This has been a busy couple of weeks - not only trying to get ready for auditions, but all of life's other commitments as well! However, our team is getting there.
Last week, our production team met again on Monday to finalize some audition plans and to look ahead into the actual rehearsal process and putting this show together. Unfortunately, the lead choreographer that I had contacted has had to decline due to some family matters. (Family ALWAYS COMES FIRST!) But, Bob's daughter Morgan is going to work on at least part of the choreography. I think she's pretty excited to tackle the Jitterbug. I'm sure we'll pick up some help along the way with this area as well.
On the Music Director front, Debbie is still our 'resident' director - and jokingly I told her last week that she couldn't opt out at this point. Debbie is a wonderful spirit and I have full confidence in her abilities to music direct this show. As we progress, I have a good feeling that we'll pick up some help in this area too.
This brings me to my next point...I'm not allowing myself to get stressed about this show. I know that it's a HUGE undertaking and that there is a lot to do but I can't let being stressed out about it control what we do with it. My 'gut' reaction/feeling/instinct is that it will come together and that we will have a great time putting it together. (OKAY, someone remind me of my own words about half way through the summer!)
Other areas are coming together and we are getting questions about auditions. Unfortunately though, our press releases didn't make it into the local papers on the timeline I had hoped. The Guild's new marketing team is working out some things - but they'll get it together soon. Hopefully the details about auditions will appear in the local paper next week so that there's not too much confusion going into them. John Gradwohl said there's been quite a few phone calls coming into the Guild regarding auditions.
Donna Riley has now joined our team as lead props mistress and she'll be working closely with both John and Bob whom I've delegated this responsibility. I like that word...delegated! And, I'm going to gush...because I think Bob is going to be fantastic asset to this team. He will be the 'steady' behind the chaos...if there is chaos!
For those of you coming to audition let me express this thought. If we have the anticipated turnout, the decision in casting will be difficult and our team plans to make the process as fair as we can. Yes, there may be hurt feelings for those not cast and for that we can apologize, but realize also that we are looking for some specifics to bring Oz to life. If you are not cast in this show, we'll hopefully see you soon at another audition!!
And lastly for this posting, I don't want anyone to think that this is a "ROBIN WHITE SHOW". It's a show being staged by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg and I'm just the glutton who decided to tackle it as director. I would love to see our Guild really come together with this show. I may do some things a little differently than others but my goal is to bring quality entertainment to our patrons and to give them a positive experience that they will walk away with and that they will want to come back to the Guild again and again.
OK...must get ready for auditions!
