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.
Margaret says
Last night we finished watching “Slings and Arrows,” a Canadian show on Amazon about a regional theater. It’s just three seasons and is terrific. All the way through, I wondered if you and Don had seen it.
Claudia says
Oh yes, we saw it when it first aired and we now own it. I truly love it and let me tell you, it has a major regional theater that does Shakespeare down pat. After having worked at the Globe for 8 years, I can attest to its accuracy! So glad you liked it, Margaret.
Siobhan says
I really admire the position you and Don take regarding work. I really admire the discipline of being self employed, and all that this means. I really admire that you call it – we choose this work, and accept the consequences
Guess I am just trying to say I really admire you
Siobhan
kathy in iowa says
agree!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
xo
Claudia says
Well that doesn’t mean that we don’t get down and depressed at times. We do. Even though we chose it, you often feel powerless. But it’s true. We did choose it.
Thank you for your kind words, Siobhan!
Siobhan says
Dear Claudia – I didn’t mean to imply your path was easy , but it was/is courageous. You could have chosen something “ safer” like many of us did- like I did- but you followed your heart, and that my friend takes courage and character in spades
Siobhan x
Claudia says
Thank you, my friend. xo
Tana says
It is so great that you and Don enjoy your work! That is a blessing.
Claudia says
It is, indeed. Thank you Tana!
kathy in iowa says
i admire your great attitude and am glad you enjoy your work despite some stupid rules/ changes (taxes, budget cuts, etc.). hope don gets more work soon.
we are supposed to get a big snowstorm (with ice underneath it … ugh) here starting in a couple hours. i am ready to go home now.
hope you all have a nice weekend!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
Oh now to that snowstorm, Kathy! Get home and stay home in your cozy apartment! Thank you for your kind words. xo
jeanie says
I’m glad you have work right now, Claudia. Apart from the financial considerations, which I’m sure are significant, it is just rewarding and a good sense of self to know you are working and that someone values what you do — and is willing to pay for it. Well done on the time management — I can be good at that when I have to — but it’s been awhile since I’ve had to and I wonder if I could pick it up so easily!
A big storm is due here in Michigan tonight and tomorrow. I will hope it doesn’t go that far East or swings north.
Claudia says
I am a procrastinator by nature and there’s a bit of that going on, as well!
Stay safe during the storm, Jeanie! It doesn’t look like anything is heading our way.
Dee Dee says
I’m full of admiration for the dedication and professionalism that you and Don give to your work. So many times an audience will come away from a play saying how fantastic an actor was, without appreciating the hours of rehearsals or the fact that someone has coached the actor so that their accent is perfect.
I think it’s so exciting that you’re coaching for Yorkshire accents as I only live about 15 miles from the county border. Also two great actors – James Mason and Patrick Stewart hail from there !
Happy Friday
Claudia says
A Yorkshire accent for sure, but modified slightly for the stage. Some of the actors play multiple characters and there are a lot of quick scenes, so my job is to make sure it’s audible and clear, so that if a character comes onstage for, say, two lines and the lines are in a Yorkshire dialect, the audience can understand them immediately. Nothing worse than being in an audience and missing out on the plot because you couldn’t understand a line!
How wonderful that you live so close to Yorkshire! Thanks, Dee Dee.
Marilyn says
Glad you have work to start off the new year. I will keep Don in my thoughts and prayers for some work.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you Marilyn!
Rue says
I’ve been watching the latest DR Who which is full of Yorkshire accents.
It made think of you when we watched it.
Claudia says
We’ll do a modified accent for American audiences, but it will be Yorkshire! Thanks, Rue.