Md part Cinque...goodness it's long
Sep. 29th, 2005 11:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ptpgradOk, so I am a little slow this week, but things get hectic mid run, doncha know. Same rules apply. And away we go…
URGH
It was a long and busy week, so I was not quite as rested when I got to site Saturday morning. Because of some scheduling issues, I arrived separately from the Lelios, but later than I wanted. I began to stretch slowly. My music really helps me and in no time I am bopping about and feeling energized. It’s time to go and check the sound system. Today I have my new handy-dandy choker mic holder. The night before, Lelio and I set it up so that I could have the mike closer to my mouth and not “buffeted” by things in the way. It seems to be working (with a new battery) and I am feeling ready for the day. I had had brekkies (mmmmmm…protein shake) and head to the stage to finish stretching.
ARGH, ME MATEYS!
It’s Pyrate (ok, Pirate) weekend and we are being visited by the Corsairs and others ready for fun. We get our notes for the day and look at the sky. It is VERY overcast, but the weather reports have assured us there is no rain. I am fine with that, though worried as there has been no rain in a while and the dust is horrendous. We are informed that Wolgemut is not here this weekend and we need to announce this if our show is before theirs, like our Lying Valet. We BEEP and off we go.
WE’VE BEEN OVERRUN!
Opening gate is mostly the same, except for an invasion of piratical types. They enter with the Pirate Queen Jean Cabot and welcome all members of MIT, the Maritime Institute of Treachery or the like, I couldn’t hear it well, but I remember it did seem amusing. Of course, the pirates are wandering up slowly and I am not sure they will all make their entrance, but all was well. The cannon booms (on time) and the gates open wide.
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ….
So Stupina has her pirate eye patch and is calling to all “fellow” pirates with the call of “QQQQQ”. Some look at her blankly, others start laughing immediately. I am always fascinated to see the different responses. I find that kids are less frightened of me with the eyepatch, not sure why that is, but fewer hide behind mom and dad. Granted, I am good at coaching them out or moving away if I am disturbing them…it’s all a fine science.
DIRTLESS
With all the Pirate wandering, I don’t have time to sit and sing today much at all. I do manage to wander by that booth and say a quick hello to the lady there and watch the same guy be just as oblivious. Visual given, I head over to my tree where there is only time for a little music. Soon enough it’s time to head to my stage and prepare to be GIRLIE!
A ZEALOUS BOB
I arrive just as Princess Mary’s story is ending. I like to let the prior show’s audience leave but be out early for those already waiting for me. At about 5 of, I head out to the stage and begin to chat with the crowd. I go to the edge of the seats at the back of the house and bellow to pull in a crowd. About 1-2 minutes after I start, I see a crowd of people I had talked to in the morning coming in. My house, though not packed, is decently full. Today, Princess Arianna helps me with my book. She is enthusiastic and zealously, the fastest reader to date. Bob is extremely playful and hugs me, flirts with me and almost steals the show again…just like he’s supposed to. The show ends at 24 (wow, really fast) and I am more than clear quite early. I give Mimi the all clear and I prepare to pack up.
A FAVOR OF EYES
I am asked by another performer to watch their show and offer feedback. I am happy to do so as I know the importance of such things, but because of the time, I have to do it IN Stupina. I sit quietly with my pad of paper and pen hoping not to attract attention. A little girl in the audience is crying because a bee stung her. Instead of taking her to first aid, the parents are letting her sit and cry. Grand. A costumed patron in the audience goes up to try to comfort her and it helps some, but not enough. Once the show gets going though, the child quiets down…let’s hear it for talented shows. I take notes and head backstage. I think I am helpful as the performer seemed to feel I answered some of the problem spots they were having. I hope more laughs are forthcoming.
QUICKLY RAMBLING
I head as quickly as I can back to street and instead of sitting, do the wandering “Q” thing. I run out of time quickly and head to get changed. I organize getting dressed with the choker today and the wires. It seems to look passable as most people don’t even notice that the “gem” in the choker is my mic. And this is up close. I go out for lunch and see the Canterbury Pork Pocket booth. I do LOVE their food, but it’s messy and I don’t often treat myself to it, besides, I don’t have a bowl. I head to the loyal Steak on a Stake booth and get my juicy meat…behave people. Lunch with a few families as the streets are crowded and there aren’t many places to sit.
WORKING LUNCH
I feel guilty because of the morning’s lack of street, so I start chatting with patrons. I have a built in “prop” with my Teatro sign hanging from my shoulder like an oversized handbag to my feet. I tout the wedding, I chat with patrons about foods and things to do, and I head toward the stage. Once there, I divulge myself of the excess props and go back to the Boardwalk food court. I announce the Wedding and turn to FINALLY notice the pub nicknamed “Renfield’s.” I pop by to say a quick hello and am gifted with a fish that I can’t really wear with my costume. It is kindly exchanged for a simpler chain. I take my leave and head to the stage to start the show.
THE ITALIAN FAMILY
So today we have a solid crowd, AND my microphone works…really well. Except we are still fighting feedback. I am not sure what else to try. I am told that dropping the high frequency might help as I am only 1 of two women’s voices on that stage and I keep running up and down the stairs RIGHT in front of the speakers. Besides I don’t want to change the master setting without clearing it with everyone, and I don’t see that happening. I do what I can, and it’s not bad, but some days are better than others. The wedding party however is very good. They are playful and the audience is laughing from their antics just as much as from Lelio and I. As I pull the Groom’s Mom from the crowd, I see famiglia…no real family, my cousins from NJ. I can’t grab my cousin as she is buffered by the baby carriage, so I grab her friend. The show is fun and at the end of the show, SOMEONE visited BeerPam and found a lovely Tshirt to their liking…(just like you would if you…ok, never mind…but you would look cute in one).
