Another night of blocking.....

Tonight is the second of a multitude of nights for blocking.
Last night went really well, though it was slightly boring.
Ah, blocking.
The bane of my existence.
I had an idea last night, though, that my relieve my blocking woes.
After two nights of blocking these scenes, Wednesdays are basically covering all of Monday and Tuesday.
SOooooooo....
I had the charming notion that Wednesdays could be days of direction and emoting...
Fabulous, right?
Because I can't stand to watch these kids NOT have motivation or direction for these scenes.
I'll go nuts.

Onto night two....

Today's auditions

Auditions were today.
It was awesome, with the exception of a few hiccups.
One of the younger kids (7 years old) got up and did her monologue and whatnot, but, when it came time to read, her sister announced that she didn't want to read BUT she still wanted to be in the show.
If they show up tomorrow, I'll try and get her to read.
Otherwise, I can't cast her.
I mean, it wouldn't be fair to the other kids who went through the entire audition process and whatnot if I did cast her....
I hate that, but I have to be fair.
The second hiccup came about 5-10 minutes before we wrapped it up.
First, I heard the whirl of the lift as it started up, and I knew it had to be Susan, who's directing Little Johnny Jones.
As I tried to figure out why she would be there, James and I shot each other a look.
Then, her and Robert came around the corner, down in front of the stage.
Keep in mind, there were kids on the stage getting ready to read as they entered.
Then Susan made her way up the center aisle as Robert stationed himself right in front of the stage, and began flipping through one of the scripts stacked on the edge of the stage.
Then, as I had the kids begin to read, he STAYED THERE.
When the children finished, Robert turned to me and said, "Tahrea, is there a part that for me to read for?"
My mind was reeling as I tried to stay poised.
I was furious at the way they entered, but I couldn't be as rude because I had 30 faces boaring into my own as he asked....
So, I simply answered, "Sure Robert; you can read something."
I had three or four kids go back onstage with Robert, had them read a scene, and wrapped up the auditions...
We had started around 2:30 and it was then 4:30, and I could tell parents were getting restless.
Now, it wasn't their presence that made me-no us, James, Vera, Mom, and I- angry...
It was the fact that they came in soundly and literally RIGHT in the MIDDLE of everything.
I wouldn't have minded if Robert had grabbed a script then had a seat, or asked to fill out an audition sheet.
BUT he didn't...
And I could see the kids onstage at the time were slightly put off by it.....
Argh.
THEN, as mom and I tried to get our stuff out of the box office, we discovered that after Susan went into the office, she had LOCKED the door.......
with our purses and KEYS inside.
DOUBLEARGH!
Luckily, Junia and James got the window shutters to the box office open, and I was able to climb in and unlock the door.
PHEW!
BUT, the show must go on.
And if they come back tomorrow, I will kindly ask Robert to fill out an audition sheet and do a monologue like everyone else, lest I appear to be unfair to the other potential actors.
It was frustrating, but I'm not going to obsess over it.
Stuff happens.
And, like I said, the whole process went really well.
:o)
I'm really pumped to see what tomorrow night holds....
hopefully James' fears will be in vain, and the auditions won't suffer because of the superbowl....
Hopefully....

SNOW. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?

I love snow.
It's fabulous to watch.
To see.
To feel.
To romp in with my dog.
HOWEVER.
It is NOT fun when it traps me in my house.
I haven't been to work in the past two days.
Actually...
I haven't been ANYWHERE in the past two days.
I have yet to gain the infamous Cabin fever or become stir-crazy.
STILL.
I'd like to regain the OPTION of leaving if I chose to do so.
argh.

On the flip side, the website for the dance studio is up and it's great...
As long as you overlook the EXTREMELY cheesy picture of me.
It made me die a little on the inside.
www.charmionpac.com

So, my face now looks as if someone started to brand the osu logo on my right cheek but didn't finished the job.

Yeah.

I've scrubbed the outline of the freaking tattoo onto my face.

I'm a scabby fanatic....

YAY.

I laid out all of my Treasure Island stuff and started working on it some more and realized something.

Okay, I personally don't write my blocking in the script.

I can remember it.

Not that hard.

With Lear, I did write my exits and entrances because it was slightly confusing at time, not dealing with an actual stage and all.

That and the fact that Shakespeare really didn't write out stage blockin in his scripts.

Otherwise, I just highlight my lines and I'm good.

I just don't like doing it and I don't need to do it.

SO, you can imagine my perturbation when I realized I had to actually write the blocking for ALL the characters in my script.
ARGH.

I was highly irritated.

When I told mom about it, she said, "Well, you need to. You aren't going to be able to remember what you want the kids to do in when you start next year."
"Yes I will." said I.

"The blocking... for all of them?"
"Yeah."
"I don't think so."
ARGH.

