Key to Key- Production Blog

Tonight's the Last Show!

2010-07-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

So the question is, do I continue with this project, or say it was a good run.
I really hope I get a good house tonight.
And I don't really know what to do with myself today! Things are truly winding down!

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly... Baby

2010-07-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

I wasn't too sure how a production blog goes after a show opens. "This good review made me feel good! This bad one made me feel bad!"
Or,
"This show was okay, this one I messed up a line..."

But perhaps I can use this as a place to respond to some of the questions that come up- from reviewers, or from people who watched the show. (I woke up to appreciative emails from strangers!)

"Over-Sharing": Even the EYE, which gave me a good review, used the term, saying the show "Makes over-sharing seem like a great idea." Can I just say... I left a lot of awkward details out! I realize what I put in is a bit-wow- but I was careful to make sure that it was integral to the story. I dunno- the question remains- do I have more garbage than the average person, or am I just over-willing to talk about some things? I don't know!

I think "sharing" is an issue with many disenfranchised people, and what causes a lot of social awkwardness- a vicious cycle. The people who come to my show know what they're in for, and also are free to walk away loving it or hating it.
But for someone in the thick of it, it's socially difficult to communicate and find a willing listener. A "how are you" gets a muffled "fine" when really the true answer may be, "My boss yelled at me and it's the 5th time this week and I think I may lose my job, and I honest to goodness have nowhere to go and I'm constantly in pain but I'm afraid to tell my boss because maybe he'll think I'm even less reliable and- and- and- and..." It's hard to keep conversations at a superficial, positive level when you're carrying around all these concerns and questions and secrets. Life demands a certain amount of A-O-K.

So, I just wanted to communicate, in a palatable-funny-entertaining way, what it's like for a person who feels disenfranchised. Because it's next to impossible to be charming AND desperate. So now that I'm not desperate, I'll tell the story as best I can, in an A-O-K way.

Both the emails I got this morning asked, "Why did I do this?"
I credit Aislinn my director (then dramaturg) a lot with pushing me to get into the meatier stuff. My original intention was just to do something close to a weight loss seminar. ("Weight loss", I think, has been cut down to 2 paragraphs in this show?)

The real answer is that I felt I was living a lie and it was a "coming out" play. Trying to pass off as "normal" as opposed to truly being comfortable. I transformed physically so much that people would see me and not recognize me. (Which was weird.) And everyone started treating me better because I looked better- particularity guys. (Which was also weird.) I had a lot of anger for a long time. Despite "fitting in" I still felt separate because of my experiences. And felt that if people knew the truth, they may not be as nice. So here I am: here's a picture of me looking super ugly. Here's the fact that I had OCD, here are the experiences that make me less likely to be happy-go-lucky and blindly trust those around me.

And how liberating to know that people treat me the same, and on MY end, just way more confidence in feeling like I have nothing to hide. On top of that, there's the people that the play "speaks to." I know when I was going through my own changes, this play would have helped me so much.
By the nature of "disenfranchised" it's only going to truly speak to a small number of people- not a huge general audience. I just hope that a good cross section of people see it and just get a glimpse of the POV.
Hell, I just hope people come, because there's a lot of empty seats!

And speaking of which, I'm off to the Annex to do some carding and promo!

I did a show??? !!!

2010-07-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

My play is officially opened! Oh my goodness it's so tough when people come from so far, say, Ottawa (thanks sis!) and you're too zonked to make proper conversation. I'm so dumb I actually did ANOTHER show afterwards over at the Bad Dog Theatre last night. It was a lot. I was sleepy.

Anyways... THE SHOW!
I was imagining a full house (positive thinking?) but it was sparse. Most noticed when people didn't clap between scenes or after songs. The crowd was just missing that key initiator to get the ball rolling on that one. But it made me feel more casual as well, which may have helped.

I'm getting positive feedback on my singing, which is a surprise. I was worried anyways, and then with the cold... I was chugging day-quil before I stepped onstage. I guess they weren't expecting me to be able to sing at all?

I AM REFRESHING BROWSERS LIKE- A- CRAZEEE! I have one review so far- this guy GOT IT. There is no confusion at all: He saw exactly what I was going for and pointed out a couple things that I hadn't thought about concretely- but were also true. You can read it here:
http://www.willoneill.com/2010/07/review-amy-zuchs-key-to-key/
But the NOW and EYE remain question marks...

Rodrigo came to the show- he's my friend from Animation School, the voice of Brisco the Lobster, and VERY CRITICAL. He was the first person I ever heard criticize Pixar... But he liked it. Rodrigo approved.

I have the day off Key to Key wise. I should promote but I want to take care of this cold too. Haven't had even one beer at the Fringe Tent. :(

Anyways, pardon me while I refresh the browser again...

