Seanjay's Stream of Unconsciousness

My First 15 Minutes With Google's Chromebook

2012-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

First of all, I need to thank Google and FETC for the Chromebook that I won Wednesday morning. Aside from all the amazing professional development that I've been receiving at this conference, I get to walk away with probably the one item that I'd have chosen to take if you'd asked me. While I'm at it, thanks to my Principal for sending me.

There are a bunch of reviews and first impressions of the Chromebook out there, but I was struck by a couple of things and felt obligated to share them. Don't misinterpret: I love this thing.

Un-boxing a Chromebook is anti-climactic because of its brilliance.

You know when you get a new toy (electronic or otherwise) and you have that excitement that builds before you open it and then carries through the removal of the parts, possible construction, and finally the discovery of its features? Heck, sometimes you even get to remove bloatware and customize a new device after you get it up and running.

Well, the Chromebook is already your Chromebook.

Once you sign in, if you're already syncing your various instances of Chrome across devices all the familiar stuff is there for you.

Super cool.

For about 5 seconds.

There's nothing to play with. Don't get me wrong: the Market is fun to browse, but you can do that anywhere... In order to satisfy my New Toy urges, I had to turn the device on and off 10 times in a row. The 8 second start up time is almost cool enough to make up for the fact that I don't get to play around with anything else.

My Lonely Mouse
This is a hardware thing, but my Samsung Chromebook doesn't have Bluetooth. I can't use my mouse. The touchpad is fine (although I can't count the number of times I've accidentally right-clicked because I'm too lazy to lift my fingers off of it). Somewhere I've got a USB stick at home that I now have a use for. The trick is finding it. Let's chalk this up as a problem for old-school users... unless you start to think about Bluetooth headsets....

Screen Captive
When I get questions from teachers about how to do something, I usually answer with a video. Evidently, there's a Chrome app for screen-shots, but not for video recording of the desktop. So for now I'll either have to stick with my other laptop or use my a webcam aimed at my screen.

Split Screen
For a bit I was worried that I couldn't split the screen and show two tabs at the same time. Turns out that there are keyboard shortcuts for that.

I'm still learning about the Google Chromebook, but I can tell you that the Chromebook experience isn't about the device: it's about what you do with it.

What are you doing with your Chromebook?

The Difference Between Men and Women

2010-12-30T15:02:00.001-08:00

It all boils down to gluing LEGOs. There are clear benefits to either choice, but I find the division pretty consistent across gender lines. What's YOUR preference?

Online University Reviews : 50 Best Websites for Modern-Day Shakespeare Scholars

2009-07-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

So ShakespeareCast made this list: Online University Reviews : 50 Best Websites for Modern-Day Shakespeare Scholars

Pretty cool.

Summer Shrewishness

2007-07-05T15:28:00.001-07:00

Going Barefoot...

2007-02-14T22:03:00.000-08:00

Hope you can make it:

Scotland Parents Meeting 1/26/07

2007-01-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

In attendance: Della Harris, George Jones, Barbara Pringle (newly informed - first attendance)

Topics: fundraisers, communications, and list of participants for the trip

The fundraisers still to come are:

Bowling Challenge – Feb 3
Dinner Theater – Feb 9
Lunches to be sold at work – March (?)
Bus trip to local gaming casino – March (?)
Bingo (6 weeks, 1 night per week) – April thru mid May (?)
Jogathon – April or May (?)
Money/jellybean guessing for $1 – May (?)
Rummage sale – April
Multiple car washes – warmer months – April, May, June
Bake sale at LMC
Raffles at fundraising events and other community functions (George to discuss upcoming events w/Brentwood Chamber of Commerce member)

Communications:

The final list of bowling participants from a student and parent perspective is needed to secure the proper amount of lanes and to ensure enough adults are present for bowling (additional adults will come from the Strik’n Back 2 Back bowling club).

A detail listing of all funds raised-to-date and the expectation of the remaining fundraisers is needed. A firm commitment list of parents and students participating in the trip is necessary to help quantify the total amount necessary for the trip.

Attendance at a mandatory meeting to be held February 23, 2007 at Denny’s in Antioch on Sommersville Road at 7:30 pm. This is necessary to determine participants in the trip and in the fundraisers (there have been just a few parents involved to date).

A drop dead date and final number of participants allowed based on payments made thus far.

A calendar of events – to be provided following the next February meeting

Period 2 Notes

2006-11-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Cover
Great start. Good characters. Start getting out of the script - looking at the other actors. This scene is funny and gripping, but you'll need to rehearse it a lot. Also, figure out where they are and how you can show us. Think about the visual pictures you can use to help show us what's going on. Keep it up! I'm excited to see this improve!

