This past week, I have discovered some of my weaknesses on the job site. Sad, isn't it. I've been with this department for three years now and I'm seeing a more prominent inner-weakness now. grrr ....
Anyways, so as many may know. I try to be overly helpful. What I care about most is being able to work on stage and help in any way I can. That would seem to be a great strength, huh. Well, you are wrong. In my case, apparently it is a weakness. Of course it may be because there are certain personalities that such an action will conflict with. It can be misconstrued as appearing like I think I know more then others, or my way is better, or I think they are wrong. I don't mean to do that at all. I just try to find a way that is efficient and can make everyone happy. That probably is the biggest problem. I want to make everyone happy, which isn't always efficient or possible.
Sometimes I wish I could just keep my mouth shut and my body sitting in the location I should be maintaining. I am use to working on my own, so I use to run from place to place to get everything done. Now it is not the case. I have co-workers, volunteers, and other departmental employers helping me out. I need to learn better at being a team player. Just give an assignment and let them do it. I don't need to recommend a preferred way, or go with them, or keep talking for that matter. State it and stop talking. (unless, of course, they ask for my help)
Sorry, I have made a lot of stupid little mistakes these past few days and when anything wrong happens, I feel awful and probably blow it out of proportions in my mind. I do want a perfect show. Apparently I still need to work on the "think before you speak (or act)" because half my problems have come from saying things incorrectly.
Of course, I do keep reminding myself - It isn't what I think, it is what others see and remember. If the audience saw a perfect show, then they had a perfect show. I don't need to make it aware to them that I missed a cue or the timing wasn't quite what I wanted. It would be preferred to have everything run smoothly in a technicians perspective, but that isn't the end of the world. Move on ... carry on ....
Yep, I'm done venting ... for now ... thanks for listening :-D You may now ignore everything I've just said. :-D
Oh, and another weakness I have is communication. I feel I am simply awful at it. I understand it in my mind, but processing it into words then sending it out of my mouth seems impossible. It gets mixed up, garbled, and incoherent. It is true at times that I can speak well on some matters, but when it really matters to me, I can't get the words out exactly how I want it. Maybe I am too much of a perfectionist. Oh well. I always felt like I was meant to be a technician because the job was more about what I could accomplish with my hands then what I could communicate with words. It kills me to forget the terms of the simplest things. My mind seriously goes blank of words for no reason. I prefer to walk out on a stage and get all the necessary tasks done, but when someone asks me what they are, I can't come up with them. It's weird, and sometimes frustrating. However, I do prefer to present myself through the hard work I accomplish rather then any other way. When someone think of me, I'd rather have them say that I am a hard worker dedicated to my tasks, than to hear any other compliment. I am a worker. That is all there is to it.
I do wish I was better at teaching people. I am so use to working on my own and doing things hands on, it's been a struggle this past year to learn to teach another. I am getting better at it, but there are moments that I'll have to do it myself first before being able to tell them. I am just so much better at showing. Of course I do learn a lot more when someone asks my why. I see a new perspective on the matter and begin to understand more. I get those "Oh" moments and it's great. I love to continue learning. I want to never stop learning. Even when I am doing a job that has become a daily habit. There is always something new to learn. If it is a more efficient way of accomplishing it, another way it can be used, an attribute I didn't know it had. This world never stops us from learning and I find the theatre industry keeps up with this and it grows and develops in concepts, theories, technology, design, etc.
I LOVE MY JOB!!
From September 2009 to March 2011, I will be posting to my other blog. For those who want to follow my mission experiences in Florida Fort Lauderdale, please go to:
dancetechinservice.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
POWER OUTAGE!!!!
HEHEHE ... Guess what!! The whole campus lost power! SWEET!!! I was just working in the Pardoe theatre and everything went black. Twenty seconds later the emergency power came on. We thought one of the techs did something, but then we found the HFAC was out .... then a staff member called the Electricity Office when it first went out and it actually is the WHOLE campus! HA! How does that happen?!?! Good thing for cell phones! :-D
Monday, January 26, 2009
Yay! Invisible Sickness!!
So, I considered starting this post with an image of e. coli, but I didn't think you'd all appreciate it ...
Anyways ... guess what! apparently I have e. coli. It's probably weird to tell you ... but ... Um ... k ... I have no symptoms ... but do as the doctor says, right? How did I find out without any symptoms? I went in to FINALLY get my driver's physical. Mine had expired back in November and I wanted to be legal in driving my work truck around. Now, it seems like a hassle. On my records, it stated that I had two types of medication perscribed to me. These medications were seven months old, required for me to have in my possession for my trip to China in case I got sick with something. Now they assume that I had stopped using the medication and want me back on it. Uh huh ... right ... sure ... I'm suppose to take medication that was originally meant for a foreign illness. Okay, it's not actually meant for that, but that's how I see it.
Anyone notice how I like to complain about medication and doctors ... I don't care much for them if I'm feeling healthy. I believe in my immune system. It should be able to heal itself. Of course, if I found out something serious ... I'd go ... but I've had no problems. They only know about it because of a driver's physical ... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr .............
So, how might I have gotten this? No idea. Do I believe I really have it ... ummm not really. hehehe jk. So, let's see. I've been actually eating meat and vegetables recently. I assume I've cooked the meat long enough (I'm sure I've overcooked it actually. I didn't wash the spinach leaves for my salads ... but it was prepackaged so I didn't think about it. Hmmm .... well, haven't I learned a valuable lesson ...
Anyways ... guess what! apparently I have e. coli. It's probably weird to tell you ... but ... Um ... k ... I have no symptoms ... but do as the doctor says, right? How did I find out without any symptoms? I went in to FINALLY get my driver's physical. Mine had expired back in November and I wanted to be legal in driving my work truck around. Now, it seems like a hassle. On my records, it stated that I had two types of medication perscribed to me. These medications were seven months old, required for me to have in my possession for my trip to China in case I got sick with something. Now they assume that I had stopped using the medication and want me back on it. Uh huh ... right ... sure ... I'm suppose to take medication that was originally meant for a foreign illness. Okay, it's not actually meant for that, but that's how I see it.