Opening Day!

2010-07-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

Ahem.
I woke up yesterday with a sore throat... and after last night, it's confirmed. I have a cold.

I won't even elaborate on that subject because I think that ignoring it may make it feel unwelcome. It's just the starts of a cold... anyways...

TODAY'S THE DAY!

We did 2 runs yesterday and the cues were close to perfect in both. My first run was bad (it was dawning on me- "Oh, I'm sick" and I got pretty down about it), but the second one was great! If the show goes like that today, I'll be very happy.

I may be on the CBC this morning? I don't know! The show is Metro Morning and started at 5:30, so I just throw my hands up and hope someone will notify me or link me if they hear anything. It's a 5 minute piece, more so about me than the show... though my choice to make the show is a focus of the piece. Exciting!

I dunno, like I hope people come! It was so much work! Not just for me, but for Aislinn my director, who will now be onstage with me running the projector, and for Abigail, my stage manager, who invested the time to learn stage managing from scratch. Shame that there are only 7 shows.

I fear the reviewers! My friends got SLAMMED and they're really talented, so I guess anyone is at the mercy of the review.

Anyways, still lots to to. I can't post on Facebook today because I lent my good computer out to Abigail, so I'll say,
"Amy is excited- Key to Key! 3:30- Come!!"

Banned from Rehearsal!

2010-06-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're rehearsing all Canada Day...
...But I'm ordered to stay home and work my performance while they sort out this cue stuff. Tech day went smoothly in some ways, but very rough in others. It's just not a lot of time with the tech equipment and the play is ambitious. We were very happy to discover that our Fringe tech operators are really good. Like, known across the land to be GOOD. We've lucked out once again.

Anyways, at 1pm tomorrow I am to be reunited with TEAM MEDIA where we will become a 4d adventure and do another run. It is true, it's impossible for me to focus on performance when cue convos are going on. But there's lots of beats and steps and mannerisms I'd like to concentrate on and finesse.
Now- bed. I am not treating myself very well unfortunately and I'm supposed to be at this point.

TECH DAY!

2010-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

We move in to our venue today at 11am- hoo boy! This is the start of me feeling like, "I finished making the cues... you run em.... so I can ACT!" That's the positive. The negative is the terror... oh my god these cues better work, this tech better be amazing, I hope we have not, truly, bitten off too much!

Yesterday involved some serious prep- dough laid out at the mac store and Steve's music. Then planning, list making, car packing. I think they want people to be prepared, so they are firm and give a lot of warnings... but to someone like me who's already cautious... IT'S TERRIFYING!

Also terrifying: I have friends in other shows that are opening today! I don't open until Friday. The thought of opening today is... TERRIFYING!!

Guests!

2010-06-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first rehearsal with "outside eyes." And our first attempt at a full media run through. The media was rocky... and I was TIRED. Not stressed- because we've crossed that line of "worst case scenario, there will be something up and it will work." But tired, as in "this could be better- I'll stay up one more hour."

But I pulled through. I can't imagine I'll get more fatigued than this during the run, so it's good to know I can get through it in terrible conditions.
Get through it... but not dazzle in any way.
Our media just needs better burning, and practice with cues.

Tech day is Wednesday morning. This is the scariest. Tech- and the challenge of doing setup/teardown in 15 minutes.

Yesterday I put off part of a family event so that I could rehearse. I found out the event had kittens! Newborn kittens! Oh- this- play >:(

K2K- G20 Edition

2010-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

I said to Aislinn, "Lets take pictures today for the blog!" But this is what we got- I left for coffee and almost didn't come back. This is Aslinn's pic from when she poked her head out to look for me.
Me: "Please let me pass- I'm in a rehearsal. The door is right there. Can you just escort me?"
Cops in clumps that look like ants: "No."
Me: "But like, Are my friends trapped in there? Are they stuck rehearsing all night and like, I'm not even there?"
Cops: "Grr."
Another Cop: "I've seen you before! Grrr!"

I wanted to get back in. So I went into an alley. I took off my hat. I changed my hair. I was a master of disguise. I slipped past the cops and in the door!

Rehearsal went well. We had a projection problem- and the solution is a happy accident. We worked on my dance and a couple scenes I was unsure about. (Much better.)
And... The media is pretty much done! I feel such a weight off! This is happening! I saw it projected on the screen!

AND THEN I got home and had a call from Mom. Apparently we're in the Orangeville Newspaper!?

More Shout Outs:
Shelly Marshall- OMG so nice and now I have a sandwhich board!
Aislinn- Amazing.
Parking attendant- It WASN'T my fault I couldn't get back to my car, and you understood that.

A Breath!

