The Next Step

Last night we had our first "performance" for the advertisers of the theater this year. I call it a "performance" because they are told they're watching a dress rehearsal and that if need be, we will stop.  We didn't!  It was honestly, an outstanding show!  I was really pleased.  And the good news is...we do that same show again tonight and tomorrow night!   That is truly rare here...doing a show three times in a row without a different one mixed in...no way!  It's going to be great!

So will the performances happening today is the first day of the next step for me here.  Because "The Pros" are governed by such strict rules it means that my work here is essentially governed by their union as well.  Sometimes it's a beautiful thing, sometimes not so much.  One of the rules is that if they have a performance on a given day they can not rehearse for more than 5 hours in addition to that performance.  Here are some of their union produced rules:

1- They have to get a break during rehearsals every 55 minutes (a 5 minute break) or every 80 minutes (a 10 minute break)

2- They have to have a shower and a cot available in the performance space

3- They can't start a days rehearsal until 12 hours has elapsed since they walked off stage the previous night.

4- When housing is provided they have to have their own rooms with a sink in the room.

5- No pictures or videos can be taken during rehearsal or performance unless a waiver is given by their association

6- During a photocall (a session where photos are taken to document the show's existence, waiver provided by their association) they have to have snacks and beverages provided

7- If their feet leave the ground during a performance a "flight or lift call" has to take place before the show.  If a hand or object is quickly moving towards their face or body a "fight call" has to take place before the show to practice the routine.

This is just some of the routine.  So today my rehearsal doesn't start until 1:00 and that's a great thing.  "Crazy P" (who jumped up on the bed this morning) and I are on the porch (getting devoured by mosquitos) and relaxing.  It's a great day.

Ciao from the Mountains of Musical Madness.
CK