Flesh (and Updating) Failures

Hello everyone! Once again, the rehearsal process has utterly distracted me from updating this blog, but I couldn't let this show escape me without at least one entry. First of all, I have to say that the cast we have for Hair is just... amazing. Incredible. Outstanding. All of the above. The talent level is through the roof and the chemistry between the actors is inspiring. When you're dealing with intense subject material such as that in Hair, the cast can really make or break it. When blocking the final number of Act I ("Where Do I Go") was enough to make a few of the cast members teary-eyed, myself included, I knew things were on the right track. The Tribe is already building the base of a connection that's going to bring this production to a new level, and I'm really honored to be a part of it.

Oh yes, and we've found ourselves a set designer. Whereas with Reefer Madness we simply rented platforms and covered them with strips of fabric (CLASSY, RIGHT), Thomas Crabtree of Crabtree Construction has taken on the arduous task of building us a series of steps and platforms, along with a 6 foot wooden scaffold. This, paired with the fact that we have the INFAMOUS Vickie Scott handling our lighting design, makes it hard to not get overly excited, even with weeks to go.

Two weeks in and we've survived our first Act I run-through... all in all, a successful start!

Auditions and Rehearsals- Week 1

Well. The auditioning process was grueling to say the least, but it was definitely a learning experience. After having posted audition notices in Backstage West and Actors' Access, an influx of out-of-work Los Angeles actors flooded our emails with headshots and resumes... and then, mysteriously enough, not one of them decided to show up for their audition appointment. Despite the scheduling nightmare (and the fact that throughout auditions, Kindermusik was having a party in the hall... balloons, streamers, whistles, the works) the loyal residents of Santa Barbara came through in the end. Let me just say, it could NOT have worked out any better. The group works so well together, the chemistry is just amazing. Everyone seems to be dedicated to the same cause- providing Santa Barbara with more contemporary theatre and having a fantastic time in the process.

A hearty thank you is due to The Anacapa School and the Santa Barbara Arthritis Foundation for letting us use their facilities to rehearse in the evenings. The read-throughs have been mind-blowing, but seeing everyone stand up to run the first three scenes on Friday was beyond exciting. And so, the first week of rehearsals is over and done with and we're *knock on wood* right on schedule.

Coming soon... MEET THE MADNESS!