Today at The Rep

Can I first say that for any aspiring Communications Interns, that one of your responsibilities (official or unofficial) will be to make the other interns blog. I'm just sayin'...

In the building today, we have first rehearsal for MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE, tech rehearsal for FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN and a performance of BLUE DOOR. Even though we are getting near the end of our season and our internships, we are not nearly done. There are still three more shows yet to open and many things to do. What kind of theatre would we be if about a hundred things weren't happening at once.

My day will include collecting contracts and paperwork from artists at RACHEL CORRIE first rehearsal; Sitting in on FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN tech and keeping the tech snack bowl stocked (I take pride in my work) and also running errands if necessary (but it is seldom necessary. Basically, as the PM intern during tech, I am there to observe how the production manager oversees the tech process and facilitates communication between guest artists and staff and between the departments here. If all goes well, the production manager's job is fairly easy, but if problems arise, they spring into action (like a superhero?!) and calm the waters so the show runs smoothly. This year, since we have had several production mangers, I have seem a few different styles and it has been a good learning experience.

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN and BLUE DOOR are both shows that have been produced elsewhere. We are utilizing the same directors and most of the same design team from the previous productions. As I recall, they are not a true "co-production" but the communication and collaboration between the theatres is definitely there. Honestly, I still don't quite understand the definition of a true co-production. Maybe that is something I should accomplish before my internship ends, eh? But I bring this up because I've noticed that regional theatres often work together in various ways to produce a show. I didn't really understand that until I worked here. I have also become very aware that the theatre community nation-wide is very VERY small. If you piss someone off today, you will inevitably run into them somewhere down the line.
Alright I have to go meet with the Company Manager to go over contract stuff.

Chris - Production

And We're Going to See the Board!

Okay, so we already went yesterday, but it was a very neat experience. 11 out of 12 of us went with our fearless leader Fran, and gave a 35 minute presentation on the Professional Arts Training Program. It was a great opportunity for us to not only get to observe how a board meeting runs, but also for them to learn specifics about the program and to meet us and vice versa. The internship program allows us to be integrally involved in the day-to-day workings of the theatre, but I don't think the board had a reason to know who we were before that day. They were all very excited to talk to us, and hear more about us on an individual basis.

And best of all they fed us! Yes, it seems that we're obsessed with food, but we've learned to live on limited income and free food is always welcome. We were even given togo boxes to take home leftovers. A good day :)

One of Those Days...

Today is one of those days that I just don't feel like I can get work done. I should be starting a number of different projects, but I currently feel the need to procrastinate. However, posting to this blog is one of the things that I needed to get done, so I suppose irony ensues...

My projects are generally quite eclectic and therefore they make my head spin a little. I have stacks of opening night invitations sitting on my desk for the media because I'm in the middle of my "press unit." I need to start poking people (gently reminding them that the deadline for bios and such is quickly approaching) about the Gem of the Ocean Encore (Encore is the company that lays out and prints our programs). And I have to slog through some Education marketing stuff. And somehow, I have to goad the other interns into posting. It's not easy to get them to comply sometimes...

I'm really looking forward to the board meeting today. We are all going to represent the internship program to the board. It should be interesting, and they're feeding us afterward. I'm a sucker for free food!

~Winnie
Communications Intern

David Esbjornson Gave me 20 bucks

Design Intern finally getting my act together and "blogging"

For starters I would like to point out that this is my first blog EVER I just don't blog, not on My Space not on friendster nope no blogging for me. However one of the things you will learn here is that eventually the communications intern will guilt you into such activities so seeing as I am not currently in tech. . .
Anyways as I am sure has been mentioned in prior posts All of the 12 interns this season are female (think SRT Greek Life) and so to much of the staff it is a bit of a surprise to see so many young women traveling around the building in little flocks, and such occasions, sometimes much to our annoyance, rarely go with out comment. So one evening, many tech weeks ago I am hovering over the cubical wall of the artistic office deep in conference with the two artistic interns, about whether or not we can really justify going out for dinner on our meager stipends. About 10 minutes into our debate David Esbjornson (the artistic director for those who don't know) walks around the corner and surprised at seeing the three of us exclaims "uh oh intern conference"
I of course feeling slightly punchy retort "yep, we are debating whether or not we can afford to buy dinner" hum slight embarrassment at retort to artistic leader of the organization.
David suddenly slightly mortified "that's terrible" and then reaching in his pockets "you want 20 bucks?" ummmmmmmm say what????

Well what does one say to that, bearing in mind that we really aren't sure if we can afford to buy dinner, so my response is "well. . . I wouldn't say no" did I really just say that?!?!?!?

so he hands Kati and I the cash which we stare at somewhat blankly while stammering 'thank yous' as David walks away hysterical giggling and excitement ensue at the shock and then realization that this allots for dinner other than soggy old pre made sandwiches

Kati and I went out for Thai food (mmmmm pad thai) Erin unfortunately went to bar tend some event in the lobby,
After dinner Kati and I wanting to share the joy of the occasion brought back Brownies (aptly titled "David Esbjornson brownies") for all past and present interns to enjoy

So there it is the exciting tale of free Thai food sponsored by David

A Letter From Our Sponsor...