2010-06-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

I keep having these "I don't know what I would have done otherwise" saving graces. Another one came up. I really had no idea how I was going to go on at this rate. Late nights, and that doesn't exactly make for good quality rehearsal time.

HOWEVER... I'm at home today! Well, I was. I guess technically it's after 5, but the point is that I worked on the show today. Turns out, unknown to me, that my animation studio gives friday afternoons off in summer?!?!

It was enough of a positive thing that I just got a new boost of energy, and enough of a breather that the impossible started to feel possible. Sure, I still have a ton to do, but it's coming together.

Shout outs!
Boon Chang, who brought over the projector this morning. Our rehearsal tomorrow will have a projector!
Kirsten Whitely, who's first year animation projects I'll be cutting into the show.
Tanya Robertson, who gave me a dance routine.
My bro- besides being a musician, he saved my butt by doing postering.
Nancy!
Kirk!
Gary!
My MAC- bought you in 2004 but you still got it baby!

Editing

2010-06-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm a little bit in editing hell right now. My animations look good (passable), but when I put them all together to make a scene... it's all going to crap. It's a problem and slowing me down.
Last night while I was trying different Premiere exports (and waiting for the always disappointing results) I got out the paint and added some details to a set piece. I didn't really think about it and then finally went to bed.
When I woke up in the morning, two things occurred to me:
1. Maybe I'm being a perfectionist about these exports and it's good enough (I could be perfecting my dance routine!)
2. The set piece looks great! I was working on it so mindlessly that when I woke up, it was pretty much like a fairy had visited in the night and made this cool thing.

I've been really stressed, but that's a good thing that happened :)

I Feel Fancy!

2010-06-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

We got a choreographer in yesterday, and today, I had a very fancy singing lesson.

I can't believe how close the show is, and how much I have yet to do. Embarrassed to admit that I'm still editing video.

And then the projection screen. I found the saw and cut the dowling but now I need to like... buy nails. Okay, that's not too fancy.

Gimme an S... Stress!

2010-06-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's hit: I'm officially stressed. I'm not sure if I should be. I'm not sure if everything is TOTALLY FINE... but the adrenaline has kicked in for sure, and I'll bet it will be here until showtime. I walked in and announced it, eyes popping, at rehearsal today, and got, "why?" But it paid off. We had a really good, sharp, rehearsal.

Tomorrow I start my new animation job. Same company, but different show, and a whole new building across town. Funny to note that I started a new job about a week before my workshop production as well!

I think the interview went okay. Having an outside eye in for part of the rehearsal definitely helped me. Especially when its being recorded for radio... You want every moment to be... good.

LIST OF EXCITEMENT

2010-06-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

1. My costumes are finished and set is well on the way.

2. Voices- recorded! Sounding goood.

3. Musician Kevin Henkel (Also happens to be my bro) has completed the background music for an important song in the show. And I have decided... I will have maracas!

4. Posters and cards are sitting in my house (I need to get them "out there." This is a small pickle.)

5. People read this blog! They don't comment, but they're out there!

And...

Drumroll...

Today is an exciting day- I'm getting interviewed by the CBC for Metro Morning! I've been warned that it can hit the cutting room floor like anything else. But hey, the INTERVIEW is happening! Air date is planned for my show's opening day.

...And that day is less than 2 weeks from now. Eeeeeee!

Fun With Aerosol

2010-06-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the foam store to get set and costume foam. They used to have a huge sign that said "WE SELL FOAM!" that had been removed, so I drove past it a couple times. But- they still sell foam.

Yesterday I cut and glued the foam, (adhesive fumes=I invested in some masks after some serious head rush.) Now I just came in from painting it. Not only did I have just enough paint for what I was doing, but also just enough sunlight. As soon as I was done the job, a huge rain started coming down.

Now I have to go though audio takes.

I have an encouraging prospect on the media and promotions front that I'm very excited about.

I'm worried about my singing voice- strength. I get tired in rehearsal in general and tomorrow, (2 weeks till open) I'm going to start daily runs. As in put on sneakers and run. I'm pretty out of shape. Hopefully I can build up my voice as well with some exercises if it's not already too late.

Brisco Animation

2010-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Animation on Briso is going well... I'm half finished all the scenes. The thing about animation is that the more you do, the more reuse you have to draw from- so it gets progressively easier and faster towards the end.

My friend Rodrigo is going to be the voice. I haven't seen him in about 5 years but that doesn't matter. He flew in from Mexico this weekend and we're going to have lunch. Then I'm going to drag him to my house to do the voice record.

Rodrigo is very talented and an animation snob and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even know how to use Flash- hand drawing only. Hopefully he won't be offended that I'm asking him to lend his voice to a computer made character.