Crimes I
Blake - don't be afraid to "play the lawyer." I think he likes to "act" lawyerish - to maybe impress her - if that makes sense. Alina - Figure out the point in scene when she realizes that she's attracted to him. Think about how you can show that to us.

Prisoner of 2nd Ave.
Nice! This scene will be great. Roger - when he says "Nothing's wrong," is that really what he means? Cut the cigarette - it's just distracting. Stephanie - You have a great voice. Very clear. Great character work both of you. Try this: what if you switch and Stephanie sits and Roger never sits. Try that and see what happens. Great start.

Crimes II
What fun! Don't be afraid to get super upset, Bryana. We want to see you flipping out. Nice moment all: "The one Babe told me about... from the club." This scene is like a hurricane that winds up swirling Lenny and then Babe up the stairs and off the stage. You'll have to build to that peak or we don't believe the exit lines. Try at one rehearsal on the last couple of pages always topping the previous person's line and energy all the way to the end.

Barbies
Good start. This is going to be funny! You guys need stuff: books, clothes, dishes... Figure out how to establish where they are. It will help us put the scen in some sort of context. Keep it up!

LMC Christmas Show

2006-11-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

More 7th Period Notes

2006-11-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

Emerald City
Good scene. Where are they? What are they doing? Think about ways you can make clear what your goals are. Good start on the character work: I feel like these people have a specific relationship. It's a bit long.

Take A Giant Step
Nice work! Sean, you've really got a great character going. Michael you're on your way too. This will be a great scene. Make sure you're doing things TO each other, not just doing them. Sean don't be afraid to make her scared on "Oh no you won't" line.

Bus Stop
Good scene for you guys. How can you establish where they are? I know you're sharing a script today, but what are these people doing while they're talking? How can you tell the story visually?

The Glass Menagerie
Great energy! Keep it up! Excellent start. Don't forget to tell the story visually: Where are they? What are they doing? I'm excited to watch this scene develop.

Ancient History
Let us see how you are affected by the beauty of the place. The more into it you are, the more we will be. Good! - start to have fun when they start listing all the "No" stuff. They can enjoy that game. Think about how you can tell the story visually.

7th Period Notes

2006-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

The Basement
Nice work. A little long... We do need to get you a real looking gun. Remind me. Also the doll and costumes will help because this is such a crazy scene.

Sorry, Wrong Number
I love this play. Try facing US (upstage) before your character speaks. Maybe turn down the lights halfway... something to set the mood.

Candy Store
Bit long. Great characters! Where are you? A porch? What can you do to establish location? Jake - nice checking in to see if he understood "she's crazy." Seth - good blocking, but make the transition a little smoother to lying on the floor. Ishmael - make him older. Feel free to "be the old man." Great casting guys! Nice "do it - come on section." Maybe do the impression standing up?

Watch on the Rhine
Good choice guys. Lauryn - what is she doing during that opening section? Shaina - she says she's nervous... let's see that. Mason - he has to carry himself differently than you as part of his job: let's see the difference between you and him.

The Odd Couple
This'll be good. Work on those lines so you can get to the fun stuff. Andrew - figure out what he's doing physically. Even when he's just laying around, he's doing it to annoy/change Felix. We need some stuff to watch. Eating? Felix cleaning? Also try to find a way to define where they are.

Scotland Podcast!

2006-08-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, folks! So AHS Theatre Arts got invited to perform at the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland during August of 2007. I'll be podcasting the details leading up to that trip along with anecdotes during my familiarization trip this summer. For pictures & audio, go to http://www.fromantiochtoedinburgh.podshow.com. Be sure to leave comments!

Added ShakespeareCast Stream...

2006-06-22T00:27:00.000-07:00

OK, so I never really wrote about it, but I figured I'd add it here. It plays the most recent episode first, so it's not the best place to listen. Go to www.ShakespeareCast.com and subscribe for free!

Period 2 - 3/15 Notes

2006-03-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Empire Records

Great vocal choices!
Gary - try bigger facial expressions as tactics on him.
Clean up the physical stuff a bit. It seems messy.
Nice work.

The Graduate

Nice Charika! Very clear goal and moment before.
Tim - does he want to get back with her? Let's see a little of that either way.
Charika - feel free to come into the space and own it.
Tim - good idea sitting, but then it kills the importance of that speech. Try other things before you decide on that choice.
Good work.

Confronting the Obvious

Good start. Play around you guys - these are just friends hanging out.
Eye contact! (I know you're still working on lines)
Don't be afraid to get really pissed off, Shawntanique.

