Friday, February 23, 2007

Too Much on My Mind.....

Here are the questions plaguing my sleep this night. If you can help eliminate them, I would appreciate it.

1. We should have sent a press release last Friday. We don't have a press release.
2. We need to e-mail all of the poster/program stuff to the BOE. We sent the hard copies.
3. We need to clarify a schedule for next week.
4. We need to rehearse until at least 6:00 next week.
5. We need to bring power tools tomorrow, specifically, drills.
6. We need a good design for grapevines. I have ideas, but I don't one I love.
7. We need to clarify who is going to sing in this show.
8. We need to rehearse the songs.
9. We need all stage crew to start staying after school next week.
10. We need to determine who is really doing sound.
11. We need to start asking parents for concessions help.
12. We are at least one full week behind, if not more.
13. We need to start scheduling ticket sales.
14. We need to finish the signs for the street tomorrow!
15. We need to ask Will where the Drama video camera is.
16. We need to be effective at building tomorrow!!!!!!!

MjB

P.S. We MUST put this into high gear immediately.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Alive and Kicking

I feel like a herd of elephants trampled my back, but hey, you can't have everything. I am abundantly thankful for all of the prayers. I felt very calm during the moment leading up to it, and then, well, I eventually regained that. It was an odd feeling....kind of like someone trying to shove more water into a gallon jug that's already filled. Somehow...they were going to get that stuff in there.

Anyway, back to business, which is, ironically, much more interesting to discuss. In short, we are not rehearsing on Saturday. We are definitely building. We are starting at 9:00, and we'll finish at approximately....????? It's up to you. If it's not built by Saturday, it won't be built. I'm hoping to be finished by 6:00. My head hurts... WORD!

MjB

Thursday, February 15, 2007

I'M BACK!!!

Hello,

It wasn't easy, but we just stepped in the door. In short, I am currently experiencing a 50 degree temperature adjustment. Here are some quick responses to your comments and my impression of the roads.

1. Adam, Blogger gave me no choice. I was avoiding it until they made me switch.
2. Gantz sounds like she has the winter blues.
3. Austin, I'm touched.
4. How are those deadlines coming?
5. I know a large number of bus drivers who will refuse to drive their routes tomorrow.
6. I could live to be a thousand, and I will never stop being amazed by airplanes.
7. Jackie...I love you...any food from you would be great. I liked your sushi!
8. Deeanna....I will take whatever help you can give.
9. I have a doctor's appointment at 7:30 tomorrow morning...so much for sleep.
10. I am the most blessed man in the world. I missed a total of one day of school!

MjB

P.S. See you tomorrow...maybe....

Saturday, February 10, 2007

WARNING, VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

Actually, that's not true. I just wanted to get your attention. However, if Gantz and Scott keep bickering, I might have to adjust the parental features on this site. Yeeshhh...

WE HAVE OFFICIALLY MOVED THE SHOW DATES TO THE SNOW DATES. THE SHOW WILL BE ON MARCH 8, 9, 10. WE'RE SHOOTING FOR A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION ON FRIDAY MARCH 2.

Anyway, here is a list of other reminders, ponderings, and NEW CONSIDERATIONS.

1. First of all, I have the laptop with me. I don't feel safe leaving it in the room while I'm gone, and it can't be stored in the closet. The "L" in LCD stands for liquid. As Lori or Devon can tell you, those closets get ridiculously cold. Once the "liquid" is frozen, the screen is ruined. Each day, I take the laptop with me to avoid that problem. I believe that this will affect Rachel and Shelby the most. Sorry. I didn't know what to do, and I consulted an expert, and he said that he wouldn't leave it in those circumstances either. (Note: I also took the new digital camera for the same reason.)

2. Rachel and Shelby, I'm sure Devon will permit you to use her laptop on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Drama I's will be in the auditorium on Monday. If not, please use the time planning your next project. The project forms are in the second box on the bottom row in the second set of cubbies. Devon should know where they are. Wow...I'm really relying a great deal on Devon here. Sorry Devon.

3. I have clearly told the substitute that you can be trusted. I have made it abundantly clear that no one in Drama would ever take advantage of the system, nor would anyone dare risk the future of all Independent Studies. I am assuming that you agree with me and will do nothing to risk that.

4. Lines, lines, lines. We can review the blocking, and I can fix any last minute blocking issues. However, those lines need to be rehearsed again, and again, and again. Rehearse them with tones, pauses, inflections, etc. Please, rehearse the lines.

5. If anyone returns the "Drama Mama" forms, they go in the next to last box in the first set of cubbies on the bottom row. Amanda Rossen knows which box. It's the one where the Drama bills are.

6. Please remember my deadlines for the coming week. Devon needs a current and accurate cast list. Can someone please e-mail that to her?

7. Sarah Holder has all of the volunteers for committees and duties. I do not have a list of these. Sarah, would you please e-mail me a copy?

8. I have left a key for the auditorium and a key for the closets should you need the video cameras or the tripods. My front closet is officially locked. There isn't anything in there you would need anyway.

9. We clarified some dates after school yesterday. We are not working on Saturday, Feb. 17th. However, we are DEFINITELY rehearsing on Monday, Feb. 19th. Our only building day and back wall painting day will be Saturday, Feb. 24th. Plan ahead. Our required dress rehearsal day is Saturday, March 3rd. Our late nights will be the following Monday and Tuesday.

10. As you may have noticed, the current forecast is calling for a big storm next Monday, Tuesday. Nothing would make me happier, except being here to experience it. However, if that happens, please WORK ON YOUR LINES and BLOCKING!!!!

11. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I think that I am going to have a chance to access the Internet. I won't be able to type, but I'll hire a monkey to do it! Thus, I think that I'll have a chance to access this site. Please keep me updated.

Otherwise, thanks for your kindness yesterday. I would like to ignore my pains and just work on this play. I think it is best that I don't. I appreciate your support and understanding...even Maura's plea for me not to die before she graduates. That made me chuckle.

I'm not experiencing anything life or death....I think. It's a pain thing. I believe in suffering quietly and moving forward. At times, that can lead to much bigger problems. I'm glad that you understand that. The show must go forward though! You know what you're doing. You are the most experienced group that has EVER come through these doors. You don' t need me to move forward. OK?

Word to Your Drama Mama!

MjB

Monday, February 05, 2007

REQUIRED MEETING ON THURSDAY!

Hello,

If you are planning on being part of "Much Ado About Nothing" in any way, shape, or form, we are having a meeting in my room after school from 3:35-4:15. Rehearsal will proceed directly after that. We have some VERY important information to discuss.

MjB

P.S. The last scene that we blocked today will be converted to a "main stage." There's just too much going on for it to be used as a traveler scene. Thanks.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

STRANGE HAPPENINGS...and IMPORTANT REMINDERS

First of all, I went to the BLOG when I went home, and it was gone. I finally retrieved the account and started this post. Odd...weird...Blogger really stinks since Google bought it.

Anyway, if you missed rehearsal today, i.e. you didn't have a speaking part, you did miss some blocking that I need you to receive before I see you next. Make sure you know it.

Please...please....maintain your focus. We're working hard, but we're not working hard enough. It's going to be another week with no privileges. You really need to work harder in the beginning of this show. What we do today will determine what happens a few weeks from now.

MjB