As is to be expected, the last couple days have gotten a tad rough. Brain on overload, physically and mentally exhausted, a long way from home, freaking intense humidity and long hours. All the adrenaline and beginning excitement has definitely begun to dwindle. As we headed into the second act of the show, we all kind of hit a standstill where all direction, choreography, lines, and blocking went in one ear and out the other. Also starting to definitely miss, or at least realize how very much I would be missing everyone at some point because I won't be home in FOREVER, started to set in. This is for sure one of the hardest things I've ever been asked to do.
For those guys in school going into performing, when they tell you they are "doing it this way to prepare you for the 'real world'" they are lying. This is hard. Nothing can prepare you.
In spite of all this, we made it. Today was the end of day 5 and at 4:30 we did a full run of the show. Full tech and props. It was rough, but we got through it. End of learning show. Thank god. Now comes cleaning, adding a tad more tech stuff and full costuming. It's gonna be another long rehearsal tomorrow and next week. Sunday couldn't come soon enough. We definitely need a day off.
Also, to stay fully informed, I have done something to my knee. I think going from lots of days of very little physical activity to 9 hour rehearsal days and trying to run 2-3 miles on the treadmill after was a bit more than my little legs could handle. There is a sharp pain in my right knee. On the bright side, it only hurts when I am moving. So only like 90% of the show. Totally do-able. (Mom-I am being overdramatic. Don't call the paramedics please.) I am nervous about it but doing everything I can to take care of it. I'm sure it's just a strain from sudden overuse. No biggie.
The show is done, it's taking shape and I couldn't be more excited. This is gonna be an amazing experience. All of the cast members are starting to hang out more and more and get closer and closer. I am gonna love these people (or be forced to try). As the day of our first bus experience, new venue and weekend of shows draws closer I continue to realize how much of a dream come true this show is. It isn't the type of show I imagined or in any kind of the right time frame, but this is it. Traveling the country, being on stages, different cities every day, performing. Almost word for word from my childhood bucket list. Check. I feel remembering that in the next couple weeks will be crucial.
I do love and very much miss everyone I left back in Idaho and Utah. 5 days in that isn't a GREAT sign haha but I know you'll all be there when I get back.
Stay tuned.
Dixon
Ps. As for pictures, those of you on snapchat are getting more than plenty to stay informed. For everyone else, when I get a good collection I will start posting in an album on Facebook.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
First Attempt
11 days of rehearsals. 1.5 hour long show. 9am-6pm. 18 performers. 2 shows on day 12.
What a crazy couple days. I have finally managed enough strength to write some things about what it has been like.
After all the goodbyes, which sucked really bad and were horrible and awful, it was time to be dropped off at the airport and let the day of traveling begin. Nothing eventful happened. Quick flight to Denver, hour layover, 3 hours to Tampa where we then got on a SuperShuttle and arrived in Lakeland about an hour later. Checked into a hotel and started to meet the others that were arriving. We all headed out for some food and drinks and did some bonding then off to bed.
8am. Breakfast. 9am. Rehearsal.
Luckily, we are rehearsing to a building attached to our hotel so the commute is not far. Lakeland is a very tiny place but for some reason, they have a huge and very nice performing center so it has been very convenient for us. As with most of these situations, when people come together for the first time to work together for any amount of time, I was prepared for a good long talk with the director, maybe some get to know you games or acting warm up games but....no. The director introduced himself, we went around and introduced our names and where we were from then up we got and warming up we started. Needless to say, it was a long day but we accomplished a lot. I'm not entirely sure how much i'm allowed to say about the show and the whole process so i'll just leave it at that.
The most you need to know is that it's happening and in 10 days from now, we will have a full show. Today we were on the stage and started working with props. We have all been fit for costumes already and next week we start putting it all together. Insanity.