Period 7 3/14 Notes

2006-03-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mean Girls

Everyone slow down!
What do these kids do while they are on the phone? How can you show us where they are or their personality by adding one prop or costume piece?

Freaky Friday

Nice work. It's coming along.
Watch your speed!
Great characters! Good relationship!
Pencil exercise.

Beauty Shop

Careful of leaning on the wall! It turns you into high school students.
Take your time!

Doctor

Get copies of the script!
Nice work going after your goal, Katina!
Where are they? Is there a desk? How can you mix it up visually.
Katina, watch your jacket - it defines who you are & keeps you from becoming her.

Tape

Where are you? How can you show us?
Visual pictures.
Go after him, Joe, when the time comes! Feel free to get pissed!

Beauty Shop 2

Great energy! Keep it up.

Friday

Good energy!
A bit short.
Watch out for crossing in front of people. It's a strong move, so if you're the one talking it's okay, but there was one funky one in there.

Period 7 Notes

2006-02-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

Crimes of the Heart
Sarah/Narmaine/Priscilla

Where's the urgency? Do you really "HATE" yourself? We don't believe you yet.
Great job listening to each other! All of you have a good "family feel" together.
GUM!!!!
Don't be afraid to get closer - they're sisters!

Crimes of the Heart
Elise/Stephanie/Alyssa

Energy! "Let's play cards" should be exciting.
Very clear dialogue. Nice work everyone!
GUM!!!!
Raise the Stakes! BIG FIGHT! You guys are close, but you have to go for it! Throw out everything and just go after each other. You're almost there - don't worry about the audience - we'll love it when it's real.

Boys & Girls
Angie/Robert

Nice moment with the baby.
Good, Angie - I can tell how important your goal is to you.
Don't be afraid to move around: "I'm having more" is a perfect place to get up and go get a drink.
Robert - nice work with the unfinished sentences. Very realistic.
Try to start the scene sitting down and then when it gets intense, stand up. Just an idea...
This is close to brilliance. Practice, practice, practice!

Money
Jeff/Joe

Lines!
Do they shake hands?
Joe - try making him really nice until the chair pull and then making him the "drill sergeant."
Lines, lines, lines.
Try mixing up youe tactics, guys. This sort of feels like a "one note" scene right now.

Money
Camillo/Yoshio

Lines! Practice, practice, practice!
Go after your goals! You're just reading lines right now, not acting!
Threaten him, Camillo!
Put some energy into it, guys!

Period 2 - Third Runthroughs

2006-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Boys Life
Jake/Gary

Gary - take the time to see the spaceship on the paper.
Excellent work. Just get those lines down and you're good!
Careful of being "too relaxed" - make sure to pursue your goals.

Hello From Bertha
Christine/Cheyenne

Watch the hands in the pockets, Christine! ;)
Good job, ladies!
Very clear obstacles & goals. Nice.
Christine - try getting down on her level as one of your tactics.

Crimes of the Heart
Yessica/Erica

Get those lines down. Yessica, you do a thing where your eyes look up and to your left when you are "searching for the line."
Where's the energy today? You've got to get to the point where "you feel like you're going to vomit" or we won't believe you.

Dracula
Sean/Michael

Both- watch the hands in the pockets!
What can you do physically to tell the story? I saw two students running lines today instead of the scientist and his servant. Have fun with these characters!

American Buffalo
Eric/Iraj

What're these guys doing? Are they just hanging around talking? I could close my eyes and listen and get as much as I did from watching today. Movement, movement, movement!

Black Thang
Shawntanique/Dymonde

Lose the coats!!!!
Volume was low today - don't forget that we have to hear.
Very natural. Nice!
Great relationship.
GET RID OF THE GUM!!!!!!!

Nick's mind; in 5 Acts: Sheh-jewel (that's schedule in proper English)

2006-02-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Nick's mind; in 5 Acts: Sheh-jewel (that's schedule in proper English)

The above article is a great example of "self-examination" as far as the directing process goes. Check it out!

7th Period Notes

2006-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

These notes are for 7th Period's second runthroughs.

Tap Dancing
Alejandra/Evelin

Start getting those lines down. You both have to get out of the book and start trying to achieve your goals!
Blocking? We can't tell what's going on, where you are, or anything...
Too long.
Good vocal projection.

Crimes of the Heart
Narmaine/Priscilla/Shawneshia

Nice, Narmaine. I saw your concern for Grandaddy.
Priscilla - let me see a little about how you're feeling towards Meg with the way that you're sitting.
Bring an actual photo album so that you have some pictures to look at.
Slow down a bit and speak up a little.
"Banana splits for breakfast." Is that funny? You guys should be having fun!!!
Make me believe that these people care about each other.

