Sideways Stories Props

Back in March I helped with Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I'm sharing photos of a few of the props I created.



One of the characters brings on a shopping cart full of stuff. It was great fun putting this together. I found lots and lots of things to include and the stranger the thing the better. The actor (Kate) pulled the props she needed for each scene. And she maximized the fun factor based on what she used.



This is a piece of rutabaga cake with crunchy noodle topping. It looks yummy, doesn't it? Of course, I had to sample it.



Did I forget to tell you it was a huge piece of cake. It wasn't very tasty.



Mr. Gorph didn't like it much either.


I enjoyed my work with this show a lot. Making odd props is surprisingly satisfying.

I created this post back in March and just found the draft. I thought I would finally post it. It was one of the things that kept me busy and not blogging.

Lacy Baktus Backstage

I'm knitting on a lacy Baktus backstage using Marks & kattens Fame trend in color 653 Party lot S5320.

La Cage Aux Folles

A couple of Saturdays ago, I went to Cleveland with Songferret, StageManagerChrissy and knitBS to see the touring company of La Cage aux Folles

It was a delightful show and we had great seats thanks to our theater social calendar coordinator, Songferret. The actor playing Albin, (Christopher Seiber) was full of joy on stage and really brought the house down during the act 1 finale, "I am what I am."

George Hamilton seems tired as he played Albin's partner, Georges. He didn't look comfortable in the role. He was certainly tan. :)

Albin belted out his songs with full gusto, bringing me along for the ride. If you have an opportunity to see the show, I recommend it. It is different than the movie The Birdcage so don't expect the exact storyline. Expect a story of a family who loves one another as another family is starting their life together.

I brought sock knitting with me and snapped this photo. It's the best I could get without a flash and after trying to photoshop it on my iPhone.

Sleepy Hollow Props

I am doing Props and set dressing for the Columbus Children's Theatre production of Sleepy Hollow which opens on October 20. I spent 12 hours at the shop today finalizing the props so I can take them to the theatre for Sunday evening's rehearsal. I want to spend the rest of the week figuring out scene changes.

This sign is to distinguish the Tavern. I'm pleased.






I got to make up the tavern's name. Do you get it?

I have several other items that needed created rather than just repurposed I'll snap a few pictures this week and post if you're interested in seeing my work.

August at Otterbein

Songferret and I attended August: Osage County Saturday evening at Otterbein College. Info here.

I thought it a compelling performance with some very talented actors making me experience a wide range of emotions. If you've never seen August, I encourage you to take advantage of a great version of the show.
Dispatch review.
Grossberg commentary.
My San Francisco review.

The show is three acts so be ready for a 3 hour experience. I was engaged throughout the performance as the playwrite does an exceptional job unfolding details of this family in a way that pulls me in to learn more and more. I remember thinking "what could happen next?" There is a next (and a next and a next.)

I was frustrated a few times because actors were speaking over the (nervous) laughter and I was frustrated by not hearing all of the lines. I did have problems hearing lines but this is an issue I have with my hearing in theaters & during performances that are not mic'd.
The set was well-done and fit the stage nicely, taking advantage of levels to convey the 3-story home. I snapped this picture for you.


There is still time to go see this show! It isn't a "happy" show but offers a great theatrical experience.

I sat next to a lady who was interested in my knitting. I was casting-on for my Nutkin socks using the cobblestone yarn. You can see the yarn at the bottom of this picture. :)

Falsettos

Available Light Theatre's current show is Falsettos. Songferret and I saw the show on Saturday night.
I thought this production was well-done and took advantage of the cast's wonderful voices and effective staging. It is a show worth seeing, especially in a more intimate venue.

I didn't get to knit much but I did get a little knitting done before the show started.



I just finished knitting the gusset decreases on Yarmando's test knit. Tomorrow I'll work on the second sock's gusset decreases and then it's just knit until I run out of yarn. I need to finish these socks so I can gauge swatch for the fronkenshteek sock.

Mary Poppins knitting

Yep, I knit while waiting for tonight's performance of Mary Poppins. The show was enjoyable, the staging inspiring and the singing jumbled.

Knitting and I Hate Shakespeare

Knitting and I Hate Shakespeare
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I got invited to go to Westland High School's production of I Hate Shakespeare by K & M. I wouldn't have gone without the invitation from these two amazing ladies I worked with during 2009's production of How I Became A Pirate.

BFF (Songferret) and I attended the Friday performance. It was not an 'omigod, go out and see this show and bring all your friends' show. It was a well written show presented by young talent that made me laugh and smile (and put down my knitting so I could watch).

I enjoy seeing the parents celebrate the talent and fun their children have doing theater in High School. I can tell the future is better off because of how A&J interact with their children (& their circle of kid friends). A cool thing was that D was a techie for the show so it was a full family experience.

