Saturday

It’s a beautiful morning.  I’m leaving shortly for my matinee and think I’ll walk to the theatre and enjoy the sunshine.

Last night’s show was probably our best yet.  Everyone was solid, no major or minor kerfluffles, the pace was good, connections were being made, and a very responsive audience to boot.  Had a great time.

Before I head out, here are some links to enjoy:

How do British and American directors differ?   My experience tells me that while British directors are more likely to be puppet masters, they’re also more willing to take big risks.  American directors are more likely to be patient and make sure you get what you need to do your job.  And mostly, there’s not a big difference at all.  There are good directors and bad directors on both sides of the ocean.

Huckabee proves he’s rather insane.  Speaking at the NRA, and he makes a joke about Obama ducking a gunman?  Seriously? 

And for all you graduates, read and be inspired by Tony Kushner’s commencement speech at Vassar.  It’s from 2002, but may be even more appropriate now.

Up and Running

Two performances in, and two vastly different responses from the audience.  I think this show will either have audiences who really want to sink into the story and go for the ride, or else they’ll have trouble accepting that the structure of the play requires them to be in the dark for much of the evening - you don’t ever get to feel like you know how it’s all going to play out.  If the  main character doesn’t know what’s happening, neither does the listener.  Either they’ll be into that game or they won’t.  It seems like that’s how it’s playing out, although it’s early yet.

Last night was a typical second night for me:  wonky energy, scattered focus, and one pretty major line flub.  Fairly par for the course, although I always wonder why that is.  Something about the push to be ready in time for the first audience, I suppose, and all the concentration that requires.  A relaxing inevitably occurs, and it takes a minute to recognize, “No, no, I can’t relax that much!”

And of course we haven’t had our press opening yet; these are previews still.  Some people prefer to think of previews as “rehearsals with audience,” but I’ve never been of that mindset.  Paying audience?  Yes, the show is open.  Especially when they’re paying just about as much as people who attend during the regular run.

Sleepy

I dragged myself awake this morning for an audition.  I’d much rather be in bed.  The show opens today, and while I’m feeling pretty tired, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.  I have a feeling this is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of play, so I’m anxious to discover what the response will be.   It’s also the first time in a long time that I’ve done a comedy where I was sort of the straight man.  I feel a bit out of sorts.

Yesterday I had a film audition.  It went fine, and is a total book-a-look situation, but it would be great to get it - a nice little part in a feature and the scene would be with the star.  After that, I learned that my audition for The Big Game led to being put on hold for the show, which is good. 

I hate the growing trend by theatres to do that, put you on hold.  I mean, essentially, all they’re doing is letting you know  that they’re interested in you but for whatever reason, aren’t ready to make an offer.  They’re telling you so that if you get another offer, you can contact them and get them to make a decision one way or another, so that you can make a decision one way or another.  Nothing wrong with that. 

I think the thing about it that’s always bothered me is first that it’s something that used to only be done in commericals, because of the quick turnaround.  Theatres will put you on hold for months.  Second, there’s always this underlying feeling:  commit to us, although we’re not quite ready to commit to you.  That feeling is there all the time, in different ways, of course. 

But in the end, it’s always a good thing to have them interested in you.  So ultimately I was happy to get the call.

Oh, and the Shakespeare audition went fine.  I have no idea if I’m in the running, but I had fun reading for roles.  And TheGrad and I got to spend the day together, road-tripping, and that was fun too.  I sleep so well when he drives. 

Update: Audition went nicely - very friendly room- and I raced home to lay on the sofa for a few hours, which is where I am right now.  Got a callback for a play I really wanted to read for and didn’t think I’d been considered.  After I hung up, I couldn’t help but think about Puppy and his gloating the other week that he’d been called in for it and I hadn’t.  He never used to do that - be competitive with me about career things.  I’ve really learned a lot of disappointing things about him recently.