Boys & Girls
Robert/Angela

Where are they? How can you show this to us?
They're standing pretty far apart for 2 people with that sort of relationship...
Make it more important, Angela. You're working up to a huge question.
Too long. The second half is much better (your goals are clearer, relationship is better, etc.) - maybe start from the "We want you to live with us" moment.
Great second half!

Life Underwater
Kevin/Delvisha

Volume! Can't hear you guys.
Go after him D.
Good job on lines. Keep it up.
Nice movement - Good moment on " I don't want to talk to him" Robert.

Unknown
Elissa/Katina

Good clear voices.
Blocking? Have you done any rehearsing with this? It looked like this was your first time reading it.
Go after your goals.

Crimes of the Heart
Steph/Elise/Nick

Nick, you're an excellent cold reader! Good work.
This scene is really coming along! Time to step it up: get some cards, borrow our phone ringer, etc.
Go after her, Steph! Get in her face. You've got to end in tears, right? I know you're sharing the script today though...
This will be excellent, just turn up the stakes = make everything life or death.

An Acting Experience
Lena/Josh

Great moment before. Excellent characters.
Josh, don't go back to the paper until/unless you know that it's safe.
Lena you can be a touch louder if you want.
Good work you guys. A little low energy today, but that's fine.
Josh - make the peak higher: right before "I don't even know why I'm talking about this."

Last HS Party Ever
Shawneshia/Vanessa/Chelsea

Good character work. They have a great relationship.
Make sure that you're trying to DO something to the person you are talking to.
Get those lines down.
Practice! Practice! Practice!

2nd Period Notes

2006-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

These are the notes for the 2nd runthrough of scenes for Period 2:

Boy's Life
Jake/Gary

Very natural. Nice.
Would there be music playing? Maybe "Late party" softer stuff? I don't know...
Good work on lines. Make sure you're actually listening to each other: what would happen if your partner said something different at any given time? Would you notice?
Cut the Nick part - we don't need it.
Almost there, guys. Good work.

Hello, From Bertha
Christine/Cheyenne

Very clear goals. Nice.
Careful of your volume, Cheyenne.
What would happen if you had a blanket?
Christine: try some vocal variations - your upper & lower register - especially during those last couple of lines.
Excellent work - get off book and the rest will take shape.

Black Thang
Shawntanique/Dymonde

Dymonde - lose the jacket, it swallows you.
Nice "You never knew that cat."
The second half of this scene is much better than the 1st half. This means that you have to focus on your "moment before" a lot more to juice up the energy at the beginning.
What happens if you do this on its feet? Tell the story visually.

Waiting for the Ink to Dry

2006-01-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here's Kelley's Director's Blog:

Waiting for the Ink to Dry

Tantalising speach

2006-01-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Tantalising speach

Here is Nick Wong's Blog. Check it out for notes on directing and other random musings.

Nick's mind; in 5 Acts

2006-01-30T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Nick Jackson's Blog where he'll post stuff about his student directing experience:
Nick's mind; in 5 Acts

Period 7 Final Notes

2006-01-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

Crimes of the Heart
SarahPricillaNarmane

Nice work on the lines. Emotions are next. Really work on that moment before.
Meg - really be disturbed about how you treated GDaddy.
Very clear. You guys need to build their "sister" relationship. If you have time outside of class, go do something fun together to bond a little bit. Need a big warm fuzzy hug at the end! Good work.

Crimes II
EliseStephAlyssa

Intro!? Great vocal work. Very clear. Actual phone ring? Lenny - how does it make you feel when she says "No" to still playing cards? Meg - after phone call, head straight to the purse & start getting ready. Are you really sorry about the candy? Lenny, feel free to flip out. Babe - what are you doing during the first part? (I know, so ask me if you can't figure it out.) Lenny - she ends up in tears: don't fake it, try to get there. Meg - don't rush last line, give us a second to catch our breath with you.

Boys & Girls
AngelaRobert

Great work on lines. What state of mind is she in at the top of the scene, Angela? Think about her moment before.
Robert - What's he doing? Hanging at her house, TV, dishes?
Ang- slow down; actually try to DO things to him: convince/persuade/coax/lure/seduce/threaten/bribe him to move in. Very clear goals. Tactics need to be clearer. Robert - hands in pockets whole scene - is that you or him? Methinks him.

Acting Experience
LenaJosh

Excellent Moments Before!!!! Very good start - grabbed our attention! Good relationship - I believed that you have been together for a while.
J-Gum!
J- Show us how frustrated you are during "made love" speech. Careful of talking too fast.
L - Have a paper. Great character & commitment to your goal.
Very clear goals both.
Excellent work both!!!!

