Final Scheduling Communication (I hope!!!)

Good day, all -

Thank you for getting on top of communicating your scheduling requests for the final run of our show!  I've received some 75-80% response at this point and can confidently go forward with laying in the rest of the run:

5/8 - Pick Up/Filming:
-Call: 300p
-Run: 400p
-Release: 630p

5/9 - Photo Call/Performance 4:
-Call: 500p
-Photos: 515p
-Prep for Show: 615p
-Go: 730p
-Release: 1015p

5/10 & 5/11 - Performance 5 & 6
-Call: 600p
-Go: 730p
-Release 1015p

5/12 - Strike**
-Call: 900a
-Release: 200p or earlier, depending on completeness
**Those with concrete, cannot-be-moved, family-centered plans that conflict with those times need to speak with me about accommodations ASAP.  Due to the team's late response to this there is SOME room for a compromise, but this will only be considered one-on-one, case-by-case.  I have already spoken with a couple of people who had AM conflicts, but they've already committed to attending much of the time, with their other obligation giving up time as well.  This is the model.

I have sought to accommodate as many people as possible in finalizing this schedule.  Only 1 person dissented on Wednesday, and only 6 of the 39 people involved dissented on Sunday (2 of whom have already committed to being there part of the time, anyway).  This truly has been the best good for the most people.  I do apologize if there are new inconveniences, but we've done a darn good job minimizing them...and I think everyone will appreciate the additional rest.

See you tomorrow at 300p!

j.

A Failure To Communicate…

So…at this stage we are collectively running under 50% in terms of response to a great many things you’ve been asked to get back to me on:

1. Strike Preference - 16 of 39: 41% have responded about their Strike preference, with it going 2 to 1 in favor of a Morning Strike (900a-200p)
2. State Willingness - 3 of 39: 8% have responded about their willingness to remount the show next year

**THIS RESPONSE RATE IS NOT OK!!!**

I work very hard to respect your time and your family’s time in everything we do.  I cannot do this if I don’t hear back about what your family and your personal needs ARE. 

So…assuming that folks may be unclear on a few things:
1. Always respond in writing in some way.  Acceptable response methods: Including text, email, remind, pen-paper.  Unacceptable response methods: Anything verbal…I’ll never remember.
2. Deadlines are because there are points of no return in terms of sufficient notice to get something accomplished.
3. Once a deadline has passed, you are at the mercy of the decision, regardless of whether or not you responded, or whether or not you agreed with the choice.  We are not ever likely to get 100% agreement on how something can be done…so someone/some people are always going to be inconvenienced.  Trust me when I say we do the best we can by everyone.
4. We MUST do Strike on Sunday, as there are a number of events in the Auditorium following our show, and it is our obligation to clear our work to facilitate the other members of our school facility…I can’t postpone or move Strike, despite the importance of Mother’s Day, even to me and my family.  The other groups have been very giving to allow us a month of uninterrupted time in the space, and it is an ethical obligation for us to restore the space for them.

**HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO REDEEM YOURSELF!**

Please respond to the following asks re: information from you and your families relative to the rest of this show process, via email, text, or Remind:

1. Strike - If you have not yet responded, please let me know what your Strike preference is: Morning or Afternoon?
2. Strike - If you have already responded AND your preference was Afternoon, please let me know either a) if it can be moved or is absolutely set; or b) what is the earliest you can make Strike given non-moveable plans, knowing that any missed hours will need to be made up before you're eligible for another WHS production.
3. State - You have the remainder of the day to respond re: your willingness to remount the show for a potential trip to the Oregon Thespians State Conference next year
4. **This Is New** - Pickup Rehearsal/Filming: I have heard from a number of people that they’d prefer to start earlier and get out earlier this Wednesday, May 8th.  I am open to this if I can get 100% response to the following proposal - May 8th/Call time, 300p; Run show with filming, 400p; Out by 645p…May 9th/Call time, 500p; Photo Call, 530p-615p; Run Show, 730p; Out Time 1015p

RESPOND TODAY, 5/6! to email: mjamie@pps.net, text: 503.781.2701, Remind: mrburnsca or kdecfk

Thanks...

j.