WHICH WAY DID IT GO
At the end of the show, we head to the back of the house to thank the audience for “coming to church” and shake hands with those who would like while Mrs. Lelio kindly strikes the stage for us. Today, I head to say hello to my cousin and family. I let them know where the rest of my schedule leads me and they head off to enjoy more of their day. I head back and go to grab my stuff when…I can’t find my mug. I was sure I had it, so is Mrs. Lelio, but it is nowhere in sight…damn. Ok, well, maybe I left it on my route, but I don’t have much time, so I head to get Baby Stupina and figure I will find it later. On the way, I chat to patrons and offer more shows for the end of the day. I stop by and return the ribbon choker I borrowed the week before with a kind thank you.
DANCING IN THE SHADOWS
As I am heading to get Baby Stupina, I see a large crowd by the glassblowers…looking up. It’s the Aerial Angels in their new home space. This one is higher and much more visible than their shady lane, and the crowd is quite appreciative. It only causes one problem…well, that was my wander area with the marionette, so I have to regroup and wander toward the front gate area. I play with people there until it’s time and head backstage for the “transformation.”
HOW MANY DOES IT TAKE?
I have a team of dressers. I hate to take their time but they are already backstage and dressed for Lying Valet and having them help allows me to be ON street for as long as possible. Besides, we are the quick-change team during the show, so I suppose the more practice the better. There are two women tying up my sleeves and another tying on the bodice, a 4th fixing my hair and me making sure it all turns out ok and I don’t trip on the skirts. We are done in comfortable time and we all head up to the stage.
TIMING TIMING TIMING
Today, we get a chuckle as Mumsie and I enter and squeal. The energy is playfully odd and Gayless distracts our group enough that we are all late on the laugh. Bad actors…I have a very brief moment to glimpse up and see that a few fellow cast members are watching the performance. I grab water in a plastic cup once I bounce offstage (midshow) and the dance, etc. seems to go well. I am greeted by another fellow cast member who is charmed by my performance and comments that they would love to see me do more of this kind of traditional work. I agree, it would be nice to work on more traditionally scripted materials, but often that choice is not up to us as actors, sadly.
WAVING IN SILENCE
It’s time for Baby Stupina and I to say our goodbyes. Sadly, Wolgemut is usually playing and I spend some of our time dancing with her to pass the time. It is silent today. When a little boy says he wants to see her dance, I ask him to sing something and she will dance. He won’t, but his dad does and Stupina does a happy gig. A few other little ones are so taken with Stupina that they want to hug her goodbye. I always love seeing that image. They are so gentle with her and it looks so comforting for them both. Time is up and I take her home for the day.
RECOVERY
I realize where I think I left my mug and start to head back to Fortune stage area. As I am passing the jousting area, I see the King, Queen, Princess Arianna, and Bertilda Spriggans sitting on the Royal Pavilion. I really want my water, but notice the King look over toward me, I take my HUGE black hat and cover my face and slink off. I head to Renfields and, what a surprise, I put my mug down when I accepted the necklace. Ah well, all is back to normal. I stop over at Dan the Master Joyner’s next to get a schedule and touch base on him. I hear cheering news and then head toward the Leather Rose and Pub Sing area.
REVELATION
I head by and the same man is friendly again as normal. He doesn’t get the hug the cute little kid working there gets and the lady and I chat about if I should let him in on the secret. We clarify for him just WHO he sees when he walks by and he makes some kind of comment about how it will be very disturbing to see me on the morrow. I don’t even know if I will see him, but I understand the brain change.
SINGING AWAY THE DAY
Pub Sing is WAY crowded. Lots of Jack Sparrows, lots of tri-cornered hats, lots of drunk patrons. There are no really bad privy lines, except for by the joust, so I think the day is not as big as it COULD be, but it’s not small as we are often feeling like we are stepping over people. I run into Barto again and have a chat about life, bruises, and traveling. We people watch and laugh a bit. The bells ring, the cannon sounds and I join the line to escort out the Pirate Queen to gate. It’s a small group, so I stay a long as I can and peel off to get changed and out of the costumes turned brown with dust. I have cleaned my nose 3 times today and each time it’s just as brown. Some tell me not to bother, but I figure, if I clean it out, the hairs in the nose have the ability to keep MORE dirt from getting up into my lungs, where if I don’t and wait, they get overwhelmed and I spend the night coughing up dirt.
DINNER AT THE LOSER’S SIDE
I still end up coughing, but I get hot water and lemon at dinner to wash away what I can. Dinner is a pleasant group of about 12. The people on our side joke that we are on the “loser’s” side because “all the cool people are on the other side of the table”. Eventually, it is just down to a few of us and the waitress comes out and tells us the bill isn’t balancing. We tell her there is cash and she says “it’s only 110.” We say yes, and the 3 credit cards were another $78. We have overpaid and you have a good tip. She goes away. Eventually she comes back and says her manager misread something and it’s fine.
GOOD NEWS AND GOOD HUGS
We head out and don’t want the night to end. The ladies - SMJ, LM, and I chat. We share some private good news and discover that LM has the BEST DAMN HUGS I have had in a long time…I think it’s the giggle that goes along with the hug that makes the difference. We finally say our goodbyes and wearily travel our separate ways home. It was a very good day overall.
NO, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME
Today, I am having a HARD time getting up. I am stiff and coughing more dirt up. I finally get my ass moving, make a yummy protein shake, and the Lelios and I head out to site. I get to sit in the passenger seat and listen to my morning music. I am bouncy as we get out of the car. Mrs. Lelio had been having issues with her feet, so she was moving a bit slower. I get to the stage first and adjust my stuff. We check levels but today it is MUCH MORE ringy. I pull my levels down, but there isn’t a lot more I can go down without not being heard. We will play it by ear.
LISTS AND LOTS
Time to stretch and change. It’s funny how much emptier the mornings are on Sunday, except for today. Some of the ladies all stayed together and ended up arriving VERY early for them. They are all getting changed and being amazed at how early it is and how ready they will be. I set my props, get dressed and head out to my meeting. I get some stuff, share some info, and head over to morning meeting. We are complimented by the Lost Boys of Georgia who are visiting and they offer some thank you gifts. After we BEEP I head off to organize my Romance War hit. That done, off I go to Q again.