My hat is off to K & M for fitting theater into their busy senior year. Thanks for thinking to invite me.

Go support the young kid's artistic endeavors. They need to know people are noticing.


Yes, these are the same socks I've been working on for DH. I picked up an additional skein of yarn so I can finish the toes. The knitting is good and they fit him. I should have these completed in the next two weeks. I'm splitting my knitting time between sock knitting and a super secret test knitting project that I'm behind on. That knitting is going quickly but it can't be travel knitting.

Baby Dinosaur Backstage

Baby Dinosaur Backstage
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This is one of the props I made for the Dinosaur Musical currently in performances at the Columbus Children's Theatre. This was opening weekend and performances have been consistently good.

I am thrilled with the quality of this cast. These are people I want to work with again.

Isn't the baby cute? I was backstage when I snapped this photo.

Parking is expensive

Parking is expensive
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Recently the city of Columbus has changed parking meters in the Short North area. This is a picture of the newly rated meter on Goodale Ave next to Goodale Park. A quarter for 20 minutes, three hours maximum, enforced until 10 pm. This is a meter that used to be 12 hour meter for about 3 bucks.

Why do I care? I'll be enjoying working with the Columbus Children's Theatre's production of the Dinosaur Musical in the fall. I'll be trying to park close to the theatre and will end up being in the area for 4-5 hours. The evening performances start at 7:30 but families come early for dinner. 3 hours isn't enough time.

I have to be at the theater at least one hour early and stay about an hour after performances. This makes it very difficult to visit the Short North.

Pay attention City of Columbus. I wouldn't be surprised I businesses suffer because of this rate change. It is no longer coat effective for me to do my work in the theatre. No parking, difficult parking and expensive parking. I don't want this to be three strikes and I'm out.

1st & 2nd Mates

You may have watched this vlog about my theater experience with a wonderful crew for How I Became A Pirate. I wanted to share a few more pictures & videos of K & M. I hope you enjoy.
M & K thought it would be fun to make t-shirts for any member of the production crew that wanted a Tartuga t-shirt. Of course, everyone needed a name to go on the back. This is a picture of the back of their shirts. I think they did a great job! The back of my shirt said "kid knittingbrow."

I really like this picture of these two amazing crew members. They had a great time and it shows on their faces. I believe they still like each other after the experience, too. Always an added bonus, I think.



They spent much of the show moving the dinghy.


and they wanted a picture of them holding it.


And what does the crew do during the performances? Check these out.

or this one


Theater should be fun. And this experience was fun.

HIBAP Production Crew

I had the BEST production crew for How I Became A Pirate. Moving bookflats, holding curtains and making a mast crack isn't always a fun evening. These people were great to work with and fun. Thank you Al, Sam, Ryan, Lance, Emilee, Melissa & Kailey. We moved sets and props for 21 performances over three weekends. This does not include tech & dress rehearsal weeks which adds another 5 full runs of the show. My hats are off to the crew. I look forward to working with you again.




The review from the Columbus Dispatch.

Treasure Chest

treasure chest. 

Today, I made this 

look like this

as part of my Props Master work on How I Became A Pirate. 

The fun really shows up when I fill it full of treasure!
TREASURE! 

Pirates Don't Tuck

Pirates Don't Tuck
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Here's an action photo of the cast for How I Became A Pirate rehearsing the song "Pirates Don't Tuck." It's the song about the kid who is a new pirate on a ship and misses the routine of being tucked in at bedtime. Their voices sound quite good together. 

We start working on the choreography on Tuesday. What will be fun is having the cast keep the great vocals going while moving around on stage. If you saw yesterday's post, there are quick pirate-y moves throughout the entire show. I smile a great deal while watching the work being done. It's a good script with wonderful songs being acted by talented actors under the brilliant direction by Nancy.

I am currently knitting a pirate hat for McGee. I'm about halfway finished with the simple K2 P2 hat. I'll definitely post a picture of the pirate with the hat. He's a ham and will provide a great pose for the blog. I'm having fun!  Thanks for reading about the show.      

How I Became A Pirate rehearsal

I love doing shows with TheaterNancy. She has her shows blocked before the auditions happen. The planning makes it easier for the cast and crew to learn what is supposed to happen and when early and gives us all a chance to have some fun! I took a video of, what I call, the soccer ball scene during rehearsal last night.

This show is going to be great!



Want details about HIBAP? Find them here.

Curran Theatre Experience

Curran Theatre Experience
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I saw Estelle Parsons star in August: Osage County at the Curran Theatre on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. This three act play had me engaged from the opening scene. Dynamic performances by some amazing actors took me through what Sheryl Flatow called "a harrowing and hilarious, sharply observed family drama."