Nice to Meet You

Lauren- what are you doing at the top of the scene? Can it be something that makes us know where the scene takes place? Packing her stuff? Something.
Good Moments Before, both.
Lena - Weigh the heaviness of "Why did you decide to keep the house?" before you answer.
Nice work.

Painted Rain

Where are they? Use a bottle. Good relationship.
Y- go after your goal! Good work on the text.
C- Nice clear goal.
Too long.

Last High School Party
ShawneshiaChelseaVanessa

V-Moment Before! She just got Blowkissed! WooHoo!
Listen to each other.
Have fun with these guys!

Life Underwater
ShawneshiaKevin

GUM!
Nice character, Kevin
D- Bit louder. Try to get your goal!

A Hatful of Rain
TrentonMark

M-"I didn't get much sleep." Are you tired, then? Grumpy? =Moment Before
Where does this take place? How can you show that?
Make that "care" moment more important: take the time with it.
T - be emotionally distracted by "that kid" through the whole scene.

At the Party
Artaysha

How many times have you guys actually read this scene, like twice? REHEARSE! REHEARSE! REHEARSE!

Pythagorian Therom
ChristinaAnthony

Very clear. Good vocal quality. Get your heads out of the script, though, and listen to each other.
TOO LONG!
Go after your goals.
Where are you? How can you show that?

Money
JoeJeff

Very clear vocally.
What happened with the chair? It didn't feel connected to the scene. Joe - you should find times to get up. He's not very intimidating while sitting down.
TOO LONG!
Go after your goals.

Period 2 Final Notes

2006-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Crimes of the Heart
Blocking! Figure out where everyone's standing and what they're doing. Watch your volumes. Goals were clear - nice.

Side by Side
NickPhilStephLauren

Sweet scene! Do it on its feet. Where are each of these conversations taking place? This brings up: What do you do with the people not in those convs?

Get the lines down. Rhythm, Rhythm, Rhythm!

The switching doesn't work. It kills the energy. If it's in the script, work on it (who is the person that stops the scene? How is that person different from the character that Nick plays?); if it's not, cut it.

Too LOOOONG! This must be fun to work on. Enjoy rehearsing it!

Dalmation
KalaniCheyanne

K- don't forget you have a goal with the guy on the phone.
K - good character work! Very different from you.
C-Watch volume. Nice going after your goal in the 2nd half! Very clear.

Too long!

A Boy's Life
GaryJake

Give us a second between intro and start of scene.
Have at least rehearsal props - TV Guide, remote, can of beer. It feels weird to see you pantomiming on a real sofa.

Great choice of scene. Good character work.

Blowkiss
RobertJesica

Really call for her, Robert.
You both have good vocal ability.
Have an apple. Eating it will change what you're doing.

Good characters.
Hello From Bertha
ChristineChayenne

Great Character work!! Very clear goals. What can you do Christine to add a little movement? Start cleaning up her mess? Something. Needs a little visual variety. Good scene. Maybe using a chair not a desk will help.

American Buffalo
IrajEric

Good listening to each other. I get that if someone does something new/makes a new choice that the other will notice and respond accordingly. Excellent!

Where are they? How can we make this as interesting visually as it is verbally? Who can do a little moving around?

Raise the stakes. Cops!

Nice work. Once you're memorized, the pace will smooth out.
Good Thing
DeannaPhil

The chairs work OK, but try it with tables.
Boots on - "Hate that" even more - higher stakes.
Great relationship. Married: Phil - do you know she knows?

REHEARSE with that 3rd person!

Nice "I should sorta go." Good tactics right after that Deanna.

Good characters. Deanna, go even further in the direction you're going. Phil - can you say "Your Mom!" in as high a register as possible? Deanna - change the C-Word. ;)

This scene will be excellent if you rehearse it as much as you should.

Too long. Maybe end it before the Mom stuff? Right after? The whole Ithica stuff we don't care about.

Dracula
SeanMike

Good work on lines. Try to get past them so you can really go after what you want. Both of you don't be afraid to be creepier. We want you to be creepy.

Where are you? How can you show us through movement?

Black Thang
DymondeRicquel
Volume!
Good relationship.
REHEARSE! It was like you were reading the lines for only the third time! This would be a great scene if you actually worked on it. The second half was the best half - you really started going after your goals.
Where are you? Would it help to have some Miles Davis playing?

Black Thang II
Same thing: where are you? What are these two people doing? Just sitting around? Possibly, but drinking coffee, snakcing, etc. is a possiblity.
REHEARSE!
R-much better the second time - see what practice will do?!
S- How is she (your character) different from you? Celebrate those differences: they are what will make us care.
Don't do these scenes right after each other: we won't be as interested (if you noticed we didn't clap - mainly because the scene neeeds rehearsal & we had just scene it before).