Anyways, I need lunch, period. Social time!

Animating Brisco

2010-06-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, the show features animation... we're going to have a projector, and "animating" is one of the many tasks on my to do list.

Tonight I'm working on Brisco the Lobster. Honestly, rehearsal today wasn't that fun- the lowest moment of my life, in slow motion, over and over again. First blocking... and then a screeching halt in progress. We couldn't decide whether the audience would find if comedic or dramatic, or whether we wanted it be comedic or dramatic. What we don't want is the audience laughing nervously because they don't know what to think. And during this discussion, me thinking back on this true life moment, that really, I'd rather not think about.

So! Cartoons! Yay! Here are some preliminary sketches of Brisco. I have to animate him in flash, not traditionally, because of time (thems the breaks.) So tonight the symbol breakdowns, if you know what I mean.

!

2010-06-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

Ailsinn gives me crap if I walk in wearing the same clothes as yesterday... but I have a lot on my mind! Picking out clothes is too much to think about!

Clicking Along

2010-06-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a couple of uninterrupted days can do.

First of all, the graphic snafu got me really thinking about my "good" one- I like it! I got very stubborn, and decided to put it front and centre on everything, including the poster- it's just one big logo, essentially. Despite the princess photos, which are really interesting, I was having a hard time finding an image that says it all. There's a lot of different ideas in this play, so, why not give up and just go for an icon?

I want people to see it, poke their friend and say, "I saw that one, go see that"... and for the image to be strong enough that they wont forget what their friend was pointing to.

I finished the design of the posters and postcards and sent them off.

I have an idea to do a strip cartoon in the days leading up to the show. I wish... Though I do have to do all these character designs anyways for the show. It'd be so awesome if the design style extended to everything and the webpage featured these characters as well.

I did a rewrite on the script that I'm happy with. I'm guessing it's longer... I think we'll trim it on it's feet. I do have this idea of one extra song that lends to a recurring musical theme... but no melody has come to me yet :s I asked my musician brother for help... also... I'm sure it will come.

Made the facebook group- one member so far which I'm hoping means people don't have their invites yet???

And I'm about to start contacting the media.

This is tricky for me, and I did put it off a bit. I know that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is what makes the show unique and my obvious promotional "hook"- but I HATE talking about it. It's so far back in my past... and even when I had it, I never told anyone. I don't mind people who see the show knowing it, because they'll also learn a whole lot else about me... that I'm normal and friendly and entertaining. But there's something about contacting media outlets and going "Howdy! I'm OCD girl!" that makes me un- eas-y. Chances are they'll not have space for the story... but they will know "Amy Zuch is OCD girl."Or even anyone who picks up a promo card, but doesn't see the show.

Hopefully, in the very end, I'll just be known as "That girl with the really good show."

Blah

2010-06-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

A bit of a low today... I picked up the Fringe Program (exciting moment!!) and found that the wrong graphic is in the show's description. I had submitted another graphic that had looked much better... but I guess there were crossed wires and so... wrong graphic.

Having a bad graphic reeeeelleee bothers me. The show is about an animator... so what does it say if the graphic implies, "it's about an animator who can't draw very well!" I'm the one person in the book who should have an OUTSTANDING graphic!

I'm wondering if I should change all the promotional materials I have to match the bad graphic (for consistency- since the program is the one thing I can't change) or if I should just go ahead like it doesn't exist. And I have to decide SOON. I was going to submit to my printer tomorrow.

This promotions stuff is tricky. There's what the show is, and then what people think when they see the imagery that promotes it... does it match? Does it matter?

Today we did a stumble through in front of the Stage Manager. Once I got home, I realized she's the first person to see the play who doesn't know me personally or from any other performance style. My first stranger. And she's a polite stranger so I have no idea how she feels!

I came up with a good idea for the set.

I got dumped yesterday.

But I did enjoy performing my improv show I did last night.

Ahhh

2010-06-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

"Good."

Been gathering media... turns out my animator heart does have a pulse...

I Barely Left the House Today

2010-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

When I'm busy, I never blog, it's only on the downtime I think to do it.

Excited for rehearsal tomorrow, and very excited about the new songs. So far, the arts and crafts, including the scoring of the original songs, seems feasible. And that's the most exciting thing. It's not too pie in the sky.

I think my brother will be helping me (sound engineer Kevin Henkel.) The show is pretty personal... but he's seen it so the most awkward part is over. Stuff you don't really want your BROTHER to see.

Saw the venue on Tuesday- very exciting; not at all what I expected. I heard it was hot because the air conditioning is loud. To the contrary, it's very clean and well air conditioned. Come to my show! It's cool!

