Ms. Denise and Mr. R.L.  had returned around 2:30, and I helped Mr. R.L. with documenting and counting money made from last night's fundraiser. Most of my time right before rehearsal was also spent logging the last of the transactions in the system. Then, it was off to rehearsal.

We went through two scenes today. These scenes I had seen earlier this week, so today I was given a job. Ms. K.O. our stage manger asked me to take line notes. When you take line notes, you have to read along with the actors and take note where they need help. Ms. K.O. uses a system of five letter:
A- Adding
P- Paraphrasing
C- Called Line
O- Omitted
T- Transposing
I caught on quickly and was very serious about my task (sorry Joel and Beth, if I was too serious). We ran the scene a few times, and then on break I went through the notes with the actors. This will be one of my focuses in rehearsals here on out, and to log other blocking and/or props if Ms. K.O. is not there. I really enjoyed the scenes today, and really like where they are going. They both have changed even from earlier this week, especially Jean (Beth) and Hermia (Christine) scene. Today was a pretty good day, despite Mom and Dad leaving. I am now officially lone ranger in Idaho, until Ms. Patty's return of course! Tomorrow I'm thinking I'll start the day with yoga with Ms. Denise, clear my head a little bit :) Until tomorrow....

Day 3: "I think on page 85, I could....Act better"

Hello Hello, sorry for the late posting. Today has been a long day. Long in the sense I have been doing intern things since 10 this morning. It didn't seem long until the end of the day (I tend to get antsy).

As I came into the box office I noticed some notes on my desk (big and important). I was excited to see notes with my name on them, and was ready to work. One of my jobs involved making copies, very simple, very straight forward. After completing that task, I had to go to the hardware store, not so simple not so straight forward. I took my short stroll down the street to the store and went to the paint counter as directed. I had my note, and a sheet of paper with about 9 different paint colors on it. The note said ask the paint desk to mix these colors and ask if they can be picked up this afternoon. So me being the literalist that I am, thought he actually wanted the colors mixed...together. Which semi made sense to me because half of the colors were in groups of two. So, as I'm awkwardly trying to explain to the paint man what I think needs to happen, he is looking at me like I have ten heads. Push came to shove I called Mr. John. However, he was not available. I left the hardware store feeling unaccomplished and a bit silly. After getting back to the theatre I discussed the dilemma with Ms. Denise, and we figured out they should be all mixed separately. Note to anyone who is not a hardware guru, like myself, when they say mix, its an individual thing, not mixing colors together (good to know). So after another conversation with the hardware store, we finally got it settled. However, the man knowing how to do his job knew all along,  the phone call was not really necessary :)

After my paint adventure I headed upstairs to have a tutorial with Ms. Kris. Today I learned about the phones and fax machine. I now know how to transfer calls to voicemail, check voicemail, take calls, and send a fax. I also learned little gems about the copy machine. Did you know you can email a scanned document from the copier??? (I had no idea) Ms. Kris also showed me around the Theatre more and I was introduced to Joe, another company member. Mr. Joe also works on the building of the sets. I was also put in charge of documenting stage set up and rehearsals. I was given Mr. John's camera and started taken photos of what Mr. Joe was working on. After my lesson in technology and photography, I was given another task for the day. I was to take our list of patrons and make sure they were up to date and had the correct information in our system that sends out the newsletter. It was three pages of names, which doesn't sound bad, but the way the site works, made it a little tedious. Luckily, I got through it pretty quickly. On a break from my list,  Ms. Kris showed me where we get office supplies, introduced me to one of our board members Mr. Jeff, and showed me where to pick up and send out our mail.

I once again began my research for the study guide for Dead Man's Cell Phone once we returned. I was finding such great stuff on the author and about the play. My problem is putting it together. I have all this information and don't know how to begin to piece it together. I know what you're thinking, "her blog is so good, how can she not put things together?" ;) Talking about myself and my day and putting together a semi-formal guide are very different. I was able to construct an outline though. To better gather my thoughts and know what points I want to touch on in the study guide. I was given my first deadline today. I have to have the guide ready by next week! Well, a rough draft anyway, but I'm excited to put it together. I feel a lot better now that I have some concrete notes. 

