November Update

This week is all about substitute run crews.  I’m running followspot for Grey Gardens at Northlight Theatre and Stage Managing for Chicago Kids Company.  Both are short runs, but is nice to have something steady for a couple weeks, and I’m enjoying all the people that I’m meeting at each job.  December is all about load ins and focusing, the big one being the Scottish Play at Chicago Shakespeare.  Should be fun…

Last Night in Lincoln Square

After a very slow transition to Chicago and an equally slow first few weeks here, my time in Lincoln Square has certainly served its purpose.  When I get back I’m moving to a nice place in a better location and I have made a lot of new contacts and job opportunities that I will take advantage of when I get back.

Tomorrow I leave for a short stay in St. Louis before I head up to the Quad Cities to design A Wonderful Life.  Going into this production I’m hoping to really collaborate with director and other designers to put on a quality production within the limitations of the space and production schedule.  I’m confident that the material and the artists will be strong, so I will do my part to enhance the audience’s experience and be a positive partner in the technical process.

CPS Shakespeare

For the past week I ran a follow spot for the Chicago Public Schools production of the Scottish Play.  I had no clue what I was getting myself into, but I was pleasantly surprised with the students and the production itself.  Most of the students were not trained (or experienced) actors so the potential for a disaster seemed likely.  But the director and artistic staff did a great job shaping a quality experience for the students and an entertaining show for an atypical theatre audience.  The script was cut to just over an hour and many of the principle roles were played by multiple actors without gender rules.  Add to that excellent fight choreography, solid costume, light, sound designs, and a group of enthusiastic teenagers, it turned out to be a lot better than I expected.  A welcome surprise for my first show in the city.

I’m off to hang at the Apollo Theatre tonight.  GO RAMS!

Picking Up Speed

After several weeks with nothing to report, its nice to finally have some good news.  Its only Wednesday and I’ve already had two job interviews, lined up a week long gig at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and started another round of apartment searching.  The rest of the week should jump start my social life with two big Timber Lake reunions.

I interviewed Tuesday with Chicago Shakespeare and was blown away by the company, the theatre and the incredible location.  It was my first trip to the Navy Pier (I almost called it the wharf…) and I could not have picked a better time.  The weather was amazing and there were only a few people there.  It will probably be a lot more busy when I’m working next week so its nice to have soaked it all up before its filled with people.  I also interviewed with the Boho Theatre for future productions.  Doesn’t mean much right now, but if I’m in Chicago for awhile I hope to have an opportunity to work with them.

WIthout much else to pull my focus, the election has taken over most of my non-sports brain functions.  I’ve watched almost four seasons of the West Wing in two weeks.  I’ve watched every debate and the follow up SNL sketches.  I’ve even researched the White House, the Constitution and speeches by FDR.  I probably should have researched FDR back in July when I was portraying him, but there were trees falling on cabins…

Big Step

Well, I finally made it to Chicago, and it finally stopped raining here.  I’m not working yet, but I have jobs lined up in November, and I’m waiting to hear back from some other places.  I’m hoping to soak up the city this week while the weather is still nice and while I have nothing else to do.  I’m also starting to run with the Couch to 5k podcasts.  The running was going great in St. Louis, but lets see if I can keep it up in Chicago.

Things are moving ahead…slowly, but I’m still positive and I’m excited to get out there and make a name for myself.

And I’m still a Cardinals fan.

Roadblock

Tomorrow I will embark on my fourth trip to Chicago to look for apartments.  Each time I’ve gone it has been to look for a different arrangement.  3Br/2Br/3Br and now I’m looking for one room in an already occupied place.  I hate to think of this as my last resort, but if I don’t move soon I will continue to waste valuable time.  I do have a design job outside of Chicago in November, but that is still so far away, and I’m eager to continue working.

Here’s to hoping that this is my last post without a place to live or a job.

Apartment Searching

I made the first big step toward moving to Chicago by looking at apartments yesterday.  I ended the day with mixed feelings about what I saw, but still very excited about the move.  I’m realizing more and more how many people I know in the city, and how ready I am for this step.  I’m constantly finding getting more help with finding work, although I havn’t interviewed or applied anywhere but the Goodman Theatre.  I really hope to find a place in the next week, move in Sept 1st and begin working in the Windy City.