Day Three

This day was much more exhausting as we worked for 14 hours - which lasted 'til 10:40. After such a warm Monday, it was amazing how quickly the weather changed to wind and even SNOW!!! The sound, grip, and electric were the only ones outside in the wind and random snow flurries while everyone else was either in the warm cabin or next to a heater. Finally, we brought one of the propane heaters outside so we didn't have to freeze to death. The best part about today was being able to shoot a daytime scene during the middle of the night. We had lighting instruments at each window and even put up a 4K and 12x12 Ultra Bounce screen to make the whole cabin light up. Inside, no one could tell that it was black outside. I love being a part of this film to see the different possibilities that are available in filming. Who would guess what all goes into the creation of a movie unless they have been a part of a film crew. In all actuality, only a select few really knows all that goes into it. Actually, it is impossible to really know unless they have worked all aspects. So much work goes into a project - and I am so glad to be a part of it and help as much as I can.

Day Two

Wow . . . it's my second day and although it is never-ending learning, I am really getting the hang of everything. I spent the whole day inside the cabin rearranging the lighting plot, running haze, and keeping things flowing in the grip and electric department. For a while, I was put in charge of electric as the key gaff had to leave and it felt good to be trusted like that, but there is still much I need to learn. I'm not experienced in lighting enough to know which instruments are best and if they need gels or diffusion. Hopefully, by the end of this production, I will be able to be a better lighting designer. Either way, it is worth every minute. I hope to work more film shoots in the future. Yesterday I worked for 10 hours, while today I worked for 12 and a half hours. It can get tiring, but every moment is worth it . . . of course I can probably say that since I am inside the cabin watching the rehearsals and takes. I don't know if I can keep it up, but it's really amazing to be a intimate part of a film being created. In many cases, only six to ten people are inside the cabin during filming. Either the key gaff or best boy are usually included for any quick fixes. I have become in charge of haze because I was always there to run it so I have no problems with being included. It's great to be busy doing little fixes here and there - and also being able to call for whatever is needed. I am on radio with four other people so we all can assist quickly and productively - at least that is what we try to do. Now I am looking forward to the next day.

First Day

Today was the first day of Diantha's film shoot. It was great!! I may not know the terminology at first, but I am quickly learning so much about film lighting. It feels great to be busy all day and to know I still have two weeks left of such days. I am looking forward to see how much I will learn and grow during these next few weeks. I am also sooo excited to be able to see the final product. It is going to be a great film.

DC in Tuacahn

It was a great trip to go down to St. George and be able to perform Dancers' Company's pioneer program for the last time. Surprisingly, it was a tiring day because we did not bring a lot of equipment for Tuacahn is already set up with a lot for lighting and sound. The show itself went wonderfully. Caroline was impressed with the "perfect" timing that came from the techs. It was funny because we were constantly on headset trying to remember what is and is not being performed and exactly what the cues were. Thankfully, it all went well. We worked from 9am until 2:30am. What a day!

Now, the filming of the program will continue on the firts week of June. I wish I could be there to assist, but I will be leaving for China. I am excited to see the film when it is complete. It will be amazing!!

The Last Day of Rest

Today will be the last day I am able to just sit and rest. Tomorrow is Dancers' Company to Tuacahn, then the film shooting for Diantha begins on Monday. I'm excited to have things to do so I'm not just wasting away in my apartment, but it will be busy. I am working for 12 hours tomorrow, then it will be 12hr days for Diantha. When the filming ends, I'll have two weeks before leaving for China. It's exciting! I'm already gathering everything I need for tour.

Besides reading and watching movies with Andrea, I have been learning how to do my hair. I really use to hate bothering. It's a waste of time because whenever I bother to do anything with my hair and makeup, there is no one to see it (except my roommates of course). But, I do feel more confident. I'm coming to the idea of actually trying to do my hair while on tour. I'm so use to pulling it in a bun or letting a dancer do my hair. Now, I think I could handle blow drying it straight or even spending the time to curl it. With practice, it doesn't take too long. Of course, I am using up all my hairspray, but it's worth it.

