Saturday, July 01, 2006
This weekend we intensify rehearsals as we buildup to our preview weekend in mid-July. So, I thought before the improvised stuff hits the improvised fan, I'd take a moment to reflect upon some of the good fortune the production has had to this point. Consider this my first "count your blessings" blog entry!! In no particular order:
1. John Carollo of nakedeyestudios.com.
You've probably read about his efforts so far if you're an IMFourPlay blog regular, but the further we get into this process, the more grateful I am for John's continued patience, professionalism and product! Little did I know, when I asked him to help out several weeks ago, the sheer scope of his commitment to this show and volume of design work needed! Several flyers, posters, t-shirt and logo designs later, I am amazed that he has not only met these last minute challenges, but, as of yet, hasn't even sworn to my face! I will forever literally and figuratively be in his debt.
2. The Theatre and Dean of Faculty's Departments at Rollins College.
For those of you who don't know much about me, Rollins College is my day job when I'm not playing at SAK. Both my home department and my colleagues in the Dean of Faculty's Office have really stepped up to the plate this year, providing rehearsal spaces, sponsorship help and generous funding to help with publicity costs. Live art is always a challenge in a community such as Orlando, and I'm incredibly grateful to my home institution for recognizing the resources needed to mount an ensemble improv creation such as this. Special thanks to Hoyt, Thomas and Scottie.
3. The Company of FourPlay.
Rehearsals have had a wonderfully playful energy--something I wasn't always able to foster last year to the degree I would have liked. Outside the rehearsal hall, however, several company members have rallied to our cries for help--designing the fun company posters that have accompanied the player interviews (Darren), arranging radio spots and PR opportunities (Mark), or generously agreeing to redesign the show's slide show (Ron). The schedule is demanding as it is - with the majority of the company having multiple family, work, study and personal commitments to balance alongside our daunting rehearsal schedule. These additional contributions are truly above and beyond the call of duty.
4. Returning heroes and heroines.
Whether it's Jim Rhinehart who makes every rehearsal a joy and every musical number an adventure, or Dana Robbins whose passion for the production has her almost single-handedly filling the shoes of multiple workers simultaneously, or the soon-to-return Gina DiRoma whose clarity of vision and collaborative finesse enable the impossible, or the SAK production team of Dave, Keith, Rob, Katie, Denna et al. who always seem to find a 25th hour in the day to help birth this musical baby, FourPlay definitely stands on the shoulders of giants of generosity and graciousness.
And so, if I become a little crazy over the next few weeks as the rehearsals get longer--not to mention my infamous note sessions--I offer up an imaginary toast (Oscar-speech-style) to these good souls...
Your eternally-grateful Director, David C.