Anyone notice how I like to complain about medication and doctors ... I don't care much for them if I'm feeling healthy. I believe in my immune system. It should be able to heal itself. Of course, if I found out something serious ... I'd go ... but I've had no problems. They only know about it because of a driver's physical ... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr .............
So, how might I have gotten this? No idea. Do I believe I really have it ... ummm not really. hehehe jk. So, let's see. I've been actually eating meat and vegetables recently. I assume I've cooked the meat long enough (I'm sure I've overcooked it actually. I didn't wash the spinach leaves for my salads ... but it was prepackaged so I didn't think about it. Hmmm .... well, haven't I learned a valuable lesson ...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Dance in Concert
Have I mentioned recently how much I LOVE my job? Today we began programming the lighting for the concert being held next weekend. I will be stage managing Dancers' Company this semester, so my career with BYU Dance began and ended with Dancers' Company. Since they are a contemporary dance team, the dances do seem quite unique due to their modern qualities. There are some that are too abstract to make much sense to an audience coming for entertainment. I quite enjoy critiquing those overly unique numbers (but they are mainly found in showcase numbers).
With these crazy and fun numbers that modern does, it give a lot more freedom in the lighting design. I are able to go everywhere: use every texture, projection, and color. It's great! Costuming and props are a lot of fun in these numbers. With our new director, Pat Debenham, we know the dances are fun and unique. I simply love the music!! Some can be recognized from movie soundtracks while others are interesting combinations of vocals and folk instruments.
Some of the numbers that will appear in this year's concert is "Where Light is Made to Travel" (music from Series of Unfortunate Events), "Pilgramage" (Neil Diamond), and "Rejoice in the Lord" (Handel's Messiah).
With these crazy and fun numbers that modern does, it give a lot more freedom in the lighting design. I are able to go everywhere: use every texture, projection, and color. It's great! Costuming and props are a lot of fun in these numbers. With our new director, Pat Debenham, we know the dances are fun and unique. I simply love the music!! Some can be recognized from movie soundtracks while others are interesting combinations of vocals and folk instruments.
Some of the numbers that will appear in this year's concert is "Where Light is Made to Travel" (music from Series of Unfortunate Events), "Pilgramage" (Neil Diamond), and "Rejoice in the Lord" (Handel's Messiah).
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blog Changes
I've finally learned how to give my blog a facelift! It took me long enough!! I think I'm getting the hang of it. I'm learning how to delete ads and junk from widgets, I made my own background, and figured out how to make the text boxes transparent so my whole background can be seen. Yay!! I'm really starting to like the internet!
BTW: the music that now plays (at least it should autoplay) is my favorite movie soundtrack. It comes from the 2006 Spanish film, El Laberinto del Fauno, or Pan's Labyrinth.
BTW: the music that now plays (at least it should autoplay) is my favorite movie soundtrack. It comes from the 2006 Spanish film, El Laberinto del Fauno, or Pan's Labyrinth.
For Your Information:
After graduating from a university, the first job that I would love to have is working on a cruise ship. Why? It’s hard to explain clearly. I tell some people it is because I spend six months saving money. I am earning money from work and they also pay housing and food expenses. When I finish one cruise job, I have built a great savings to assist with my next plans. Also, when talking with colleagues about jobs I should consider working, each one has mentioned cruise work. It is an experience every technician should try at least once. I want a variety in my life. I want to freelance for a while. I honestly have a mental list I keep adding to and checking off. I want to be versatile in my resume (and my life).
My Technician’s To Do List
Touring team
Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas show
Rock Concert
Corporate
Cruise Line
Roadie
Opera
Broadway Musical
Church Pageant
Follow Spot for a major awards ceremony
Truss Spot
Feature film
Grip/Electric for a major motion picture
TV/Broadcast studio
CDL license
Attend training for lighting equipment
My fear about finding a post-graduation job is being trapped in a production that only does one show. I am use to switching from show to show, venue to venue. I never get tired of the show, I experience a wide variety of design, and I keep learning. Although a cruise ship is one big venue and presents the same shows, there are several different stages and it cycles through shows. I will be able to get really familiar with a show, but also get breaks from it, or opportunities to work more than one show.
Some may assume that I’d want to work on a cruise because of luxury. There is the travels from location to location, the food, the entertainment … however, I will be working 70 hours a week. I won’t have time to relax. That is the hardest part of working with a cruise line. There is no time to relax and no vacations. It is constant work. And that is another reason why I want to. Theatre is my life and passion. To always have something to do each day … would be amazing!! Of course I’d get tired and exhausted, but I’d wake up the next morning excited to continue on because it is my dream, my life, my passion, my choice.
Also, my living situation is in a small cabin, on a bunk bed, with a roommate who could be from anywhere. I’ll have to learn to adapt to any personality and situation, but that’s what college has helped teach: how to survive with roommates. I look forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and learning to grow from the situations that will be thrown my way. It won’t be easy, but that is why we are here in life: to learn and to grow.
It will be difficult to be gone for six months this year. There is a lot that I will miss. I don’t know if my family has realized this, but six months means I will miss Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas, I could miss my sister leaving for a mission, and other family events. The only contact I will have with home is through US mail that will be picked up at port. I won’t see a familiar face from home for those six months. It will bring challenges, but each of us have those times of going out into the world and feeling the separation from home. My industry seems to bring it on more for it is a traveling, changing variety of productions. It won’t be forever, just six months.
I do hope to get this job. Who knows what is planned for me after graduation. Anything could happen, but I would love to start with a cruise line.