YOWZA!
Today the Pyrates all head to the gate again and I am stunned by a vision in golden rust leather and salmon silk. It’s Kat Fairbanks in her new outfit. YOWZA! That outfit makes her look amazing. I didn’t even realize the corset was a leather map. All I saw was how well the colors suited her and how gorgeous she looked. KUDOS lady, you looked faboo!
ROYAL VISIONS
I am going to see the Royal Arrival today. I never got to see the whole show during rehearsals, so today, while it’s shady, it’s my chance. I take advantage of the shade to enjoy playing a bit in the Market area. I keep my distance from the court and their photo op and enjoy a brief chance to sit and sing in a rarely visited area for me. As it gets closer to time, I stop by the back of the stage to watch. It’s hard to be nonchalant in a mask. A little girl in the back of the house is much more interested in watching me, so I wave at her and she is happy again.
LORD CROMWELL AND ME
Ok, so I have mostly written a version of “The Wizard and I” filked as “Lord Cromwell and Me.” I sing it backstage to make people laugh and I joke to Cromwell that I would love to have a chance to sing it on street. We say it is sad that we never see each other. HOWEVER, today, as I sit back in the dirt and sing, I am approached by him. He asks to my master and how I got here from Venice (he knows Stupina came from Italy). He is charmed by her and she in awe of him. As he leaves, I realize this would be the perfect moment…but no audience and I am not going to start having a big bit that no one is watching if I can avoid it…not what we are here for, doncha know.
YAE! IN STREET
I next run into two of the gentlemen from the Young Actor’s Ensemble “YAE”. They are the carrier’s of the kings heralds. I tell them they are the luckiest men in the entire world to be so close to something from the king. I tell some patrons to look at the luckiest men in the village and I watch them puff up and start to pose for the patrons. I makes me giggle inside. I say my farewells to the patrons and the gentlemen. I hum to myself a bit as I wander toward Gatehouse stopping to offer a hello to the Garland seller (they are all starting to know me this year…hee).
STUPINA AND THE FAIRY GODMOTHER
Bertilda Spriggans is my reader today and she is playing with the kids before the show. I still go out and hawk for the show. Today’s show ROCKED. Bertie was a hoot, my Bob was TERRIFIC, the audience was a great balance of kids and adults and everyone had a great time. I love walking off a stage and feeling a show went well. There is nothing like it. I pack my stuff up and head over as fast as I can to see Macbeth…yes, in Stupina.
KILROY WAS HERE
Again, I don’t want to be obvious, so I sit out of the bowl and up on the stage left topside. There is a railing and I slide up to it and just let my face come up over the rail. I suppose the effect to the cast was as if a little Kilroy was sitting there, live, watching them. I do really like this production. It’s not for little kids to be sure, but barring very small inconsistencies, it is quite good. I am having some trouble hearing with my Stupina hood and wrap on, so I am subtly lifting my hood away from my ear so the sound won’t be muffled at all. And it didn’t help that a group decided to have a chat two rows behind me. Sit in the bowl, you will hear it better.
AGAIN!?!
I go to clean someone as I head back and see that my handkerchief is gone…again. Sigh, I should glue the damn thing to me. Sadly, I only have one of them and can only beg for replacements once a year, AFTER faire. I figure it will turn up and I head back to get changed quickly and head out. I do as speedy a switch as I can and it occurs to me. Does anyone have a wood bowl? I really want a pork pocket sandwich and fries. One of the cast finds me one and I wash it and head out. I get in line and get my FAVORITE. I get it with the fries on the base and the port and coleslaw poured overtop…no wheat flour as there is no pita pocket. MMMMM. I sit down and begin to chat with a young woman and her friend. They are both injured from a recent car accident. One in a knee brace and the other on crutches. I ask them why they are trying to traverse this terrain with such limitations. They say this is a tradition and they didn’t want anything to stop them from it. WORKS FOR ME! I wish them a joyous day and head out.
THE GREAT SEARCH BEGINS
I miss being able to put my mug down as my old loop has disappeared. I figure I will stop by the leather shops to find a replacement. Leather Rose and Potomac don’t have what I want. I go to try Holy Cow, but stop to see a long line developing at the slide. I don’t have my marionette or my great physical mask, so it’s must me and my “charm” with the kids. I tell them how very brave they are. I am too scared do go down the slide, so they should be proud. Really, I am. I have NEVER gone down the slide and have no intention of ever doing it. It’s that falling from heights to your death thing…this from the woman who does a two high in Shrew…sigh. Still not over having my head hit the framework. Well, rest on it. Eeck. I reach both the bottom of the stairs and the end of the line and see my next target.
HOLY COW!
who also is lacking what I need, but, I have connections, and they make me exactly what I need as I chat with patrons. I then start to wend my way down the boardwalk. It’s very crowded today so there are plenty to chat with. I am having fun with a group of women convincing them to go to the wedding, discussing how a properly fitted bodice assists your figure, your back and your shoulders. I see Renaissance Idol going on, so I don’t make my announcement at the food court. I am just about to my stage when I see Emrys saying goodbye. EEP. It’s THAT time and I am just getting to the stage. I turn myself on (the mic…weirdos) and proclaim that I am here.
HOLY!...WELL, CAN’T SAY THAT ONE
OH MY GOD. Ok, that was clearly the best wedding I can remember. ALL the people were on. The bride was a lovely woman of African American descent with a great figure who clearly wanted to party. She was in the back row and didn’t fight when we brought her on stage, in fact, she stole the damn show. The audience was hooting and hollering and it only had part to do with us. She and her groom were hysterical, the best man and mom were funny and everyone got their cues correctly. WHAT A GREAT SHOW!
