Summer Play Festival
Interns Blog

I am writing just after the completion of the SPF run of Esther Demsack, the third show I have worked on in the festival. The first was The Black Suits which was immediately followed by Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, for which I ran the sound. Moving from a musical to a play was odd - I had gotten used to the constant musical accompaniment, the collective singing, etc. It was especially weird coming into the tech process not having been to a single rehearsal and being introduced to an entire creative team with entirely different personalities. With my first morning on Neighborhood 3, the scene was the same as it had been for Black Suits - lights were being focused, sets were being completed and dressed, props were being stored, and sound cues were being tested - and I was asked to jump right in. However, the feeling in the room was completely different - clearly because it was a different group of people. If there is anything you learn through doing many many shows it is that you find what kind of environment you enjoy working in and the kinds of people you enjoy working with. It will be those people with whom you continue to surround yourself with on future projects - positive experiences lead to future positive experiences.
On Suits, I could not have asked for a more supportive and encouraging team of people to work with. Similarly, one of the producers of Esther Demsack, Eric Louie, has been an incredible person to work with. Esther is a complicated show, with choreographed transitions, whirlwind costume changes and three full meals, all created with a mixture of real and fake food. To be perfectly frank, the crew, most of which joined the Esther team on Monday morning, the final day of rehearsal and tech, has had some difficulties accomplishing all that needs to be accomplished in order to put on this show - not that we aren’t capable of doing so. Under these rushed and hurried circumstances it can be hard to find your niche in a production, to really feel at home with it, where it doesn’t feel like a chore, but feels like fun and working with people who may or may not function in the same way you do makes it difficult. Eric, however, has certainly helped on this front; he has really listened to the interns and has tried to make our issues/concerns heard and known and has taken actions towards improvement, in efforts to make the show smoother and all those involved happy.

Billy Finnegan says the playwrights should do tech for the intern cabaret.

It has been inspiring for me to see the passion pouring into the process that is Tio Pepe.  It’s not every day that a group of artists can collectively reach the same level of enthusiasm over a project.  That is theatre at its ideal core.  I salute Matthew Lopez for creating a piece that can achieve these heights, and I salute Caitlin Moon for bringing together and leading a group of people so dedicated--a group which I am honored to be a part of.  My infinite thanks to everyone involved for showing me a surprising level of respect.

This past Tuesday, Esther Demsack opened in The Shiva Theater. The play by Billy Finnegan is a hysterical stroll through the life of a young boy, Everette, we are introduced to his passions and hobbies; musical theater, hair-styling, and lipsyncing to Peggy Lee. The show is witty and comical, while bringing me almost to tears when we learn the family’s “deep secret”. The role of Everette is played magnificently by Noah Galvin, a 14-year-old actor from Westchester. Every member of our five person cast brings something new to the table. Claudia Shear is a laugh-riot in the Green Room every afternoon, and Maron is legitimately one of the sweetest actresses I have ever worked with.
Last night was odd night at The Shiva. We had a few rough days but we refused to give up, and we worked our butts off to make last nights show the best it has been. It was just that, unfortunately it was hot like no other. We found ourselves working together harmoniously while cursing Mother Nature in a single chorus. It was hot but we did it. Now the huge spectacle that is Esther Demsack will run smoother and easier for the next 3 shows, and maybe the A.C. will come back on!

It seems I may have a future in interior decorating!  Today I hung production photos from festivals past in the midtown office, adding some much needed personality and color to the room.  I even got to use some 4th grade algebra in determining the spacing!

