Everyone in theatre has heard it before, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late." We hear it from the first rehearsal of our first show and for every first rehearsal after. But the point of this post isn't about being 10 minutes early to appointments, interviews, rehearsals and auditions. It's time management in the grander sense.
Recently, I was asked to direct two plays but two different playwrights at two different theaters. The first was offered to me two weeks before opening and the second was offered three weeks before opening. The former I took as it was a simple script and I, by chance, had actors readily available to do the parts. The latter, however, I was annoyed by. The playwright specified several video montages, whole and broken laptops, a cast of seven men. Now, video montages take time to create! You need to find someone to create them (hopefully for free as it is theatre we're discussing). Then, the clips must be found or shot. Then, edited. Then, worked into the play and most likely edited again. This is a serious process. Then we come to the problem of finding or creating something that looks like a broken laptop. Also no small feat. Finally, the cast of seven men. Now, I did find a way to get it down to five men, I could even stretch it to four if I wanted to muddle things up, but men are harder to tie down into a part than into a relationship! Every actor that I have ever had pull out of a show has been a man. I don't begrudge them, really. Good men are a hot commodity in theatre and good for them for knowing it.
My point is that this was a play that required preparation and the work of at least one person besides me (I am not skilled in the art of editing video). I had three weeks in which to cast, rehearse and produce the technical aspects of this play. For those of you who are unclear on the time it takes to put a show together, usually, even if you are casting by calling and asking people to do roles, it will take you three days to fill your parts. With men, I'd say a week. That leaves two weeks for rehearsal. With everyone's schedules to consider, you'll probably get three rehearsals a week, four if you're lucky. Then you have to spend the rest of your time figuring out the video, looking for props, and doing all the things the theatre needs you to do like gather bios and confer about your lighting and sound needs (ah yes, sound, another thing to worry about). This process should really start at 5 weeks from tech. And yes, those two weeks make a WORLD of difference.
The playwright did not take any of this into consideration. He was late late late. In theatre, as in any business, it is vital that you be able to think ahead to manage your time in the greater sense. Actors: how long will it take you not just to learn the lines but to feel at home with them and ready to make them a part of your character? Designers: How can you manage your time so you have room to adjust the costumes or set, not just finish before the curtain goes up? Producers: How long do you need for each leg of this journey we call putting up a show? Development? Fundraising? Casting? Publicity?
Always give yourself more time than you need because you will actually end up needing it! My writing partner and I made a somewhat difficult decision just last month. We are writing a new musical and were planning on submitting it to NYMF (New York Musical Theatre Festival) on March 1 for the 2010 season. However, when we sat down and evaluated the time we needed to create an exceptional show instead of just getting it in in by March 1 (and you know it would have been sliding into NYMF's offices at 4:59pm that day), we decided we'd put it off and wait until next year. It killed me to do that because I wanted to get our show out there! But, with this new timeline, we can have readings, create quality demos, put together a band and really produce something professional and fantastic.
So, to leave you with something specific, here is the schedule I'd recommend for a 15-20 minute play (this is because a short play can be a pressure cooker when thrown together in the last minute and because you will usually be given no more than one hour and sometimes as little as 20 minutes to tech):
6 weeks until tech: offer show and send script to director, designers, stage manager
5 weeks until tech: show has been cast and production people are in place
4 weeks until tech: have had a read through and production meeting plus at least one other rehearsal (probably table work)
3 weeks until tech: Director is focusing on blocking (2-3 rehearsals in this week of at least 2 hours each). Directors should know the ground plan before going into this rehearsal. Designers have presented director with the start or rough draft of their designs
2 weeks until tech: Director is working with actors focusing on specific scenes (3-4 rehearsals in this week of at least 2 hours each). Off book date is at the start of this week. Designers present director with a "second to final" product that director can tweak and approve.
1 week until tech: Director is running show with actors (at least 3 rehearsals of at least 2 hours each this week). Designers are supplying final products for rehearsals. Sound is being used in rehearsals.
Tech: Director goes into tech with annotated script for board op and with a clear idea of what lights and set should look like so there is time to work out issues that will only present themselves when you arrive in the space.
Hope this helps!
