Infrastructure
One of the biggest challenges for any itinerate variety performer is getting all the stuff you use in your show from where it’s stored (usually at your home) and getting it to the place where you’re paid to use it. This can be particularly tricky with outdoor events, as there’s not a great deal of, [...]
Continue reading about Getting Your Act Together and Getting Your Act There
Every army constantly trains to fight the last war – unattributed Army Maxim After every show, I review what worked and what didn’t. I do the same thing after every event. The trick is to not assume that This Next Show will be like The Last Show, and This Next Event will be like the [...]
As a part-time pro, I need to get out to perform at faires, perform, and then get back in time for my “day job”. For me, that means flying a lot. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines and I have an understanding – I pack everything I can into two bags and keep them under 50 lbs each, [...]
I’m starting this one not knowing how long it’s going to run – this could turn into Rant City if I’m not careful. Having done Faire for Unintelligable years, there’s some practices I’ve fallen into which keep me – sane is probably not the right word for it. But it’s close enough. CHANGE! – Be [...]
My philosophy when I’m working faire is that I am the one ultimately responsible for the quality of life I have while I’m there. For me, that means creating a decent performance space for my audience and myself. This can be a bit of a challenge when I’m working a short-run faire… Working at one [...]
The two things my first bosses drilled into me when it came to performing my show was this: Get on stage on time Get off stage on time The stage you’re on has a schedule and it’s a good idea to stick to it because that makes it easier for the audience (remember the audience) [...]
Continue reading about Working Conditions – Timing is Everything
In his “Secret Session” seminar (which I had the fortune to attend), Jeff McBride made a great metaphor about cooking and magic. You see, recipes are comprised of individual ingredients, tested, measured, blended and prepared just so to create something that tastes good. If a magician was to create a cake the same way they [...]
Continue reading about Working Conditions – Gettting My Act Together
