Fringe Festival: Gathering Steam
Nothing big from our Word of Mouth Productions troupe since the Fringe For All, but the official website for the Fringe Festival is finally up (check it out here).
I haven't seen the TV ads myself, but you can also watch them on the website (the chainsaw one is my favourite).
We'll be rehearsing over the next few days and then we'll be starting in on the big promotion drive. I've got a few personal contacts to be shaken down and then its posters-posters-posters.
I'm hoping we can get a few interviews done and raise more awareness of our little show.
When it comes to the Fringe, I'm alternating between terror and anticipation.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Medicine Cabinet Management
I've been fighting off a cold for the past few days. I always get sick right before a big event (I think the Fringe For All was the big event, although my latest deadline might also qualify), but I've been going the DayQuil/NyQuil caplet route to stay on top of things.
I don't usually take medicine to fight off sickness, but I can't afford to be ill for the next month or so. Any time the warm weather wants to come hurtling through the atmosphere, I'll be good with it.
So as I was getting ready for the day this morning, I popped a couple of orange DayQuil caplets when I realized I didn't have a glass of water to wash them down with.
When it comes to candy, orange-flavoured candy has always been my favourite. The DayQuil caplets are big and orange, so I automatically assumed that cracking through the outer hull of the caplet would produce a delish orange flavour.
Learn from my mistakes. It most certainly does not. There's a reason why these things are design to melt far from your taste buds.
I've been fighting off a cold for the past few days. I always get sick right before a big event (I think the Fringe For All was the big event, although my latest deadline might also qualify), but I've been going the DayQuil/NyQuil caplet route to stay on top of things.
I don't usually take medicine to fight off sickness, but I can't afford to be ill for the next month or so. Any time the warm weather wants to come hurtling through the atmosphere, I'll be good with it.
So as I was getting ready for the day this morning, I popped a couple of orange DayQuil caplets when I realized I didn't have a glass of water to wash them down with.
When it comes to candy, orange-flavoured candy has always been my favourite. The DayQuil caplets are big and orange, so I automatically assumed that cracking through the outer hull of the caplet would produce a delish orange flavour.
Learn from my mistakes. It most certainly does not. There's a reason why these things are design to melt far from your taste buds.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Fringe For All: the results
We rocked that place! There must've been at least 500 people crammed onto the dance floor at Cafe Campus. Each company had 2.5 minutes to present their show and get the media's attention. The media people sat in the first two rows next to the stage and they were given press kits with all of our press releases.
Our producer Esmerita suggested that we create a strong visual image by dressing in dark pants, white shirts, and god-awful ties. Zimmerman fished out a Winne the Pooh tie and I had one with colorful fish.
As soon as we stepped out onto the scene, we got their attention. I could hear the people giggling about our ties, and knowing that we now had their attention, our confidence was given a boost.
Honestly, we were a bit intimidated at first. Storytelling is a struggling art form in this part of the world, but I was worried that it might be a bit out-of-place in a "Fringe" festival. When faced with other plays about naked cowboys that eat pudding, storytelling doesn't seem on the same level.
But I was relieved to see from the program that there are a few family shows in the Fringe (although we're the only storytellers). Some of the presentations were bizarre, but others were less complex and more entertaining, so by the time we stepped up on stage, I knew we would be okay.
Our bit for the FFA was that we were to present our show about the adventures of Jack, but then Zimmerman and I would start arguing about the details of those stories, punctuated by cries of "You don't know Jack!" The bit ended with the two of us yelling at each other about who knew Jack better and finally pointing at the audience and saying "You don't know Jack!"
Many people came up to us afterwards and congratulated us on our FFA bit and I noticed the media folks taking plenty of notes. The website has even gotten a few hits in the past couple of days, so that's encouraging. Stan Asher has even contacted us to do an interview on CKUT.
I can't wait to start Fringing. This is going to be great fun. I hope some of you can make it to our show!
We rocked that place! There must've been at least 500 people crammed onto the dance floor at Cafe Campus. Each company had 2.5 minutes to present their show and get the media's attention. The media people sat in the first two rows next to the stage and they were given press kits with all of our press releases.
Our producer Esmerita suggested that we create a strong visual image by dressing in dark pants, white shirts, and god-awful ties. Zimmerman fished out a Winne the Pooh tie and I had one with colorful fish.
As soon as we stepped out onto the scene, we got their attention. I could hear the people giggling about our ties, and knowing that we now had their attention, our confidence was given a boost.
Honestly, we were a bit intimidated at first. Storytelling is a struggling art form in this part of the world, but I was worried that it might be a bit out-of-place in a "Fringe" festival. When faced with other plays about naked cowboys that eat pudding, storytelling doesn't seem on the same level.