Be happy, be brilliant!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring. ~Liz Armbruster
This is not a post about having children.
Yes, I can see where the title would be confusing.
This is about creating. What an amazing gift to be able to make something out of nothing. An idea into a real, tangible piece of art.
I am never happier than when I am creating and it is imperative to any person in the arts to continuously exercise that creative muscle. Find time everyday to express yourself. It will keep you sharp, expand your vision and your voice, and, most importantly, keep you happy.
There are some great ways to exercise that creative muscle and and I encourage you to try things outside of your specific area. If you are an actor, try drawing. Designers, try writing. You may find a new way to express yourself that you sincerely enjoy. More importantly, it will help you grow in several directions rather than just one.
Here are some suggestions:
-Read the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This is fantastic for any creative person. Now, brace yourself, it is a marathon, not a sprint, but if you can get through it, you'll be on a totally different plane with your art then when you started. You can get The Artist's Way online, as a book, or go to workshops. Check it out: http://www.theartistsway.com/
-Go draw naked people! (21 and over)
There are some fantastic places to go to just sit and draw the human figure. Third Ward offers a fantastic little event every Wednesday: Drink and Draw. Nude models to draw, beer, snacks and a live DJ. It doesn't matter if it's your first time drawing or if you are the reincarnation of Davinci, it's all about chillin' and expressing yourself. Check it out: http://www.3rdward.com/blog/2009/9/23/drink-and-draw-tonight.html
Feel like getting a little wilder? Try Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, where the weird and wonderful stop by to be drawn. Their last event just passed (a contortionist!) but stay tuned for more of the burlesque and bizarre! Check it out: http://www.drsketchy.com
-Get a journal!
For those of us with only $1.00 in our pockets (been there), head to the 99 cent store and get a composition or spiral notebook and head to your favorite chair, park bench, or rooftop and just start writing. Don't worry about what you're writing, if it makes sense, if it's good. Don't even worry about how to start. Just begin with the first thing you think of or see, even the most inane carpet color, and keep going. Let your mind wander. Think through problems. Create a story. Whatever! Just get those thoughts out of you and onto paper!
-Get your body movin' and groovin'!
Whether you think you are a dancer or not, you have a body, correct? So make it work for you! Take a dance, voice, yoga, or movement class or find a club to shake your booty in or a piano bar to try your high notes. Find out some of the amazing things your body can do! Here are some places to get you goin'. Check it out:
Broadway Dance Center: the old staple for those who want to sample some classes and pay one at a time: http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/
Yoga to the People: "This is yoga for everyone," a place where you don't already have to be able to bend yourself in half. A suggested donation of $10 and you enter a world of Zen: http://yogatothepeople.com/
Marie's Crisis: a popular piano bar in the Village that specializes in Broadway and Barbara Streisand. (Also next to a sweet jazz bar) 59 Grove St btw S 7th Ave & Bleecker St
Central Park Swings: starting in April, make a $1 donation and learn some swing steps in the Central Park Bandshell: http://www.centralparkswings.com
-Take a picture: It doesn't matter if you understand white balance, just grab a camera (digital, disposable, old fashion film, whatever) and start focusing on the beauty all around you. When you're done you can make an album, a collage, or whatever your little heart desires!
-Take a walk: It's always free and it's always there for you. Walk in the sun or the rain. Walk in the street or the part. Walk alone or with friends. There are just so many options! So many ways to relax and let your mind wander aimlessly to a great epiphany or to how great that guy's ass looks in those jeans up ahead of you. Hey, material for your work is everywhere, just reach out and grab it! (But don't grab that guy's ass... he might not like it... or like it too much...)
Well, I am tuckered out, friends!
Be brilliant, be happy!
Yes, I can see where the title would be confusing.
This is about creating. What an amazing gift to be able to make something out of nothing. An idea into a real, tangible piece of art.
I am never happier than when I am creating and it is imperative to any person in the arts to continuously exercise that creative muscle. Find time everyday to express yourself. It will keep you sharp, expand your vision and your voice, and, most importantly, keep you happy.
There are some great ways to exercise that creative muscle and and I encourage you to try things outside of your specific area. If you are an actor, try drawing. Designers, try writing. You may find a new way to express yourself that you sincerely enjoy. More importantly, it will help you grow in several directions rather than just one.