DANCING LITTLE ME
I am on a great high as I head back to the stage. I stop by the food court at Market area to chat with patrons and meet a father and son from Britain. They are amused and pleased by the event. I head farther in and get my little girl. The angels are not up in the air yet, so I can bring my little girl into that area. I do see one of the angels looking for her band. Minutes later I see another of the band and let her know she is being sought. As they begin, I head toward the gate and play with the patrons I see. Finally, it is time and in I head.
YOU DIDN’T NEED THAT SKIRT, DID YOU?
After the magic transformation, I am annoyed by my braids and decide to remove them. I hate snoods with sticky outy parts and figure this will make it less obvious. We are back up at Gatehouse and GUESS where my errant hanky and eye patch are. Good thing too as someone notices that there is a blue haze around my neck…from the choker. Grand. I take water and clean my neck off hoping I don’t rub it so hard that I have rashes when I hit stage. All goes smoothly and we are silly and fun, except that I am having HOOP FROM HELL day. It pops up and flips itself, it tangles me, it’s a PITA. I keep shifting my chair to make it work and end up setting in on Mumsie’s skirt. Um, whoops? I have to shift so she can leave or her skirt will come down. We are much more focused today and we ALL laugh on cue…whodu’ve thunk.
MORE QUIET GOODBYES
Again, goodbye isn’t goodbye without Wolgemut playing. They have a great energy that comes out to those of us waving. We still have fun and I make more people sing to Stupina. My Bob sees her and tells me he misses me. I respond that I don’t know who he is but my marionette does. It is time and I head back to take her to rest. I am also greeted with my new fan from Dragon Wings…no really, it’s blue, gold and white, like my costume. It’s very pretty.
HAIR CRACK!
As I head out with all my hair loose under the pirate hat, I stop by Jezzards and allow them to tempt me. They have a GORGEOUS copper rose that is way the hell too expensive but looks amazing in my long hair. Sigh. I am debating on if I can afford it. It ain’t cheap, but it IS amazingly pretty. I head out and wander toward the pub. I see the gang at the other rose and they are exceptionally playful. I finally receive my secret admirer rose. I have figured out who it was, and I was highly amused. Then, off to the pub. The drunks, while not as bad as yesterday, are in full force. I am stopped by a man who speaks to me as if he knows me. The other man standing next to him says “Dude, that’s not her” and apologizes. I end up chatting with them.
PROTECTED THE NOT NEEDED
I wander the pub and see Mz Ani and make her squee briefly, just for the amusement of it. I head to the side and see my friends near the stage. I see Frank H. taking pictures all over the place, and climb low over to him to try to say hi. 11th hour and all, but at least we did have a moment. I head back out and see the same group of men being accosted by a woman who is in a friendly mood. I wander again…later I see the man who was getting the unwelcome attention and ask him if he is ok. He says he is fine and knows ways to avoid such. I tell him I am glad he is having a good day. He then starts to say something to the effect of “hair and boobies” impressing him, which totally unimpresses me. He shows me his pewter pin, which he says he originally commissioned. “I don’t care what color your eyes are,” and I realize this person is not one I want to continue talking to. What is sad is that after the Lying Valet, and before I head out to greet kids with the marionette, I tighten the neckline of the damn dress so it is MUCH LESS showy than when I am on stage. Sigh. Unfortunately, it is something I just expect being built like I am.
SEEING THE SING
I am able to sit down today and actually watch part of pub sing. Frank H. joins me. I finally hear the Corsairs and like their stuff, we hear the dog song…but wait…not yet. CAROLYN S. steps up to the stage herself and tells them this song is not on the approved list…to which the Pyrates ply her with beer at the back of the stage while Mr. Strum sings. I also get a GREAT view of the Ariel Angels. Zack Racham, who is skilled in such, is asked to spot for the ladies. Some drunk schmoe in the crowd calls him an ass and tells him to move. Both Zach and I, and I am sure others, glare at said ass, who should have been talking to himself. I hope he felt like an idiot when Isabella next had Zach stand up as base for the next move. Schmoe. The ladies are talented and I know, on a peripheral way, how very hard that stuff is. The Pyrates even vamp to allow them to finish to pretty music. The cannon blows and away the Pirate Queen and band exit. Again, it’s a small group of 6, but we yell as best we can to make way for the Pirate Queen.
LAST MINUTE DELIVERY
We head back in and grab checks then go change. As I am finishing, I am approached by a lady who comments “God, you are hard to find”. She has my romance war hit and I have no idea how long she has had it. I am amused. It’s a cute plant in a cat chasing planter with hangy things. I watered it when I brought it home. I convince the Lelio’s to come out to dinner and off we go to eat Mexican.
PAST TIMES WITH GOOD COMPANY
Dinner is a pleasant evening feeding Daisy and chatting with friends. The day was wonderful and this was a great ending for it. I am exhausted and ready for sleep. I come home, curl up with the kitties and cough up a lung again. Joy. I hate the dust. We got rain this week, but not enough. We need more to get this dust to go down. Ah well. One more weekend with black lung and oompah bands! Who wants to polka?
This weekend at the Girlie Show
Saturday: Jasmin from Gypsophilia
Sunday: Mother Goose
See you all there!
URGH
It was a long and busy week, so I was not quite as rested when I got to site Saturday morning. Because of some scheduling issues, I arrived separately from the Lelios, but later than I wanted. I began to stretch slowly. My music really helps me and in no time I am bopping about and feeling energized. It’s time to go and check the sound system. Today I have my new handy-dandy choker mic holder. The night before, Lelio and I set it up so that I could have the mike closer to my mouth and not “buffeted” by things in the way. It seems to be working (with a new battery) and I am feeling ready for the day. I had had brekkies (mmmmmm…protein shake) and head to the stage to finish stretching.
ARGH, ME MATEYS!
