Rehash and Restart

Today began the insanity that is working on a high school musical production. I was put in contact with the choir director of a nearby high school last year thanks to a coworker. I designed and helped build the set for Hairspray last March. And to be honest, it about killed me. I was new to working with most of the people, thus making me apprehensive to speak my mind, and I had just recently moved to full time at the hardware store giving me significantly less time to spend at the school. Needless to say there were many early mornings followed by late nights, stressful phone calls, rushed jobs and a very large celebration when it was over.

Well I'm doing it again this year. But things should be different this time around. First off it's a different show (Annie was picked this time around) so it has to be better right? Isn't that how is works? No...? Ok well, it'll be better, no matter what the show. I'm now much more comfortable with the people involved, and I know what my limitations and resources are. I understand more completely what is expected of me and know how to best manage my schedule and time. I think that will make all the difference. I still don't like designing much, so that part wont be my cup of tea still, but everything else should be better. I still celebrate when it's done though.

On a really fun note (how's F# sound?) I just recently returned from a workshop on scenic painting. I also just completed the feedback survey for it, so it's all fresh in my mind...I think. The week of  January 16th I packed up my suitcase, got on a plane and traveled to East Haddam, CT. There lives The Goodspeed Opera House and their paint shop.

I wasn't 100% sure what not expect from the Introduction to Scenic Painting Intensive they were offering (other than what was in the itinerary) but I was excited. I hadn't done anything that was specific to the realm of painting in over a year and I needed the push.

The trip was fantastic! The workshops we had were split pretty evenly between hands on technique building (such as these lovely examples of weathered wood and a stone walkway I made) and discussion style lectures about materials.

We had some of the biggest names in the field coming in to teach and talk to us. Howard Jones and Diane Fargo to name two. As well as Jenny Knott, one of the head honchos in Rosco's laboratories (there was an official title there...but I've since forgotten) and Peter Monahan of Rose Brand.










I can't tell you how exciting it all was! I learned SO much! There was a little info I had already known, but a refresher and practice is always needed. I also got free stuff! Everything about being there was the perfect combination of challenge and passion. I have been thinking about continuing my schooling/education in theatre for awhile now. And going to this intensive only spurred that desire more. I had already been looking at the few programs available in the U.S. for scenics, but I now have more than just a general knowledge of the schools, but I have now met the heads of two of those programs (Howard runs the one at UNCSA and Diane the one at Boston U.), and the founder of another (Howard was also one of the original founders of Cobalt Studios). I never would have dreamed that would happen.

So with new vigor in my heart and a show to work on in front of me, I will continue on in my work.

Right after I drink this chocolate milk Kat's got me addicted to.

-Meghan (since Cassie says I can't be Meg. Any other sign off suggestions?)

Intros, Beginnings and Groundplans

Sometimes I have ideas. Sometime they're good ideas. Like trying my hand at making weaponry props. Sometimes they're bad ideas. Like trying to move 4x8 platforms all by my 5' 8", 140lb self. We will see in time whether this blog is a good or a bad idea.

I've kind of longed for an outlet to share my personal projects and professional experiences. And I think this a place that will serve well.

So first off a bit about me. My name is Meghan. I'm a quirky 20-something with weird ideas and a flair for making things. These things combined with various other facets of myself, have led me to the field of technical theatre. Which is a very broad term that actually tells you very little about what I do. Here, I'll try to clarify.

I graduated from college with a degree in Design and Technical Theatre. What I learned about myself while I was there.

1. I am a JANKY carpenter
Generally speaking I can build things. I am proficient in the use of most power and shop tools enough to get jobs done and get them done in an...ok fashion. Apparently when it comes to precision and complexity of wood working, I'm just a numskull.

2. I can design. I am NOT a designer
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to design one of the main stage shows in college. You're a Good Man Charlie Brown turned out pretty well. I am very proud of the design and the way it was realized. But going through the process of creating the workings of it, I came to the very quick realization that this was not for me. Since then I have designed other things, but it's not my favorite job.

3. I LOVE paint
I had a professor who thought I had a good hand when it came to paint treatments and started pushing me toward it. Whether or not that's true, I found a passion for the craft of scenic art in myself. And I have been pursuing it since. More actively in recent happenings than before (I just got back from a wonderful intensive on the subject, but more on that later), but still pursued nonetheless. And if I stay on the track I have set, I'll make a career out of this.


Those things being said. After graduation I've stuck around town for a few years. I was ready to do something 'big' but I wasn't sure what it was. Plus I wanted the experience of just 'being'. So I got myself a job at a local hardware store (which is just plain awesome) and started doing theatre in the community. So I work full time and then between a nearby high school, a local youth theatre and a fledgling production company started by some very close friends, I work on anywhere from 3 to 5 shows a year. Not bad for a 'townie'.

Either way though, I have come here to share with...whoever reads this. Enjoy!

-Meg