Sherlock and Squares

This past week was all about 8Squared: Night of New Writing. We had auditions Wednesday and Thursday. There was much to organize to prepare for auditions. We set up an online registration form, made a schedule and prepared sides. Sides are the short sections of the script the actors read from in the audition. After the two evenings of auditions the writers had to decide which actors they wanted for their plays. Then we sent out offer emails to the actors selected, offering them the part. As confirmations came in, we created lists and contact sheets with all the details about who is in and where we have vacancies. It really is a lot of admin. Not so glamorous but necessary for organization and keeping track.

Tomorrow we have a company table read. A table read is very often the first rehearsal of a show. The whole company is in attendance and the actors read through the script (or in our case, scripts) out loud. This is where everybody gets to know who is who and and gets a glimpse of what the show will look and sound like. For us as producers, it will give us an overview of our program. We will time each script to make sure it fits in the 8 minute time frame and we will use the overview to decide the running order of the show.

After this launch, we as producers will retreat from the rehearsal process and leave the individual plays to sort out their rehearsal schedule and work on their pieces. While they rehearse, over the next few weeks, we will be setting up the box office, securing resources and personnel for the technical and dress rehearsals and the performances. We will also be sending out messages via social media to advertise the show. So, there is still much to do!

When I'm not answering emails and sorting out 8Squared business, I have been turning to Sherlock Holmes to unwind. Lately, I've become quite engrossed with the most recent BBC series called Sherlock. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Each episode is a little mini film. Binge watching can be a bit difficult because of the length of each episode. But that's good. I can unplug from 8Squared for a couple hours and let Sherlock do the thinking and give my brain a break. I can spread this retreat out over several days and allow for a recess regularly. If you haven't seen Sherlock, I highly recommend it.

This coming week is full of meetings and projects. I'm teaching my own class on Thursday so, there is much to prepare! Friday is a very special day but, I'll tell you more about that next time!

In the meantime, enjoy the long weekend!

Take care!
-m