Fran Kao, Education Programs Manager and the interns' fearless leader here at the Rep wrote the following letter to the entire staff because of an event the interns hosted as ambassadors for the Rep:



Hi Seattle Rep Staff,

I was going to enter this into the cue sheet but just could not wait to share the joy.

Last night our interns did us proud and the Seattle community felt the rewards of their work and care for the art presented on our stages.

Background info:
Seattle Rep, along with numerous cultural and arts organizations in Seattle, is presenting Susan Lori Parks 365days/365plays.
(Basically a play a day in major metropolitan areas of the nation)
At the end of each month a marathon is done that reprises all the plays of the month.
Last night Seattle Rep hosted the marathon for the month of January.
Having now been involved in this giant collaborative process since November 2006 it is proven itself time and time again as a very positive community effort and the coordination of that community in terms of information flow, logistics and production is as challenging as it is rewarding.

What does that mean for a presenting organization (in the case of last night SRT)?
It means we CHOOSE how the experience will be for the participants AND for the audience, and do so with very little info if any ahead of time.

Our 06-07 INTERNS not only stepped up to fill a void in our organization in terms of producing this event but they ALSO CHOSE to bring a high level of care and organization to the preparation and the flow of the evening.

What was the result?
All participates were well cared for.
Each organization's theatrical needs were met with ease and grace.
Our audience got to experience 28 plays in under 2 hours with a sense that Seattle Rep fully embraces works developed by outside organizations on our PONCHO forum stage.

In my experience (and maybe your's too) community driven work with lots of small under-staffed organizations can be taxing and messy but well worth the effort.
Last night our interns showed me that a large institution (like SRT) can indeed create an environment that is welcoming to all, supportive without being controlling and the plethora of performances/artists/artistic styles can be a streamlined experience for audiences (which in the case-Susan Lori Parks- is plus in gaining insight into her writing.)

Every time we do community based events we will learn more and more
Last night we all learned a lot from our interns.

Angelina, Chris, Dante, Deb, Emily, Erin, Jenn, Katie C., Kati S., Sarah, Tammy and Winnie -INTERNS YOU ROCK!

Thanks for reading pass it on to those without email and share the joy

-Fran

Frances Kao
Education Program Manager
Seattle Repertory Theatre

All My Teenage Boys

I just sent out a company-wide email asking everyone if they knew any teen boys who could act. Of course, I immediately received about ten responses implying that I shouldn't use company-wide emails to facilitate my craddle-robbing ways.

Actually, I was looking for suggestions for our upcoming production of Fire on the Mountain--NOT a date for Friday night. We don't often cast juvenile actors in our plays, so Jerry (the Casting Director) and I wanted to start thinking outside the box about where we were going to find these little puppies. So I called just about every other theatre in town, sent emails to everyone I knew, and looked back through about six seasons worth of casting files.

Sometimes as the casting intern, I feel like a reporter following up leads for a big story. Except I don't get to wear a trench coat. And Jerry and I don't meet in dark alleys or parking garages. But other than that, when casting roles that require a type of actor the Rep doesn't usually use (kids are a great example), I get to be this whole new kind of crazy and resourceful. And it's kind of exhilarating looking for the right person for a role--much like it would probably be to write a front page story for the NY Times; you know the information (or, in my case, the actor) is out there, but its up to you to find it.

Anyway, I have to get back to finding young boys and creating the actor packet for Gem of the Ocean (more on that later). I'll check in as time and procrastination permit.

--Erin Kraft, Artistic/Casting Intern

If You Wannabe...And Then I Found Five Bucks!

Seattle Repertory Taco presents

Fiesta Repicana

Well Fiesta Repicana was actually last Monday. We had an awesome mid-winter party which included margaritas, karaoke SMACK DOWN, and a taco bar. Mmmm yum! There was also a ping pong table and a mini golf course in the lobby. Who else but theatre people know how to throw such an awesome party?

But the interns got up there and sang "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls...

It goes: "If you wannabe be my lover, blah blah blah" (You're going to have it stuck in your head all day now aren't ya?)

But we won Best Group Performance in the Karaoke SMACK DOWN. Our prizes were 3 dollar gift cards to Starbuck's. (Hey, this is Seattle, that is an awesome prize to feed a socially-acceptable vice) First place went to Alycia (Assistant Company Manager who sang "Sweet Child of Mine" with many awesome improved dance breaks), second place went to Christian (Shop Carpentar who sang "Still Rock N Roll to Me," and his rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with many inserted strong expletives later in the evening was an awesome encore), and third place went to Christy Carlson (Box Office Manager who sang "Walkin' On Sunshine")

Best of all though was Cynthia, Director of Marketing and Communications, who came to seminar on Friday and paid up. She had promised five bucks to anyone who would get up and sing the Spice Girls' "Wannabe." We didn't ask if it was five dollars to the group or to each person, but she gave us each five bucks. Yay!

So...we each found five bucks...