I think at the start of this process, I was a bit overwhelmed by too much possibility... in the end, the rewrite is not TOO different from the original piece. I have ideas for what I'd like for a bigger production... but this isn't it. It's still a workshop venue with only 15 minutes set up time.

The workshop... worked. So why stray too far?

That being said, I pulled an all nighter last night tweaking the script and just finished now at 10 pm. It may be too long but we can work it on it's feet as well.

Lots to do every day. I haven't even made a facebook event yet!

Back to the Show

2010-05-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

One more day of animation work (Monday) and then I can focus solely on the show- much needed. There's so many peripheral tasks that are keeping me from the actual creative work that needs to be done. This week, I got very aggressive about my agent search. Now is the time.

In the act of telling this story of "How I went from Amy Henkel to Amy Zuch" there's a lot of actual growth happening on the Amy Zuch end. I'm feeling more and more like a performer and learning a ton. Crossing a lot of fear thresholds.

Anyways, I am on the creative today... working on the script. And by working, I mean staring into space and hoping I kick into gear soon. In other news, I was aimlessly walking down the street today and came upon a set sale from the Jon Dore Show. I got a bunch of sketch comedy props- knives, a gun, bowling shirts, cop uniform, hot pants... if I still had my sketch troupe, I'd have been a hero. I got a bit wistful.

But I have this show. So now I guess I'll work all these props and costumes into a super extraneous scene?

Scheds

2010-05-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Something very serendipitous has happened. As is the norm in animation, my contract is ending... which means I'm being laid off on the 31st. I'd be worried, except that I now know I'm going back on June 21st to start on a new show. This gives me 3 weeks to focus on Key to Key exclusively... I don't know what I would have done otherwise. Put on a very rocky Fringe show I guess :p

I see it as this VAST amount of time with endless possibilities, but then I remember that some actors don't have day jobs, and this is the norm. So I still have to be smart about how much I take on, and delegate.

Right now I'm desperate to get keytokey.ca up and looking slick. I want to get the promo machine running hard but I don't want to direct anyone's attention to anything half done.

It's the long weekend... feels like a VAST amount of time, but really, I have to be smart...

Picture Process Work

2010-05-15T11:11:00.001-07:00

Here's a glimpse of the original shots I used to make the "Before and After" mashups. I have more that I can do, and hopefully will have time to get to it.

Stage Manager!

2010-05-13T06:53:00.001-07:00

After spending a couple of weeks freaking out, and feeling behind, I finally feel ahead of the game on something- we have our stage manager. What a nice relief.

I'm really happy with the photos(Photographer Will O'Hare) and spent Tuesday night doing some serious photoshopping- matching "Old" Amy pics to "New Amy" pics. It was a challenge! The lighting was completely different, but the dress was exactly the same, so some serious colour correction magic was necessary.
I'll post the photoshop process pics soon.

...Hard at work, bit feeling like we're getting somewhere.

Photos

2010-05-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

About an hour and a half until I leave to get promotional photos taken.
One of the concepts is to match some poses I have of "old Amy" in a princess dress. I had found 3 of these old photos, and came up with the concept, and then got very antsy... I KNEW there was a cd kicking around somewhere with TONS of poses.

It took an overnight sleep and some thought. No scrambling... just thinking.
It was in a basket where I keep all my old diaries from childhood. NOT with the other cds. I remembered.

Next I need to find my original tape reels of my first animation projects- and get them transferred to digital format.

Deadlines

2010-05-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I guess I have 3 modes:
"I feel like I should be doing something"
"Busy"
"Crazy Busy"

Right now- Crazy Busy. This week the volume of work coming my way hit me... we've had a string of Fringe deadlines that caused me to get out there and start asking questions about my progress. Suddenly I'm making lists and realizing I have a LOT to take care of. And since the graphics and visuals- my style- are part of the show... I kind of have to have my hand in everything.

This is a project that means a lot to me, and my first Fringe experience. I mean REALLY: Apart from appearing in a video, I've done NOTHING with Fringe so far. I kind of wish I was cutting my teeth on a less personal project. I don't want to blow this.

The main advice I've been getting is to have fun with it. I guess people can see the stress shooting out of me in every direction.

But... I am an animator at heart. I love "busy." I love "never good enough." All nighters? HOW ROMANTIC. THAT IS FUN TO ME. I know. The whole point of the show is to illustrate that I'm not LIKE THAT anymore... but I'm calling on those workaholic resources to get the power to take charge and get things done.

I am excited. I want the show to be great, and I know that all I can do is my best.

Beat Sheet

2010-04-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

Today I got my new beat sheet finished- with that comes all of the important choices that needed to be made. Clarity on who the protagonist is, and how it follows closely to a Disney story.

