I have a busy week ahead, so posts might be on the short side.
Yesterday, I worked with Jim for a chunk of time. Today I have the read-through for Jane Eyre and later in the afternoon, I coach some actors. And more tomorrow.
I was really tired after my session yesterday and I’m sure it’s because I haven’t done any one-on-one coaching for over six months. I clearly have to get back into coaching shape.
Our house isn’t conducive to attractive, clutter-free Zoom sessions, by the way. We’ve tried everything. I am now zooming in the den, with my chair turned toward the table and some of the blinds shut. It ain’t great, but it will have to do.
Meanwhile, we’re extremely dry here. We might get some rain next Monday. Might.
Madeleine.
Katie.
I’m going to vent for a wee moment. Theaters are on tight budgets and many of them lost scads of money during lockdown. I completely understand that. Add to that the fact that dialect/voice coaching is always near the bottom of the list in terms of budget.
Yes, I’d love, love, love to earn more money than I do working in the theater. But I never have and I’m used to it. More importantly, how am I supposed to coach an entire cast when learning a dialect takes time and they’ve given me the equivalent of 5 days in which to perform this magic? Two of those days will involve watching and taking notes on a run-through and a performance. So, it’s really only 3 days of coaching. For several people.
It’s impossible. I just have to pray that they get it and/or have a good ear.
My name is on the program, so it does reflect on me, and I am once again very frustrated about the whole process. Add in having to do it via zoom, and I want to scream.
Okay. Thanks for letting me vent a bit. I won’t address it again. As I hear all too often these days, “It is what it is.” I’m not faulting the theaters. I’ve spent my life in non-profit theater. I know how tough things are for them, especially now.
It’s just hard.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
I think we all can use a vent now and then. You did a great job of not pointing fingers, but, good gosh, we all need to earn a living wage! Your dolls are so cute! I enjoy seeing them.
It’s very frustrating! Don hasn’t worked in a long time, I’m working but earning very little money. Sigh.
Thanks so much, Tana.
Stay safe.
I hear your frustration – assuming the choice of in-person vs zoom is the this theatre’s choice at this time – they’re lacking the money to house you perhaps. It does sound very nerve-wracking. I bet there are lots of theatres who just wing it & don’t even consider what a vocal coach can bring to a production. Maybe this production will call you back later before opening to help ‘tighten’ up the accents.
The girls are looking so fresh and lovely. You would never guess the weather conditions going on.
Hoping things feel better day by day for you.
Well, I actually tried to help the small theater in the city (the one where Jim is a cast member) save money by suggesting zoom for them for initial sessions. They have to reimburse my travel expenses when I come into the city, so doing some sessions via zoom helps to eliminate some costs. Just trying to do as much as I can to make it work but my heavens, it’s really ridiculous.
Stay safe, Martha.
the schedule sound tough. sorry about that. am going to trust that with all your wonderful experience and help, the performances will be great and relieve any concerns you have about that.
hopefully someday we as a country can get to truly “living wages” and show (through that pay and words and actions) that we value contributions of everyone, not only the business-types, but also the actors, coaches, musicians, writers and other performers (not just those who reach superstar status), teachers, nurses, cashiers and sackers, coffee shop crew and so many others who work in unseen and/or often-taken-for-granted jobs. they (you) add so much quality, enjoyment, necessities and ease to life and deserve to not just barely make ends meet (i know for many people the ends don’t meet at all), but also be able to relax for having some money in the bank and time for rest and fun and not be working two-plus jobs. so much more i could say (as a social worker, i worked primarily with older people with low and overty-level incomes), but will leave it at that.
…
enjoyed about seven hours of rain yesterday … it was wonderful! i love a good storm with thunder and lightning (as long as everyone is safe), but this was a quiet, soft rain that hopefully was just soaked in. hope that you and everyone else who needs it gets rain soon, too.
happy tuesday. stay safe!
kathy
that is to sap “poverty-level” …
kathy
goodness, my typing this morning! not “sap”, but “say”!
kathy
xo
xo
Kathy I agree with you
A living wage, also pensions are going away so anyone with a pension should be so thankful
Thanks for your support, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Well…I learned a lot from your ‘vent’. And when you explain the mechanics of it all, I can see why you would be frustrated. I sincerely hope it all works out.
The girls look cute. Glad you have them as a distraction. I’m sure they help to lighten the mood.
Hope the works goes well…enjoy! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Yes my husband teaches online classes to gifted high school student at a major University and the hours he puts in, well it is a lot for the amount he is paid.
another source of income in retirement and we are grateful.
Maybe you and Don can just keep your eyes and ears open for other types of work.
Claudia, have you considered a background app for your Zoom coaching sessions? There are several to choose from.
I understand your frustration. Five days is an unreasonable amount of time to teach an entire cast a dialect. I can also understand your need for more money from your coaching jobs.
With the high cost of everything now and my home needing repairs I find myself in the position of trying to find a work from home or freelance job.
I have, but frankly, I’m too busy. And zoom coaching will be finite, just for the next month or so, so I’ll hang in there with what I’ve got.
I think a lot of people need to find extra sources of income. Don is 71. I’ll be 70. And we really need to keep working!
Stay safe, Denise.
We’ve spent our entire working life looking for other types of work, Linda. Every freelancer does. There just isn’t much around here.
Stay safe, Linda.
Is Hollywood suffering lately with movie sales? I know in my neck of the woods; people hate Hollywood because they allowed politics to get involved. So, I feel like they have irritated half the country and half the country is not interested in supporting them. I’m sure it’s not quite half but you know what I mean. Seems we are divided right down the middle. I hope this is not impacting you.
I’m sure Covid hasn’t helped.
Highly doubtful that people who are ‘irritated’ with Hollywood will stop watching and paying for movies. They like to express their irritation, but when it comes down to it, everyone watches movies and television.
Stay safe, Darlene.
The girls have better outfits than I do! They look so cute. I can imagine that getting back to work mode is difficult. I am betting you are very good at your job though. I am following in your steps and trying to read more during the day. I always feel like I should be doing some other chore but I am trying to change that. We’ll see how it goes. Not to change the subject, but I am so bothered by this. In the last week we have had 2 active shooter lockdowns, one in middle school and one this morning in high school. Is this the world our kids have to live in now?! I am so glad my kids are older and did not have to deal with that. I am not happy seeing all the changes our world is going through lately. We need prayers. Take care!
I don’t have many clothes at all, so yes, the girls have much more in the way of clothing than I do.
I’m so sorry to hear about the lockdowns, Deb! What have we become?
Stay safe.
Vent all you want! It is interesting to hear how your job works, even in these unusual times.
Thank you, Jan.
Stay safe.