Here are some suggestions:
-Read the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This is fantastic for any creative person. Now, brace yourself, it is a marathon, not a sprint, but if you can get through it, you'll be on a totally different plane with your art then when you started. You can get The Artist's Way online, as a book, or go to workshops. Check it out: http://www.theartistsway.com/
-Go draw naked people! (21 and over)
There are some fantastic places to go to just sit and draw the human figure. Third Ward offers a fantastic little event every Wednesday: Drink and Draw. Nude models to draw, beer, snacks and a live DJ. It doesn't matter if it's your first time drawing or if you are the reincarnation of Davinci, it's all about chillin' and expressing yourself. Check it out: http://www.3rdward.com/blog/2009/9/23/drink-and-draw-tonight.html
Feel like getting a little wilder? Try Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, where the weird and wonderful stop by to be drawn. Their last event just passed (a contortionist!) but stay tuned for more of the burlesque and bizarre! Check it out: http://www.drsketchy.com
-Get a journal!
For those of us with only $1.00 in our pockets (been there), head to the 99 cent store and get a composition or spiral notebook and head to your favorite chair, park bench, or rooftop and just start writing. Don't worry about what you're writing, if it makes sense, if it's good. Don't even worry about how to start. Just begin with the first thing you think of or see, even the most inane carpet color, and keep going. Let your mind wander. Think through problems. Create a story. Whatever! Just get those thoughts out of you and onto paper!
-Get your body movin' and groovin'!
Whether you think you are a dancer or not, you have a body, correct? So make it work for you! Take a dance, voice, yoga, or movement class or find a club to shake your booty in or a piano bar to try your high notes. Find out some of the amazing things your body can do! Here are some places to get you goin'. Check it out:
Broadway Dance Center: the old staple for those who want to sample some classes and pay one at a time: http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/
Yoga to the People: "This is yoga for everyone," a place where you don't already have to be able to bend yourself in half. A suggested donation of $10 and you enter a world of Zen: http://yogatothepeople.com/
Marie's Crisis: a popular piano bar in the Village that specializes in Broadway and Barbara Streisand. (Also next to a sweet jazz bar) 59 Grove St btw S 7th Ave & Bleecker St
Central Park Swings: starting in April, make a $1 donation and learn some swing steps in the Central Park Bandshell: http://www.centralparkswings.com
-Take a picture: It doesn't matter if you understand white balance, just grab a camera (digital, disposable, old fashion film, whatever) and start focusing on the beauty all around you. When you're done you can make an album, a collage, or whatever your little heart desires!
-Take a walk: It's always free and it's always there for you. Walk in the sun or the rain. Walk in the street or the part. Walk alone or with friends. There are just so many options! So many ways to relax and let your mind wander aimlessly to a great epiphany or to how great that guy's ass looks in those jeans up ahead of you. Hey, material for your work is everywhere, just reach out and grab it! (But don't grab that guy's ass... he might not like it... or like it too much...)
Well, I am tuckered out, friends!
Be brilliant, be happy!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
TOMORROW!
I know I just made my first post but I have to throw this up because the time has changed and now I can't go and they need help! From Blake Hayes:
Four gay rights activists were arrested at a protest on the steps of the Marriage Bureau at the City's Clerk's office.
Tomorrow (FRIDAY) you can show your support by attending their hearing: 11AM at 100 Centre St., Part A, 4th Floor, NYC
Facebook group and info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=344240485154&ref=mf
If you can't be there, please write to your local politicians and tell them that we will not stand for discrimination based on sexual identity!
Be brilliant, be happy!
Four gay rights activists were arrested at a protest on the steps of the Marriage Bureau at the City's Clerk's office.
Tomorrow (FRIDAY) you can show your support by attending their hearing: 11AM at 100 Centre St., Part A, 4th Floor, NYC
Facebook group and info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=344240485154&ref=mf
If you can't be there, please write to your local politicians and tell them that we will not stand for discrimination based on sexual identity!
Be brilliant, be happy!
Both my brothers became physicians and I, of course, wandered into a business where the undisciplined are welcome. -Carroll O'Connor
Hello, hello!
