Update on Things: 2
I need to post more often. That much is clear. Even if it's just little things, little updates and the like, rather than holding off for one big post and forgetting half of the things that have happened in the meantime (I have a horrific memory.) So. A quick recap:
- No luck with a director
- Found a designer and technician
- Found a SM
- Sending off Basement application Wednesday 25th May
- Boosted!
- Actor's Equity
- Costume, Props, and Set
- Breakdown of costs
- Shoot w Sacha
- Venue
Director: Lauren and I have a couple in mind, but specifically Jacque Drew. I have contacted her and am currently waiting for a reply as to when she is available to meet for a coffee.
Casting: Lauren is meeting with Amanda today, more to come. Haven't found a 'Keith' yet, but a couple of people in mind for that. More of a goal for next week, once all the forms have been handed in, and the time pressure is off.
Designer/Technician: I caught a wild Marshall Bull! Marshall-Bull-the-Designer/Model by day, Bambi-the-Technician/Operator-at-the-Basement by night. A wonderful human, and an incredibly talented techie. I also asked Bambi to come onboard as designer when, after listening to me freak out about how-in-the-dang-heck-could-I-fit-the-set-I-want-into-the-theatre-I-want-at-a-nominal-cost, in one sentence he solved all of my problems, thanks to his culmination of knowledge from his different fields. Now that we have Bambi, hopefully the upcoming process of production will be as laid-back and flawless as he looks here:
Stage Manager: A bunch of my closest friends all flat together, and the partner of one of them, Sophie, is our new State Manager! Sophie started her own business straight out of high school, and it's taken off! I believe it's an engineering/building something, however, Soph was heavily involved in (all aspects of) the arts until a couple of years ago, and is excited to become a sleep-deprived, more-coffee-in-my-body-than-blood human again. Otherwise known as a creative. One of the most hard working, intelligent, and kind people I know.
(Our wonderful SM and our darling designer/techie, circa 2015. I may be slightly bias, but aren't these two the best looking people you've ever dang seen?)
Basement Application: One word, four letters - SENT! *is torn between patting self on the back/freaking out*
Boosted: I sent in an application last week, and it got approved! I'm meeting with one of the reps today, and I'll post more on that, after our coffee/plan session. My main focus for this is to a) draw up a rough budget for how much the show will cost- how much needs to go into advertising, how much for costume, props, set, cast, crew, production, labour, just-in-case etc etc. and b) find either a designer to draw up a rough poster for the show, or get a confirmed cast and book an appointment with Sasha Stejko (a.k.a incredible photographer).
Actor's Equity: Still haven't joined Actor's Equity. I'm thinking of emailing them regarding the price for a minor/school student, because the price I found on the website didn't marry up with the price two of the representatives gave me, when I spoke with them one night at the Basement. More to come on this.
Costume, Props, Set: Costume should be easy to find. It'd be great if I can pull some strings and get access to the costume departments at First Scene or ATC, potentially even ASHS... However, where possible, I don't want the actors using their own clothes, to avoid any potential damages. But if, with funding, I gave myself a budget of $20-50pp, I'm sure I can find some wonderful things. Op shop queen speaking here. The biggest issue will probably be Keith's shirt, as wine will be spilt on it every night. As actual wine won't be used, I'll need to find a substitute that won't stain, or if it doesn't come out, back-up shirts. Other than that, all the show needs are casual clothes, things the actors would wear in everyday life. Props is something I haven't thought too much about just yet, as there's still a lot of work to go before this will become a priority. However, in a week or two, I'll read through the latest draft of my script and write up a list of all the props mentioned, with their corresponding acts/scenes. On to set. Most of this Lauren and I can provide from our homes, we've decided. If we are stumped, it'll be easy to put out a PSA on social media, and if all else fails, op shops are the ticket. There are lots of good/affordable furniture op shops around the North Shore especially, places like Browns Bay and Northcote in particular. Not a worry of mine at this point in time.
Breakdown of costs: A couple of options here. Boosted offer a full consultation for working with us to complete a breakdown of the costs, and so does the Basement. Because this is so new to me, I'm sure I'd miss small things that are glaringly obvious to anyone who has been through this process before. Once we get a breakdown, we can effectively apply for funding, with aforementioned breakdown attached, which will help our case greatly. More to follow.
Photoshoot with Sasha: Sasha Stejko is a phenomenal photographer; we've worked together a couple of time in the past, both for commercial shoots for shows and personal headshots. She has a wealth of information and connections, and I'm sure will be able to help us source a location, if her screens/studio won't work. I have an idea in mind of what I'd like, and I'll flick her an email today regarding costs.
Venue: CHASE CHASE CHASE! Follow up on booking the Dojo. Important. I won't know for sure when our season will be until we a) get selected at the Basement and b) have a cast we can contact regarding their availability. But ASAP, booking a rehearsal space is crucial.
Well, that's my list. Below are some of the documents I've put together in the last week, with a little description of each.
(50 word blurb for the Basement submission pitch. Note my little numbers scribbled everywhere; there was a specific limit!)
(To do list from Wednesday last week. All of these have been done except for contacting helplines and applying for funding. Lauren and I decided we wanted to wait until we have confirmation before approaching helplines etc.)
(My terrible first draft of a cost breakdown, that turned into why the Basement is such an amazing space for up-and-coming performers, or those who are tight on money. It then progressed into who we wanted to contact for support/sponsorship, and a little note about having a feedback box on the piano as you exit the theatre after the show.)
(Another terrible example of my first draft. Kind of how the stage will look. I will fix this horrific draw-up, and post a new and improved in the next post.)
Until then,
Spinach (who desperately needs sleep)