Andrea's Call

Finally . . . Sister Andrea Nicoll has been given a call from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to serve as a missionary in the Spain Malaga Mission. This was such a wonderful day! She was worried when it did not come in the mail yesturday, but everything was wonderful today when she discovered the letter in the mail. It had just begun to snow! We quickly made phone calls and got into the car to head to Andrea's aunt's house in Payson. Her grandparents and two aunts were there with her parents on the phone. It was great to see Andrea's reaction and her big smile! I are now preparing ourselves for her sudden outbursts of "SPAIN!!!" She's already done it several times today and we expect many more as time draws closer. She reports to the MTC on September 24th (her mother's birthday). She spends three weeks in the Provo MTC then spends six weeks in the Madrid MTC. We are all so excited for her!! This was a wonderful day!!

FRUSTRATED W/ SCHEDULING

Can't life like me? I mean it can't be that hard for everything to work out perfectly. Not all the time, of course, but every once in a while. Okay, I don't mean any of that, but life can be quite frustrating for me.

My life is theatre, but for the past two years, that has changed to mean the dance theatre. I could not bear to quit my job because it is perfect. I have so many friends, I gain a lot of experience, and I am able to tour. A roadie is what I love and I can do it with the dance department. Also, I have gotten use to working quick paced and having only a few days to put on a production. It's what I like. Keep moving . . . keep moving . . .

However, I am graduating as a Theatre Arts Major, so it would be important to actually work with the Theatre Department (which I haven't done yet). Therefore, I need to restrict my hours with dance to work with theatre. The main downside is that theatre is at least a month's worth of work while dance is a week. Therefore, I am missing four dance performances while I work on one theatre production. I not only lose out on working with dance, but I lose all those hours. It is work that makes it possible for me to get money for tuition. Taking off that many hours will not help any.

So, I do need to work with the theatre department because I want to graduate in April of 2009. So, I talked with Michael Handley about possible assistant design projects and he was able to give me a rough schedule of next years shows. It will be an amazing season!!! I'm excited for it and hope to be more willing to attend the performances.

Anyways, the ones I would love to work the most conflict with Ballroom performances. I still need to talk to Benjamin because I don't know if I will be working with Ballroom next year, but it is my life. If I can't work with them, I don't know what I'd do . . . okay, I'd get over it and work with another company, but I have come to really love Ballroom. With the schedule they have so far, the tours and events either overlap or come right before a main production. Some I don't mind not being able to work, but there is one performance that I am dying to work. I won't be a designer, but I'd like to work on the crew - but there is a St George performance on the last two nights!!! It makes me want to cry (on the inside of course). Then, I have to take in account the fact that theatre is not just the production week, but also the tech week before, the focusing before that, and any other required rehearsals and meetings an assistant lighting designer needs to attend. I don't think I can find a production that does not conflict.

I also feel really guilty being one of three technicians and not being able to help with some important dance concerts. I don't know what to do!! I am going to meet with a theatre advisor today and hopefully she can help me sort a lot of it out, but it may appear that I'll have to wait for graduation until December of 2009. Of course . . . my weakness is being able to tour with the dance department, so I would wait til April of 2010 so I could go on a few more tours. Awful I know, but it's my love!

We will see . . . I have some huge decisions to make this summer. Hopefully I can find a good solution - preferable one that will allow me to graduate April of '09. Sigh . . .

Suns vs Spurs

I CAN"T BELIEVE THE RESULT OF THAT GAME!!!!!!!!!!!

Spurs first lead in the game was with two and a half minutes left. From that point, it was a constant battle to take the lead from the ties. We go into overtime after 4th quarter ends with a 93point tie. Then, just before the end of overtime, Spurs Duncan get a three pointer and tie to 104. Okay, so double overtime begins and we just knew there would be trouble. There was twenty seconds on the clock with Suns having the ball and needing a three pointer. It's amazing that we got it, but then Spurs grabs the ball, runs across the court and gets a two pointer in the last few seconds making the score 117 to 115 Spurs. AHHHH . . .