My Technician’s To Do List
Touring team
Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas show
Rock Concert
Corporate
Cruise Line
Roadie
Opera
Broadway Musical
Church Pageant
Follow Spot for a major awards ceremony
Truss Spot
Feature film
Grip/Electric for a major motion picture
TV/Broadcast studio
CDL license
Attend training for lighting equipment
My fear about finding a post-graduation job is being trapped in a production that only does one show. I am use to switching from show to show, venue to venue. I never get tired of the show, I experience a wide variety of design, and I keep learning. Although a cruise ship is one big venue and presents the same shows, there are several different stages and it cycles through shows. I will be able to get really familiar with a show, but also get breaks from it, or opportunities to work more than one show.
Some may assume that I’d want to work on a cruise because of luxury. There is the travels from location to location, the food, the entertainment … however, I will be working 70 hours a week. I won’t have time to relax. That is the hardest part of working with a cruise line. There is no time to relax and no vacations. It is constant work. And that is another reason why I want to. Theatre is my life and passion. To always have something to do each day … would be amazing!! Of course I’d get tired and exhausted, but I’d wake up the next morning excited to continue on because it is my dream, my life, my passion, my choice.
Also, my living situation is in a small cabin, on a bunk bed, with a roommate who could be from anywhere. I’ll have to learn to adapt to any personality and situation, but that’s what college has helped teach: how to survive with roommates. I look forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and learning to grow from the situations that will be thrown my way. It won’t be easy, but that is why we are here in life: to learn and to grow.
It will be difficult to be gone for six months this year. There is a lot that I will miss. I don’t know if my family has realized this, but six months means I will miss Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas, I could miss my sister leaving for a mission, and other family events. The only contact I will have with home is through US mail that will be picked up at port. I won’t see a familiar face from home for those six months. It will bring challenges, but each of us have those times of going out into the world and feeling the separation from home. My industry seems to bring it on more for it is a traveling, changing variety of productions. It won’t be forever, just six months.
I do hope to get this job. Who knows what is planned for me after graduation. Anything could happen, but I would love to start with a cruise line.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Questions:
How would you describe yourself
Theatre is my life and breath. Organized, When I dedicate my time to a project, I put my all into it and won’t quit until it is complete to my satisfaction, I love to work. Even though I am a little slip of a girl, it won’t stop me from working just as hard as any man on my team. As my co-workers have said, my body won’t recognize it is a girl. I work twice as hard and lift twice as much if that is necessary for finishing the job.
What is your dream job
Each job I have is my dream job. I live by the day and as long as I am on stage working, I am living the dream.
How would you know you were successful on this job
I feel on top of things, confident in each task that is put in front of me
Why did you choose this career?
I am most happy when I am working. It keeps me busy doing the thing I love. It is my life. Even when I come home tired and bruised, I can’t wait to return the next morning. I am a part of bringing a production to life.
What do you really want to do in life
Enhance theatre for the community. I want to be a part of the productions, lend my skills to make a greater show
Which is more important: creativity or efficiency
Efficiency is most important. When you truly become efficient in a task, you have the time and ability to add true, productive creativity into it.
Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far
Touring internationally … new, unique venues; meeting great people; immersed in other cultures; different theatrical aspects
What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them
At one time on tour, we had an incident when a cable snapped causing an electric to fall and it my boss, the technical director of the tour. He was sent to the hospital, and flown home the next day. For that evening, we had to figure out how to continue the show. Unfortunately, I was the only one on tour who had technical background. The venue could not be changed because there was not other location, and this was the only planned performance in the city, so we did not cancel. We cleared the debris and decided not to use any of their electrics. Thankfully, before all that occurred we had our light booms up and I finished focusing the front of house. Although the original plan was to use their lightboard, I decided to go ahead and patch their system into our tour board so I could run lighting while assisting the assistant director in running the show controls. It went pretty well considering. The next day, I joined the tour manager in viewing our next venue. I was technical director for a day (for my other boss was flying in the day after to finish up the tour).
Theatre is my life and breath. Organized, When I dedicate my time to a project, I put my all into it and won’t quit until it is complete to my satisfaction, I love to work. Even though I am a little slip of a girl, it won’t stop me from working just as hard as any man on my team. As my co-workers have said, my body won’t recognize it is a girl. I work twice as hard and lift twice as much if that is necessary for finishing the job.
What is your dream job
Each job I have is my dream job. I live by the day and as long as I am on stage working, I am living the dream.
How would you know you were successful on this job
I feel on top of things, confident in each task that is put in front of me
Why did you choose this career?
I am most happy when I am working. It keeps me busy doing the thing I love. It is my life. Even when I come home tired and bruised, I can’t wait to return the next morning. I am a part of bringing a production to life.
What do you really want to do in life
Enhance theatre for the community. I want to be a part of the productions, lend my skills to make a greater show
Which is more important: creativity or efficiency
Efficiency is most important. When you truly become efficient in a task, you have the time and ability to add true, productive creativity into it.
Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far
Touring internationally … new, unique venues; meeting great people; immersed in other cultures; different theatrical aspects
What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them
At one time on tour, we had an incident when a cable snapped causing an electric to fall and it my boss, the technical director of the tour. He was sent to the hospital, and flown home the next day. For that evening, we had to figure out how to continue the show. Unfortunately, I was the only one on tour who had technical background. The venue could not be changed because there was not other location, and this was the only planned performance in the city, so we did not cancel. We cleared the debris and decided not to use any of their electrics. Thankfully, before all that occurred we had our light booms up and I finished focusing the front of house. Although the original plan was to use their lightboard, I decided to go ahead and patch their system into our tour board so I could run lighting while assisting the assistant director in running the show controls. It went pretty well considering. The next day, I joined the tour manager in viewing our next venue. I was technical director for a day (for my other boss was flying in the day after to finish up the tour).
