3D CAD Project

So, my one and only class this last semester of my college years is 3D CAD. I'm learning how to create 3D models on SketchUp and Strata. I'd have to say it is a lot easier then I expected. This is a first block class, so it only lasts until the end of February. We had five assignments to complete, the first two was following dimensions in creating a courtyard and building. The last three follow each other into completing a dining room. First, we made goblets and a decanter set on a platter.
Then, we were to make a chair from a selection of six different options. I decided to go for the most difficult and I'm am proud of how it came out.
Our final project is creating a table to match the chair and follow guidelines in creating a dining room.
So far, I've spent over fifteen hours working on this project, and I still have a long way to go. Thankfully, I still have a week and a half before it is due. With nothing else to do, might as well spend my time in the computer lab.

I need to add a chandelier, wall sconces, paintings, wallpaper border, and bay windows. (none required, but what I'd really like). I also need to finish the construction of my corner wine/china cabinet and choose better wallpaper. Lighting needs some more tweaking, and I'm still not fully happy with the table (course I did just make it today). I also want to add some more furniture and tabletop decorations. We'll see ...

This is such a fun project!! :-D

Medical Update

It's starting to get annoying. I am so confused. So, it's been what ... two weeks since I learned that I had e coli. I've been to the Health Center three times. I took some medication, but had gone back to test and see if I needed more. I hoped they would just call me and say they had a prescription for me at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, I get a message today that I need to meet with my doctor and discuss the symptoms I am experiencing. Sigh ... ok ... I HAVE NO SYMPTOMS!!!! sorry ... don't care much for being charged for unnecessary doctor visits. I'm also worried that the fact that I've been around paint fumes for hours at a time is not improving my health any. They can't take a test and discover that, can they? And, the first impression I had with my doctor is that he wondered if I had an eating disorder. That does not get good points with me. Sorry.

Story: So, I did all the nurse preliminaries before my driving physical. I was about 125lbs or something and 5'8" or so. When the doctor comes in, his first comment was how I'm a small girl. I just make the comment that it probably won't last very much longer ... thinking about how my high metabolism will eventually even out as I get older. Yep ... his next question was if I'm worried about my weight. Sigh ... just because I am thin does not mean I have an eating disorder. Yes, it is a growing issue in this society, and in a way I do tend to skip more meals then what I eat (due to being so busy working and forgetting about food), but must it be the first conclusion to jump to? People always assume that of me because they never see me eat (cuz I'm always on the job when they see me) and because I am so thin. Ug ... annoying ...

I guess I'll make an appointment tomorrow and visit with my doctor. Let's get this resolved ... PLEASE!!

Macbeth progress ...

So, I'll have more to say tomorrow, but I am totally excited for Macbeth!!! I've been attending the production meetings and can't wait to see it on stage. The designs are amazing! While working in the scene shop, I see the set progressing nicely! Tomorrow I have a meeting with the costume designer for a lighting test so I get to see how those are coming along. Eventually, I will be assisting more with the lighting process. Mike Handley designs the show himself, then allows his assistants to help during light hang, focus, and tech.

If I haven't already stated again and again ... Macbeth is being directed by Barta Heiner and she is setting the play in Ancient America. Therefore the designs are based off Mayan, Aztec, and Inca tribes. It also has a kind of Book of Mormon: Gadianton robbers feel to it. It's gonna be good! It is an amazing design team working on this project, too. Many are people I've been taking classes with these past four years. Yay!

Work

So, as a student we are only allowed to work twenty hours, which is very difficult to pull of in the theatre industry. With only three technicians in charge of dance productions, it is almost impossible to pull off. This week, I have already completed the 20 hours. It is only Tuesday. I am no longer able to help out with the Folk Pre-tour show unless it is absolutely necessary. Sigh ... no fun!! Especially since I only have three credits. What should I do with all me free time? I'd work ... but they kick me out! *pouty face*

Last Friday, I worked for nearly eight hours. Five of those hours were spent spray painting our newly built light booms. I was in a special ventalated paint area (located in the scene shop at the HFAC), had a dust mask on, and wore latex gloves. I was also lucky to have a can gun so it was a bit easier to spray paint for so long. I am definitely buying myself one! My fingers still get stiff though. When I finish, my clothes (and hair) are covered in dust (or spray paint particles), my fingers are stiff, and I have paint all over my arms due to rubbing against sprayed areas before it dried. Oops! I also like to blame my lack of focus and laziness to paint fumes. Does that excuse work? Hmmmm ....

On Saturday, I took the four booms I had painted in those five hours the day before and with Stephen we set them up with lights and cable to prepare the RB Theatre for a Ballet Showcase Photo Shoot. It only took three hours, so that was nice and short. Before we left, we checked the patch and even focused the lights so it would all be ready for the photo shoot Monday evening.

