Wow! That was a long nap. The last time I wrote, I was going into rehearsals for Noises Off. It closed 3 days ago. It's amazing how much creative energy goes into directing a play, even when it doesn't take up all of one's time.
It was a great success. I'm thrilled at how it all turned out. I was, of course, privileged to work with a great cast and it always helps to have a flawless script. The journey: tumultuous. A story in itself. It's a miracle the play got on its feet, let alone turned out so well.
We leave on a 6.5 week adventure next Wednesday (8 days). Before then I would like to complete a full draft of Tooth Sized Holes. I know. I have touched the script since I last wrote to you, but only just that. 11 pages. That's all I have to do and it will be done. Then I can start research on my next play. I don't know what the central conflict is going to be, but I am curious about the central question: What is the impact of a teacher on a student's success, really? I often wonder with students who end up being successful in one field or another, and who attribute their success to a certain teacher (and let's face it, lots of teachers like to claim a student's success as being somehow related to their influence) would actually have ended up in the same place anyhow.
I'll start putting out calls for stories on this as soon as I get this bleeding Tooth Sized Holes draft done.
Cheers for now. Here's a link to a little blurb on our production of Noises Off:http://www.e-know.ca/arts-entertainment/noises-off-a-madcap-good-time/
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sabbatical
I mentioned before that I was headed on a sabbatical this year. Teachers always get a sabbatical of a kind in the summer, but, in truth, it takes at least two weeks to stare at a wall and get all of your senses back. In the case of teachers who are returning to school in September, there is a two-week period where we ruminate (and in some cases, stress) about the upcoming year: what we have to do to get ready, what kinds of changes we want to make, and the like. That leaves four weeks. Which is great. Two of those weeks are usually spent trying to catch up on deep seated house and yard work. And then there is time to have fun with the kids. This is nothing to complain about by any stretch of the imagination, but summers for teachers aren't always as carefree as one might think. More carefree than usual, but still with expectations and need.
Sabbatical, on the other hand, carries with it a different rhythm altogether than what I've experienced at any other time of my life. Music practice with the kids is before school. It's quiet when they're gone. It takes longer to do simple tasks. I have time to write, but it's taking me a while to hit my stride and discover how I'm going to go about it, now that I have all this time. It would be horrible to let this year go by without milking absolutely every moment to execute the best writing I've done to date.
My writing break is over. I'm launching again. I received some good feedback on the latest draft of The Mimic's Riddle. I'll give it one more going over and send it to places like The Lark and the Banff PLaywrights Colony. Then pick up Tooth Sized Holes (I added the plural) and dig right into it.
It's good to be back. Wish me well.
Sabbatical, on the other hand, carries with it a different rhythm altogether than what I've experienced at any other time of my life. Music practice with the kids is before school. It's quiet when they're gone. It takes longer to do simple tasks. I have time to write, but it's taking me a while to hit my stride and discover how I'm going to go about it, now that I have all this time. It would be horrible to let this year go by without milking absolutely every moment to execute the best writing I've done to date.
My writing break is over. I'm launching again. I received some good feedback on the latest draft of The Mimic's Riddle. I'll give it one more going over and send it to places like The Lark and the Banff PLaywrights Colony. Then pick up Tooth Sized Holes (I added the plural) and dig right into it.
It's good to be back. Wish me well.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
On the Road Again
Tooth Sized Hole has its 60-pager. I've finished a complete rewrite for The Mimic's Riddle. It wound up being 80 pages, I think there were only 5 pages worth of original material. It was tough to murder more than a few darlings, but it turned out better than I feared.
I'll be taking a break from playwriting for a little bit, perhaps a month or so. I realized when I was near the end of this most recent draft that my poor husband and family were getting the crappy end of the stick with me having to shut myself away in my little room and write, leaving little opportunity to give them all a fun summer. As I said to a former student while sitting on the edge of a beach late last week, "If my kids knew what other kids do in summer, they'd be so mad."
I'm looking forward to reading (works both academic and fluffy), preparing to direct Noises Off, and having some fun with the kids before school starts. Not looking so forward to finishing up my deep house cleaning, but eagerly anticipating the results.
I'm currently up north in Dawson Creek visiting family. It's been our only road trip since the one we took in late July to Cedar City. On Sunday, we'll be on the road once more, returning to my favourite place on earth.