Hello From Bertha
ChristineSarah

Great Moments Before! Very clear objectives.
C- don't be afraid to get more upset with her. This is a tough part. Change tactics as often as possible.
S- Nice work! Excellent character work.

Sweet Home Chicago

2005-12-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

So we're in Chicago for a couple of days. I was hoping that the harsh winter would chisel away at my love for this city, but we were walking around tonight and it started to snow. Not crummy, sting-your-face type snow but beautiful oh-how-I-love-this-town floating flakes of frozen sky. Pretty amazing. I'll try to get some pictures up.

Boy, could I live here...

Podcasting, Here We Come!

2005-09-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's a little early, but keep an eye out for our totally new and original podcast. Hopefully it'll be up this week.

Not sure what a podcast is? Check out Podcast Alley.

Back to School

2005-09-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Another year has begun. It was a short week, but I'm exhausted. I forgot how much energy it takes to teach. I guess that's what summers are for - to refuel.

Classes seem good. The right students seem really motivated this year. There seem to be a lot of tech issues on campus, though, so that has been a bit crazy.

I'm loving my new Tablet PC. It's perfect for educators. Students, too.

Here's the school site.

ANCESTOR: Scott Sigler's new Podcast Novel - Sept. 11

2005-09-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

For the millions of Scott Sigler's EarthCore fans, the world's first podcast only novel; His 2nd novel ANCESTOR will be out September 11. Not an EarthCore fan? Subscribe now! Scott's latest podcast novel is certain to have you again clutching your iPod in white-knuckled intensity. It's free, it's thrilling, and it's the hottest stuff on the burner.

read more | digg story

Hazlehurst, Day 2

2005-08-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 10:30, got to the diner next door at 10:59 - they just stopped serving breakfast. Of course. Went to the High School first. Interesting waste of time. As far as I could tell by the class photos on the wall, the last Caucasian student at the school was in 2003. The Principal made me wait and then couldn't get me off campus fast enough: Scary white guy with camera… They've got no librarian either.

Public Education needs money. On to City Hall…

City hall had nothing but this poster, and referred me to the paper. The folks at the paper were more than willing to help, but they had a fire in 1978 that burned everything from 1974. They suggested the library.

The library was a fast gold mine. They had all the old newspapers bound and, looking for one applicable to the show, I found one published on the date that the play takes place, 10/23/74! Too cool. How's that for accurate period information!?! Took digital photos of that and one of the ladies asked if I'd been to "the house." News to me. The movie was filmed in North Carolina or somewhere, so I'm assuming they're referring to a house that Henley lived in. Spent some time driving back & forth shooting houses. I probably got it, but I can't tell which one it is. They were unsure as well… I'll have to do a little more research on that.

Rushed to the airport, only to wait & wait & wait… the incoming plane was delayed coming from Houston - like 2 hours. Soooo… rather than get stuck in Chicago (which I would have loved, but would have been contrary to my purpose) I raced (literally had to call to ask them to stay open) back to the Hazlehurst library. Got there at 5:28. Two minutes to spare. I took close up photos of the paper and found a reference book on Hazlehurst & its history & families. Took photos of the Henley info. If I had time, I'd stay for some hours at the library there, but alas, I must go.

In my continuing effort to eat at local places and avoid the McDonald's across from the hotel, I went into the only place I could find to eat downtown: Elby's Sports Bar. Now the place was too contemporary to have been open since 1974, but after talking to the bartender (I was one of 2 customers and the other was obviously a regular) I found out that her boyfriend's father had owned the building for about 30 years (close enough for my romantic mind) as a pool hall, and they had just added a kitchen a year ago. Really good cheeseburger. While chatting (it's amazing who knows about Crimes of the Heart and who doesn't in this town) I find out that Sunday evening a police officer was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop and the killer had run off with the cop's gun. They had been chasing/looking for him since then and during a firefight Monday he had dropped the gun but was still at large. This explained the plethora of police I saw on my way in. What a crazy counterpoint to my peaceful visit!

After dinner I sat in the small town "oval" and listened to those things that aren't crickets but make just as much noise and watched a lightening storm come in. Very cool way to spend a half an hour. As I got back to the hotel, re-checked-in, and got to my room, the rain had started. I moved my table to the window and did some script work while watching the lightening and rain and listening to the thunder. Great way to end the trip.