It’s Pyrate (ok, Pirate) weekend and we are being visited by the Corsairs and others ready for fun. We get our notes for the day and look at the sky. It is VERY overcast, but the weather reports have assured us there is no rain. I am fine with that, though worried as there has been no rain in a while and the dust is horrendous. We are informed that Wolgemut is not here this weekend and we need to announce this if our show is before theirs, like our Lying Valet. We BEEP and off we go.
WE’VE BEEN OVERRUN!
Opening gate is mostly the same, except for an invasion of piratical types. They enter with the Pirate Queen Jean Cabot and welcome all members of MIT, the Maritime Institute of Treachery or the like, I couldn’t hear it well, but I remember it did seem amusing. Of course, the pirates are wandering up slowly and I am not sure they will all make their entrance, but all was well. The cannon booms (on time) and the gates open wide.
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ….
So Stupina has her pirate eye patch and is calling to all “fellow” pirates with the call of “QQQQQ”. Some look at her blankly, others start laughing immediately. I am always fascinated to see the different responses. I find that kids are less frightened of me with the eyepatch, not sure why that is, but fewer hide behind mom and dad. Granted, I am good at coaching them out or moving away if I am disturbing them…it’s all a fine science.
DIRTLESS
With all the Pirate wandering, I don’t have time to sit and sing today much at all. I do manage to wander by that booth and say a quick hello to the lady there and watch the same guy be just as oblivious. Visual given, I head over to my tree where there is only time for a little music. Soon enough it’s time to head to my stage and prepare to be GIRLIE!
A ZEALOUS BOB
I arrive just as Princess Mary’s story is ending. I like to let the prior show’s audience leave but be out early for those already waiting for me. At about 5 of, I head out to the stage and begin to chat with the crowd. I go to the edge of the seats at the back of the house and bellow to pull in a crowd. About 1-2 minutes after I start, I see a crowd of people I had talked to in the morning coming in. My house, though not packed, is decently full. Today, Princess Arianna helps me with my book. She is enthusiastic and zealously, the fastest reader to date. Bob is extremely playful and hugs me, flirts with me and almost steals the show again…just like he’s supposed to. The show ends at 24 (wow, really fast) and I am more than clear quite early. I give Mimi the all clear and I prepare to pack up.
A FAVOR OF EYES
I am asked by another performer to watch their show and offer feedback. I am happy to do so as I know the importance of such things, but because of the time, I have to do it IN Stupina. I sit quietly with my pad of paper and pen hoping not to attract attention. A little girl in the audience is crying because a bee stung her. Instead of taking her to first aid, the parents are letting her sit and cry. Grand. A costumed patron in the audience goes up to try to comfort her and it helps some, but not enough. Once the show gets going though, the child quiets down…let’s hear it for talented shows. I take notes and head backstage. I think I am helpful as the performer seemed to feel I answered some of the problem spots they were having. I hope more laughs are forthcoming.
QUICKLY RAMBLING
I head as quickly as I can back to street and instead of sitting, do the wandering “Q” thing. I run out of time quickly and head to get changed. I organize getting dressed with the choker today and the wires. It seems to look passable as most people don’t even notice that the “gem” in the choker is my mic. And this is up close. I go out for lunch and see the Canterbury Pork Pocket booth. I do LOVE their food, but it’s messy and I don’t often treat myself to it, besides, I don’t have a bowl. I head to the loyal Steak on a Stake booth and get my juicy meat…behave people. Lunch with a few families as the streets are crowded and there aren’t many places to sit.
WORKING LUNCH
I feel guilty because of the morning’s lack of street, so I start chatting with patrons. I have a built in “prop” with my Teatro sign hanging from my shoulder like an oversized handbag to my feet. I tout the wedding, I chat with patrons about foods and things to do, and I head toward the stage. Once there, I divulge myself of the excess props and go back to the Boardwalk food court. I announce the Wedding and turn to FINALLY notice the pub nicknamed “Renfield’s.” I pop by to say a quick hello and am gifted with a fish that I can’t really wear with my costume. It is kindly exchanged for a simpler chain. I take my leave and head to the stage to start the show.
THE ITALIAN FAMILY
So today we have a solid crowd, AND my microphone works…really well. Except we are still fighting feedback. I am not sure what else to try. I am told that dropping the high frequency might help as I am only 1 of two women’s voices on that stage and I keep running up and down the stairs RIGHT in front of the speakers. Besides I don’t want to change the master setting without clearing it with everyone, and I don’t see that happening. I do what I can, and it’s not bad, but some days are better than others. The wedding party however is very good. They are playful and the audience is laughing from their antics just as much as from Lelio and I. As I pull the Groom’s Mom from the crowd, I see famiglia…no real family, my cousins from NJ. I can’t grab my cousin as she is buffered by the baby carriage, so I grab her friend. The show is fun and at the end of the show, SOMEONE visited BeerPam and found a lovely Tshirt to their liking…(just like you would if you…ok, never mind…but you would look cute in one).
WHICH WAY DID IT GO
At the end of the show, we head to the back of the house to thank the audience for “coming to church” and shake hands with those who would like while Mrs. Lelio kindly strikes the stage for us. Today, I head to say hello to my cousin and family. I let them know where the rest of my schedule leads me and they head off to enjoy more of their day. I head back and go to grab my stuff when…I can’t find my mug. I was sure I had it, so is Mrs. Lelio, but it is nowhere in sight…damn. Ok, well, maybe I left it on my route, but I don’t have much time, so I head to get Baby Stupina and figure I will find it later. On the way, I chat to patrons and offer more shows for the end of the day. I stop by and return the ribbon choker I borrowed the week before with a kind thank you.
DANCING IN THE SHADOWS
As I am heading to get Baby Stupina, I see a large crowd by the glassblowers…looking up. It’s the Aerial Angels in their new home space. This one is higher and much more visible than their shady lane, and the crowd is quite appreciative. It only causes one problem…well, that was my wander area with the marionette, so I have to regroup and wander toward the front gate area. I play with people there until it’s time and head backstage for the “transformation.”