Back at the hardware store I picked up the paint. This time I drove, I didn't want to haul 8 paint quarts back across the street. Once I got that errand finished I was able to get back to my research. I spent most of the day researching and doing little things here and there. When 4 o'clock rolled around I was eager to get to rehearsals. 

I headed over to the rehearsal room around 3:50. It's a short walk, which is very convenient. As 4:05 came and went Ms. Denise discovered rehearsals weren't until 5 today. No time was wasted though! I was able to read one of the Shanley plays Ms. Denise had given me, and she was able to get some music aspects figured out for the Dead Man's Cell. The actors arrived an hour later, and we were ready to get started. Today we rehearsed and dissected a scene between Jean and Gordon (the dead man). In this scene Jean has just been knocked out, and is caught in a "limbo" or pipeline with Gordon. This was the first time I had seen Gordon in a scene, and after reading they play was anxious to see his character in action. Gordon is played by a gentleman named Joel. He, like the others, is very good at what he does. It was fun for me to see Jean in a different dynamic. Although she was the same character and she still had the same innocent and eagerness about her. The scene is actually quite comical, I was also able to capture some pre-production pictures as they rehearsed too. When Beth and Joel were finished rehearsing the rest of the cast came in to block transitions for Act 1. I got to meet Ms. Sharon who plays Gordon's mother, Mr. Greg, who plays Gordon's brother, and Jackie, who is an extra and helps with moving the furniture (like me!). I really liked everyone I met today and was impressed with what I got to see from the actors. 

Transitions went by fairly quickly, and next we practiced some viewpoints for a later scene in the play. To be completely honest, me and viewpoints are not friends! I do realize they are helpful and you get a lot out of them, but I just never thought I was good at them, as good as you can be at view points, I suppose. For those of you who don't know what viewpoints are I suggest taking an acting class at Towson University. (see Michele Madden and/or Steve Satta for insight to this exercise). Basically it is an exercise that deals with tempo, time, movement, and taking and receiving offers. In this particular version we were all able to do five moves to get across the grid (there is no curving in this exercise to start, its like you're on a sheet of graph paper.) We were able to jump, run, walk, drop, or remain still across the grid. As you move you have to be aware of what's going on around you and make sure to be one with the group, even if you are doing different things, all the while changing tempo, direction, and/or movement. As we went through the exercise more and more we were given different direction and had to relate it more to our characters. I liked having more directions, which some times is my downfall, but it is a learning process after all. All in all it was a very eventful day, and a lot was learned and taken in. Hope this post wasn't too long or boring. Until tomorrow...

Day 2: Business from the Box Office

I'd like to start off today with pointing out that today was going to be my first day on my own in Idaho. Mom and Dad were flying out right before I went into work. As sad as I was to see them go, I was semi-ready to brave potato land on my own. This all being said, they are still here...for 2 more days... I'm really not into saying goodbye again :( Anyway, back to the point....

As I sat in the box office with a feeling of independence, and freedom, I was surprised to learn that the whole day mom and dad were a short 10 minutes away hanging out at Ms. Patty's waiting for me to bring them to the airport...again. So, another drive, a side mirror fix, and another goodbye later... They are here. Until Thursday (btw at this point I'm a pro at getting to and from the airport, visitors welcome :)) So on Thursday be prepared for a post filled with vigor and from an independent girl, or possibly one not so upbeat, I mean they are leaving their baby in Idaho! And... once again, back to the point!

The box office. Today was a big day of note taking and learning the box office system. At the start of the day I was introduced to more patrons and people who wrk with the company. I met Dennis the scenic designer, and was reintroduced to RL, a company resident artist and Kris, the development associate. RL was to be our teacher for the day. Ms. Kris has not been with the company too long so we were both being briefed on the system and how to place orders for tickets and how to log donations and what not.

