coaching — Page 19

Is this January?

January 12, 2020 at 10:40 am by Claudia

To say the weather has been unseasonable is putting it mildly. It’s been in the sixties for the past two days, winds are high and very gusty, we had an intense rain storm come through this morning where the rain was blowing sideways, and now it’s sunny. It’s still very windy, but the sun is shining brightly.

Frankly, it’s too warm. By the end of this next week the temps will plunge into the low thirties, followed by several days where it never gets above the twenties. And they’re predicting snow next weekend. The new slogan for January: It’s got everything!

I did a nice chunk of work on Jane Eyre yesterday and I’ll finish up today. Tomorrow, I leave for Hartford. I’ve only got 5 days of work on this show, but they’ve plotted out my days rather nicely in a way that makes sense for the show.

I finished the novel this morning. Heavens, it’s beautifully written! What a pleasure it was to read it and I don’t think I would have done that if I hadn’t been contracted to coach this show. A win-win.

I now, of course, have to decide what to read next. The eternal question: what books do I take to Hartford? Because you know I have to take a least two, just in case one of the books doesn’t fit my mood.

Because I’ll be staying in the apartments, I’ll have to take some coffee and filters and a big mug (their mugs are too small) and some half and half, as well as some frozen meals to pop in the microwave in the evening. And something to snack on. Plus my laptop, my chargers, my phone, my research, and on and on.

Anyway, I’m going to hang around here today with my husband. Because I don’t like to be away from him and I’ll miss him.

Happy Sunday.

Efficient

January 10, 2020 at 9:42 am by Claudia

Prep time.

This configuration pretty much sums up my time lately – either here in the den or upstairs in the office. The challenge with this show is that there are multiple dialects and I have very little time in which to teach them to the actors. Like 99% of regional theaters, this theater’s budget has been cut for two years running. I found that out when I didn’t get the call to coach Henry V over a year ago. (It’s a tough time for regional theaters, so when you get the chance and can afford it, please support them by buying a ticket.)

So when they do call in a coach, whether it be voice and dialects or stage combat or any other necessary addition to a show beyond the usual set design, lighting, sound and costumes, that job has to be done in less time than before. I understand the need for it, but for me, that means I have to try and coach a show in less than half the time, sometimes a quarter of the time, that I had before. I’m up for the challenge, of course, and am grateful for the work. But I can’t help thinking, “If only…”

The watchword is “efficient.” I need to be efficient with my time.

Freelancing in the theater is a challenge in itself. Both Don and I are subject to the ups and downs and whims and whatever-you-want-to-call-it of this profession. So when we get work, unless it’s offensive in some way or against our principles, we take it. Gratefully. Don needs work. It’s been very frustrating for him, this long period without any work. We need work.

We’re pretty good at filling up our time with other interests and expressing gratitude on a daily basis. Nonetheless, it can be quite difficult to weather at times. But we chose this work and those are the rules.

I’ll do some more research and work today. I’ll be heading into Hartford on Monday for the first and second rehearsals on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’ll be staying at the apartment building, so it will be quite familiar. Thankfully, the weather looks fine for both days of my commute and at this time of year that’s a very real concern!

Anyway, I’m enjoying the mental stimulation that comes with research and study in my chosen profession. It’s good for me.

Happy Friday.

A Throwback & Work

January 9, 2020 at 8:36 am by Claudia

Throwback to Paris.

Because I need that right about now.

Sigh.

I’m posting a bit earlier today as I have a phone appointment with the director of Jane Eyre at about 10 am. Since it takes me so long to wake up in the morning and I have yet to have my second cup of coffee with Don, I realized I wouldn’t get everything in before 10 unless I got a move on!

It is very cold here today. Yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, we had strong winds – very strong, relentless winds starting in early afternoon and continuing all night long. I didn’t see any wind warnings when I checked the weather in the morning, so it was a big surprise.

They were so loud that Don said he felt like we were being assaulted. Thankfully, I slept through the night in spite of them and things are calmer this morning. But goodness, it was crazy! So the temps have dropped and the wind chills have made for a very cold morning.

But it’s sunny and that makes me happy.

Except for my research for the play, things are as usual around here. I’ve had to pause on the renovation of Dove Cottage until I’m back from Hartford next week. (I’m going there for two days, Tuesday and Wednesday) Then I’ll have a little break until I have to check in for a run-through in early February, so I can get back to my ongoing stone work.

I miss working on that house! That’s a good thing because I went through quite a long period of not feeling motivated. So it’s a relief to feel motivated enough that I wish I didn’t have to hit ‘pause.’

As always, I am aware of the insanity going on in Washington and the world but I’m trying to keep a healthy distance from it for my peace of mind.

It’s not easy.

Hope all is well with you.

Happy Thursday.

Is this January?

Efficient

A Throwback & Work

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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