Hey, how about that JRB?  He reminds me of every jewish comedian/actor/director rolled into one (im sure that’s no accident).  He didn’t give me the 5 bucks he owes me from that game of poker.  Oh well. not like I need it… o wait I do.

sorry, I got nothing, that’s all for now
-T

So we’re exactly in the middle of our run; four shows behind us, four shows ahead of us. I am On Deck, making sure all’s well backstage, but it’s a pretty low maintenance show so I get to watch it every night! Susannah, the other intern on Flutter, is on sound, so we certainly feel part of the team
I never thought that tech would be an interesting experience; and for the most part of the fourteen hours we were there, this was true. But in the final moment, when sound and light came together with what was happening on stage, I realised the artistic integrity of the backstage elements. They were so beautifully designed, and complemented Slyvia’s wonderful writing. It’s been an exhausting week, but a fantastic one none the less. Yesterday I attended a talk with wise Gerry Schonfeld, then I did a rehearsal for our intern cabaret, then we did a combat class, then I went to see Esther Demsack, then we did a show, and finally I went to a talk with Stephen Rae. If anyone has a spare green card lying around...? 

1) He’s intimidating in a straw hat and suspenders.
2) I (and my fellow interns, I think) cared about just about everything he said, and he talked for a solid hour.
3) Google his name. Just try it.
4) He’s produced most the Broadway shows I can think of in the past 30+ years. (This is one thing you learn after google his name, in case you didn’t)

Every time we meet a producer, writer, composer, or performer, I remind myself how lucky I am...and sometimes pinch myself (although when we meet Sondheim next week total paralysis might prevent me from doing so). This morning I felt incredibly small, inexperienced, and insignificant compared to someone like Gerry Schoenfeld (and the other day John Patrick Shanley, who was a wonderful person as well), but there is something liberating and inspiring about knowing you have far to go and feeling a certain solidarity with those who traversed a similar path and made it across alive. And successful. To be trite, but honest, there’s a lot to learn from just talking to them. And...wow. It’s been an exciting couple of weeks, even since Tell Out My Soul finished it’s run. I’ve been meeting people, seeing plays, reading plays, and just trying to enjoy the things around me. I couldn’t ask for much more, except maybe to work on a show. Which I get to do again next week when Tio Pepe opens.

Oooh, and Ones that flutter and Esther Demsack were wonderful. Congratulations all!

Hello world! I’m back. Green Girl is over and we had a successful run.  The end is bittersweet, as anyone who has ever closed a show would know, but it’s good to have my life back. One of these days I’ll do one of those “What I have learned” posts...but my inspiration for this blog comes from a different place.

I just didn’t realize it until a few minutes ago when I was at my local deli picking up a burrito. Yes I mention food a lot.  Yes I am a fatty.

Before this moment I’d passed by many SPF posters up and down Manhattan, and I was casually like - “hm, I work for them that’s cool.” And then “living” at the Public, (seriously though, Living Room for Artists is an understatement) you see all sorts of famous people: Sam Shepard, Audra Macdonald just chilling in the lobby.  People I’ve seen on television are in green rooms with me, talking to me.  Panel discussions with real professionals. 

But only a few minutes ago I’m getting ready to pay for my burrito and I look down at a pile of “sleevies” for hot coffee and I look down and see a picture of a girl campaigning for Live United and I’m like. “Wait, I know her, that’s Reyna from Neighborhood 3.” Only then, did I have the “So, this is it” moment.  Not sure why.

I’m not even sure if I know what “it” is.  But “it” gives me a funny feeling.  There’s a good chance “it” will include me living off Ramen noodles for several years but the future doesn’t seem so far and ominous any more.  I feel like I’m plugged in. I mean no one has pressed the on button yet, if that makes sense - I mean I’m still an intern stuffing programs - but where NYC can make one feel small it can also be an empowering place.  And especially, post-Green Girl, being right there in the midst of a professional production I can say not only “Those are talented people” but also “Those are talented people that I work with.” and finally “I can and will do this.”

“It” is the difference between a dream and destiny.  Whereas before I would say “My family is ridiculously supportive of my crazy dream.” I will now say “They are invested and believe in my destiny.”

So what’s next? Well tomorrow, thanks to the American Theatre Wing I will attend a forum on Inside the Tony Awards.  I thought of standing outside the Tony’s this year and taking pictures of celebrities walking the red carpet but when I go to the Tony’s I want it to be for real.