I went through all the "story" points that go into a standard feature, what roles songs generally play in Disney movies. At the workshop performance, I touched on what characters usually make up a film, but this time it will be much more clear... and I need to make drawings for each.

Which leads to a huge purpose of the beat sheet- figuring out what arts and crafts need to be done. I'm including "write songs" and "animate" in the arts and crafts section. Cuz I need to get started on this stuff asap. Or ask for help.

On top of everything I have to do for the show itself, Fringe deadlines sneak up- and they have the potential to interrupt creative process. Last week we had to put in the image and blurb for the Fringe book. I wasn't completely happy with what I did and may resubmit at a 25$ penalty. It's important!

Now that the beat sheet is done (a scene by scene plan of what will happen and what important plot points need to be hit in each scene) I feel a bit liberated.

I picked up my guitar. For the first time, guitar clarity came into my head. I usually play the same crappy chords in a non committal way, leaning on my singing and powering through anything that doesn't work. I was strumming along and thought, "wow. I should really just stick to one chord at a time and play it well." I also thought, "Lets get some calluses going here! I want my fingers to be in pain!" Okay I have 2 months here until showtime. I will practice every day. I don't want any of the "talents" in this thing to be " "talents" ".

It's so much more exciting when I can visualize the actual show, and now that I have these choices made, I can do that.

Dream On

2010-04-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Aislinn and I met on Friday... both a couple of tired boobs. We basically mumbled at each other for a few hours and then came up with some tasks for this week.

I already lost my task list.

But anyways.

I've been doing Disney research. There was a big call for more of a Disney structure in the story, which is what I wanted in the first place for the workshop. We just thought it was more important to get the story across. But now I have to immerse myself.

Today I watched the movie "Dream on Silly Dreamer" which is about the rise and fall of 2d animation. Glad I did. I forgot about crap like those direct to video movies. What a trip down garbage lane. I remember being a teen and hearing people go, "why do you want to work for Disney? Hunchback 2 wasn't very good." And me FUMING.

I'm bringing my laptop to work tomorrow so that I can start listening to DVD's while I draw. Osmosis and all that. I'm sure it will trigger some ideas.

People want more songs and I don't know how I'm going to do that. Should I get a musician?

New Start

2010-03-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally recovered.

The first week I was just emotional and fatigued, I needed to relax.

Then I got a cold- I figure that adrenaline was keeping it at bay.

But this weekend I finally was able to sit down and get to work again. I went through all the feedback (from memory, emails, online chats, feedback cards) and put it all into one document. Then I started thinking about what my feedback to myself is... the direction is pretty clear though.

I checked the video tape: captured! I have had two major shows where the camera failed so I was so scared to check. Didn't want to be disappointed.

Aislinn will be available this week so I think we'll sit down and watch it together. I don't think I can watch it by myself without someone forcing me to. Too torturous!!

Another thing I want to do is really get my research right. I abstained from going through old diary entries when writing the first show. I just wanted to get the main idea across. But now I'll really go back and get the moments right- remember how things were back then. The feedback encouraged me to do more than just skim the surface.

Disney research too- animation is a big part of the show, so I have to go through my animation nerd collection and refresh my memory. Hoo boy!

Excited!

Just the beginning...

2010-03-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have concerns that my last post came off as arrogant. Hope not- I was just really excited. Throughout the whole blog I was playing down how stressed, tired and worried I was about the show. I didn't want anyone to read it, think "this will be shit" and then not show up.

But basically... I was worried it would be shit.

So what a joy that it actually wasn't!!

This blog is going to continue because the show is going to continue- and I'm starting work immediately. I've been told that the show is "worth" a lot of work. I'm used to putting a lot of work into things that aren't worth it... ha ha.

I'm envisioning a really well put together final product. If I workshop anywhere else before the run, I'll probably do it out of town. I feel like I have something I can invest in and latch onto in the next while. There's so much uncertainty in the arts, so this is very liberating: a commitment.

THANK YOU!

2010-03-15T20:42:00.001-07:00

I have messages to respond to, and thank yous to send, but all that I have energy for is to say thank you here... for now... Last night was, honestly, a fantasy come true.

I got through the thing without straying too far from the script, there was lots of positive feedback, and all the constructive feedback was suggestions that put the play right on track with what I was aiming for: They got it!

"They" were such an awesome mix of all my favourite people... it really was like "this is your life," actually... Me talking about my life to those who were present at different stages. Apart from the parts of the story where I was alone... in that case, it was new to all of them.

People keep talking about my "bravery" and it's one of those things where a kid falls down but doesn't start crying until the adults react. It's starting to make me self conscious, but ALSO, I am VERY tired right now and I at least have presence of mind to realize that I need to recover here and then reflect :) I've been on an adrenaline high for 3 weeks now and today was definitely withdrawl. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't get back to sleep- my body was aching. At least it all came AFTER the fact.