8th Grade Visitation

All right...time to dazzle the next generation of Wilson students!

This Friday, we are supporting the 8th graders' visit to Wilson in anticipation of their Freshman year.  I want Act II actors, all crew, all costume, and all management to meet in the Drama Room at 855am on Friday.  You'll need to get into costume (no makeup) between 900am and 930am.  Crew should set for Act II.  There'll be a large group assembly in the auditorium house for the whole 8th grade group, then they'll break into small groups.  We'll run from pg. 77 ('Look, our episodes are getting pretty good' to pg. 85 ('I wasn't looking.  I'll keep an eye on it next time'), including Chart Hits. I'll introduce the piece, we'll go to black, run the sequence, thank them for coming, wash, rinse, repeat 4 more times. 

This is a tough ask (I know, Milo), but the honor of representing the entire Wilson community, combined with the PR value of selling the show, make this too great an opportunity to ignore.  You all have done fantastic work, and deserve recognition.

Make sure you take full advantage of tomorrow's tutor time...no hanging back and hanging out then griping later about how behind your are!  You got this...we're gonna have a great time!

j.

Notes: Preview

Notes: Preview

Act I: Start Time: 734p/Stop Time: 818p
Nina - Watch for Sophie’s signal to cue fire
Tay: Correct Maria on ‘The Cat always dies’ as if your next lines would be ‘not the mouse’
All: Watch overplaying the Hitler mustache joke…once or twice is plenty
Will: Good timing on the exit and return
Crew: Much better on paging curtains
JP: Nice job with the bottles
Sound: Nice job with judiciously using the animal cues

Act II: Start Time: 830p/Stop Time: 912p
-Crew: We need to wait to set the chairs until just before we drop lights
-All: **General note: Great job integrating notes…very professional**
-Some really great through energy and timing…you’re seeming much more comfortable
-Kieran: The litany of beverages is almost there…build the energy/intensity as you go through the list
-Kieran: Nice change to the Shiraz offer
-Tay: Good job connecting tonight
-Will: Keep working the ‘nobody knows’ crosses…they’re just slightly off
-Props: I’ll find some chalk for the erasers
-Tay: remember how upset she was about the nuke plants in act I…you’ve gotten away from that a bit
-JP: Some very nice interchanges after shutting down the meltdown
-Will: Make sure and connect with Quincy a bit more as a couple…it seems like Susannah is more your romantic partner on occasion
-Tay: Muskogee is pronounced ‘Muss-KOH-gee’
-Zoe: Take a half beat to realize things are a mess before you fix Chart Hits
-Kieran: Don’t jump right into fearing the folks at the door…build into their hostile intent (also, don’t come so far downstage)

Act III: Start Time: 921p/Stop Time: 1003p (with the stoppage)
-Wait to assume your iconic pose until you see Cassidy start
-Tay: Continue to push the raps to match Cassidy’s vocal level
-Great crisp style movement on the handclaps
-Cass: Pull out the notebook to start the litany of the names…read from the book at the top
-All: Much better backstage tonight…room to grow, but a significant improvement
-Liliana: Make sure to leave a gap for Edna as you back up
-Nico: Turn and leave right on the thunderclap
-Will: Some very nice moments with Bart in I Stand on the Deck
-Hyacinth: Watch rushing out onstage at the top of Cape Fear…take your time and sync with the others
-Will/Lucy: How do you feel about your kids confronting Burns?
-Makeup: Much better on hand tattoos
-Kieran: Mind your voice…started getting gravelly under Love/Hate
-Ensemble/Edna: Can you bring your lanterns with you on And Now The Sky
-Milo: Can you grab the rope bond after you cut it off Bart, rather than having Kieran toss it?
-Nathaniel: Infinitely better dynamic level under later underscores
-Zoe: Keep that chin up! 
-Shades: Sing Clouds of Parted TO Bart…focus your energy there




The show keeps getting better and better!  These are the last formal notes you'll get from me on the show.  There may be some little stuff along the way, but as of now, the show is fully yours.  Actively make it just a little better each time out!  You have a great show...drive it home!


j.

Preview/Call and Info

Hi All -

Thank you again for all of your hard work!  This is truly shaping up to be an exceptional show, not only for us, but for local theatre...I really believe it.