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Vibe
Well, I'm now exhausted!! Saturday, I spent over ten hours working on Vibe. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work. We rented the lighting equipment from Oasis so I was able to set it all up, add a bit of my own design, and hope it stays happy. With no weights, I was worried about the light booms being unstable. Then I discover that 11ft is not as high as imagined. I really need to learn how to gauge distances. I can guess about 30ft because of my truss spot experience, but I've still got much to learn. I met a lot of great people while putting on this dance and it reminds me why I love this job. It really isn't just about the equipment I use, the venues I work in, or the shows I get to be a part of. It's also about the many wonderful people I meet and all they are able to teach me. It's too bad I was so anti-social in high school, because I have missed a lot of opportunities of meeting so many great people!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Church Talk
So, I may have forgotten to tell a few people (sorry, Mom), but I gave a talk in Church today. It was on being a Disciple of Christ. It went quite well. I was worried about it yesterday because it had yet to be refined. I worked on it Tuesday and Wednesday, but became busy with school the rest of the week. Thankfully, Sunday morning I got up early to refine my words and make it into an organized outline. After doing it, I see how it could have been improved, but I was able to do well in church, especially with the Lord's assistance.
Can I say, I love my ward. We become so close and are great friends. We always find ways to be social. Although ward prayer doesn't always have the biggest turnout, those who come usually stay and chat for nearly an hour after it finishes. And I'm right along with them!! I have changed so much these four years at BYU. I love it. I am really going to miss college. But as one door closes, another opens ... I like to remind myself of that constantly. :-D
True disciples are those who go beyond simply believing. They act out their belief and follow the Divine Master. Their actions are in harmony with their beliefs. They know who they are. They know what God expects of them. They mirror inner peace and certainty concerning the mission and resurrection of Christ. They hunger and thirst after righteousness. They know that they are here on this earth for a purpose. They understand life after death. (Elder James E. Faust "Disciple of Christ" Friend, April 1988)
Can I say, I love my ward. We become so close and are great friends. We always find ways to be social. Although ward prayer doesn't always have the biggest turnout, those who come usually stay and chat for nearly an hour after it finishes. And I'm right along with them!! I have changed so much these four years at BYU. I love it. I am really going to miss college. But as one door closes, another opens ... I like to remind myself of that constantly. :-D
Thursday, January 8, 2009
MRS Degree
So, this April I am graduating from BYU. YAY!!! I have survived four years of college and enjoyed every one of the classes I have taken. You may not be able to tell by grades, but I am not a tester. I take things from each class that influence me the most. It's not my fault that it wasn't exactly what the teacher wanted me to learn. hehehe
Well, when first coming to BYU, it is a myth that a woman will get married the first year there. It's part of our culture, right? That is definitely not true. I don't know who started such ideas, but for the last twelve years, it was not the case at all. BYU just put out Y Facts giving answers to interesting questions. One being the Undergrad Marital Status. Of thirty thousand students, only sixty-five hundred are married. That's 21% of students married. Everyone is married at BYU? I don't think so!
Therefore, I will be graduating BYU without my MRS degree. I have enjoyed all I've been able to accomplish as a single woman, and I get to see what else I can do. Not saying I prefer to be single, just that I'll enjoy every moment while it lasts, because you are only truly single once. And those who think I still have a chance ... I'd rather not find a guy who will date, propose, and marry in under four months. Sorry! ;-D
Well, when first coming to BYU, it is a myth that a woman will get married the first year there. It's part of our culture, right? That is definitely not true. I don't know who started such ideas, but for the last twelve years, it was not the case at all. BYU just put out Y Facts giving answers to interesting questions. One being the Undergrad Marital Status. Of thirty thousand students, only sixty-five hundred are married. That's 21% of students married. Everyone is married at BYU? I don't think so!
Therefore, I will be graduating BYU without my MRS degree. I have enjoyed all I've been able to accomplish as a single woman, and I get to see what else I can do. Not saying I prefer to be single, just that I'll enjoy every moment while it lasts, because you are only truly single once. And those who think I still have a chance ... I'd rather not find a guy who will date, propose, and marry in under four months. Sorry! ;-D
Offering Services
So, apparently if you offer your services for free, people really take you up on that offer! I have only one class this semester so I have gone to film, broadcast, and theatre and told them I am available if they are ever in need of help. Now, I have not had a moment's rest. I love it, of course, but I feel bad when I don't get phone calls out because I don't have time until it is awful hours for phone conversations. Oh the joys of work.
This week, I have worked with dance getting equipment to the Pardoe theatre for a high school show this Saturday. Hang was Wednesday, focus on Friday, and I will be working all day Saturday for the tech and performance.
With broadcast, I have helped with a pledge show going on this Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday I set up the set and lighting. Today we focused, and tomorrow I will be assisting with the live broadcast of the pledge that evening.
I am slowly sneaking my way into the lighting crew with the theatre department. My friends are trying to convince me to get on the paid crew, but I'd have to think about that. This week is Thoroughly Modern Millie so I assisted with focusing today. I plan on popping in and out of the deJong and Pardoe and jumping into the hang and focus.
On top of that, I help with friend's shows. Vibe, student film projects, etc. So, it's going to be a busy and fun semester! We'll see where it leads...
This week, I have worked with dance getting equipment to the Pardoe theatre for a high school show this Saturday. Hang was Wednesday, focus on Friday, and I will be working all day Saturday for the tech and performance.
With broadcast, I have helped with a pledge show going on this Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday I set up the set and lighting. Today we focused, and tomorrow I will be assisting with the live broadcast of the pledge that evening.
I am slowly sneaking my way into the lighting crew with the theatre department. My friends are trying to convince me to get on the paid crew, but I'd have to think about that. This week is Thoroughly Modern Millie so I assisted with focusing today. I plan on popping in and out of the deJong and Pardoe and jumping into the hang and focus.
On top of that, I help with friend's shows. Vibe, student film projects, etc. So, it's going to be a busy and fun semester! We'll see where it leads...
