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20111106

The Process...Phases of Production

It's come to my attention that for some folks, production is a thing that somehow happens, and tech week is supposed to be exhausting, stressful and chaotic.  The result is usually a whole lot of tech people vowing to never work "there" again.  They do, hoping "this time" it will be better - but the process is just repeated - and the results are predictable.  Kind of like that definition of insanity.

I've found it helpful to break the process into distinct phases:  Concept, Collaboration (Preproduction), Execution (Production), Maintenance (Performances), Strike and After Action (Post Mortem).  They each have their own rhythm and flow.  The transition from one to the next can be murky and overlapping. But to recognize these phases and use them well can be very rewarding.

During the Concept phase, brainstorming, building scenarios, shooting for the stars, and outrageous crazy talk is very valuable to build the vocabulary you'll need to recruit the best talent to take your idea and make it bigger and better.

Collaboration (Preproduction) is when you bring the team together, lay out the game (your concept), and let them play with each other.  They'll need support to meet the challenge, a really solid schedule and a healthy respect for deadlines.

Execution (Production) is where the rubber meets the road.  With really good Pre-production, magic happens.  The pieces fall into place.  Tech week is exciting and energizing.  The cast is thrilled, and the audiences will be too.

This is a wonderful way to make Art.  Happy people make happy audiences.  Happy audiences make money.

20111105

96 Days to Mr. Marmalade: Chillin' with a sista'

Had a great evening with my sister.  Last winter, we were here, and one evening I told her about this show I wanted to direct.  After trying to describe it to her, she graciously offered to read the script (so she would know what the hell I was talking about) and she's been my non-theatrical collaborator ever since.

So, tonight I showed her the poster (designed by Phil Odango) and she said, "Oh, I didn't think he would be a big man, I thought he would be tall and slender.  I had to admit, I don't know what he looks like either and won't until after Auditions (November 14, 15, 16).

And then, we'll all know...in 96 days.

97days to Mr. Marmalade

Admin day.

Coordinating with the folks at Generic Theater to get the audition info up on their website, until then, check out the audition event on facebook,

Getting my book together, reviewing the huge pile of notes from the last six months so the audience can see what I see in this beautiful little script... in 97 days.