In the airport I saw on the news that they had caught the young man they were looking for. He had just been released for some other crime… It's weird, but I feel connected to his story in a yin-yang sort of way: my trip was similar in geography to his, but different in nature. Very strange…

One of the most obvious things about Hazlehurst - and the bartender and I talked about it because she's from Texas - is the pace. These people will take their time if it kills you. If they have a story to tell, by God they're going to tell it, no matter if you're next in the grocery line. I'll try to bring some of that back with me along with the pictures...

Hazlehurst, Mississippi

2005-08-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Jackson, rented a car, and drove down to Hazlehurst. About a 35 minute drive. I wonder how Meg got from the airport in 1974… It's a long cab ride… Hitchhiking? ...Didn't know that word had 2 h's next to each other..

Stopped at Stuckey's a couple of exits before Hazlehurst - mainly because of the TV show ED. Had an ice cream, but it was basically just a local gas station with a store inside. Lots of "Redneck" T-shirts, mugs, etc. I drove over the freeway to check out the county fairgrounds, but got scared off: there was some sort of police thing going on. There were approximately 20 law enforcement officers gathering in the parking lot; there were cars from various towns including Hazlehurst. I found out what the fuss was about on Monday night.

After checking into the Days Inn (I seemed to be the only guest - certainly the only car at the time), I drove around town for a little, just to get my bearings. Took some photos of the Copiah County Courthouse, City Hall, Hazlehurst High School, train depot and other cool looking buildings.

Had dinner at ? - one of those "drive-in" diners. They just brought out the food, though, and didn't leave the tray attached to my car like the good ole days. Had an OK burger and some fries that reminded me of the ones that ESPN Zone serves…

Went to the hotel (which, incidentally, is next to a Wal-Mart) for the evening. Started working on the script and wound up designing the set. I'm happy with the design, but not the colors. Have to be sure that I check the time period for the fans…

Fell asleep around 11pm only to wake up an hour later. Couldn’t get back to sleep until 2am… did more script work and changed the set colors to the pink that I'm still unsure of. At 6am the fire alarm in my room beeped. That "my battery is low, but I've got enough power to annoy the hell out of you" beep. Problem was it only did it once. And then at about 6:17. And 6:52. And about two more times. Needless to say this, combined with my 11pm "nap" conspired to foil my plans to get up early and do breakfast at the local place next door.

Week One Done

2005-07-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week! Just getting back into the swing of things has been tough. We've got 3 classes right now: Directing, Voice, and Dramaturgy.

Directing: We're working with Anne Bogart's Viewpoints, a pretty popular technique in the last few years. We're using scenes from Steve Martin's adaptation of The Underpants. It's a fun show that I saw Tom in last summer at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento. One of the new things we're getting is the idea of a "Central Transaction" which is essentially your one sentence on what the play is about, only phrased as "who does what to whom & for what purpose."

Voice: We're focusing on the Linklater Technique. Good stuff that I learned a while ago and should be teaching in class. I randomly found an interesting article HERE on both Bogart & Linklater.

Dramaturgy: This threw everyone for a loop. There is a TON of reading to do. It's fun and necessary work that in an ideal world we would all be doing for each production that we do, but that's just fiscally impossible. If I can get the schedule posted here, you'll get a better idea.

The Full Monty: So this was our first show. How surprised was I to open the program and see the beautiful smile of Berwick Haynes! Berwick & I were in The Precious Damsels for the African-American Shakespeare Company way back in 1998. I sent him a note at intermission and then he came out afterwards and we talked for a bit. We'll be hooking up again in the next couple of week. Pretty darn cool. Oh, and the show was fun. I don't much like the book, but a couple of the songs are brilliant.

Chicago At Last

2005-06-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it . All 6 of us. Crazy. Not too much sleep last night, but well worth the trouble. It's so nice to be back here again. It always feels like I've never left.

Have already met up with Amy & Will. More to see tomorrow. Also, the "Meet & Greet" tomorrow night should be fun - then straight to class on Monday morning. For the record, I spent $405 on books this year. I'm actually excited to have most of them, but not to pay for them.

I'll post some photos later. If you want to see the "generic" pictures of where we're staying, check out this site.

Here's the mailing address if you want to send me anything:

151 N. Michigan Ave.
#1411
Chicago, IL 60601-7528

Author Gary Lee Visits AHS

2005-06-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Gary Lee, newly published author of Brink of Insanity, visited the Period 2 Acting class today (Danielle Williams is his niece). The students read a scene from the book and asked questions about his journey to publication. Check out his site at http://thebrink.freespaces.com/. Thanks, Gary, and congratulations!

Posted by Hello

Painting 'Till Morning

2005-05-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

The fact that it took me three times to spell "morning" correctly in the title of this entry is very telling.

