Hi gang,
Thanks to those who were able to make it to the Picnic and Audtions last night. It was so good to see all of you, some of whom I haven’t seen since the last Carol run in 2006. This year we tried something a little different, adding the picnic to Audtion night. I’d like some feedback from people as to if they thought this was a good idea or not, and also any suggestions for making it better.
Another thing we did differently was to have the ‘vision’ casting meeting to try to get some of the ‘housekeeping’ done so that we could devote our energy to Auditions when the time came. DirectorDude and I would like to know if you felt this was beneficial or not.
Thanks again for all your help and hard work last night!
Bob
As I write this, we are only 12 hours away from our first rehearsal! (I’m an insanely early riser, it explains why I am so tired by the end of rehearsal) I’ll talk about this tonight, but it is my hope that as many cast members as possible will make it a habit to check this space for updates and comments on rehearsals. I know that not everyone has ready access to the internet, but those of us who do, let’s use it as a communication tool, and also do our part to inform those in our circle about what is happening in the “Carol” family!
Hey guys-
Just checking in to make sure I still know how to do this. I’m not a blogger by habit, but this one is different, it is as if I were communicating with family members during a deployment. I get such a warming chill each time I here that opening tune during “the Carol season” it is much like hearing the National Anthem at the beginning of major event. The Holy Spirit does a flyover and suddenly it’s time to get your “gameface” on. All you veteran members know what I mean, but for those of you new to the team, you will soon be bitten by the bug and become familiar with it all too soon. There is something magical about this performance; to this day I am not quite sure how to describe it. Yes, it’s spiritual. Yes its inspired by God. Yes, it’s ministry, but it brings people together in a way that church and normal Christian service does not; that is, it forms a bond of camaraderie among its members that is much akin to what I have seen in combat, the only difference is that in this case it is spiritual combat. Perhaps that is it, we have become a spiritual “Band of Brothers and Sisters!
See ya tonight,
J.B.
Hello Cast,
Great first rehearsal don’t you think? I am already looking forward to next Sunday. Remember, we’d like everyone there right at 6:00 for the opening and for some exercises designed to get us into the spirit of a “British” accent. Once we have spent some time on the opening, we will go on to staves 1 and 2, so quite a few people will not have to stay until 9:00.
See You Sunday!
-Director Dude
I always enjoy the way that our beloved “Director Dude” demonstrates the importance of teamwork and like-mindedness. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Each one of us is a vital piece of the puzzle. Sometimes one of my greatest frustrations in working at the veteran’s home is sitting down with the residents talking and putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes you get right down to the end only to discover that a piece or two is missing. Yes, it is a beautiful picture, but it is blatantly obvious that a piece is missing! It takes away from the majesty of the whole thing and you are overwhelmed with a feeling of incompleteness.
I have gained a whole new respect for the “techies” in this production. I have learned that timing is everything, that there has to be an undivided focus on Director Dude. One wrong push of the button can create a doomsday scenario for the whole production. Sitting back there has also taught me that when someone misses a cue, it is as loud as thunder, you don’t even have to be watching to catch it. I am sure there is a list of “commandments” for theater and that this one is in the top five!
We are now entering what I call the “Church phase” of practice. The Church phase is where the theater room becomes like a church sanctuary during a Sunday service, All eyes and ears are on the pastor (in this case the “Director Dude”) while he teaches and guides us; you even hear an occasional Amen! This phase of the production requires increased self discipline and awareness, but you will soon learn that is much better to be seen and not heard when the dangers of wrath lurk.
J.M.
Thank you for putting on this performance! It sounds fantastic!
Thank you Alice. We are VERY excited to be able to share this year’s production.