Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Busy Week

August 16, 2022 at 9:12 am by Claudia

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.

 

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, coaching 23 Comments

Caterpillars

August 15, 2022 at 8:34 am by Claudia

I was outside watering yesterday – no rain in the forecast for at least 4 days, the drought continues – and I stopped to check out the milkweed. This isn’t something I do religiously, but I do like to see if there are any monarch caterpillars in sight.

I saw three of them! I don’t think I’ve ever seen two at the same time, let alone three.

All of them were chomping on the leaves.

Most of the caterpillars I encounter are on the large group of milkweed that grows at the bottom of the big garden bed. There’s also some milkweed growing on the far side of the porch, but I’ve never seen a caterpillar there. (Doesn’t mean there aren’t any, of course, just that I’ve never seen one.)

This group of milkweed is where I’ve seen Monarch butterflies laying eggs.

I’m happy to know we’ll see at least three new Monarch butterflies emerge this season.

I took a video of one of them eating and it’s on my Instagram Stories, if you’re at all interested.

Today, I work with Jim in the afternoon. Should be fun!

Okay, my friends. I’m off to do some more prep, make Don finish his deductions, and water everything. Again.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: monarch butterfly 19 Comments

Sunday Morning

August 14, 2022 at 8:53 am by Claudia

I’ve been engaged in prep work for the two shows I’m coaching. Tomorrow, I start working with Jim and Tuesday is the first day of rehearsal for Jane Eyre. I’ll be watching the read-through via zoom and, later in the day, I’ll work for three hours with some of the actors. Wednesday will be another day of coaching.

Some husband news: Don has revamped his personal music site. Here’s the link. He has listed only four of his songs; the ones he thinks are some of his best. If you’re at all interested, give them a listen. They’re on sale for 99 cents/each.

We watched 13 Lives  last night. Stunningly powerful. It’s directed by Ron Howard and is the true story of the rescue of 12 kids on a Thai soccer team and their coach. They were deep within a cave when monsoons came, flooded the cave, and cut them off. The story of the massive rescue effort, the thousands of volunteers who aided in the rescue, and the British divers and Thai Navy Seals who undertook a rescue that didn’t have a hope in hell is riveting. Brilliantly directed by Howard. Brilliant cinematography. An international cast led by Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell.

It’s on Amazon Prime. I cannot recommend it enough. I remember the rescue, but had absolutely no idea about the risky chance they took to get those boys out. We stayed up too late watching it, but it was worth it. I’m still thinking about it today.

I started a new puzzle, my reward for finishing my deductions and clearing the kitchen table!

The light is changing. Autumn is coming. I have mixed feelings about that, but I can’t stop it.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: Don, movies 18 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

Thanks for stopping by.

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