I'll be taking a break from playwriting for a little bit, perhaps a month or so. I realized when I was near the end of this most recent draft that my poor husband and family were getting the crappy end of the stick with me having to shut myself away in my little room and write, leaving little opportunity to give them all a fun summer. As I said to a former student while sitting on the edge of a beach late last week, "If my kids knew what other kids do in summer, they'd be so mad."
I'm looking forward to reading (works both academic and fluffy), preparing to direct Noises Off, and having some fun with the kids before school starts. Not looking so forward to finishing up my deep house cleaning, but eagerly anticipating the results.
I'm currently up north in Dawson Creek visiting family. It's been our only road trip since the one we took in late July to Cedar City. On Sunday, we'll be on the road once more, returning to my favourite place on earth.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Faux-vations
I go to a lot of local theatre productions. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love to see what's going on and to support my friends and neighbours in their work. It works in reverse, after all- they are always supportive of my endeavours, too.
On the topic of standing ovations, my understanding has always been this: when you like a performance, you applaud. When a performance is so good, transcendent even, that it "sweeps you off your feet," you may choose to participate in a standing ovation. You may find yourself indifferent, in which case you will more likely than not offer polite applause. If you really hated it, you might boo, but chances are, you will have walked out before the final curtain.
Lately, I've been baffled by the amount of standing ovations I have found myself participating in, and not for the reasons you might think.
You see, somehow the meanings have shifted. It seems that more frequently than ever, standing ovations are becoming the norm. To not ovate is to send a message of contempt or apathy, it seems. Because I go to a lot of local shows and because I know several people involved with most of the local productions, I find myself "faux-vating" more often than I'd like. Am I swept off my feet? No. Did I like the show? There's always something to admire. But I feel like if I don't stand, like everyone else is, then people will think I didn't like it. It's like, I worry that the girl seated behind me will think that didn't like her uncle's acting job or something. I may not have minded said uncle's acting job, I may even have liked it, but I stand because I don't want to be thought unsupportive. I guess narcissism is at work here to a degree - why should I assume that anyone in a given theatre cares what I think?
It's happening in the professional/semi-professional scene, too. Last weekend, I entered Bigfork's production of Happy Days with glee, eagerly anticipating a true, no-strings theatrical experience. Within seconds of the opening curtain a bunch of idiot-sticks sitting next to me were pointing their friends out on stage (the idiot-stick reference also extends to their ill-mannered use of cell phones throughout the play). The show was fun, but I'd have to say also mediocre (mostly due to a poorly cast Fonzie and an unfocused script), and yeah, there was a standing ovation, and yeah, I stood because I didn't want to stand out as not standing. I just want to go to a play where I can engage with the actors on my own terms.
There is, of course, another response: silent rapture. That happens to me rarely, but it does happen. Sometimes my responses to a performance are too complex to share with a big group right away, and I may have really liked it, but I'm mulling it over. And please, dear Lord, can we do away with the thing where the actors wait for the audience in the lobby (in costume!) and shake our hands? It's awkward. It's too soon. Anything I say at that moment is going to be contrived and dumb.
So, people, here's what we do. The next time you go to a play, if it's good, applaud. If it's awe-inspiring (AWE-INSPIRING! not simply good), stand (if you like). That's it. Even if other people rise to their feet, don't do it unless it was truly outstanding. I'll do it too, and then we won't be alone, and the girl seated behind us doesn't have to think that we didn't like her uncle's acting job.
On the topic of standing ovations, my understanding has always been this: when you like a performance, you applaud. When a performance is so good, transcendent even, that it "sweeps you off your feet," you may choose to participate in a standing ovation. You may find yourself indifferent, in which case you will more likely than not offer polite applause. If you really hated it, you might boo, but chances are, you will have walked out before the final curtain.
Lately, I've been baffled by the amount of standing ovations I have found myself participating in, and not for the reasons you might think.
You see, somehow the meanings have shifted. It seems that more frequently than ever, standing ovations are becoming the norm. To not ovate is to send a message of contempt or apathy, it seems. Because I go to a lot of local shows and because I know several people involved with most of the local productions, I find myself "faux-vating" more often than I'd like. Am I swept off my feet? No. Did I like the show? There's always something to admire. But I feel like if I don't stand, like everyone else is, then people will think I didn't like it. It's like, I worry that the girl seated behind me will think that didn't like her uncle's acting job or something. I may not have minded said uncle's acting job, I may even have liked it, but I stand because I don't want to be thought unsupportive. I guess narcissism is at work here to a degree - why should I assume that anyone in a given theatre cares what I think?