I started doing it last night despite my... despite for it.

And I realized I need to start working on the schedule as well.

ARGH.
SOOOOO many things still left to do.

ARGH.

Now, I have to get ready for practice....

ARGH.

Not so much grey as it is scarlet...

Yesterday, as you may know, was the infamous Ohio State vs. Michigian game.
Every year, dad's family gathers around the television, all donned in scarlet and grey, to watch the game.
Oh, and there's always a smorgasborg of food.
That goes without saying.
So, yesterday morning, us Maynards got up and prepared for the day.
We cooked and dressed like mad fiends.
I myself decided to apply a temporary tattoo of the OSU symbol along with my buckeyes shirt.
After arriving at my cousin's, there was much hooplah and harried chaos as the game began.
Of course, the buckeyes won, 42-7.
GLORIOUS.
In a celebratory fashion, mom and I wore our Buckeye garb to the local pizza joint to see a family band play.
Then I went out to visit with some friends at the restaurant.
When I got home, and decided to prepare for bed, I began my nightly ritual of brushing teeth and washing face.
Ah, that darn tattoo.
I had almost forgotten about until I saw it on my reflection in the mirror.
Some soap.
A washcloth.
No problem.
Some scrubbing......
UHM...
Some scrubbing....
Huh...
It's still there.
Only tiny bits had come off.
SO, some more scrubbing, a bit more vigorous this time.
After a few minutes of scrubbing, my cheek now lacked the tattoo, but donned a new bright red mark as if I had been slapped.
Hhhmmm...
Oh well, thought I, it'll go away.
Ha.
This morning, I woke up to find my cheek slightly stinging.
I went down the bathroom and gasped at my reflection.
My cheek now looked as if I had been in a fight with either a really cruel carpet or a small fire.
Great.
Not that I'm doing anything of importance today, such as play practice and a meeting at work, meaning I have to see people who are going to question what that huge red mark is on the side of my freaking face.
Not at all...
ARGH.
After being questioned by my horrified mother, I put neosporin on it and trudged to this computer to look up remedies.
Not sure how to search for what this was, I simply put rug burn treatments.
ARGH.
Then, out of spite, I looked up how to remove a temporary tattoo....
This I found to be hilarious.
Among other means of removal which would've been much more sensible and less painful, I found these two...

Grab a paper towel or a cloth and rub the tattoo vigorously until it is removed. Continue to add oil as needed
Take hand soap, dish soap, body wash, etc. and scrub, not too hard, but vigorously, until gone.

HAH!
These were the others...
-Take some cooking oil, preferably olive oil, and apply it to your tattoo.
-Apply a reasonable amount of rubbing alcohol to a cloth or cotton ball. Rub until gone, also can use water with it.
-Take some clear Scotch tape, apply over the tattoo, and rip off. Don't worry, Scotch tape isn't sticky enough to hurt- only sticky enough to remove temporary tattoos!
-You can also put a little baby oil on it before you go to bed, and when you wake up, it will be gone.

Much more sensible than waking up looking like Tommy Lee Jones when he played Two Face in Batman and Robin.....
ARGH.
Now I have to memorize the rest of my lines and figure out the perfect sob story for all the insightful questions I know I shall receive once I step foot out of this house........



Three Rug Burn Home Remedies

Do you have more than one child running around the house? Do your children's friends come over to play? Do you have rugs or carpets? If so, you've probably had to deal with rug burns or another. A child getting dragged across the floor by a friend or sibling seems like an inevitable part of playing and roughhousing. And, if they are dragged across a rug, it can leave a minor, but painful, rug burn behind. People often don't think of treating rug burns, figuring the only thing you can do is leave them be and let them heal on their own. But there are home remedies you can use to treat these minor injuries, and keep them from turning into something worse.

Apply Cold Water to the Rug Burn
You can treat a rug burn the same way you'd treat other first degree burns. The first step to treating a rug burn is to hold the injured area under cool, running water for about ten or even twenty minutes.Do not place ice directly on a rug burn. This could actually cause more damage to the injured area.

Keep the Rug Burn Dry
After removing the injured area from the water, gently but thoroughly dry the area with something soft and gentle, like a cotton ball.You want to keep a rug burn dry at all times. So, after baths and showers, give make sure the rug burn is thoroughly dry.

Clothes Can Irritate a Rug Burn
When fabric rubs against a rug burn, it can cause pain an irritation. It can also slow down the healing process, something you definitely don't want.So, if possible, try to wear clothes that won't rub against a rug burn. For example, if the rug burn is on your leg, wear skirts or shorts whenever possible. If the rug burn is on your arm, wear short sleeved shirts instead of long sleeved shirts. Making minor changes in the way you dress while your rug burn heals can make a world of difference.
What Not to Put on a Rug Burn
There are some things you definitely don't want to put on a rug burn, because they'd cause more harm than good. Some things you should avoid putting on the area are butter, lotions, powders (like baby powder), perfumes, sunscreen, alcohol, and baby oil. All of these things could cause irritation, and make the rug burn worse, and make it take longer to heal.