Well, that was game one of four, so we have three more chances to beat them, but what a way to begin the playoffs! Suns were doing so well at keeping ahead of the game 'til four minutes before the end of fourth quarter. This is why I like to watch sports. Wow does it get intense in the end.

Mini Spring Break

Today was the last day that all us roommates could be together so we decided to escape Provo and have some fun! We drove up to the Crystal Hot Springs near Brigham City and had a day of relaxation. It was so nice! We took pictures, made another roomie video, and almost fell asleep there. Then, we found a field next to an elementary school to fly kites. "Let's go fly a kite! Up to the highest hight! Let's go fly a kite and send it souring!" It was quite fun, but also quite cold! Unfortunately, Sariah is getting over a sickness and Andrea and Krista and just starting to get sick. I now have to try to avoid catching it. Yeah . . .

Thoughts on Music

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

Today, I went to a cello master class and really enjoyed my time listening to the music. Several different things came to mind while I was there, and here are a few of the things I thought of.

I'd have to say my favorite instrument is the cello. It would take a lot of convincing to sway me toward another instrument. I loved to see the passion on their faces as they played: listening to each note, putting feelings into every movement of the bow and fingers. It is amazing what kind of sounds and emotions can come from one instrument. Close your eyes and imagine the world being created by the music. Playing is not about getting the notes right but about conveying your image of the musical world to the audience. I really enjoy watching films like Fantasia because it takes classic songs and creates a visual interpretation.

People have so many different sides to them, and I love to see that change when they are doing what they love. They are complete and show forth their true potential. I just want to weep for joy for them. In times of trouble, sorrow, or confusion, one can always turn to what they love. It is amazing to see the power of music, feel it touch straight to the heart, hear it fill the venue with beauty.

Honestly, I do not like our age of time. Nothing is a truly original masterpiece. Dance only exists in concert, music is from the classical composers, many films just want to show off special effects, and theatre is taking risks to cross the line so the audience will open their minds to change. I sometimes wonder how it would be like to live among the society that surrounded Mozart, Bach, Beethoven - and to be the first to listen to such magnificence.

I started to draw again today. Only once in a while can I just sit and work on drawing still life. I have so much potential for different talents, but I never have the drive to develop them. My love of the theatre overpowers all else, but I know for myself there are other people that are much better then me, but I am happy with the way I am. It would be nice to improve my minor skills, but it is not necessary for me to be happy with my life.

The Power of Film

I have just finished watching "One Night With The King" this night and was truly amazed to see the amazing design that was placed within the filming. The costuming, scenic, and lighting design was so powerful. I was greatly impressed with all the work that must have gone into the filming. The power of the bible story of Esther is shown through this film. I wish I had the power and imagination to design with such an amazing impact. Although I may not feel like I have the ability to design such projects, at least I can learn of the experience to work as a gaffer and grip to participate in the creation of such a film. I have felt the joy of working backstage on multiple stage productions for plays in high school and dance in college, but it is my desire in the future to look back on a feature film and remember my help in creating the set up and filming of each scene. No one will know of what I have done, and most will not even bother to wait for my name to appear on the credits, but I will know and hold the memories of each scene, each filming, each moment. I will be able to relive those times with the production staff in pre-production meetings and the laughs we had together through the experience.

I am so glad that Heavenly Father has blessed me with this talent and I just wish to be able to assist in several productions to come that will be able to express His spirit and love for His children. My first film will be "Diantha's Crossing" this spring and I look forward to many more in the future. I may never be on a popular film, but I will continue to dream and use my talents as a mission in life to spread the love of God through the amazing works that can come from the film industry.

Our New Office!!!

Today, we were finally able to move into our new office 2231 RB. It is actually pretty nice. We still have to wait for a few things to be assembled and cleared up, but it's looking good. We started moving in and I am learning who will be in the new offices near us. I know Pat, Ed, and Lee will be right nearby, so the dance directors will only be a few doors away from our new Dance Production office. Isn't that a cool title?! We are the new Dance Production Office. I love it!!