This solid ensemble never missed a beat in taking me from outright laughter to gasps of surprise to shocks of discovery. Timing was impeccable during the three acts. Estelle Parsons plays the matriarch of the Weston family, Violet. Her husband, Beverly Weston, played by Jon DeVines, has decided help is needed in the house to care for Violet. The three daughters all arrive home and what follows is the unwinding of each of their stories and their dysfunction as a family member.

Strong female characters elevate this show to amazing levels of theater. It's not often that plays are written with strong female characters. This show has not one but five. I know several actors who would enjoy the challenge to bring these characters to life.

I was not emotionally drained as I expected to be. Instead, I find myself remembering my own family interactions and gatherings in a new light. My family is not the only one to hide behind humor as a shield against the uncomfortable. Some have described the experience of watching the show as "watching a train wreck." This wasn't true for me. A train wreck happens and I may be pulled to watch, but not become involved. The wreck keeps me as an outsider. August kept pinching me to pay attention and remain connected to the experiences on stage. I became part of the experience at a deeper level.

If you have an opportunity to see the show, you owe it to yourself to go. Our seats were in the rear balcony. I had no complaints about the view. This show is so well written that it kept me engaged all three hours. I would have been willing to stay for more.

The set was a three story house on stage with the first floor cleverly separated into the study, living room and dining room with the kitchen set into the back. The cast moved smoothly during the scene changes so to add the final touches to what just finished (often in dimmed lights) and melt into the next scene. The set dressing and props were an ideal fit to complete the experience. No curtain came down between acts so I got to watch the efficient props changes and resetting of furniture. (I want to be that good on the shows I do props and set dressing. Just sayin')

A Beautiful View: Measure for Measure

A Beautiful View
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

A. and i took the 45-minute drive across the north part of Lake Tahoe to arrive at Sand Harbor State Park for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare festival. This picture shows the view while watching Measure for Measure. We opted for the upper level searing area which gave us a great view of the stage for a very good price. And we also had a nice view of the lake.  

The beach chairs sit in sand. I have never watched theater while sitting in the sand. I've never had some with a shovel offer to get my chair level.  That made me smile. I snapped a photo of the guy using his shovel but the picture is too dark. 

The performance was enjoyable. I had some difficulties adjusting to the sound system and the language. The highlight of the show was the performance by Gina Daniels as Isabella. Her stage prescence was commanding in a gentle and pious manner appropriate for the character.   I'm really happy that I saw the show. 

This performance was an Equity Performance and that means there should be no photos or recordings taken during the performance. My photo was taken before the performance started. There was a person taking photos during the first act. That bothered me. She started to take photos at the top of the second act and I went over and told her that "photos are not to be taken during the performance.". She stared at me, shocked. "please put the camera away now." She did.  

Recap: May 2009

I finally got this video put together after 11 attempts. It's an update on how I spent May 2009. Enjoy.



oh, erica drops and F* bomb. sorry about that.

Theater Etiquette

Awhile back I expressed some dissatisfaction about the behavior of some people during my Broadway Across America experience.

I got this link in an email. Now, if people would just read it and take these things into consideration, it would make everyone's experience a bit better.

March In Review

March is over and I'm quite happy at what's been going on and where I'm going.

Sunday was the last performance of The Magician's Nephew presented by the Columbus Children's Theater. This was my first time working back stage for a theatrical production. The bar has been placed very high for the next production. I was thrilled to be asked to participate as the Props Master with the added bonus of working with the cast to move sets during the performance. The crew for this production is amazing and I was happy to be part of the show.

I finished teaching another class at my LYS. This class was about the Elizabeth Percentage System. I had six students that where really engaged in the class and enthusiastic about the process. Out of seven sweaters being knit (that includes mine) three were completed during the last class. The sweater I was knitting for Sallie's grandson was one. J completed her sweater out of Noro Kureyon and made a sweater that fits her perfectly. Two of the sweaters that will be finished are a mother/daughter team. I'm working with one knitter because she is knitting with cotton and that takes a bit longer. One of the best things about this class was to help the students with "knitter's choice." "Knitter's Choice" is that wonderful, scary experience when you get to make whatever option you want become a reality. Having lots of options leads to many frustrating and liberating creative experiences. Teaching the class was a rewarding experience for me. I'll be teaching a Baby Surprise Jacket class in the next round of classes.

knitSB and I will able to spend some more time together as I've stopped working at KM. We're planning on spending time deeply "spring cleaning" the house, playing in the yard and getting some things done around the house. I am most going to miss seeing all the knitters and the joy of matching yarn with the project for the knitters. I'll be around and I'm happy to knit in public (KIP) anytime someone contacts me. (hint*contact me*)

Work continues to change towards the goal. But I won't go into that now.

My knitting in March was the EPS for the class and Kristen's socks (one is finished and the other is only missing a heel and ribbing at the top).

Expect to read a bit more from me in April. I'll be sharing some steps I'm taking. I welcome comments and the conversation that can happen in a blog.