Monday was another eight hour day. I was going to spend the time spray painting the remaining four booms, but I was needed at the office to collect all the equipment for the folk show. After loading it on the truck, I drove it over to the Covey Center, unloaded, and began the set-up. After we finished there with setting up the RP Screen, I returned to the office to cut all the color and load a few more things into the truck. Funny thing, I am so use to just setting things up, I don't think of what it is called and why. Since this job, I've been working to be more efficient by knowing correct terms. To do that, I need to understand why they have such names. Sadly, I wasn't thinking when trying to figure out why it is called an RP Screen. I knew it was a projection screen that can be used with a front or back projection. Yeah ... it finally hit me that it's called a Rear Projection Screen. Embarrassing!!

Today, I was at the Covey Center a little after nine. We began with focusing the lighting. We finished a rough focus right before our noon meeting at the RB. At the meeting is when I realized I only had four hours left to work in this week. Awwww ... darn. I was given some tasks to complete for the Cougarettes concert next week, so I do have something to do. Therefore, this evening after class, I returned to the scene shop and spent three hours finishing up the remaining four booms. Ug ... no matter how much I spray them, I find a spot I have missed!!! Spray painting is a never-ending job!!!!! But I got them painted good enough. Now, I have an hour to complete my other task ... which I will do another day and entails making sure our automated lighting is prepared for the Cougarettes show. It shouldn't take more than an hour, so I'm good.

Royal Ballet School of London

Today I worked on a performance done by the BYU Theatre Ballet and Royal Ballet School of London. I spent nearly nine hours in the Pardoe doing errands and doing the dress rehearsal and show. BYU Theatre Ballet performed for thirty minutes the segments from their Fall tour material, then the Royal Ballet performed an hour of their material. It was great! There were segments of classical mixed with modern ballet. It was a great show! The "stage manager" John was from the area and hired on to run the shows. Royal Ballet came only to Utah because the assistant director is native to Payson and is the first American to be accepted to the school. Awesome, huh!?! It was fun talking with the stage manager as we ran the show. I was running the light board for the show. Mark recorded the cues earlier in the day and I just waited for the GO. It was quite simple, with most dances having only one cue. But I also was connected with the TV truck listening to their cues and being the connection to the stage managers. It was fun! I don't know how to choose between theatre, film, and broadcast. They all have their great points. I hope to just freelance between them, but that would not be easy if I want a constant paycheck ... oh the future holds many surprises!

Ug ... It's February

Of all the months out of the year, I'd probably have to say that February is my least favorite. Especially here on BYU campus. I've done pretty well avoiding half the month by going on tour. Unfortunately, that will not be the case this year. Today in The Daily Universe, there were at least two articles about marriage. UG!! Apparently Feb 7-14 is National Marriage Week. Oh the joys *sarcasm*

The only good thing about the month is the fact that it's Arizona Statehood Day on the 14th. It's a good cover-up for those who dislike Valentines Day. It's not that I hate Valentine's Day because I don't have a man in my life. It's what it represents: material love, public display of affection, overzealous about being in a relationship. It's a reminder to those happily single that they shouldn't be happy single and need to seek a relationship. Trash!

Dance in Concert

Yay! We have finished the production of Dance in Concert. I really look forward to taking the show on tour. There will be different dances performed on tour, so it'll be nice to find out which will be performed and how fun it will be. At this time, the tour information is still pending. Last I heard, it may occur between April 26th and May 16th. Hopefully, I will be getting more information soon. It's sad to think that I only have on tour left with the BYU Dance Department. I have really loved these past three years on the job. I've been able to tour every semester since beginning, allowing me to see the different aspects of each dance company and become friends with a lot of great dancers. I do hope at some time in my future careers I will be able to continue working with dancers.

I am glad that my last company is Dancers' Company. I began my job in January of '06 working with Dancers' Company under the direction of Becky Philips. She was amazing! I loved the repertoire that year, with Ascendence, Disinigration, and others. Two years later, January of '08, I worked with Dancers' Company on "Onward Alone" under the direction of Caroline Prohosky. Not only did I stage manage, I also assisted with the projection design. It was a wonderful experience working with Caroline on that project. The next year, January of '09, Dancers' Company became under the direction of Pat Debenham. I have worked with him the past few years with DancEnsemble. He is a great man with quite an imagionative creativity to his choreography. It is quite unique, but I simply love it! I look forward to a summer tour with him and his dancers.

I will also have the oportunity to tour with Erin. Usually Benjamin would be the Technical Director (TD) for Dancers' Company but since Ballroom is leaving on tour the same day, Erin will TD the tour. This tour will bring new experiences and will hopefully leave me with a great lasting memory of my time with the BYU dancers.

It has been such a blessing being here at BYU. I have had so much variety in the work I do, not only working with the five main dance companies, but also being able to work with theatre and film. I have touched a bit in several different departments to better assist me for when I leave. Although I came to college to get work experience, I find that I have really loved all the learning I have gained with a Theatre Arts Studies major. I may not have the memory for each theory I've learned, but I like to be able to sit in a theatre or at the movies and critique several different aspects of the production. I really feel I have come from this university with wonderful learning. I have entered and spent four years learning what I can from this institution. Now it is time to go forth into the world, finding jobs that will allow me to use my services in assisting with the improvement of the performing arts.