It's happening in the professional/semi-professional scene, too. Last weekend, I entered Bigfork's production of Happy Days with glee, eagerly anticipating a true, no-strings theatrical experience. Within seconds of the opening curtain a bunch of idiot-sticks sitting next to me were pointing their friends out on stage (the idiot-stick reference also extends to their ill-mannered use of cell phones throughout the play). The show was fun, but I'd have to say also mediocre (mostly due to a poorly cast Fonzie and an unfocused script), and yeah, there was a standing ovation, and yeah, I stood because I didn't want to stand out as not standing. I just want to go to a play where I can engage with the actors on my own terms.
There is, of course, another response: silent rapture. That happens to me rarely, but it does happen. Sometimes my responses to a performance are too complex to share with a big group right away, and I may have really liked it, but I'm mulling it over. And please, dear Lord, can we do away with the thing where the actors wait for the audience in the lobby (in costume!) and shake our hands? It's awkward. It's too soon. Anything I say at that moment is going to be contrived and dumb.
So, people, here's what we do. The next time you go to a play, if it's good, applaud. If it's awe-inspiring (AWE-INSPIRING! not simply good), stand (if you like). That's it. Even if other people rise to their feet, don't do it unless it was truly outstanding. I'll do it too, and then we won't be alone, and the girl seated behind us doesn't have to think that we didn't like her uncle's acting job.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Process
I have a way of doing things. When I write plays, what tends to happen is that I start by writing 60 pages. I try to limit the amount of characters somewhat, I have an idea of where it begins and where it ends, but beyond that I don't edit, I try as much as possible to let things go where they may and not question.
I let that sit for awhile, and then I pick it up again, recoil in horror at what's there, and then sift through to see what I can work with. 90 or so pages later, I do it again, this time more fussy about detail and structure. After about the third draft, I feel confident enough to approach a group of people who will sit in a room with me and read the play aloud. That usually tells me what's working and what isn't. More drafts, a public reading, more drafts yet and maybe send it away to a contest.
That's all I got so far. A week or so ago, I finished the 60 pager for Tooth Sized Hole. I think there might be some decent material in there, after all. I'm in the process of preparing for another rewrite of The Mimic's Riddle. It's hard because I know what needs to be done, I'm just not sure how t go about it. I want to have this next draft done by August 13, to send to the Yale Drama Series Competition. I let you know how it goes.
I let that sit for awhile, and then I pick it up again, recoil in horror at what's there, and then sift through to see what I can work with. 90 or so pages later, I do it again, this time more fussy about detail and structure. After about the third draft, I feel confident enough to approach a group of people who will sit in a room with me and read the play aloud. That usually tells me what's working and what isn't. More drafts, a public reading, more drafts yet and maybe send it away to a contest.
That's all I got so far. A week or so ago, I finished the 60 pager for Tooth Sized Hole. I think there might be some decent material in there, after all. I'm in the process of preparing for another rewrite of The Mimic's Riddle. It's hard because I know what needs to be done, I'm just not sure how t go about it. I want to have this next draft done by August 13, to send to the Yale Drama Series Competition. I let you know how it goes.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
New Chapter Part II
I'm back and I've had a nap, so we can pick up again.
I think another thing I'm nervous about with this upcoming year is that my husband is also taking a sabbatical. Here's what I mean - it takes me a while sometimes to get in the groove to write, to clear my head and get a few ideas flowing. So, sometimes, I'll have gone to that effort, be right in the middle of something great (it does happen on occasion), and then he comes bursting in with a question or a comment and it ruins everything. And then I feel guilty about not meeting my family responsibilities or loving them all enough or something.
There's another thing, too. Suffocating people. Suffocating as in the adjective, not the verb. I don't consider myself to be competitive but for one thing mainly - I love theatre and I want to be great at it, particularly directing and writing. The wonderful thing about that is that I don't feel threatened when other people create great work. I love being delighted and surprised about what another person has accomplished under the lights and in front of a hushed crowd. What I don't like is when something sucks and the audience rises to their feet.