HOW MANY DOES IT TAKE?
I have a team of dressers. I hate to take their time but they are already backstage and dressed for Lying Valet and having them help allows me to be ON street for as long as possible. Besides, we are the quick-change team during the show, so I suppose the more practice the better. There are two women tying up my sleeves and another tying on the bodice, a 4th fixing my hair and me making sure it all turns out ok and I don’t trip on the skirts. We are done in comfortable time and we all head up to the stage.
TIMING TIMING TIMING
Today, we get a chuckle as Mumsie and I enter and squeal. The energy is playfully odd and Gayless distracts our group enough that we are all late on the laugh. Bad actors…I have a very brief moment to glimpse up and see that a few fellow cast members are watching the performance. I grab water in a plastic cup once I bounce offstage (midshow) and the dance, etc. seems to go well. I am greeted by another fellow cast member who is charmed by my performance and comments that they would love to see me do more of this kind of traditional work. I agree, it would be nice to work on more traditionally scripted materials, but often that choice is not up to us as actors, sadly.
WAVING IN SILENCE
It’s time for Baby Stupina and I to say our goodbyes. Sadly, Wolgemut is usually playing and I spend some of our time dancing with her to pass the time. It is silent today. When a little boy says he wants to see her dance, I ask him to sing something and she will dance. He won’t, but his dad does and Stupina does a happy gig. A few other little ones are so taken with Stupina that they want to hug her goodbye. I always love seeing that image. They are so gentle with her and it looks so comforting for them both. Time is up and I take her home for the day.
RECOVERY
I realize where I think I left my mug and start to head back to Fortune stage area. As I am passing the jousting area, I see the King, Queen, Princess Arianna, and Bertilda Spriggans sitting on the Royal Pavilion. I really want my water, but notice the King look over toward me, I take my HUGE black hat and cover my face and slink off. I head to Renfields and, what a surprise, I put my mug down when I accepted the necklace. Ah well, all is back to normal. I stop over at Dan the Master Joyner’s next to get a schedule and touch base on him. I hear cheering news and then head toward the Leather Rose and Pub Sing area.
REVELATION
I head by and the same man is friendly again as normal. He doesn’t get the hug the cute little kid working there gets and the lady and I chat about if I should let him in on the secret. We clarify for him just WHO he sees when he walks by and he makes some kind of comment about how it will be very disturbing to see me on the morrow. I don’t even know if I will see him, but I understand the brain change.
SINGING AWAY THE DAY
Pub Sing is WAY crowded. Lots of Jack Sparrows, lots of tri-cornered hats, lots of drunk patrons. There are no really bad privy lines, except for by the joust, so I think the day is not as big as it COULD be, but it’s not small as we are often feeling like we are stepping over people. I run into Barto again and have a chat about life, bruises, and traveling. We people watch and laugh a bit. The bells ring, the cannon sounds and I join the line to escort out the Pirate Queen to gate. It’s a small group, so I stay a long as I can and peel off to get changed and out of the costumes turned brown with dust. I have cleaned my nose 3 times today and each time it’s just as brown. Some tell me not to bother, but I figure, if I clean it out, the hairs in the nose have the ability to keep MORE dirt from getting up into my lungs, where if I don’t and wait, they get overwhelmed and I spend the night coughing up dirt.
DINNER AT THE LOSER’S SIDE
I still end up coughing, but I get hot water and lemon at dinner to wash away what I can. Dinner is a pleasant group of about 12. The people on our side joke that we are on the “loser’s” side because “all the cool people are on the other side of the table”. Eventually, it is just down to a few of us and the waitress comes out and tells us the bill isn’t balancing. We tell her there is cash and she says “it’s only 110.” We say yes, and the 3 credit cards were another $78. We have overpaid and you have a good tip. She goes away. Eventually she comes back and says her manager misread something and it’s fine.
GOOD NEWS AND GOOD HUGS
We head out and don’t want the night to end. The ladies - SMJ, LM, and I chat. We share some private good news and discover that LM has the BEST DAMN HUGS I have had in a long time…I think it’s the giggle that goes along with the hug that makes the difference. We finally say our goodbyes and wearily travel our separate ways home. It was a very good day overall.
NO, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME
Today, I am having a HARD time getting up. I am stiff and coughing more dirt up. I finally get my ass moving, make a yummy protein shake, and the Lelios and I head out to site. I get to sit in the passenger seat and listen to my morning music. I am bouncy as we get out of the car. Mrs. Lelio had been having issues with her feet, so she was moving a bit slower. I get to the stage first and adjust my stuff. We check levels but today it is MUCH MORE ringy. I pull my levels down, but there isn’t a lot more I can go down without not being heard. We will play it by ear.
LISTS AND LOTS
Time to stretch and change. It’s funny how much emptier the mornings are on Sunday, except for today. Some of the ladies all stayed together and ended up arriving VERY early for them. They are all getting changed and being amazed at how early it is and how ready they will be. I set my props, get dressed and head out to my meeting. I get some stuff, share some info, and head over to morning meeting. We are complimented by the Lost Boys of Georgia who are visiting and they offer some thank you gifts. After we BEEP I head off to organize my Romance War hit. That done, off I go to Q again.
YOWZA!
Today the Pyrates all head to the gate again and I am stunned by a vision in golden rust leather and salmon silk. It’s Kat Fairbanks in her new outfit. YOWZA! That outfit makes her look amazing. I didn’t even realize the corset was a leather map. All I saw was how well the colors suited her and how gorgeous she looked. KUDOS lady, you looked faboo!
ROYAL VISIONS
I am going to see the Royal Arrival today. I never got to see the whole show during rehearsals, so today, while it’s shady, it’s my chance. I take advantage of the shade to enjoy playing a bit in the Market area. I keep my distance from the court and their photo op and enjoy a brief chance to sit and sing in a rarely visited area for me. As it gets closer to time, I stop by the back of the stage to watch. It’s hard to be nonchalant in a mask. A little girl in the back of the house is much more interested in watching me, so I wave at her and she is happy again.