Preview is tomorrow night (tonight?), 5/1.  We have very few people coming due to the number of other productions in tech/running right now in other places, including our middle schools.  You are welcome to invite 1-2 people, preferably who wouldn't come to the show if they had to pay.  Have them check in at the lobby by 715pm.

Remember, Call is 530pm, not 500pm...you've earned it!  There will be tables in the auditorium lobby to study/work, and food will be out at 500pm, but in the lobby (there's an event in the choir room tomorrow night).

Go over your scripts and your job assignments...mentally running through things is proven to be nearly as good as doing it physically.  I'll have notes on the stage promptly at 530pm.  You all are making me very proud right now!  Keep up the wonderful work!

j.

Notes: Dress 1, 4/29

Hi all -

I have been called to a district meeting this afternoon and will be late to Dress.  Annika is in charge, and Dressing Rooms/Costume will be open as will the Stage Area.  Please read over the notes below at call, and begin going through your normal preshow routine, with the exception of getting into costume.  I'll be in right around 530pm and want everyone involved with the end sequence of the show (Last Song through the Curtain Call, minus the musicians) to meet there at that time to revisit the last moments of the show...which needs some help.  That part's on me...

Thanks for your flexibility, all...see you soon!  You're killing it!

j.

-----

Notes: Dress 1 (also posted on the callboard)

-Act I: Start Time - 731p/Stop Time - 814p
-Me: Check the fire flicker
-Awesome timing early
-Tay: Great corrections getting Matt on track when he gets distracted
-All: The whomp whomps were awesome
-Tay: Watch fading under the ‘Court Case’ lines
-Good job trying to get each other on track on line flubs…also good job keeping the energy up here
-Will: Watch being too aggressive with Gibson…startled, cautious, not aggressive
-Watch losing vocal energy when Gibson comes in, guys
-Lucy: *reminder only* aim the flashlight low or away from audience…you’re doing great
-Will: keep the Stamford reaction authentic…watch getting too staged
-JP: great job with the note on cutting off Maria’s California line…was great tonight
-All: *reminder only* remember your shoulder alignments when talking to someone
-SMs: As part of preshow we need two ‘No Entry - Show in Progress’ signs
-Lucy: Good job with Becca Wright…can go just a step farther with the lines that Colleen is intended to hear
-Lets really get the pacing up after the Ritual of the Names
-Tay: Running about 70/30 on volume…big leap, keep it up
-JP: Try not to clink the bottles together, or we’ll need to fill them with something
-Watch over drinking your beer bottles…there’s only a finite amount in them
-Should we fill the bottles? Are you all ok with apple juice?
-Tay: Really ask the question about ‘Is this how you know?’ Find her need to know…
-Will: Take just a beat longer to realize the connection to the line…snapped out a bit too early
-Good job getting back on after the page jump. 
-You can jump ahead to the next thing you know sooner…don’t spend quite so much time trying to get the exact right spot
-Take the pitch pipe out of the box during the show…don’t need the box, except between shows
-Kieran: You can project the song a bit more
-Me: Slow the fade down by 4 seconds going out of Act I

-Act II: Start Time - 827p/Stop Time - 909p
-Tighten Cues at the start of Act II…all
-Tay: Good vocal energy during Interrogation…that’s the energy throughout, even if mood quality changes
-Good change out of the interrogation
-Good energy in the commercial early
-Nailed the food references, Milo…nice! Likewise, Kieran!
-Lucy: Great entry into the Diet Coke section
-Great response to the 2 Lithium Batteries lines
-Will: Like the hammering stage left between the ‘Nobody knows’
-Tay: Watch downplaying the ‘Gay Men’ lines…you get super quiet here
-Great finish timing-wise to the end of the Diet Coke section
-Fantastic timing at the top of the Heretic Homer argument
-JP: Keep strong eye contact when shutting down Gibson…defuse him
-Tay/Zoe: Watch getting too quiet post-meltdown
-Tay: Hit the pg 74 ‘We decided…we really did’ to shut him down
-Tay: ‘Muskogee’
-Watch the harmony volume during Chart Hits 2…overpowering Milo
-Milo: Remember the rake
-Great energy and timing post-Chart Hits
-*Dating partners: look for a couple of places to show affection during the act

