Dogwatch on August 16

Some of you received an email yesterday in regard to a production of Dogwatch: Trouble in Pembrook on August 16th in Ranier. I'm sorry to say that after much soul searching, and communication with Mary Casanova, I've decided to remove myself from involvement with this production. Preparing for my class at RRCC which begins on August 26, and ushering our eldest bird out of the nest that same week is going to take all the time and energy I have for the month of August. And as live shows tend to take over my life for a week to ten days, I felt I owed it too my family and myself to bow out of this production. Naomi Woods is organizing a 'Dogs of Ranier' evening in November, and we would most likely do a section of the play then.

You will notice that I removed myself from this production, as opposed to canceling it outright. I do hold out hope that some of you can band together and take on the duties of producer, and go ahead with the show on August 16th as planned. I can provide detailed instructions, and as much help as I can afford, but I cannot take the producer's roll; that is, I cannot take responsibility that all the little jobs which together form a live show will be completed on time. It has always been my hope that others would step up and produce and direct with the IBRT. This would be a wonderful opportunity for someone or a group of someones to try their wings. The show is set, there is a cast largely in place, and a recording to guide you.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested. And thanks for your continued interest and hard work.

-Jeff

Hi All:

Well, we did it. We made it to the Twin Cities, did two great shows, and made it home again. We’re all still a little groggy, and there’s just so much to talk about, that I’d just like to do things shotgun style. Here are some thoughts about the IBRT at CONvergence 2008:

Fifteen hours is a long time to drive with three teenagers.

Producing a play is like herding chicks across a barnyard. Producing a play on the road is like heading cats.

Even after six years, CONvergence is still the place I recharge.

Even in the big city, sound systems are difficult

The more you rehearse, the better things go.

The Erwin Family really looked like they had a good time. Youngest son Piran came as a Star Fleet admiral, and was quite a hit with the fans.

Many people told Rachel that her River (from the TV series ‘Serenity’) costume was perfect.

We think we have everything recorded, but it will take some work to get it all together.

Living on potato chips, rice and PB&J for three days make Burger King look good.

Many different costumes in the masquerade (costume contest) but the winners wore exact reproductions of Queen Victoria and Price Albert

Watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 in a group is much better than watching it alone.

With others to look after sound and SFX, it’s easy for the director to enjoy the show.

CONverence has the best movie room in the nation. Large meeting room, projection TV system with professional quality 5-1 sound system, the seating is many old, comfy couches and chairs, and free cookies, popcorn and pop are right there on-hand.

And finally, flat tires on the way home can still be an opportunity. Talk to you soon!

Live, from CONvergence

Hey All!

This is a blog update being written from CONvergence, the greatest science fiction and fantasy gathering in the planet!

One show down, one to go. Friday’s show went very well, with the exception of the CONvergence engineer who created a less-than-stellar sound mix. The cast was PHENOMINAL! I think we had the best read of every skit we’ve ever had. I’m so proud to be associated with this show. And best of all, we ADDED audience as we went along. When we started the show, we had a handful of people, most of whom were the other audio theater producers in attendance at the con. By the end, about 25-30 people had come in. That’s awesome.

More CONvergence updates later. Just know that we all arrived safe and sound and – I think, are having a great time.