I wanted to start this blog off with a quote with the word welcome in it and I found this, which actually ended up being perfect. Perfect because I totally disagree!
Granted, Carroll O'Conner is from the "good ol' days" when you could hop off a bus in LA or NYC and off of shear talent and luck you could be a star. It is not that time anymore. My actor friends are exhausted from going to one open call after another and having nothing come from it because that equity actor with the great representation booked the gig. People are even trying to avoid becoming equity since the pickings are even slimmer than usual "because of the economy". And you just can't look at theatre as just an art anymore, kids. It's a business and you're the product.
This is something I knew abstractly in college but in the months since I've graduated I've truly come to realize what it means to have to sell yourself... not in the lady of the night way... yes, I know that joke was awful. I'm not a comedian.
In this blog, I'll share with you tips that I have picked up, share stories of how I failed abysmally or transcended into that ever illusive plane of success, and occasionally may tell a joke that you actually like.
The first piece of advice is to brand yourself. This means that you are creating an image that will become synonymous with you. When someone sees that logo or hears that quote, you come into their mind. This is, of course, obvious in things like running shoes or food. When you see that swoosh, you think Nike. When you hear "have it your way," you think Burger King. My branding device comes from a quote from Shakespeare's Julius Ceasar, "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff."
Now, after I decided that this would be my central branding device, I figured out how to use it. It started with my business cards. On one side, my card says "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff..." and on the back it reads "Alexandra H. Rubin (pn) 1. sterner stuff" and then has my information and a picture of one of my shows.
This branding immediately conveys determination, dedication, intelligence and strength. I am telling everyone that reads my card that I am sterner stuff by definition.
I carried this look and quote over to the signature in my email, my website, anything that had to do with my professional persona. I started this about a month ago and already I've had people quote my branding device back to me.
To find your personal brand identity ask yourself these questions:
What do I want to accomplish by branding my image?
(my answer: To present myself as a creative professional and intrigue and impress potential partners and employers.)
What do I want to convey to the people I am marketing myself to?
(my answer: strength, conviction, intelligence, dedication, determination, confidence)
How can I make my branding both verbal and visual?
(my answer: Use a strong quote that I can turn around to describe myself and an example of my work. I accomplished this by using a strong picture from one of the shows that I costume designed as the background for one side of my card.)
Most importantly, delve into yourself and really figure out what is amazing about who you are and how you can make people sit up and take notice of it. More to come soon but in the meantime...
Here are some other brands I dig:
Soul Pancake
www.soulpancake.com
This is a website by Rainn Wilson (Dwight on the office) in which you can discuss life's big questions with Rainn and the other members. What makes this so great is a) Soul Pancake is a totally unique name and b) he qualifies the name by subtitling it "Chew on Life's Big Questions". It is fun an witty which is exactly what the website is. He hasn't quite gotten the visual stuff down yet, it's all a mishmosh with Mike P. Mitchell's (admittedly awesome) artwork as background, but the name is pure genius.
HERE Arts Center
www.here.org
HERE Arts Center has created a hell of a brand for itself. Just by name it is instantly recognizable (also, Abbott and Costello would have a grand ol' time reviving "Who's on First" with its name). HERE is where you want to be. They continue their branding into their website with links like "See here" for what's currently playing and "Be here" for ticket purchases. They also have a great logo and font which they use on all their materials and is totally unique to them. Home run, HERE.
I'm With Coco Campaign
http://sirmikeofmitchell.com/imwithcoco/
Now, this was really created for Conan O'Brien by fans who were upset about his forced early retirement from the Tonight Show, but it's brilliant. A simple line and a fantastic image that depicts Conan as a super hero/cartoon. It has humor and yet shows the strength of Conan and the passion of his fans.
And, a swing and a miss...
Charlie White
www.charliewhite.info
Okay, Charlie White has a serious point of view going with his photography. So why is his website so dull dull dull??? There's nothing interesting or unique about it until you finally find the light grey work "work" in the navigation bar and come across his stuff. With one word, he could have us hooked from the homepage but if I didn't already know what was there, I don't know that I'd venture around to find the goods.
Good night, all! Be brilliant, be happy!