ARGH! I be excited....

I must say how impatiently I am waiting for the new year to come.
Well, I guess part of me really hates seeing time fly by so fast.
The other part of me can't wait for January, and for the adventure of Treasure Island to commence.
I'm am all a twitter preparing for my first stab at directing, and I am uber excited to work with another children's production.
As of right now, I am reading up on the back story of the story of Treasure Island, so I can be ready with tons of fun little facts about Robert Louis Stevenson and whatnot.
I'm also looking at different costume designs and trying to figure out what an 18th century doctor would wear.
http://anniescostumes.com/eighteen.htm
http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/jacob_wismer/fourth/colonies/clothing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/histmed/people/academics/wear
For a moment I actually considered setting the play in modern time.
HA!
Silly me.
Where is the fun in that?

I've already got my set design, prop list and character list.
I've broken down the scenes and sound cues.
Now all I need to do is get my sounds.
And cast.
And props.
And everything else that goes with a children's production.
Man, just talking about it gets me all crazy excited....
But I have to wait through this production, Playing Away.
And the next production, Little Johnny Jones.
THEN!!!
THEN my dream will come true!!!!!!!
AGH!
So excited!!!!

Give me a clue and take a hint!

I'm gonna be the angsty young female for a minute here...
Bear with me.
Why-
what is it about guys?
I mean, what?
I try so hard to get into their heads, and when I think I've finally figured them out, SURPRISE! another curve ball.
It's like a freaking rubix cube.
One will be friends with you and you think that's it.
Just friends.
Then, all of the sudden, you find out that he finds you attractive.
You give him a couple of beers, and he's inviting you back to his place.
Another tells you he wants to talk, so you offer to come over.
NOOOOOOOO, he's busy with a project.
Then he's doing whatever else he wants to do.
SO you go home.
Those are just two examples...
Seriously, what is up?
*SIGH*
I just don't get it.

I'm so flustered I can't even write a poem about how flustered I am, or utilize it in a creative way.
ARGH!

Play practice is going really well.
Still don't have my lines memorized, but it will get there.
I have faith.
I have to, since we have about 6 rehearsals left.
Yeah.

No rest for the wicked...

So, I'm on the computer right now.
Obviously.
I'm here because I was in the living room, attempting to enjoy myself despite the fact I've been ill all day, but I had to vacate the living room.
I had to leave because Junia came home and brought her boyfriend with her.
And because I was on the couch and I knew she would bitch about me being on the couch, the one piece of furniture that would comfortably accomodate her and Chris.
And because I know they want to watch "Polar Express."
Well, mom wants to watch it, but was waiting til they came home.
And, as it is not Christmas time, I have no desire to sit through Polar Express.
And I have no desire to do anything involving Junia and Chris.

It's always awkward when someone you're close to and usually like dates someone you can't stand.
I have found myself leaving the room a lot faster.
Actually, I've been more likely to find refuge over at Tyler's pad, where I know they can't get me.
*SIGH*
It really grinds my gears anymore...
I can't stand that guy...

Santa Baby, give everyone else a calendar, please...

SO.
The holidays are only weeks away.
Yeah.
2008 apparently had no desire to stick around, because this year just flew by.
So, unfortunately, Christmas will come bounding upon ere long...
Bleh.
I noticed something last night that caught my eye and struck me as absurd.
People have actually just taken down halloween decorations and immediately replaced them with Christmas decorations.
Why?
And they aren't simple christmas lights and maybe a reindeer or two.
NO.
These are the people who buy every inflatable santa claus-in-a-snoglobe-that-is-bigger-than-the-house (or trailer), and frosty the snowman-that-looks-like-he-might-be-mentally-challenged-and-might-eat-your-children-because-he-can....
Subtle is not in the vocabulary.
I had the pleasure of taking my 5-year-old cousin Madison to see.... *SHUDDER*... "High School Musical 3" yesterday.
Yeas, my soul died a little...
As we were driving home, we happened upon a couple of different houses with this situation.
Being the ever bright and wonderful creature she is, Madison looked out the window as I pointed these houses out, and yelled, "WHAT?! It's not even Christmas time yet, PEOPLE!"
AH, the wisdom of a child.

It was payneful...