I'm also excited to have the Music Dance Theatre to move into the RB. They will be downstairs so I'll start seeing Living Legends and Young Ambassadors around. Maybe then I can answer people's questions about their concerts because a lot of people believed that they are a part of the dance department, when they are really a part of the music department.

We think that now there will be no work done at the RB because it is a huge social fest. We will be talking more then working because we are all together. I'm excited to see how it all goes next year. I have to learn to head upstairs instead of my routine of going to the old office.

Stadium of Fire Sold Out

I am really surprised to have found out that the Stadium of Fire sold out on the first day because of Miley Cyrus. Tickets go from $35 to $120 and they are all sold out!!! Wow. I'm really excited about working it this year . . . I just hope I will return to the country in time and will be able to get on the crew without any difficulties. I'm really curious how the stage will be designed this year, especially since Blue Man Group is coming. I always assumed they did their performances in blacklight, so I'm wondering if we'll have any kind of fun with lighting instruments. Last year was surprise enough to have all the stage instruments being moving heads. I really love to work with Stadium of Fire!!

Charity Event

On May 28th, I am going to assist as a kind of Technical Director for the charity event of "Utah's So You Think You Can Dance" being held at the Covey Center of the Arts in Provo, Utah. I am really excited for this! My friend, Brittney Wakefield asked if I would be willing to help her by being in charge of running the technical side of the show and supervising the volunteers. I feel so blessed to have all these great opportunities to gain experience as a leader and also to be a part of great events.

My favorite part of the job is being able to travel to difference venues and using my knowledge to work with their equipment and our to create a show. From all the tours I have been on, I am able to spend a maximum time of five hours taking a bare stage and preparing the lighting and sound to put on a dance production. At BYU, I have learned to spend three days setting up and programing a show that will be performed at least three to four times that week end. I cannot imaging going back to working with the acting theatre because they spend over a month preparing a show while I hurry to get it all done in three days. I love being constantly busy. I think that is why I have such a hard time being away from stage. I must be kept active with figuring out problems, setting up equipment, and having that feeling that we succeeded in putting on an amazing show that the audience enjoyed. There is nothing better then to listen to the audience exit the theatre as they praise the show they just finished watching. To know I had a part in putting it together makes my life worth living and my job worth working. The stress just melts away and all that matters is the fun that those people had. I love the theatre!!

Test Shoot

Well, in the middle of putting on Ballroom in concert, I was also preparing for the filming of Diantha's Crossing. In two weeks, we begin filming, so Saturday morning we had a test shoot as we tried out the camera we are using and learned about set-up, operation, and post-production elements that is needed to be known before we begin the filming. I was there to begin getting an idea of lighting. We were told that it would take a few minutes - which probably meant an hour, but I left for work two and a half hours later and they were still working. The theatre and film industry has no sense of time, but that's why I enjoy it so much. It is easy to get lost in the work.

It did happen to be the first time I dared to wander around the MoPic (LDS Motion Picture Studio) lot and see the models of the Whitney Store, Red Brick Store, and the Joseph Smith Sr. home. We are actually using those buildings for camps and a few filming purposes. I am so excited for it to begin, but I know I am really going to be worn out afterwards. Good thing I will have two weeks before going off to China. I seem to not believe in rest since I keep jumping from one project to the next. It keeps a person alive and on their toes though.

BDC is Over . . .

Wow. I have never had such a successful show run. After the difficult and frustrating dress rehearsal I tried my hardest not to make any foolish mistakes and the three performances went great! I had so much confidence and while I was calling cues for spots, I was surprised at the confidence and order I had. There are still little quirks I need to fix - for spots don't need to hear me talk to myself about remembering not to take a cue before the tag - but I am glad to be able to see the improvements I have made in this job.

Now, we did have a very interesting closing night as the air conditioner kicked on and we had to strike fog from the show and apparently the curtains were being pushed upstage by the draft and it was scaring a lot of the dancers. Apparently the phantoms didn't want us to have three great shows all in a row. My favorite part of the matinee showing was when a member of a lower team decided to bring their cell phone onto stage as they danced. We don't know who it was, but a cell phone fell to the floor and got stepped on, flipped open, and kicked around. We couldn't help but laugh at the idea of a dancer bringing their phone onstage. I didn't even know the costumes had pockets, let alone one that could keep a cell while spinning and jumping around.