Vibe
Vibe is hitting BYU Campus as the biggest party of 2009. Think swirling lights, heavy beats and dancing that will blow your mind. DJ Esque will keep the pulse going all night long, and mixed in will be live performances by Kaelynne Hill, winner of the 2007 BYU Idol.
That's not all... Vibe will also host a music competition. You will have the chance to hear new music from local artists, and then cast your vote for the best submission. The artist with the most votes wins the grand prize, an iPod Touch.
We'll also be hosting a dancing competition, featuring the best of the best dancers at BYU. Watch as they stomp, shake and sweat their way to the big prize, an iPod Nano.
So go grab your date now, because they’ll all be gone by January 17th, 2009.
Pre-Sale tickets will be $3 starting January 5th.
Tickets will also be available for $4 at the door.
So, I will be helping with Vibe next Saturday. It's going to be a very interesting experience, for I'm still learning to take full control over a performance. I'm so use to following direction, it's odd to know it's now my turn to be in control. I'll be working with equipment from a theatrical rental company and working in the Wilk Ballroom. Do I get to have fun! Hopefully it will work well! I'll have fun figuring out the best way of setting up lighting and finally running the dance concert. Wow ...
That's not all... Vibe will also host a music competition. You will have the chance to hear new music from local artists, and then cast your vote for the best submission. The artist with the most votes wins the grand prize, an iPod Touch.
We'll also be hosting a dancing competition, featuring the best of the best dancers at BYU. Watch as they stomp, shake and sweat their way to the big prize, an iPod Nano.
So go grab your date now, because they’ll all be gone by January 17th, 2009.
Pre-Sale tickets will be $3 starting January 5th.
Tickets will also be available for $4 at the door.
So, I will be helping with Vibe next Saturday. It's going to be a very interesting experience, for I'm still learning to take full control over a performance. I'm so use to following direction, it's odd to know it's now my turn to be in control. I'll be working with equipment from a theatrical rental company and working in the Wilk Ballroom. Do I get to have fun! Hopefully it will work well! I'll have fun figuring out the best way of setting up lighting and finally running the dance concert. Wow ...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Disneyland
After ten years, I have been to Disneyland again. While there, one of the things that interests me most is if I may want to work with a Disney Resort in the future. I learned quite a lot about what I want and do not want in a future career.
1. My siblings and I went to see Aladdin: the Musical. I never want to work with an amateur acting group. To many people, it was a good show. To someone who dedicated their life to the study and work of theatre (I am a Theatre Arts STUDIES major) it was an awful script and acting. Set, lighting, and effects were great, but I could not survive working a show four times a day, six days a week, etc. I'd go insane. I honestly would get fired the first week from the comments I couldn't help but make. I have yet to learn how to make polite opinion responses if asked. I can look at the great design put into the show. But a show isn't about the design, it is honestly more about the acting and script. *cringe*
2. There were some small shows where there was a spot operator or two working. I thought of it and considered what it would be like to work as a spot op every day. I'd say, not for the same show daily. I could do spot op for a short amount of time or as a free-lancer. But I'd get tired of doing the same show day after day. I should know. I've done a month-long tour and had those moments of forgetting my cues or almost sleeping through a number. Too much repetition just gets boring ...
3. Although I would like to work with a rock concert once or twice, I couldn't do it constantly. I have learned that from Stadium of Fire, but I find most shows at Disneyland is the "flash and trash" feel of a rock concert. I couldn't do it. It isn't worthwhile enough to sit at a board and just bump lights around. It is fun to play every once in a while, especially with the toys that Disney has to offer (I hear their projectors are SWEEET!!) but not for a career.
4. Therefore, if I ever worked at Disney, it'd have to be for maintenance purposes: making sure lighting and projections are working on the rides, hanging the outdoor performances, testing automated lighting and projections, etc. But even then, would I only want to spend my days doing that ... actually, I'd be okay with that. It's not as exciting as running a show, but to be in charge of maintaining the lighting in specific areas feels good.
Okay, so I talked with a tech friend who went to Disneyland for Christmas Eve. We talked about some of the COOL effects we saw there. He even helped me better understand how they could have been accomplished.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean has the projection done on fog. It was an obvious back projection, but I wondered how to keep the fog shaped in a solid flow like it was. He helped me see that they used an invisible air door that "creates invisible barrier using high velocity laminar airflow". With some doors, as they open, it creates a strong burst of air to maintain the inside climate. That's basically what it was. Cool, huh!
2. At one moment, the structure of "It's A Small World" became a huge projection screen that switch from video to video. It was awesome! I only saw a glimpse of it, but I loved it! I found out that they use at least three HUGE projectors (the lens being at least three feet in diameter) to do that effect. Heaven!!!
3. Of course Fantasmic has many effects that ROCK!! For one, the projection on water is very impressive. Easy to do, but totally impressive! Then the water on fire, due to the pipes just under the surface emitting the liquid igniting fluid. I loved how they hid the fiber opic screen and towers underground, then extend them at least 50ft in the veil of darkness to do effects during the middle of the performance.
I do love going to a performance and using my knowledge of the theatre to try and guess how they may have accomplished that. Not only do I have the experience with lighting, but I've begun paying attention to set design and construction, special effects, sound, rigging, projection, etc. I've even learned some basic understanding of costume and makeup as I think if they are using wigs, what kind of prosthetic are they using, what style of make-up. I honestly cannot attend a performance just for the entertainment. If I go, I cannot help but notice the technical aspects, put in some use of the study elements learned in schools, and compare it to other productions. I am a Theatre Arts Studies major. I am a stage technician. It is the person I have become. Oh well. All I have to do now is learn to keep some thoughts to myself unless asked for. Most people go for entertainment and I should not ruin that by analyzing the director's concept and how it applies to each department.