Mom and I recently went to see a movie together.
Being the ever typical women we are, we were split between "Max Payne" and " the Haunting of Molly Bartley."
Max Payne won.
In a manner of speaking.
First of all, mom and I, for some reason or another, were under the impression that this Max Payne was a comic book character.
Secondly, knowing nothing about the story and having to rely only on the previews on the TV, we were under the impression the story had to do with spiritual warfare, i.e. angels, demons, heaven, hell.
Kind of a spin off on Constantine.
That is clearly the vibe you get from the previews, where you see huge black, winged creatures flying around, and you hear a man's voice saying, "The Devil is building his army.... Max Payne is looking for something Heaven doesn't want to be found..."
Then the movie opens up with Mark Walberg's voice saying, "I don't believe in heaven...."
SO.
Imagine our surprise when we find out the movie is about drugs and government cover ups.
Oh, keep in mind how much we dislike Mark Walberg because of his inability to act.
Or entertain.
I was actually writing this blog in my head as I was watching the movie, if that tells you anything....
Ooh, Max Payne is all hard and wears a black leather coat.
OOh, he's a vigilante of sorts.
OOh, he takes the law in his own hands.
Ooh, his wife and child were killed and the bad guy got away? No way!
OOh, his ex-partner was played by a funny man from a sitcom.
Ooh, he has personal conflict with his old partner and that's why they are together anymore.
Ooh, he buries himself in his work....
Ooh, He never smiles the entire movie, except to a flashback where he smiles like he's mentally disabled.... That is until he realizes some broke in and killed his wife and child... Then he's hard like the streets.
Ooh, his wife was killed because of a government cover up.
Ooh, the person he trusted the most was the one who killed his wife and child...
Oh, and Beau Bridges.
LOL.
Beau Bridges' lines were hilarious.
When he wasn't asking Max "Where are you going?" he was saying cheesy lines like "He's my old partner's kid. He's family. Take care of him..."
BLEH.
The only thing about this movie that surprised me was the fact that Max Payne was trying to drown himself in either alcohol or sex.
Good Freaking Grief.
When the movie finally ended (Let me just say the last scene just epitomized the entire movie in its hilarity) I laughed.
I annoyed the tar out of mom because I laughed out of the theatre, into the restroom and out into the car.
I laughed.
It was ridiculous.
I will say that I was surprised to see Mila Kuniz doing a serious role.
Not bad, Mila.
Not bad at all.
Oh, and some rapper.... Ludacriz or something like that played this detective.
When I read that, I turned to mom and said, "Oh, that explains it."
Bad acting....
Ugh.
Bad Hollywood.
Deceiving us like that.
Bad.
Bad.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Now go stand in the corner, you naughty, naughty form of entertainment...

Opening niiiiiiiiight... It's opening niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight....

Opening night.
Wow.
Well..
We've made it.
We being the cast/crew of King Lear.
Well...
Sorta.
We still have to do the show.... 9 more times.
Some of us may not last.
I can totally see some killing others...
You know...
Cast members...
disappearing...
Or suddenly going the way of poor Regan...
The funny thing is how that kinda is a reality...
lol.
I think it is funny how you get to know folks in a cast.
I mean, I've met some interesting... I mean INTERESTING people in this cast.
This play has allowed me to continue my relationship with Rosebriar and Manny, who I just think is the bee's knees...
I have met another long lost sister in Danielle who shall never be rid of me now...
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
LOL.
This play has also taken me further into the sick and twisted world of thespianism...
Within this cast of interesting characters, I have seen the gambit of acting ability/experience on display.
I have seen different takes on scenes and characters, different attitudes....
It's been a while since I've been involved with an all adult cast, and I had forgotten how adult actors can be at times.
Another interesting aspect has been observing how these folks have developed their roles and developed into their roles...
If at all...
I myself am still kicking around a few ideas about my character.
The interaction between the actors, not the characters but the actors themselves, is ALWAYS a delight.
Theatre is the best place to see how different folks handle different situations, much like church.
This overall has been a roller coaster ride of craziness that I have... for the most part, enjoyed.

Oh.
BTW.
My scarecrow was awarded second place.
To the Tin Man-wannabe made by some locally owned heating and cooling company.
Such a crock....
I worked my bum off on that thing and rushed it to town hall just so it would be there by the "deadline" of 8 o'clock pm...
Ohmg, only to find out that there were others that were still coming in.
I mean, I saw scarecrows waiting to posted in the alley way as of last Sunday.
WHAT?
Small town.... whatever-ism....
bleh.
Oh, and what was my... "prize?"
(I choke on the word...)
A sandwich bag...
Full of reese's cups and despair...
And a crappy red ribbon on my scarecrow....
I swear the skull was crying tears of shame......
Those people are lucky I like reese's cups otherwise I would've stomped on the freaking bag.
Harlow kept telling me I should be happy I got 2nd place because there were a lot of different scarecrows and I'm not from Groveport....blablabla...
The scarecrow didn't represent me...
It represented Rosebriar....
It was Rosebriar's scarecrow....
Yeah, just popped that bubble...