Strike was finished in record time: out before midnight. I mainly got to drive the truck around. I really like that job and find that I am doing it a lot. I don't have to do too much work and I get to work on my leadership skills as I direct the dancers how to load, unload, and put away equipment. Also it allows me to know more of the dancers as we talk in the truck on the way to the RB and sheds. I will really miss this job when I leave.

I did learn that I may, most likely, be working with Ballroom next year. Mark has asked Stephen to help with Folk next year - which seems like the team Stephen will really enjoy. I'm excited to work with Ballroom again. I really enjoy the people and it is great to see the new numbers. They are traveling to Oregon and Washington for the mid-semester tour and the eastern coast for the summer tour.

Opening Night

It was an amazing opening night. I didn't make any huge mistakes and I just have small timing differences to adjust for tomorrow. I'll never have a perfect show, but I will come as close I can. I was so glad to know that my family and friends were able to attend. I hope to see more friends come tomorrow. Two more performances to go!! It'll be amazing!

I was in the Marriott center beginning at 1pm. I'd wanted to run through the whole shoe to test all dance lighting and sound cues but it took a while to get through all the notes and it was quite a trial to figure out how to connect the SFX program to the lightboard through the network. Thankfully, all got connected and at least I could test the dances that I worried about. It has been quite a busy day. Tomorrow will definitely go easier. but I hope I don't make any of the foolish mistakes that occurred during the dress rehearsal.

I love to see the tour team perform especially after seeing them on a huge stage with the lighting that has been designed for them. A lot of the numbers will be retired with new ones created. Some of those include the Theatre Arts number - If You Could Hie to Kolob, the Rumba number - If That Were Me, maybe even the Tango number - La Cumparsita. It will be hard to see them go, but a new adventure to see what music and choreography Lee and Linda Wakefield will come up with.

High School Memories

The BYU directing classes put on Mask Clubs every Thursday for the directing students to learn how to direct students and put on a 40 min performance. Today, they are putting on "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Little Shop of Horrors." I saw "Once Upon A Mattress" and it brought back so many memories about high school theatre. We had the best cast and so many good times. I can't help but miss the memories of high school theatre, but I know I can't find it again because it really had to do with the people. We were all friends before and coming together to put on a theatrical production - especially a musical - just makes all our relationships grow even more. I'll never forget my first stage experience with "Music Man," then the amazing cast of "Once Upon A Mattress," and my senior year with "My Fair Lady." I'd have to say I had some great musicals to work on in my years of high school. I sometimes wonder if I should convert back to the acting theatre, but then I see some Ballroom team members practice and I know that it is all worthwhile being where I am and I never want to leave. I will be graduating in a year but I will stay with the dance department up to the end then see what I can get out in the world. Maybe my feelings will change or I'll have to work my way back up. Only the future will tell.

Tech Rehearsal

Well, last night was HARD! I guess looking back it wasn't too bad for it was the first run through of a huge production, but I remember several moments were I was scrambling to get the dance to go right. I hate having no control of some situations because I also want everything to go perfect. It seems like spot calls were going well although I am trying to decide if I should continue using their names or give them numbers. There are only four spot operators, two FOH (front of house) and two truss spots. I hate giving numbers specially since I know who they are, but it's definitely quicker.

Well, there are some amazing numbers, at least with the look of lighting, costumes, and formations. I haven't been able to focus long on the dance steps yet. I'm excited to have the Marriott filled with an audience. It makes it a lot more exciting and lively to have the sound of cheers and applause. I actually find that listening to music isn't that exciting for me without everything together. Just sitting and listening to the Ballroom tour music seems to lack something because I don't have the visual lighting design, dance choreography, sounds of the audience and power of the speakers in a full house. I really enjoy working dance more then theatre because of the music.

Tonight is our dress rehearsal and I hope everything goes smoothly because it's all we got (running the show w/ dancers) before opening night tomorrow night. Wow does time fly fast!