Not a ton has been happening besides rehearsals. We had some adventures in a Florida rain storm yesterday. Good food. Lots of horrible humidity and heat. Nice hotel. I am rooming with a member of the crew (he was just hired as an electrician). We haven't talked a ton because we mostly just sleep when in our rooms but he seems great. Once I get him to stop putting the "Do Not Disturb" sign on our door after I leave so the maids can do my absolute favorite thing about hotel living, we will have no problems.
I have made a couple friends. I knew a couple people coming into this process and have already found a couple I know are gonna be besties. I also feel like there isn't anyone in this cast I am going to hate. Obviously, i'm sure everyone is on best behavior for the first couple days and the bitches will start to make themselves known eventually :) but for now i'm good and exciting for these guys to become my show family for the next year.
Today there was a 3 hour show production meeting with the cast and crew. Besides being EXCEPTIONALLY long and at the end of a long day, it was very informative and crazy to think about the next year ahead. So many cities, so many hotels, so many fun things our awesome tour manager is trying to plan for us. I am getting more excited by the day. It's just a really well oiled and professional machine that I have stepped into and it is very fun to be a part of and realize that I am the performer they are doing all of this for (Yes, I realize i'm not the ONLY performer but you get my point ha).
Well, I think that's it for today. I am home and in my bed and need some food and a nap, not necessarily in that order. Love and miss you all very much.
Dixon
What a crazy couple days. I have finally managed enough strength to write some things about what it has been like.
After all the goodbyes, which sucked really bad and were horrible and awful, it was time to be dropped off at the airport and let the day of traveling begin. Nothing eventful happened. Quick flight to Denver, hour layover, 3 hours to Tampa where we then got on a SuperShuttle and arrived in Lakeland about an hour later. Checked into a hotel and started to meet the others that were arriving. We all headed out for some food and drinks and did some bonding then off to bed.
8am. Breakfast. 9am. Rehearsal.
Luckily, we are rehearsing to a building attached to our hotel so the commute is not far. Lakeland is a very tiny place but for some reason, they have a huge and very nice performing center so it has been very convenient for us. As with most of these situations, when people come together for the first time to work together for any amount of time, I was prepared for a good long talk with the director, maybe some get to know you games or acting warm up games but....no. The director introduced himself, we went around and introduced our names and where we were from then up we got and warming up we started. Needless to say, it was a long day but we accomplished a lot. I'm not entirely sure how much i'm allowed to say about the show and the whole process so i'll just leave it at that.
The most you need to know is that it's happening and in 10 days from now, we will have a full show. Today we were on the stage and started working with props. We have all been fit for costumes already and next week we start putting it all together. Insanity.
Not a ton has been happening besides rehearsals. We had some adventures in a Florida rain storm yesterday. Good food. Lots of horrible humidity and heat. Nice hotel. I am rooming with a member of the crew (he was just hired as an electrician). We haven't talked a ton because we mostly just sleep when in our rooms but he seems great. Once I get him to stop putting the "Do Not Disturb" sign on our door after I leave so the maids can do my absolute favorite thing about hotel living, we will have no problems.
I have made a couple friends. I knew a couple people coming into this process and have already found a couple I know are gonna be besties. I also feel like there isn't anyone in this cast I am going to hate. Obviously, i'm sure everyone is on best behavior for the first couple days and the bitches will start to make themselves known eventually :) but for now i'm good and exciting for these guys to become my show family for the next year.
Today there was a 3 hour show production meeting with the cast and crew. Besides being EXCEPTIONALLY long and at the end of a long day, it was very informative and crazy to think about the next year ahead. So many cities, so many hotels, so many fun things our awesome tour manager is trying to plan for us. I am getting more excited by the day. It's just a really well oiled and professional machine that I have stepped into and it is very fun to be a part of and realize that I am the performer they are doing all of this for (Yes, I realize i'm not the ONLY performer but you get my point ha).
Well, I think that's it for today. I am home and in my bed and need some food and a nap, not necessarily in that order. Love and miss you all very much.
Dixon
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