-Act III: Start Time - ?/Stop Time -
-Sound: I’d like the thunder cue as the actors strike their poses going into the act
-Lights: I’d like the light cue on that same cue…see sound note above
-Props: Grab a fourth rake for Willy in Act III
-Tay: Rap not nearly loud enough…what happened? 2nd was better at the start, but you gotta throw it strong.
-Kieran: Don’t sit on the light!
-Ensemble: Hear Edna on her initial slate of names…if you can’t, your harmony is too loud
-All: make sure to get those chins high, shoulders back, and clean, confident movements; Lots of body energy throughout, as well…you should be physically tired at the end of Act III
-No running backstage…lots of extra noise.  Do we need carpet runners?
-Me: Need to mask the DS Corners…can see movement
-Ensemble: Enter as Bart leaves…turn on your lanterns with the thunder
-Piano is pretty hot, volume-wise, underscoring stuff going into Messing with the Simpsons
-Milo: Check the gag a little earlier in the tying process
-Kieran: Watch your hand placement when you come back to Taylor at the end of the Love/Hate speech…got a little unintentionally, uh, uncomfortable from where I sat
-JP/Milo: You don’t need to roll Taylor if she lands in the right spot
-Me: Run Carpet tomorrow
-Ensemble: As formal as you can make those movements during Edna’s solo, the better
-Ensemble: Place your lanterns at the base of the stairs onstage of the tunnels, but not on the ship
-SMs: Spike the placement of the globe lanterns
-Zoe: What happened?  You haven’t lost that moment before during I Stand On The Deck
-Kieran: Don’t untuck the shirt…losing the coat = ok
-Zoe: Really build through pg 121, the lead in monologue to the fight
-Zoe: Keep his head up and strong after defeating Burns.
-All: Be very quiet and focused backstage…every extraneous sound pulls us out of the play
-Add a reference to the band after Simpsons bow

**We are going to look at restaging the last couple of moments of the show…they’re wonky and it’s my fault**

Lots of Show Week Notes!

Hi all -

Again, I can't say how excited I am about how the show is coming together!  The team has started to gel really well, and everything is just going to get stronger as the week goes on.

I have a few things to throw out to everyone to be aware of this week:

1) I have received bios from less than half of the team so far.  Please email me at mjamie@pps.net with your bio (instructions in an earlier post) or the following words will be after your name in the program: No Bio Submitted
2) Also, a number of people have not yet gotten onto either the cast or crew Reminds!  Remind is how we get moment-to-moment information out to folks...please log on to the following feeds:
Actors: remind.com/join/mrburnsca
Crew/Musicians: remind.com/join/kdecfk
3) Remember: Talk to your families about Mother's Day/Strike!  I am looking to set our time tomorrow...I need to know both which affects the least number of our ensemble negatively, and that folks understand they are expected to be there as a part of our production, regardless of which time it is...you've already committed to it.
4) I am working on whether or not we will be able to hold our photo shoot/pickup rehearsal/video shoot next Wednesday, May 8th.  As you know, we don't have school that day, due to the statewide Day Of Action for school funding, but it's still in the air as to whether or not we can have evening events.  Assume now it is on; should that change, then plans shift back a day to May 7th, on the same time schedule.
5) Remember that we are presenting part of Act II to the visiting 8th Grade students this Friday, May 3rd.  Management, Crew, and the Act II Actors will be called from class at 845am to dress and warm up and set the space.  We'll be presenting up to 10 minutes, from pg. 77 ('Look, our episodes are getting pretty good' to pg. 85 ('I wasn't looking.  I'll keep an eye on it next time'), including Chart Hits.  This may be pared down for time.  You'll be performing for small groups of 8th graders, beginning at 948 am, and you'll do the section 5 times to accommodate them all.  Please be sure to be in the Drama Room promptly at 845am to get ready.

We're ramping up, as you can see above!  Make sure you're staying on top of your health (make good eating/drinking/sleeping choices!), mental wellbeing, academic obligations, etc.  Talk to your teachers about the schedule and be as proactive as possible.

You're doing great work...now lets bring it home!

j.