Back to suffocating people. Though I have my passions and, at times, my jealousies, I don't seek the spotlight for myself. I don't need constant attention in any of the spheres I run in. But I know some people who always need to sidle in there and talk about whatever they're doing or adjust the lightbulb to shine on their faces. It's just hard for them to let other people grow around them and get to excited for them about what might be happening in their lives. I find myself not talking about the great things that are happening to me because these suffocating people will just change the subject and turn up their own volume.
I know. I just sounded like a classic suffocating person right there. But I'm not, I know I'm not. So, who cares about suffocating people anyway? Exactly. It's one of my goals, to work hard enough and be so immersed in whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing that I am impervious to suffocation.
All right, time to get back to "Tooth-Sized Hole," formerly known as "Scapedog."
Thanks again for being there.
I think another thing I'm nervous about with this upcoming year is that my husband is also taking a sabbatical. Here's what I mean - it takes me a while sometimes to get in the groove to write, to clear my head and get a few ideas flowing. So, sometimes, I'll have gone to that effort, be right in the middle of something great (it does happen on occasion), and then he comes bursting in with a question or a comment and it ruins everything. And then I feel guilty about not meeting my family responsibilities or loving them all enough or something.
There's another thing, too. Suffocating people. Suffocating as in the adjective, not the verb. I don't consider myself to be competitive but for one thing mainly - I love theatre and I want to be great at it, particularly directing and writing. The wonderful thing about that is that I don't feel threatened when other people create great work. I love being delighted and surprised about what another person has accomplished under the lights and in front of a hushed crowd. What I don't like is when something sucks and the audience rises to their feet.
Back to suffocating people. Though I have my passions and, at times, my jealousies, I don't seek the spotlight for myself. I don't need constant attention in any of the spheres I run in. But I know some people who always need to sidle in there and talk about whatever they're doing or adjust the lightbulb to shine on their faces. It's just hard for them to let other people grow around them and get to excited for them about what might be happening in their lives. I find myself not talking about the great things that are happening to me because these suffocating people will just change the subject and turn up their own volume.
I know. I just sounded like a classic suffocating person right there. But I'm not, I know I'm not. So, who cares about suffocating people anyway? Exactly. It's one of my goals, to work hard enough and be so immersed in whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing that I am impervious to suffocation.
All right, time to get back to "Tooth-Sized Hole," formerly known as "Scapedog."
Thanks again for being there.
New Chapter Part I
My one year sabbatical starts today. In the past two weeks, I've had many "So, you must be excited about your year off . . . " conversations. Yes, I am, but there are a number of other emotions at play as well.
Primarily, the huge amount of time I have at my disposal in the upcoming year is a huge responsibility. I'm 38. I have two kids (who get bigger every time I look at them). I'm fat (as previously discussed - things have gone from bad to worse), and I need to get into shape. I'm also concerned about spending too much money. It's easy to not overspend when you're working, but when you're not working, there's more time to notice all the things around the house that need replacing.
I sound ungrateful. I'm not. I'm completely grateful. I just don't wanna mess this up, you know? The last two months have been rigorous. I love my job, but for a while there I couldn't fit another thought in my brain than what I absolutely had to to get through the day. I want to write. I've been writing, but lately it sucks. I keep working and moving forward because writing takes faith and discipline - the only way to not get anything off the ground is not to do anything at all.
Thanks for listening. There's more to come, but I got a call and I have to run.
Primarily, the huge amount of time I have at my disposal in the upcoming year is a huge responsibility. I'm 38. I have two kids (who get bigger every time I look at them). I'm fat (as previously discussed - things have gone from bad to worse), and I need to get into shape. I'm also concerned about spending too much money. It's easy to not overspend when you're working, but when you're not working, there's more time to notice all the things around the house that need replacing.
I sound ungrateful. I'm not. I'm completely grateful. I just don't wanna mess this up, you know? The last two months have been rigorous. I love my job, but for a while there I couldn't fit another thought in my brain than what I absolutely had to to get through the day. I want to write. I've been writing, but lately it sucks. I keep working and moving forward because writing takes faith and discipline - the only way to not get anything off the ground is not to do anything at all.
Thanks for listening. There's more to come, but I got a call and I have to run.
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