Ballroom in Concert

We are in the tech week of BDC in Concert. I was an adventure for the past few days as we worked to rig the trusses for lighting and drapes, painting and texturing the floor, hanging the screen and panels, and gathering all the lighting equipment we need to put on this performance. I am really excited to begin rehearsals and to be able to stage manager another Marriott center production. This is the performance that allows me to test and see what I have learned about stage managing and to find out if I am capable of succeeding on a professional level. Last year in Christmas Around the World, I was not quite ready. I could run lighting and sound, but had no abilities calling spots at the same time. I now feel that with a year calling spots for two spot operators with the Ballroom tour team, I may be ready to do the six spot show that BDC in Concert entails. However, I did hear that if Amanda or Steven do not have a job, they may just be the spot caller so they have a task. It would take a huge load off of me, but I really wonder if I would be capable. I think I can. I just hope I have the opportunity to prove it.

I have yet to see the performance but after the tech rehearsal tonight, I may be able to add comments and impressions of the dances. I do know that about half the dances from the touring team will be in the concert including their new Samba and Viennese waltz, Kolob, Pirates, and the Blackpool Formation Medleys. We have a great stage and lighting design that Benjamin has created for this year. I am excited to see how it all comes together. I love working with the BYU Dance Department!

General Conference

Yesterday I was able to attend the Solemn Assembly at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Andrea's father came over from Kansas with tickets for the Saturday and Sunday Morning Sessions of Conference and the Priesthood Session. Andrea, Shawn, and I joined her dad and three people from her Kansas Ward, Medea, Emily, and Billy. We waited in line for almost an hour and were one of the last people to sit down in our section. None of us sat together because there were very few seats left. It was a great experience to be able to be there.

We then went to eat lunch at JB's, which took an hour to be seated and an hour to be served and finish. We decided to walk around temple square listening to the speakers and taking pictures, then entered into the Tabernacle to finish listening to the last half.

Afterwards, we took more pictures as a group then separated for a time. As the Priesthood Session began, Andrea and I talked with sister missionaries then sat in the South Visitor Center talking about the building of the Salt Lake Temple until we met back up with Medea and Emily. Then our Girl's Night Out began as we walked to Gateway Mall to window shop and get some caramel apples from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. We made sure to be on the Conference Center grounds when the men were released so we could be in the middle of the masses of men pouring from the building. I learned it is more impressive to watch from a distance because being in the middle of it, you don't get to see as much.

It was an amazing Saturday. For the past two years, Andrea and I have spent at least one day in Salt Lake for General Conference. I believe we also have been able to go to at least one session inside the conference center. It is the most amazing feeling to at least be on temple grounds and listen to the words of the leaders of the Church.

On Sunday, I really needed to rest to prepare for work next week so I stayed in my apartment to watch it with Sariah and Amy as I helped Sariah crochet my new afghan.

Stadium of Fire 2008

In the Daily Universe today, the following article was posted:

Miley Cyrus to play Stadium of Fire

Miley Cyrus, the 15-year-old star of the hit Disney Channel TV show "Hannah Montana," will be headlining this year's Stadium of Fire.

The Stadium of Fire, the largest live event in Utah, is part of the American Freedom Festival, held every year in Provo on Independence Day. America's Freedom Foundation, the organization that makes the Stadium of Fire program possible, likes to outperform itself every year. Last year, the festival included country duo Brooks & Dunn, "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu, and Rocketman.

David McDougal, the chairman of the organization's board of trustees, said this year's 28th annual Stadium of Fire would be the biggest, most exciting show they have ever had. The host of the festival will be Glenn Beck, and this year's performers will include Miley Cyrus and Blue Man Group.

- Reina Jean Clark

I can't wait until Stadium of Fire! This will be my third year and I look forward to seeing old friends and learning new things. Even though I am always working rigging, there alwasy seems to be something new to learn. I love working on stage! It's interesting how we spend a week setting up for one evening performance. Then, it only takes a full day to take it all down. The joys of being a roadie!