Pioneer Playhouse Day 1

I am at the end of my first full day at the Pioneer Playhouse in Danville.

This morning, after a run around the campus, I finished up auditions in about an hour and went right into the first read through. Directly following that I met will all of my designers for our first design meeting. Because everything in the show has to be set on Saturday (including blocking) the next three days are action packed with meetings and revisions. I'm spending tonight in my room blocking the show. The hardest thing about the Playhouse is that everyone pretty much shuts down by 4pm because of the heat, and you want to keep going but darn that weather wipes you out! Nap times are a must here in this weather.

This evening I was lucky to have dinner "off campus" with three of the actors and one of their parents. We went to this delish pizza place in Danville, brand new. I was starving! I don't think Pizza ever tasted so good! I love how friendly people are here, especially the volunteers here. All of them work so hard every day, two of them re did my entire room before I even got there. Apparently they are taking bets as to how long I last in the room, I told them I am as happy as a calm since I have AC. Also, everyone is involved with the actors and staff. I have invited the volunteers into my rehearsal process since many of them expressed interest after meeting me last night at the opening night for THE DILLENGER DELIMA. I get a lot of questions about New York.

Tomorrow my goal is to get the entire show blocked with entrances and exits, the set will be finalized tomorrow afternoon so I can start to sketch everything in on Friday. I booked a designer run for Saturday-which I think may be a new thing here since everyone sorta looked at me like I was from outer space. All of the designers have great ideas and I am looking forward to getting things set so we can get to work.

Well, I had better get back to work if I want to wake up early to tape the space. Goodnight!