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...