More later... The consensus I took was that this is a "thing", that it's entertaining, that it touches people, and it does have a future. So... a break... then the next steps :)

Today's the Day!

2010-03-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

I made programs!

Solo Set!

2010-03-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

Zuch Ward was supposed to play tonight (me and Adam Ward) but he had an injury and couldn't make it. Since I'll be doing a solo set in the show, I decided it was a great opportunity to work out in front of an audience- as opposed to finding a sub. That's pretty much the whole story- I thought the set went well so I'm encouraged.

Oh! Amazing!

2010-03-11T20:23:00.001-08:00

I met with Aislinn tonight and I've reached a new level of enthusiasm. First of all, we finally agreed on a script: She liked the first draft, which was really the second draft... I liked the fourth draft... It's decided: THIS draft is it. The newest draft and we're both feeling good about it. Need to revise some things... work some setups for better payoffs...

It's clear there will be much more writing done after Sunday, but the parts that are working right now set a good bar for the rest of the play to aim to hit. We're trying to build a foundation for something that has real value.

I'll say it again- so happy to have Aislinn on board. It's like I have a carbon copy of myself on the outside... pointing out things I know but missed... like "too much exposition here." I'm too busy delving to notice. Plus she's got great original ideas.

Speaking of delving, this week has been very interesting. The studio I started at on Monday is the same studio I worked at 3 years ago. All the same people, exact same job: But I've changed. People have been openly staring. I never know whether to initiate a "hi" because I'm not positive I'll be recognized. On top of that, it's just been great getting all the memory jogs- where I ate lunch, how I scrutinized the calories. It's all coming back to me. Helpful.

Tonight I'm sleeping. Like, soon.

Finalized?

2010-03-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

I thought my script was finalized, but Aislinn didn't... and then I read it again. She's got some gooood points.

I recorded the whole show on my ipod so that I can listen to it at work and memorize. But tomorrow I'll have a notebook handy to jot revision ideas. My new job is more private... so that's a saving grace. At my old job, I had people at my desk constantly and listening to anything for more than 10 minutes at a time was impossible.

The most difficult tech is done...

I hope people bring out friends that I don't know. I want to get harsh opinions from strangers!

Tech!

2010-03-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday actually went very close to planned. I wonder how much postering actually works? Anyways, I wrote in the cafe until I found myself singing and dancing out ideas in the washroom... time to go home and finish there.

I got my finalized script done early this morning. Any more tweaks will be through rehearsal. Like, no need to PANIC at this point. I even read it out and timed it.

AND, the biggest relief of all- I have 3 computers and as of this morning NONE of them had the ability to burn a cd... the computer that works the best doesn't have a cd drive, and the one that works the worst... 's sides fell off when I last moved it. But the middle one! Jackpot!! I finally (FINALLY) got iTunes working again and it turns out I can even turn you tube videos into audio. iTunes/Garageband is all I know, so it's a HUGE load off.

Rob says I can do MAX 30 tech cues. K, okay, I got it, okay :P

I have to make a puppet so I guess I'll do that and watch the Oscars at the same time. He shouldn't be too difficult.

Stresses 2

2010-03-05T20:44:00.001-08:00

24 hours later and I've got the brain space cleared... made a to do list... I do not feel relaxed about the show anymore!

Tomorrow's supposed to be sunny. I'm going to walk the streets, poster, pick up props and stop in cafes to write and finalize.

Stresses

2010-03-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

Well this wouldn't be an honest production blog if I didn't record how I'm feeling right now. I was supposed to work on the show tonight, but instead I just came from the vet. I had to put down my old friend Moses, and it hurts real bad. He was a very awesome cat, and everyone who ever met him thought so. I could go on about it, but the sentiments belong somewhere else I'm sure.

Some other stresses are wearing me: Tomorrow is my last day at the animation studio I'm at- I'd take a day off otherwise. My video project is due at 4 tomorrow... I want meet the deadline and leave on a good note. By tomorrow night I'll feel much better I'm sure.

Monday I start my new animation job, but apart from show specific training, I'm not too worried about that. I know the crew already and I've worked there before. Thank goodness.

When I applied for a stage rental 3 months ago, there was no way I'd know what I'd have on my plate right now. (Could be better, could be worse.) But it's one of those things where I'm so stressed that when I think of the show, I relax. I'm confident in what I have so far and fleshing it out further is something I'm excited about. I just need to clear some space in my brain... 24 hours from now, I'll be a lot closer.

Ah.

2010-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Fraser Studios to drop off a poster. The fella there said, "If it's a one woman show, then who are these other people on the poster?"

