I walked around the park yesterday, then sat on a bench and read my book. This fountain was in front of me and I couldn’t resist trying to capture it with my iPhone. It looks completely different in person, but this is what happens when you try to digitally capture flowing water. Sort of neat.
I had my eye on the carousel, but it was full of kids on a class trip. Maybe today.
Here I am, after more than 5 weeks, looking at my last full day in Hartford. Tonight is opening night. Tomorrow, Don comes to pick me up and I’m on my way back home. It’s been, for the most part, a wonderful experience. I’ve been reunited with actors I’ve worked with before and have met some wonderful new (to me) actors. The director and stage manager are old friends of mine. The theater staff is wonderful. The show is simply splendid. The other night, the audience started cheering before the curtain call even started.
Tonight, we’ll officially open and there will be a get-together afterward. Then everything will fade away as I leave Hartford and return to Mockingbird Hill Cottage. Freelancing in theater is like that: for a short time you are part of a communal process that creates a whole new world onstage. Then…poof!…it’s gone, never to be seen again. It’s the same way for everyone involved, but designers and coaches (like me) leave that world a little sooner than the actors.
For directors and coaches, the days leading up to opening are like weaning a child. We give less and less notes to the actors because we know it’s time for them to fly on their own. The last notes I gave were on Wednesday’s performance. At this point, it’s theirs.
And now I’m faced with the fact that I have no other theater work on the horizon.
That’s what makes this life so hard. So here I am, again, hoping I can get some kind of job back home. Wish me luck.
Have a wonderful Friday.
I hope other opportunities will open for you soon, Claudia. But for now, it’s time to feel proud of the role you played in making the Hartford production such a succes… and time to enjoy settling back into your lovely home. (I hope you get a carousel ride before you leave!) Take care and have a lovely weekend.
Good luck, Claudia! I hope you will be able to find something suitable.
Claudia, I wish you some much luck. I know that you had a rough year, with many repairs and your parents. You have many friends who have you in their prayers. Smiles, Susie
I am keeping fingers crossed for you!
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Claudia, I do wish you luck. I hope something perfect for you comes along. My neighbor is an actress. She began as a child, and did lots of made for telly movies. Lots of commercials, and then in adult life, she was on a major soap opera. Now that her kids are grown, she is acting again, and doing a lot of theater. She is lovely, and so fun to watch perform. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for your line of work, since knowing her.
Hugs,
Kris
I do always wish you luck. I know you touched the hearts of each person you work with.♥
The memories must be so sweet, what a experience you have been given.
You are opening up a world that so many of us will never know.
I wish you many positions in the near future, and a lot less worries.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I know exactly what you mean. I worked in the music biz until about a decade ago. When you are recording an album, it’s intense and you are extremely close. When it’s over, you may never see each other again. I’m wishing you all good things in your quest for work! ~ Maureen
I’m so glad you’re going home to Don, the dogs and your gardens. Not to mention the grass I hope is growing for you!
Brenda
Nice fountain shots! I also like the way you describe the arc of a production from beginning to end. I find transitions hard myself. Especially when you can’t know what you are transitioning to. I wish you the best of all possible things moving on.
Job well done Claudia and I am sure there is another one right around the corner! Happy weekend in the garden :) xoxo Debbie
Good luck Claudia. I know you will be glad to get home. I hope a new job opportunity comes along soon!
Love your fountain shots..Sorry your show is coming to an end…surely there will be more..Time to go home and recharge??
Love your fountain shots..Sorry your show is coming to an end…surely there will be more..Time to go home and recharge??
Claudia, I have so enjoyed your words and pictures from Hartford. I think you will have a wonderful opening night, followed by a fun celebration and a joyful return home. I have learned from you that your line of work is nomadic and sporadic. I have a friend who’s two daughters work in theater and it’s always a question of when the next job will be. Hope your next one comes soon, but that you have some down time to catch your breath. Ann
Well done, Claudia~
Wishing you a safe return home to your little family– but don’t forget to ride the carousel first!
Hugs,
Jill
It has been so interesting following you on this job. Things I would have never know.
Something else will show up…..it seems to happen that way. You will be so happy to be home. I have missed you being home…..funny, but you know what I mean.