But I was relieved to see from the program that there are a few family shows in the Fringe (although we're the only storytellers). Some of the presentations were bizarre, but others were less complex and more entertaining, so by the time we stepped up on stage, I knew we would be okay.
Our bit for the FFA was that we were to present our show about the adventures of Jack, but then Zimmerman and I would start arguing about the details of those stories, punctuated by cries of "You don't know Jack!" The bit ended with the two of us yelling at each other about who knew Jack better and finally pointing at the audience and saying "You don't know Jack!"
Many people came up to us afterwards and congratulated us on our FFA bit and I noticed the media folks taking plenty of notes. The website has even gotten a few hits in the past couple of days, so that's encouraging. Stan Asher has even contacted us to do an interview on CKUT.
I can't wait to start Fringing. This is going to be great fun. I hope some of you can make it to our show!
Monday, May 31, 2004
The Evil Gingivitis
The third annual Superhero Party was held at Ceridwen and Septimus' place on Saturday night. I was determined to make this party since I had to bail on it for the last two years.
The people who attend these parties are extremely creative and talented and the costumes they come up with are unreal (Year 1, Year 2). Last year, I had thought of coming as Super Grover, but I couldn't make the party (or the costume) in the end.
So this year, I decided to attend the party as Listerine: The Action Hero for your Gums. I spent all week trying to put this costume together and I almost gave up in the end. I'm a university edumacated man and my costume looked like it had been put together by a high school student who was hopped up on valium, vodka, and cough syrup. Ceridwen encouraged me to bring my shambled costume to the party and she would see what she could do.
But thanks to three brilliant superheroes (the Bowler, the Flash, and Rogue), we were able to put the costume together. It wasn't exactly what I had imagined, but it was close enough. Let's just say the idea was better than the execution.
I'm not very good with costumes, in general. My finest moment in designing a costume was when I went dressed as a midget. I stood about three feet high and I was holding an enormous sack (that covered the rest of my body as I walked on my hands). Great illusion, but the costume made socializing difficult.
But in the end, the party was great fun and I won the prize for silliest costume (a Batman toothbrush). The costume didn't not survive the evening, but that's okay. I'll come up with something better next year.
The third annual Superhero Party was held at Ceridwen and Septimus' place on Saturday night. I was determined to make this party since I had to bail on it for the last two years.
The people who attend these parties are extremely creative and talented and the costumes they come up with are unreal (Year 1, Year 2). Last year, I had thought of coming as Super Grover, but I couldn't make the party (or the costume) in the end.
So this year, I decided to attend the party as Listerine: The Action Hero for your Gums. I spent all week trying to put this costume together and I almost gave up in the end. I'm a university edumacated man and my costume looked like it had been put together by a high school student who was hopped up on valium, vodka, and cough syrup. Ceridwen encouraged me to bring my shambled costume to the party and she would see what she could do.
But thanks to three brilliant superheroes (the Bowler, the Flash, and Rogue), we were able to put the costume together. It wasn't exactly what I had imagined, but it was close enough. Let's just say the idea was better than the execution.
I'm not very good with costumes, in general. My finest moment in designing a costume was when I went dressed as a midget. I stood about three feet high and I was holding an enormous sack (that covered the rest of my body as I walked on my hands). Great illusion, but the costume made socializing difficult.
But in the end, the party was great fun and I won the prize for silliest costume (a Batman toothbrush). The costume didn't not survive the evening, but that's okay. I'll come up with something better next year.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
You wouldn't like Hector when he's angry
I haven't seen Troy yet, but from what people tell me, today's Penny Arcade strip is pretty accurate.
I haven't read the epic story behind Troy in decades and I don't think I will until I decide if I'm going to see the movie or not. Apparently, the more ignorant you are, the more you'll like the movie.
Nice rubber armour, Braaaaaaaaaad.
I haven't seen Troy yet, but from what people tell me, today's Penny Arcade strip is pretty accurate.
I haven't read the epic story behind Troy in decades and I don't think I will until I decide if I'm going to see the movie or not. Apparently, the more ignorant you are, the more you'll like the movie.
Nice rubber armour, Braaaaaaaaaad.
Monday, May 24, 2004
I knew he wasn't really dead!
Andy Kaufman is back! And he's got a blog (thanks be to Steve).
Wow! My question is: where is this Bunny Ranch located exactly. I need to add it to my summer vacation plans...
Andy Kaufman is back! And he's got a blog (thanks be to Steve).
Wow! My question is: where is this Bunny Ranch located exactly. I need to add it to my summer vacation plans...
Rainy Days
It's been windy the last few days (I must get my kite fixed!), but the rain that was promised over the weekend has fallen on today. It's cold, wet, and rainy out there.
