02-06-22 Well, that was a heck of a learning curve
I was in a good mood, up and ready to go to the Tech run-through day. As I was about to leave to go pick up some additional items for the set and the pizza lunch I had ordered, I got a message that Pepijn, our tech guy was really sick. I had no words, and just headed to the theatre after picking things up. I admit I had a wee panic attack processing what I needed to do. Although I am the tech director, I have never set cues or run a show with the new gear. I know what things should look like, how to focus the lights etc. But have not found it necessary to get into the nitty gritty as we have capable techies. I have not used QLab at all…
Duncan, Sandy and Lorraine let me vent my fear so I could let it go and then we went up and talked to the cast while they ate and I asked for their patience as we did a Q2Q for me to learn and write notes. They were so great and after one quick run through, we ran the show. There are two firework scenes that took the most time yesterday to co-ordinate and it turns out they were not set cues but hand created. I messaged with Pepijn and Steph stopped by to call him and confirm our actions and then I took the reins and made them happen. It wasn’t perfect but so great! At the end of the show, me made some notes for adjustments to preset fade in and out times and will test them tomorrow. I had to copy and set a couple cues even. The board does not feel intuitive until suddenly it clicks. I left pretty shaky but sure I can do it for this first week of final rehearsals, previews and three shows. I asked Pepijn to stay home and get well and then come observe and make notes at the matinee to ensure he gets the timing differences we have made as this would have been his rehearsal time.
When I left the theatre it was like I was in aftershock from the Adrenalin of making it happen and reassuring everyone that we could do it. I have everyone taking their temperatures on arrival again and am really going to be extra careful of my own health. Everyone did seem confident and relieved at how quickly I made it happen. It all seems logical now and I sat and took time to write out my notes of all that needs to happen.
I was pleased that the Production Manager and her assistant reached out to say they found someone who could do it as they were concerned with all I have to do as the Producer. The good thing is everything I had to do is almost wrapped up. I just have to pick up the programs from the Printer and the poster being framed for the lobby. I will order food for Tuesday night before the final dress rehearsal and get the gifts ready. I will have time to take care of those as they are for closing night on the 26th. At least it happened when I still have two more rehearsals before a preview audience. I said thank you but no, to someone else as that would make more rehearsal time and I am the best person to do it in this case. If I didn’t know the show so well and hadn’t been there yesterday it may be a different tale.
So now I have puzzled, and had my tea and am sitting in the happy glow of this mornings milestone of 15 pounds gone since Jan 2nd. I posted on Facebook about it and my Dry Feb fundraiser and when I got home saw that my client, Steve from Fruitvale donated $250, adding that to the funds from my friends in the UK and Bella Bella and I am well over my fundraising goal. What a blessing. I will have to send him a thank you in the morning. It was late by the time I saw it.
triumphgal 