Wow, has my college years really changed my views. And it even applies to the film and broadcast area. I have learned to stop talking unless I am with film and theatre friends. Okay, I am still trying to learn how to stop talking. Every once in a while I can't help commenting on a particular aspect that shocks or amazes me. Yay ... and that's me :-D
1. My siblings and I went to see Aladdin: the Musical. I never want to work with an amateur acting group. To many people, it was a good show. To someone who dedicated their life to the study and work of theatre (I am a Theatre Arts STUDIES major) it was an awful script and acting. Set, lighting, and effects were great, but I could not survive working a show four times a day, six days a week, etc. I'd go insane. I honestly would get fired the first week from the comments I couldn't help but make. I have yet to learn how to make polite opinion responses if asked. I can look at the great design put into the show. But a show isn't about the design, it is honestly more about the acting and script. *cringe*
2. There were some small shows where there was a spot operator or two working. I thought of it and considered what it would be like to work as a spot op every day. I'd say, not for the same show daily. I could do spot op for a short amount of time or as a free-lancer. But I'd get tired of doing the same show day after day. I should know. I've done a month-long tour and had those moments of forgetting my cues or almost sleeping through a number. Too much repetition just gets boring ...
3. Although I would like to work with a rock concert once or twice, I couldn't do it constantly. I have learned that from Stadium of Fire, but I find most shows at Disneyland is the "flash and trash" feel of a rock concert. I couldn't do it. It isn't worthwhile enough to sit at a board and just bump lights around. It is fun to play every once in a while, especially with the toys that Disney has to offer (I hear their projectors are SWEEET!!) but not for a career.
4. Therefore, if I ever worked at Disney, it'd have to be for maintenance purposes: making sure lighting and projections are working on the rides, hanging the outdoor performances, testing automated lighting and projections, etc. But even then, would I only want to spend my days doing that ... actually, I'd be okay with that. It's not as exciting as running a show, but to be in charge of maintaining the lighting in specific areas feels good.
Okay, so I talked with a tech friend who went to Disneyland for Christmas Eve. We talked about some of the COOL effects we saw there. He even helped me better understand how they could have been accomplished.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean has the projection done on fog. It was an obvious back projection, but I wondered how to keep the fog shaped in a solid flow like it was. He helped me see that they used an invisible air door that "creates invisible barrier using high velocity laminar airflow". With some doors, as they open, it creates a strong burst of air to maintain the inside climate. That's basically what it was. Cool, huh!
2. At one moment, the structure of "It's A Small World" became a huge projection screen that switch from video to video. It was awesome! I only saw a glimpse of it, but I loved it! I found out that they use at least three HUGE projectors (the lens being at least three feet in diameter) to do that effect. Heaven!!!
3. Of course Fantasmic has many effects that ROCK!! For one, the projection on water is very impressive. Easy to do, but totally impressive! Then the water on fire, due to the pipes just under the surface emitting the liquid igniting fluid. I loved how they hid the fiber opic screen and towers underground, then extend them at least 50ft in the veil of darkness to do effects during the middle of the performance.
I do love going to a performance and using my knowledge of the theatre to try and guess how they may have accomplished that. Not only do I have the experience with lighting, but I've begun paying attention to set design and construction, special effects, sound, rigging, projection, etc. I've even learned some basic understanding of costume and makeup as I think if they are using wigs, what kind of prosthetic are they using, what style of make-up. I honestly cannot attend a performance just for the entertainment. If I go, I cannot help but notice the technical aspects, put in some use of the study elements learned in schools, and compare it to other productions. I am a Theatre Arts Studies major. I am a stage technician. It is the person I have become. Oh well. All I have to do now is learn to keep some thoughts to myself unless asked for. Most people go for entertainment and I should not ruin that by analyzing the director's concept and how it applies to each department.
Wow, has my college years really changed my views. And it even applies to the film and broadcast area. I have learned to stop talking unless I am with film and theatre friends. Okay, I am still trying to learn how to stop talking. Every once in a while I can't help commenting on a particular aspect that shocks or amazes me. Yay ... and that's me :-D
100 things you might not know about me
1. Name one of your scars; how did you get it?
Most of my scars are from work and fade over time. I had a nice burn scar on my arm in the shape of a screw head from working with a follow spot – they get hot!! It’s still there but hard to see.
2. What is on the walls in your room?
Paintings of women reading
3. Do you snore, grind your teeth, or talk in your sleep?
I breath heavily and grind my teeth
4. What kind of music do you listen to?
Anything put in front of me … but I prefer classical and dance
5. Do you know what time you were born?
I tell people 7:26pm, but it’s probably not true
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
To be held by the person I love
7. What do you miss?
Eh, when one door closes, another opens. So I just continue on …
8. What is your most prized possession?
My porcelain doll
9. How tall are you?
5’8”
10. Do you get claustrophobic?
Nope, but I hate stuffy air
11. Do you get scared in the dark?
I guess so … sudden movements and sounds can get to me
12. Who is the last person who made you cry?
Does it really matter? It was so long ago ...
13. What's your worst fear?
Extreme pain – most likely from falling off a ladder
14. What kind of hair/eye color do you look for in the opposite sex?
Blonde hair. I am no good at noticing eye color
15. Where can you see yourself proposing/proposed to?
Ahhh …. I’d rather not say …
16. Coffee or energy drink?
Ew, neither. When I’m tired, I just get more hyper anyways.
17. Favorite pizza topping?
Green peppers, mushrooms, black olives
18. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
Onion rings
19. Favorite color of all time?
At this time, pale green. The color that will always be one of my top favorites is pale or deep blue.
20. Have you ever eaten a goldfish?
I couldn’t quite say … I never did find out all the things I ate in China
21. What was the first meaningful gift you received?
My grandmother’s class ring
22. Do you have a crush?
Oh yeah, and I’ve got it bad
23. Are you double-jointed?
Either that or hyper-extended
24. Favorite clothing brand?
Who cares
25. Who is the hottest celebrity?
Eh, don’t care much for celebs
26. Do you have a pet right now?
Nope, and don’t care for one
27. What kind is it?
N/A
28. Would you fall in love knowing the person was leaving?
Definitely. Welcome to my love life!