The company uses a program called Folio. As the lesson went on I couldn't help but compare this system to Nordstrom's Personal Book system. The more I learned the more similarities I found. (as much as it pains me to say, thank you Nordstrom for personal book, even though at times I didn't enjoy you). Through this system you can look up patrons, check purchase history (nords), and make sure their information is correct in the system for sending out info. I was able to take care of two ticket transaction by the end of the lesson, one by email and one over the phone. I even logged donation information using the system as well. In the Box office it was a successful day for me. I also spent my time sending emails. (side note: sending emails from the company account makes you feel real big and important) :D

The rest of the day in the office was spent researching for our upcoming show. I'm in charge of putting together a study guide for high school students with information on the show and the playwright (thank you Robyn Quick and your group projects) I was able to find a lot of information I needed and will be able to start assembling the guide soon! After emailing, selling tickets, and answering the phone I was ready to head to rehearsals!

On the way to rehearsals I was asked by Mr. John, another core company artist, to make a stop at Atkinson's (one of the local grocery stores). I was given the company card (again, big and important) and told where to file paperwork when I returned, and headed to the store. Now, being new here I had NO IDEA where anything was! I probably spent at least 20 minutes roaming around the store looking for maraschino cherries for the scene. After several walks down aisles and failed attempts to locate them, I finally asked. Low and behold they were by the ice cream toppings (duh!). After purchasing the cherries and some toothpicks I headed over to the rehearsal room.

As I quietly crept in, the actors were in the middle of fight choreography. Jen and Beth with the help of our fight choreographer Tony Jefferson, were breaking down the movements of the fight, and how it should look. It was really cool to watch and see it come to life. What started out very mechanical and static began to come together and seem more real and lifelike! I unfortunately had to leave mid fight to make another airport run, but was glad I got to stay and see what a saw. The fight choreographing is such a fascinating art, I can't wait to see more! Until tomorrow friends...

Day 1: take notes and watch closely

hello all! I'm new to the blog game, but as a credited intern a detailed journal is necessary for my semester work. That being said, here I am, blogging...

Today was my first day as an intern. It all began at a noon lunch at Rasberry's on Main St.  (mom and dad wanted to meet the bosses, of course). Ms. Denise Simone and Mr. John Glenn were are luncheon guests. Both core artist at the company. After an hour or so of chatting and getting to know one another, I was eager to begin my day at the theatre. Liberty Theatre to be exact! Located right on the main strip of Main Street (as any theatre should be) :) We arrived at the Theatre around 1:15. I was so ready to begin!

First Ms. Denise showed me around the theatre a little bit and briefed me on upcoming events and what I needed to know. I came to find out that John Patrick Shanley would be paying the company a visit. Immediately I was given two of his plays to read and get to know him. For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Shanley (as I am) He directed and wrote the movie Doubt starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Can't wait to dive into reading the play. After doing some intern things like making copies, and reading up on study guides (to prep for my first assignment as an intern!) we headed over to rehearsals.

At rehearsal I met to two of the actresses in our upcoming show Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl. Jen, who plays the dead man's (Gordon) mistress and Beth, who plays Jean, the woman who has Gordon's phone. A brief synopsis of the play can be found here. During rehearsals with Jen and Beth, I was also introduced to Tony, the show's fight choreographer. Mr. Tony was very anxious and excited to get the girls on their feet and in fight mode. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings for the scene. After Jen and Beth finished their scene, I was introduced to two more ladies involved in the show. KO, the stage manager and Christine, who plays Gordon's wife. I was captivated watching them rehearse their scene. It was so funny and witty, and very well performed. I feel like I will be able to learn a lot in rehearsals. I could really tell these ladies were very good at what they do. After the scenes were read through, Ms. Denise would take time to dissect the scenes and go over motivations and why the character does what she does with the actors. I especially liked listening and learning about the characters after the scenes. I know I struggle with those kinds of questions in scenes, so it was interesting to be on the other side.

I'm very excited for what this internship has to bring! I really enjoyed everyone I met, and felt very welcome and at home. I cannot wait for day 2! Until tomorrow....