LORD CROMWELL AND ME
Ok, so I have mostly written a version of “The Wizard and I” filked as “Lord Cromwell and Me.” I sing it backstage to make people laugh and I joke to Cromwell that I would love to have a chance to sing it on street. We say it is sad that we never see each other. HOWEVER, today, as I sit back in the dirt and sing, I am approached by him. He asks to my master and how I got here from Venice (he knows Stupina came from Italy). He is charmed by her and she in awe of him. As he leaves, I realize this would be the perfect moment…but no audience and I am not going to start having a big bit that no one is watching if I can avoid it…not what we are here for, doncha know.
YAE! IN STREET
I next run into two of the gentlemen from the Young Actor’s Ensemble “YAE”. They are the carrier’s of the kings heralds. I tell them they are the luckiest men in the entire world to be so close to something from the king. I tell some patrons to look at the luckiest men in the village and I watch them puff up and start to pose for the patrons. I makes me giggle inside. I say my farewells to the patrons and the gentlemen. I hum to myself a bit as I wander toward Gatehouse stopping to offer a hello to the Garland seller (they are all starting to know me this year…hee).
STUPINA AND THE FAIRY GODMOTHER
Bertilda Spriggans is my reader today and she is playing with the kids before the show. I still go out and hawk for the show. Today’s show ROCKED. Bertie was a hoot, my Bob was TERRIFIC, the audience was a great balance of kids and adults and everyone had a great time. I love walking off a stage and feeling a show went well. There is nothing like it. I pack my stuff up and head over as fast as I can to see Macbeth…yes, in Stupina.
KILROY WAS HERE
Again, I don’t want to be obvious, so I sit out of the bowl and up on the stage left topside. There is a railing and I slide up to it and just let my face come up over the rail. I suppose the effect to the cast was as if a little Kilroy was sitting there, live, watching them. I do really like this production. It’s not for little kids to be sure, but barring very small inconsistencies, it is quite good. I am having some trouble hearing with my Stupina hood and wrap on, so I am subtly lifting my hood away from my ear so the sound won’t be muffled at all. And it didn’t help that a group decided to have a chat two rows behind me. Sit in the bowl, you will hear it better.
AGAIN!?!
I go to clean someone as I head back and see that my handkerchief is gone…again. Sigh, I should glue the damn thing to me. Sadly, I only have one of them and can only beg for replacements once a year, AFTER faire. I figure it will turn up and I head back to get changed quickly and head out. I do as speedy a switch as I can and it occurs to me. Does anyone have a wood bowl? I really want a pork pocket sandwich and fries. One of the cast finds me one and I wash it and head out. I get in line and get my FAVORITE. I get it with the fries on the base and the port and coleslaw poured overtop…no wheat flour as there is no pita pocket. MMMMM. I sit down and begin to chat with a young woman and her friend. They are both injured from a recent car accident. One in a knee brace and the other on crutches. I ask them why they are trying to traverse this terrain with such limitations. They say this is a tradition and they didn’t want anything to stop them from it. WORKS FOR ME! I wish them a joyous day and head out.
THE GREAT SEARCH BEGINS
I miss being able to put my mug down as my old loop has disappeared. I figure I will stop by the leather shops to find a replacement. Leather Rose and Potomac don’t have what I want. I go to try Holy Cow, but stop to see a long line developing at the slide. I don’t have my marionette or my great physical mask, so it’s must me and my “charm” with the kids. I tell them how very brave they are. I am too scared do go down the slide, so they should be proud. Really, I am. I have NEVER gone down the slide and have no intention of ever doing it. It’s that falling from heights to your death thing…this from the woman who does a two high in Shrew…sigh. Still not over having my head hit the framework. Well, rest on it. Eeck. I reach both the bottom of the stairs and the end of the line and see my next target.
HOLY COW!
who also is lacking what I need, but, I have connections, and they make me exactly what I need as I chat with patrons. I then start to wend my way down the boardwalk. It’s very crowded today so there are plenty to chat with. I am having fun with a group of women convincing them to go to the wedding, discussing how a properly fitted bodice assists your figure, your back and your shoulders. I see Renaissance Idol going on, so I don’t make my announcement at the food court. I am just about to my stage when I see Emrys saying goodbye. EEP. It’s THAT time and I am just getting to the stage. I turn myself on (the mic…weirdos) and proclaim that I am here.
HOLY!...WELL, CAN’T SAY THAT ONE
OH MY GOD. Ok, that was clearly the best wedding I can remember. ALL the people were on. The bride was a lovely woman of African American descent with a great figure who clearly wanted to party. She was in the back row and didn’t fight when we brought her on stage, in fact, she stole the damn show. The audience was hooting and hollering and it only had part to do with us. She and her groom were hysterical, the best man and mom were funny and everyone got their cues correctly. WHAT A GREAT SHOW!
DANCING LITTLE ME
I am on a great high as I head back to the stage. I stop by the food court at Market area to chat with patrons and meet a father and son from Britain. They are amused and pleased by the event. I head farther in and get my little girl. The angels are not up in the air yet, so I can bring my little girl into that area. I do see one of the angels looking for her band. Minutes later I see another of the band and let her know she is being sought. As they begin, I head toward the gate and play with the patrons I see. Finally, it is time and in I head.
YOU DIDN’T NEED THAT SKIRT, DID YOU?
After the magic transformation, I am annoyed by my braids and decide to remove them. I hate snoods with sticky outy parts and figure this will make it less obvious. We are back up at Gatehouse and GUESS where my errant hanky and eye patch are. Good thing too as someone notices that there is a blue haze around my neck…from the choker. Grand. I take water and clean my neck off hoping I don’t rub it so hard that I have rashes when I hit stage. All goes smoothly and we are silly and fun, except that I am having HOOP FROM HELL day. It pops up and flips itself, it tangles me, it’s a PITA. I keep shifting my chair to make it work and end up setting in on Mumsie’s skirt. Um, whoops? I have to shift so she can leave or her skirt will come down. We are much more focused today and we ALL laugh on cue…whodu’ve thunk.