30. Say a number from one to one hundred:
67
31. Blondes or brunettes?
Blondes
34. Have you been out of the US?
Definitely – Nine different countries thank you very much!
35. Your weakness?
I rather not think of such things. I just continue on with life …
36. Met anyone famous?
Who do you consider famous? LeAnn Rimes, Brooks and Dunn, Corden Bleu, Miley Cyrus, Blue Man Group …
37. First Job?
Paid Stage Crew at Mesa High School
38. Ever done a prank call?
Yeah, but I’m awful at it!!
39. Do you think everyone has a soul mate?
In a way, yes. There are just some people that really go great together.
40. What were you doing before you filled this out?
Watching Star Wars: Emperor Strikes Back
41. Have you ever had surgery
Nope … never did like doctors
42. What do you get compliment about the most?
My work habits
43. Have you ever had braces?
Nope, don’t like wasting money on my teeth
44. What do you want for you birthday?
Never did like birthdays …
45. How many kids do you want?
Four
46. Were you named after anyone?
Not really
47. What is the biggest turnoff in the opposite sex?
Stupidity
48. What is one thing you miss about high school?
Choir
50. Do you like your handwriting?
Nope, I’ve got awful chicken scratch handwriting
51. What is your favorite lunch meat?
Roast Beef
52. Any bad habits?
Nail biting … and others
53. Are you a jealous person?
Not that I’m aware of
54. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
I’d probably be unable to get a hold of myself
55. Do you agree with friends with benefits?
Nope, it’s a waste of time
56. Do looks matter?
No. I have to be attracted to them, but that doesn’t mean others have to see it
57. How do you release anger?
Writing … big time
59. What's your main goal in life?
To feel worthwhile and be able to accomplish anything I put my heart and mind to.
60. What was your favorite toy as a kid?
My barbies and animal toys
61. How many numbers are in your cell phone?
Do I have to count?!?
62. Were you a fan of Barney as a kid?
Of course! Who wasn’t?
63. Do you use sarcasm?
My friend has taught me to avoid sarcasm, so I use it as little as possible
64. Mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese?
Mashed potatoes
65. What do you look for in a guy/girl?
Their personality, spirituality, outlook on life
66. What are your nicknames?
Krissy … yeah, that’s probably it. Except one person likes to call me “Baby Girl”
68. What's your favorite TV show?
Bones
69. What's the best way to deal with your enemies?
Enemies? What’s that?
70. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cherry and chocolate
71. Do you have all of your fingers and toes?
Yeah, but my big toe seems to have a wart farm growing on it
72. Do you have a computer in your room?
My laptop is with me at all times!!
73. Plans for tonight?
Nothing. I never have plans …
74. What's the fastest you've gone in a car?
Hmmm … I’m not a speeder … probably 85mph
75. Do you want everyone to answer these questions?
Sure, if they feel like it
76. What are you listening to?
Nothing … I need a break from music for a time
77. Last thing you drank?
Hot chocolate
78. Last person you talked to on the phone
My mom
79. The first thing you notice in the opposite sex.
How quickly they smile
80. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read
81. Favorite thing to hate?
Who thinks like that? The cup is half FULL!! Come on people!
82. Favorite month of the year?
June
83. Favorite candy?
I’m not into candy right now. Too much sweets.
84. Have you ever really and truly had a best friend?
Yes, twice, and it was the best times of my life
85. Hair color?
Blonde
86. Eye color?
Hazel … between green and blue
88. Favorite fast food place?
Sonic Drive-In
89. Favorite restaurant?
Mattas Mexican Restaurant
90. Do you like sushi?
Oh yes!
91. Last thing you watched?
Sadly, A Walk to Remember
92. Favorite day of the year?
Tough one … definitely no holiday or birthday … oh, I guess it’d have to be February 28th. Each year, you wonder if the next day will be the next month or a continuation of February.
93. Play any musical instruments?
Piano … but keep that on the down-low
94. Repulican or Democrat?
Can’t say … some people get upset when they find out ;-)
95. Hugs or Kisses?
Kisses
96. Relatonships or one night stands?
Relationships, definitely.
97. What is the last thing you bought?
A book … gotta love books!
96. How high or low is your self-esteem
Every year, it gets higher. I’m getting pretty good at ignoring others put-downs.
99. What book are you reading?
Nothing worthwhile, unfortunately
100. Describe your love life:
Amazing! Well, nothing is happening … okay, I’m not even in a relationship.
Most of my scars are from work and fade over time. I had a nice burn scar on my arm in the shape of a screw head from working with a follow spot – they get hot!! It’s still there but hard to see.
2. What is on the walls in your room?
Paintings of women reading
3. Do you snore, grind your teeth, or talk in your sleep?
I breath heavily and grind my teeth
4. What kind of music do you listen to?
Anything put in front of me … but I prefer classical and dance
5. Do you know what time you were born?
I tell people 7:26pm, but it’s probably not true
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
To be held by the person I love
7. What do you miss?
Eh, when one door closes, another opens. So I just continue on …
8. What is your most prized possession?
My porcelain doll
9. How tall are you?
5’8”
10. Do you get claustrophobic?
Nope, but I hate stuffy air
11. Do you get scared in the dark?
I guess so … sudden movements and sounds can get to me
12. Who is the last person who made you cry?
Does it really matter? It was so long ago ...
13. What's your worst fear?
Extreme pain – most likely from falling off a ladder
14. What kind of hair/eye color do you look for in the opposite sex?
Blonde hair. I am no good at noticing eye color
15. Where can you see yourself proposing/proposed to?
Ahhh …. I’d rather not say …
16. Coffee or energy drink?
Ew, neither. When I’m tired, I just get more hyper anyways.