Oops. I thought it was clear it was a show about change, but it only works if you get that it's all the same person.

I got more daring and invited out more facebook friends today. Some I just missed the first time around, and then I thought, "they might like this."

Poster

2010-03-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

I started promotions today, which means someone could actually be reading this post. :o Posters printed and a few up: I need to think about where to distribute the rest. It seems like 90% of my yeses are female... interesting. I hadn't thought of gender until I noticed that.

Seeing specific names on the yes list is encouraging too. My sister is coming all the way from Ottawa! I'm not writing for them but their support will be a comfort.

I also finished my new (extensive) beat sheet this weekend. It feels like this show is a real thing... all the themes and analogies support each other and tie up well- I think. Still waiting to hear from Aislinn.

Lots to do- I'm looking at the arts and crafts with a heavy heart. This is where I should really go "workshop", instead of spending time on sets and props... so I can focus on the performance. But arts and crafts is easier work! Busy work! Drawing and sewing and shit is so easy to me! If you walk in and the set is AMAZING... get ready for a terrible show :p

I feel frazelled... confident about the content but now I need to complete a bunch of tasks. Tonight I'm going to bed early and then I'll feel less wired... is the idea.

A Title!

2010-02-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

My show is called "Key to Key." It's an animation analogy about getting from one place to another. Animator to comedian being one of the changes I'll be presenting.

I also came up with a strong concept for the poster- something that suggests what the show is about and the fact that it's a workshop performance: A sheet of animation paper. That I will for sure whip up tomorrow.

Everyone seems to be on Aislinn's side about the workshop aspect. Seems like they're willing to come out and see the beginnings.

Which reminds me... my favourite movie of all time isn't actually Beauty and the Beast. It's Beauty and the Beast: Work in Progress. What happened was, an animation festival wanted to present the movie, but Disney wasn't done yet: So they pieced together what they had. Some scenes are in storyboard, others full colour, and my favourites... those in rough pencil animation. Animation legend has it that when the patchwork movie was finished screening, the audience lost it and gave a huge standing ovation.

I used to watch that movie over and over. (It was a super rare vhs find at the time.) I'm so excited about this show... and I'm now even more okay with it being a rough presentation.

Rewrites and Themes

2010-02-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

I've come to the decision to yes, talk about my emotional stuff in much more detail. This will undoubtably have social repercussions. But I think it's a difference that gets the project in a more artful and purposeful direction. Jan said, "how do you want to change and challenge your audience." I realized I booked this thing for a reason... I do have something to say, so I shouldn't hold back in saying it. Now I have to do the rewrite.

I pitched a new structure (same ideas, new framework) to Aislinn. She said it was too early to throw my old script out... I think the opposite. Too late! Man this thing goes up in 20 days! 20 days that I mostly spend doing other things!

I had booked 2 days off work prior to the show... but now I quit my job and took another one. Oops. No more vaca days.
I had made a deadline for the script to be finished, so that I could spend time on the performance. Aislinn is for working the script until the very end... even gunning for me performing script in hand.

It is a workshop performance but I want to take it as far as I can.

Production Blog!

2010-02-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to record the progress of my one woman show... so far I know what I want to say... and have a point of interest. No title yet... which is why I called this blog "Rented the Bad Dog." No matter what, there is a show going up at the Bad Dog Theatre March 14th: Hopefully good! Well, hopefully great promise. This show is and was always intended to be a workshop performance. I'm biting off a lot here, so my hope is that people will be excited to see the first incarnation.

I've gone a little mental... maybe about 20% as mental as I go. Internal conflicts galore.

This is the second weekend that I've devoted exclusively to the creation of this show. Last weekend I came up with 3/4 of a script. This weekend I re-wrote the 3/4 and made the beats for the ending.

Sushi on Bloor! Regular meeting place for me and Ms. Aislinn Rose, though it's been about a year. I met Aislinn when we were 16 and members of the inagural Theatre Orangeville Young Company. She's since gone on to great things, getting her theatre masters degree in Australia, and working here in production and directing.

I handed off what I had of my script, but based on our discussion, I already knew what she was going to say. This show is about old Amy turning into new Amy. Well, Aislinn knows old Amy. She knows what point "A" was... and that the trek to where I am now was a lot tougher than my script would lead one to believe.

Aislinn wants me to talk about "stuff." She wants me to reveal stuff. I don't know if that's the show I want... or on a social level, if that's what I want people to know about me. Comedians don't talk about stuff. They joke stuff away.

I'm a bit convinced though... and I'm doing a rewrite. Talking about stuff but with enough jokes to make it palatable.

I'm really glad I asked Aislinn to work with me.