MORE QUIET GOODBYES
Again, goodbye isn’t goodbye without Wolgemut playing. They have a great energy that comes out to those of us waving. We still have fun and I make more people sing to Stupina. My Bob sees her and tells me he misses me. I respond that I don’t know who he is but my marionette does. It is time and I head back to take her to rest. I am also greeted with my new fan from Dragon Wings…no really, it’s blue, gold and white, like my costume. It’s very pretty.
HAIR CRACK!
As I head out with all my hair loose under the pirate hat, I stop by Jezzards and allow them to tempt me. They have a GORGEOUS copper rose that is way the hell too expensive but looks amazing in my long hair. Sigh. I am debating on if I can afford it. It ain’t cheap, but it IS amazingly pretty. I head out and wander toward the pub. I see the gang at the other rose and they are exceptionally playful. I finally receive my secret admirer rose. I have figured out who it was, and I was highly amused. Then, off to the pub. The drunks, while not as bad as yesterday, are in full force. I am stopped by a man who speaks to me as if he knows me. The other man standing next to him says “Dude, that’s not her” and apologizes. I end up chatting with them.
PROTECTED THE NOT NEEDED
I wander the pub and see Mz Ani and make her squee briefly, just for the amusement of it. I head to the side and see my friends near the stage. I see Frank H. taking pictures all over the place, and climb low over to him to try to say hi. 11th hour and all, but at least we did have a moment. I head back out and see the same group of men being accosted by a woman who is in a friendly mood. I wander again…later I see the man who was getting the unwelcome attention and ask him if he is ok. He says he is fine and knows ways to avoid such. I tell him I am glad he is having a good day. He then starts to say something to the effect of “hair and boobies” impressing him, which totally unimpresses me. He shows me his pewter pin, which he says he originally commissioned. “I don’t care what color your eyes are,” and I realize this person is not one I want to continue talking to. What is sad is that after the Lying Valet, and before I head out to greet kids with the marionette, I tighten the neckline of the damn dress so it is MUCH LESS showy than when I am on stage. Sigh. Unfortunately, it is something I just expect being built like I am.
SEEING THE SING
I am able to sit down today and actually watch part of pub sing. Frank H. joins me. I finally hear the Corsairs and like their stuff, we hear the dog song…but wait…not yet. CAROLYN S. steps up to the stage herself and tells them this song is not on the approved list…to which the Pyrates ply her with beer at the back of the stage while Mr. Strum sings. I also get a GREAT view of the Ariel Angels. Zack Racham, who is skilled in such, is asked to spot for the ladies. Some drunk schmoe in the crowd calls him an ass and tells him to move. Both Zach and I, and I am sure others, glare at said ass, who should have been talking to himself. I hope he felt like an idiot when Isabella next had Zach stand up as base for the next move. Schmoe. The ladies are talented and I know, on a peripheral way, how very hard that stuff is. The Pyrates even vamp to allow them to finish to pretty music. The cannon blows and away the Pirate Queen and band exit. Again, it’s a small group of 6, but we yell as best we can to make way for the Pirate Queen.
LAST MINUTE DELIVERY
We head back in and grab checks then go change. As I am finishing, I am approached by a lady who comments “God, you are hard to find”. She has my romance war hit and I have no idea how long she has had it. I am amused. It’s a cute plant in a cat chasing planter with hangy things. I watered it when I brought it home. I convince the Lelio’s to come out to dinner and off we go to eat Mexican.
PAST TIMES WITH GOOD COMPANY
Dinner is a pleasant evening feeding Daisy and chatting with friends. The day was wonderful and this was a great ending for it. I am exhausted and ready for sleep. I come home, curl up with the kitties and cough up a lung again. Joy. I hate the dust. We got rain this week, but not enough. We need more to get this dust to go down. Ah well. One more weekend with black lung and oompah bands! Who wants to polka?
This weekend at the Girlie Show
Saturday: Jasmin from Gypsophilia
Sunday: Mother Goose
See you all there!
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no subject
Date: 2005-09-30 04:28 am (UTC)Love your descriptions!
BTW, I *tried* to remember several times since Saturday... but I wanted to let you know that Stupina could be heard from where you were sitting in the dirt by O'Shucks just about up to where the wreaths seller was standing (but it didn't seem to overlap with the Lyric Stage, because the speakers there were louder even near the edges of the crowd... was odd hearing you, then barely noticing in the background noise, then hearing again... only noticed the difference because I was enjoying listening to Stupina, and then I got curious how far the masked voice would carry as I was walking towards the Gatehouse anyway at the time).
no subject
Date: 2005-09-30 11:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-30 05:17 pm (UTC)If talking in "R"s in various voices lead to "Q"s and/or "S"s, my trick was to go "Z!" -- so i could then say i had the last word on the subject.
I find that kids are less frightened of me with the eyepatch, not sure why that is, but fewer hide behind mom and dad. Granted, I am good at coaching them out or moving away if I am disturbing them…it’s all a fine science.
we discovered that too, that we were slightly more approachable doing the silly pirate accents and clothes than normal BFA/kit on "normal" days. maybe its kind of a "living cartoon" effect. i seem to be the least approachable by kids in my scottish, but the kilt and blade do make me look about 50 pounds bigger and more menacing than usual. on the other hand, i'm most approachable by adults when i'm scottish, so there you go.
over time, i've realized i have very devloped a very distinctive "kids" character for our street shows that's different from the silly boy i am among "otters", while ratpucking, or at pub sing. part of that "kids" character is, as you say, the science of continual feedback to making the *right* connection with the kid at the time, knowing every kid is ever-so-slightly different.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-30 10:19 pm (UTC)