17. Favorite pizza topping?
Green peppers, mushrooms, black olives
18. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
Onion rings
19. Favorite color of all time?
At this time, pale green. The color that will always be one of my top favorites is pale or deep blue.
20. Have you ever eaten a goldfish?
I couldn’t quite say … I never did find out all the things I ate in China
21. What was the first meaningful gift you received?
My grandmother’s class ring
22. Do you have a crush?
Oh yeah, and I’ve got it bad
23. Are you double-jointed?
Either that or hyper-extended
24. Favorite clothing brand?
Who cares
25. Who is the hottest celebrity?
Eh, don’t care much for celebs
26. Do you have a pet right now?
Nope, and don’t care for one
27. What kind is it?
N/A
28. Would you fall in love knowing the person was leaving?
Definitely. Welcome to my love life!
30. Say a number from one to one hundred:
67
31. Blondes or brunettes?
Blondes
34. Have you been out of the US?
Definitely – Nine different countries thank you very much!
35. Your weakness?
I rather not think of such things. I just continue on with life …
36. Met anyone famous?
Who do you consider famous? LeAnn Rimes, Brooks and Dunn, Corden Bleu, Miley Cyrus, Blue Man Group …
37. First Job?
Paid Stage Crew at Mesa High School
38. Ever done a prank call?
Yeah, but I’m awful at it!!
39. Do you think everyone has a soul mate?
In a way, yes. There are just some people that really go great together.
40. What were you doing before you filled this out?
Watching Star Wars: Emperor Strikes Back
41. Have you ever had surgery
Nope … never did like doctors
42. What do you get compliment about the most?
My work habits
43. Have you ever had braces?
Nope, don’t like wasting money on my teeth
44. What do you want for you birthday?
Never did like birthdays …
45. How many kids do you want?
Four
46. Were you named after anyone?
Not really
47. What is the biggest turnoff in the opposite sex?
Stupidity
48. What is one thing you miss about high school?
Choir
50. Do you like your handwriting?
Nope, I’ve got awful chicken scratch handwriting
51. What is your favorite lunch meat?
Roast Beef
52. Any bad habits?
Nail biting … and others
53. Are you a jealous person?
Not that I’m aware of
54. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
I’d probably be unable to get a hold of myself
55. Do you agree with friends with benefits?
Nope, it’s a waste of time
56. Do looks matter?
No. I have to be attracted to them, but that doesn’t mean others have to see it
57. How do you release anger?
Writing … big time
59. What's your main goal in life?
To feel worthwhile and be able to accomplish anything I put my heart and mind to.
60. What was your favorite toy as a kid?
My barbies and animal toys
61. How many numbers are in your cell phone?
Do I have to count?!?
62. Were you a fan of Barney as a kid?
Of course! Who wasn’t?
63. Do you use sarcasm?
My friend has taught me to avoid sarcasm, so I use it as little as possible
64. Mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese?
Mashed potatoes
65. What do you look for in a guy/girl?
Their personality, spirituality, outlook on life
66. What are your nicknames?
Krissy … yeah, that’s probably it. Except one person likes to call me “Baby Girl”
68. What's your favorite TV show?
Bones
69. What's the best way to deal with your enemies?
Enemies? What’s that?
70. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cherry and chocolate
71. Do you have all of your fingers and toes?
Yeah, but my big toe seems to have a wart farm growing on it
72. Do you have a computer in your room?
My laptop is with me at all times!!
73. Plans for tonight?
Nothing. I never have plans …
74. What's the fastest you've gone in a car?
Hmmm … I’m not a speeder … probably 85mph
75. Do you want everyone to answer these questions?
Sure, if they feel like it
76. What are you listening to?
Nothing … I need a break from music for a time
77. Last thing you drank?
Hot chocolate
78. Last person you talked to on the phone
My mom
79. The first thing you notice in the opposite sex.
How quickly they smile
80. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read
81. Favorite thing to hate?
Who thinks like that? The cup is half FULL!! Come on people!
82. Favorite month of the year?
June
83. Favorite candy?
I’m not into candy right now. Too much sweets.
84. Have you ever really and truly had a best friend?
Yes, twice, and it was the best times of my life
85. Hair color?
Blonde
86. Eye color?
Hazel … between green and blue
88. Favorite fast food place?
Sonic Drive-In
89. Favorite restaurant?
Mattas Mexican Restaurant
90. Do you like sushi?
Oh yes!
91. Last thing you watched?
Sadly, A Walk to Remember
92. Favorite day of the year?
Tough one … definitely no holiday or birthday … oh, I guess it’d have to be February 28th. Each year, you wonder if the next day will be the next month or a continuation of February.
93. Play any musical instruments?
Piano … but keep that on the down-low
94. Repulican or Democrat?
Can’t say … some people get upset when they find out ;-)
95. Hugs or Kisses?
Kisses
96. Relatonships or one night stands?
Relationships, definitely.
97. What is the last thing you bought?
A book … gotta love books!
96. How high or low is your self-esteem
Every year, it gets higher. I’m getting pretty good at ignoring others put-downs.
99. What book are you reading?
Nothing worthwhile, unfortunately
100. Describe your love life:
Amazing! Well, nothing is happening … okay, I’m not even in a relationship.
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Stagehands have astonishing learning curves. It's not unusual for stage crews to have trucks full of unknown scenery arrive at a theatre on Monday, which we need to assemble and understand to open a show we've never seen before... on Tuesday night.
Most people, if confronted with such a task, would flatly say it was impossible.
Stagehands find ways to make it possible. We learn quickly, we draw upon years of experience, skills and training, and (all too often) we drink lots of coffee and work all night.
I've had one longstanding handicap in my career as a stagehand. I don't drink coffee.