I wanted to start this blog off with a quote with the word welcome in it and I found this, which actually ended up being perfect. Perfect because I totally disagree!
Granted, Carroll O'Conner is from the "good ol' days" when you could hop off a bus in LA or NYC and off of shear talent and luck you could be a star. It is not that time anymore. My actor friends are exhausted from going to one open call after another and having nothing come from it because that equity actor with the great representation booked the gig. People are even trying to avoid becoming equity since the pickings are even slimmer than usual "because of the economy". And you just can't look at theatre as just an art anymore, kids. It's a business and you're the product.
This is something I knew abstractly in college but in the months since I've graduated I've truly come to realize what it means to have to sell yourself... not in the lady of the night way... yes, I know that joke was awful. I'm not a comedian.
In this blog, I'll share with you tips that I have picked up, share stories of how I failed abysmally or transcended into that ever illusive plane of success, and occasionally may tell a joke that you actually like.
The first piece of advice is to brand yourself. This means that you are creating an image that will become synonymous with you. When someone sees that logo or hears that quote, you come into their mind. This is, of course, obvious in things like running shoes or food. When you see that swoosh, you think Nike. When you hear "have it your way," you think Burger King. My branding device comes from a quote from Shakespeare's Julius Ceasar, "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff."
Now, after I decided that this would be my central branding device, I figured out how to use it. It started with my business cards. On one side, my card says "Ambition should be made of sterner stuff..." and on the back it reads "Alexandra H. Rubin (pn) 1. sterner stuff" and then has my information and a picture of one of my shows.
This branding immediately conveys determination, dedication, intelligence and strength. I am telling everyone that reads my card that I am sterner stuff by definition.
I carried this look and quote over to the signature in my email, my website, anything that had to do with my professional persona. I started this about a month ago and already I've had people quote my branding device back to me.
To find your personal brand identity ask yourself these questions:
What do I want to accomplish by branding my image?
(my answer: To present myself as a creative professional and intrigue and impress potential partners and employers.)
What do I want to convey to the people I am marketing myself to?
(my answer: strength, conviction, intelligence, dedication, determination, confidence)
How can I make my branding both verbal and visual?
(my answer: Use a strong quote that I can turn around to describe myself and an example of my work. I accomplished this by using a strong picture from one of the shows that I costume designed as the background for one side of my card.)
Most importantly, delve into yourself and really figure out what is amazing about who you are and how you can make people sit up and take notice of it. More to come soon but in the meantime...
Here are some other brands I dig:
Soul Pancake
www.soulpancake.com
This is a website by Rainn Wilson (Dwight on the office) in which you can discuss life's big questions with Rainn and the other members. What makes this so great is a) Soul Pancake is a totally unique name and b) he qualifies the name by subtitling it "Chew on Life's Big Questions". It is fun an witty which is exactly what the website is. He hasn't quite gotten the visual stuff down yet, it's all a mishmosh with Mike P. Mitchell's (admittedly awesome) artwork as background, but the name is pure genius.
HERE Arts Center
www.here.org
HERE Arts Center has created a hell of a brand for itself. Just by name it is instantly recognizable (also, Abbott and Costello would have a grand ol' time reviving "Who's on First" with its name). HERE is where you want to be. They continue their branding into their website with links like "See here" for what's currently playing and "Be here" for ticket purchases. They also have a great logo and font which they use on all their materials and is totally unique to them. Home run, HERE.
I'm With Coco Campaign
http://sirmikeofmitchell.com/imwithcoco/
Now, this was really created for Conan O'Brien by fans who were upset about his forced early retirement from the Tonight Show, but it's brilliant. A simple line and a fantastic image that depicts Conan as a super hero/cartoon. It has humor and yet shows the strength of Conan and the passion of his fans.
And, a swing and a miss...
Charlie White
www.charliewhite.info
Okay, Charlie White has a serious point of view going with his photography. So why is his website so dull dull dull??? There's nothing interesting or unique about it until you finally find the light grey work "work" in the navigation bar and come across his stuff. With one word, he could have us hooked from the homepage but if I didn't already know what was there, I don't know that I'd venture around to find the goods.
Good night, all! Be brilliant, be happy!
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