Even though it's the wrong time of year, the weather has brought me memories of Apple Day. Back in the days when I was a young'un living in Quebec city, I was a member of the St. Vincent troup of the Wolf Cubs (and Scouts later). As I grew older, I eventually rejoined the scouting movement as a leader, working with groups in Quebec city and Sherbrooke (during my university days). I had continued to volunteer in the Scouting movement when I came to Montreal, but I had to quit due to an increasingly conflicting schedule.
Back in Quebec city, every October, we had a traditional fund raiser called Apple Day. All the local Wolf Cubs and Scouts would congregate at Trinity church to polish the apples and then be sent off with a parent to sell them at a local mall (for a quarter each).
It was mostly fun, but sometimes tedious. It was interesting and fun to spend the day (a Saturday, usually) with your buddies in a new place, doing something different. It was usually a cold, rainy Saturday in October, the inside of the church hall smelled damp. We spent the day polishing apples, eating a few when the leaders weren't looking. The apples were always tart and juicy. For lunch, we always had hot dogs and a keg of orange drink (from the local McDonalds).
When we weren't out selling or inside polishing, we would play games or explore the grounds. We were always daring each other to pull the rope that would ring the church bells, knowing full-well we'd get the wrath of our Akela brought down upon us if we actually did it.
Sure... The money/selling side of it has always left a bad taste in my mouth, but it's a necessary part of running a group like this. To be able to have interesting activities and go on camping trips, you need extra funds.
I think I'll enjoy the morning sitting on the back balcony, drinking tea and chewing on an apple.
It's been windy the last few days (I must get my kite fixed!), but the rain that was promised over the weekend has fallen on today. It's cold, wet, and rainy out there.
Even though it's the wrong time of year, the weather has brought me memories of Apple Day. Back in the days when I was a young'un living in Quebec city, I was a member of the St. Vincent troup of the Wolf Cubs (and Scouts later). As I grew older, I eventually rejoined the scouting movement as a leader, working with groups in Quebec city and Sherbrooke (during my university days). I had continued to volunteer in the Scouting movement when I came to Montreal, but I had to quit due to an increasingly conflicting schedule.
Back in Quebec city, every October, we had a traditional fund raiser called Apple Day. All the local Wolf Cubs and Scouts would congregate at Trinity church to polish the apples and then be sent off with a parent to sell them at a local mall (for a quarter each).
It was mostly fun, but sometimes tedious. It was interesting and fun to spend the day (a Saturday, usually) with your buddies in a new place, doing something different. It was usually a cold, rainy Saturday in October, the inside of the church hall smelled damp. We spent the day polishing apples, eating a few when the leaders weren't looking. The apples were always tart and juicy. For lunch, we always had hot dogs and a keg of orange drink (from the local McDonalds).
When we weren't out selling or inside polishing, we would play games or explore the grounds. We were always daring each other to pull the rope that would ring the church bells, knowing full-well we'd get the wrath of our Akela brought down upon us if we actually did it.
Sure... The money/selling side of it has always left a bad taste in my mouth, but it's a necessary part of running a group like this. To be able to have interesting activities and go on camping trips, you need extra funds.
I think I'll enjoy the morning sitting on the back balcony, drinking tea and chewing on an apple.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Word of Mouth
Well... it looks like I won't be getting that contract after all. A few people reminded me of a few incidents, gave good advice, and I returned with a counter-offer. Unofficially, they're still considering it, but my spies tell me that they're looking for someone else.
I happen to know who that someone else might be and if they pick her, I don't mind losing it to her. She's a fine writer, a great person, and she needs the work more than I do. So unless something else comes in, it looks like I'll be having the summer off mostly. Suits me fine.
So allow me to introduce you to my latest project that promises to keep me busy over the next month: Word of Mouth Productions.
Zimmerman and I have put this show together for the Fringe, but we still want to take it on the road. We've already done this show in the Ottawa Festival (and we're going back next year), but we're hoping to put together a few other shows and take them to folk and storytelling festivals all over the globe. We're also hoping we can take our storytelling shows to schools.
Personally, I think Jack Tales would go over great in Ireland, but I may be biased.
Well... it looks like I won't be getting that contract after all. A few people reminded me of a few incidents, gave good advice, and I returned with a counter-offer. Unofficially, they're still considering it, but my spies tell me that they're looking for someone else.
I happen to know who that someone else might be and if they pick her, I don't mind losing it to her. She's a fine writer, a great person, and she needs the work more than I do. So unless something else comes in, it looks like I'll be having the summer off mostly. Suits me fine.
So allow me to introduce you to my latest project that promises to keep me busy over the next month: Word of Mouth Productions.
Zimmerman and I have put this show together for the Fringe, but we still want to take it on the road. We've already done this show in the Ottawa Festival (and we're going back next year), but we're hoping to put together a few other shows and take them to folk and storytelling festivals all over the globe. We're also hoping we can take our storytelling shows to schools.
Personally, I think Jack Tales would go over great in Ireland, but I may be biased.
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