I've just finished painting the Playhouse West groundcloth. I'm still at work, and somehow I found my way to the keyboard.

For those of you that know what I'm talking about, the Maxi-VAPA is tomorrow & I'm going to be dead tired. Not that I'm complaining.

See y'all later.

Aquarium Closes & Birdie Opens

2005-05-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well, the show's down until August. We had a great closing night: full house, Michelle from my Chicago MA program was there, and Heddy came up from San Diego & we got to have dinner pre-show. Thanks for being there!

Went to Ashland, OR last week for the Shakespeare Festival. Fun stuff. Good season this year. Nothing astounding, but nothing too bad either.

At AHS we open Student Directed One-Acts next week and then Bye, Bye, Birdie! the week after. Crazy. Is it summer yet?

Short & sweet...

2005-05-08T02:46:00.000-07:00

Great show tonight. Marc, Nikki, & Richard were there. Totally cool. We got to hang out afterwards for a long time. Thanks, guys. It means a lot.

Mother's day tomorrow. Thanks, Moms.

NYC ya real soon!

2005-05-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

So at the show last night, Tim told us all that Aquarium was accepted into the New York Fringe Festival! Two & 1/2 weeks in NYC in August. How cool is that. Chicago, then NY - tough life. Congrats to Robin on her great script! Check out the festival here.

The show went great last night. My best bud Tom & his wife Sarah came and were very complimentary (not to each other - to me!) . Thanks guys! Michelle from my Master's program came too - great to see her!

Goin' to The Happiest Place On Earth right now. Makes the title of this post even more clever, don't you think?

M-O-U-S-E....

Two Down, Some More To Go...

2005-05-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Opening night went well. The audience was great and everyone had nothing but great things to say. We had a smaller house last night, so as a result the show was a bit more aggressive, though still solid. One of my former students - Becky - drove all the way up from San Diego with her husband to see the show. I was totally surprised and flattered. It was great to see her. Thanks, Becky!

I spent most of today setting up Robin's wireless network at her house. Seems I'm always seeking out the techno-stuff. Felt good to help out, though. And now I can check my mail and post to all three of you reading this!

We've got a show tonight and then I'm on a plane at 6am tomorrow to get back to work at AHS. Fun stuff!

2005-04-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here's the postcard.

Posted by Hello

2005-04-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Speed Skating

Posted by Hello

2005-04-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Check out those blades! Ignore the walker...

Posted by Hello

2005-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Can you say "Backache?"

Posted by Hello

2005-04-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ice, Ice, Baby..?

Posted by Hello

Aquarium (The Info)

2005-04-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

All right. Here are the times and dates. I'm not doing the last week because I'll be in Ashland with my wonderful students. We're supposed to get the postcard emailed to us on Wednesday, so I'll post that soon.

"Aquarium"
by Robin Maguire
Directed by Tim Redmond

April 29, 30, May 1, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13
Shows start at 8 p.m.

Stephanie Feury Studio Theater
5636 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90038

Please call 323 -933-7649 to make a reservation.

Hunter Hits the Ice!

2005-04-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

So we just got back from the ice rink, and my son is a natural! They've got these "double blades" that you strap on to his shoes like the old roller skates (for anyone over 28 reading this) and he was actually able to, well, skate. He liked it, too. No, really. He also rode around on a sled and loved that. I'll have pictures probably late tomorrow night.

Flying to LA tomorrow. Bright and oily. We have a 12:00 run-through of the show. All the flights back are sold out, so we'll see what happens. Nothing like hanging out at LAX trying to fly Stand-By. Fun, fun, fun...

2005-04-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here's one with the three of us... does that mean I'm a vampire?

Posted by Hello

2005-04-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, everyone asks for recent pictures of our son. What's funny is that we always have new ones, only I have no great method of dragging them around with me. Anyone want to buy me the new Photo iPod?

Anyway... here's a great shot from Christmas. Did you get to pick what you wanted?

Aquarium (The Play)

2005-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

The show that I just got cast in is called Aquarium. Robin Maguire is the author. You can check out her website HERE. It's devoid of info about the show, but is pretty cool considering she's huge in the Stationary industry.

That makes it sound like she's immobile.

Anywho, I don' t have the exact info on the performances yet, but will let you know specifics as soon as I can.

What am I doing here?

2005-04-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the original reason for this site is to update my students and friends on the exciting (at least to me) events during my upcoming summer trip to Chicago. I also thought that I could post insightful anecdotes about the show in LA. Hopefully, if I get any good at it, it'll be a place you'll visit frequently. Forgive any lack of excitement or extended periods of neglect. It's nothing personal...