My experience with NEIGHBORHOOD 3: REQUISITION OF DOOOOOOOOOOM

HELLO OUT THERE IN THE INTERWEBS!  This is my first “b-log” post since freshman year of highschool.  And you totally care about that!  So far the SPF experience, as it has come to be congealed in my silly brain, has been full of laughter, educational experience, networking opportunities, triumph, failure, frustration, total mental collapse from lack of sleep, free booze, free food, and lots of other tasty/useful perks.  I recently finished working as assistant to the costume designer for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom.  I worked under Holly Nadel, who was one of the sweetest and most knowledgeable costume designers I have come across.  Our many hours working and playing at Century 21, Sims, Big D and other ghetto discount department stores will remain as fond memories for years to come.  I would have to say that my most important experience working as Holly’s assistant is when she taught me the proper way to dye clothes using only powder dye and a washing machine.  I had no idea that you could do that!  It will surely come in as a handy alternative to looking for specific colors of clothing in the future.  Another interesting, yet not so much a fond memory, that I retain is that of a crisis that occurred before one of our performances.  45 minutes before one of the shows, it was discovered that a dress was stained and had to be emergency re-dyed, a cache of shoes went missing, and various other costume items were MIA.  This all with only 30 minutes to curtain!  Luckily, my partner Max and I, under the brave leadership of Holly, managed to resolve the matter by curtain with literally 2 minutes to spare.  It was truly a test of nerve and efficiency, and also a startling reminder of the unpredictablility of live theater.  I won’t be forgetting that fiasco any time soon!  Heheh… he.... ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

moT

Joe Iconis
(This was more often than not what Joe was doing during Suits rehearsals)

Hello world! It’s been a while since we’ve (Heather, Caroline, and Liza) blogged. Reason: we’ve been having way too much fun working on Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock’s musical The Black Suits. As promised, here is our photo-blog chronicling our experiences as interns on this wonderful show.

Caroline/Jeremy/Joe/Nick/John walking to lunch

Cast member Jason Williams learning the ins and outs of the drum kit from Musical Director/Cast Member/Musician Matt Hinkley

The view from the sidelines of rehearsal

Liza and Caroline

Caroline in Nato’s recliner - one of many items the three of us schlepped across Manhattan and back

Joe Iconis eating Soy Chips

Joe in Nato’s recliner, Jason Williams, Jason Tam, John Simpkins, Liza, Caroline - on a break/giving some notes

On a Car Ride to BROOKLYN with me! Caroline, Liza, and I were sent to purchase a park bench at the brand new IKEA

Band Rehearsal - Lance Rubin on Bass, Jason Williams on Drums, and Jason Tam on Guitar

Jason Tam and Lance Rubin rockin’ out

Add Nick Blaemire and you have The Black Suits

Liza and what became our ‘broken amp’ - a prop used in the second act

Notes with Director John Simpkins

Lunch from Europan - We’d recommend the Rainbow Sprinkle cookie seen at the bottom

PERFORMANCES
The Green Room and Backstage

Jason Tam, Sarah Glendening, Jason Williams, Mike Pettry (Keyboards), and Krysta Rodriguez

Toby/Jill - our brilliant costume/dressers

Fight Call

The Black Suits
Lance Rubin, Nick Blaemire, Jason Williams, Jason Tam

Joe Iconis with Hairspray, for Men

The Black Suits Crew - Caroline, Elizabeth, Mike Pettry (Keyboards), Molly, Kristen, Jonathan

The Black Suits women - Sarah Glendening, Krysta Rodriguez, and Annie Golden

Jillian looking at her paperwork

Lance Rubin - Nato’s Song

Matt Hinkley as Pedro, guitarist extraordinaire!

I’m a Destroyer/Only Person in the World - Nick Blaemire

Rock and Roll Band
Lance Rubin, Jason Tam, Nick Blaemire, Krysta Rodriguez

BLACK SUITS FOREVER