GRN 05-22-08

Well, friends and fellow Players, according to the calendar it’s practically summertime, and that means that Jimmy’s Mobile Canine and Equine Extravaganza is back on the road! I’m sitting right now in my lovely office overlooking Broadway and 40^th Street. If I lean against the wall and look north out the window, I can see Times Square. Have I had time to see a single show? Are you insane?

The touring schedule at this point includes a trip to Los Angeles next week (yes, I want to see you all, too, but it’s a leadership conference and I’m the leader – so it seems unlikely that I’ll have any time), then a few days at home in Chicago and it’s back to New York, followed by a quick and dirty one night only in San Francisco. Other venues coming up include Seattle (yes, Robyn, I will try to call you), New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and D.C.

I now have enough frequent flyer miles to get a Round Trip Ticket. First Class. To Alpha Centauri. Of course, if I want to check any baggage, it will cost me extra.

Well, far too much more than enough about me. Let’s get to the letters. Millie Casillas responds to all the remembrances of ACTFs and Irene Ryans past.

Hey All,

Thanks for clearing up about the previous times Tech Alumni have made it far at ACTF. I really don't know much at all about past students and their great accomplishments so that was really cool to find out! I'm glad these "Greenroom notes" exist! That's what its all about I guess, right? :D

-Millie

Yep, Millie, that’s what it’s all about. The connection from the beginning till now, and on into the future. What was it Winnie Churchill said? “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.” At least, that’s what I think he said. We were both a little tipsy at the time.

Next up is a note from joining Player Aaron Jennejahn.

My name is Aaron Jennejahn and I graduated from TTU in May of 06 where I was a theatre minor. I am currently living in Denver and working in the education department of a high school. I have had some projects over the past year, mainly a short film, a reading of a brand new play from the "Perfect Disgrace" theatre company, and am currently working on "The House of Yes" as Anthony for "square product theatre company." Grad school is a possibility in the near future! Hope all is well! Would love to hear from some of the old casts and crews

aaronjennejahn@gmail.com

Some of you may have noticed that I left Aaron’s email address in, and that, in normal practice, we don’t do that in The Notes. And you would be right. But in this case I checked with Aaron to make certain that he wanted to list his address so that folks who wanted to could contact him directly. And he did. But if you don’t want yours listed, rest assured that I won’t ever publish it without asking you first. Nor will I give it to anyone without asking you first. If you want to get in touch with another Player, and don’t have an address for them, you can always send your message to me at this address and I will forward or set up the contact. And that’s pretty much our privacy policy in a nutshell. So long as you add that we don’t give out information without permission and we don’t ever give out information to anyone other than fellow Players.

Now the other thing I have to tell you is that, of course, I’ve been so long in getting this edition out that Aaron has an update to his update. And here it is.

Not sure if you have finalized everything for the next edition of the green room notes, but if not, I wanted to add something.

I have been accepted into the 2010 MFA in Contemporary Theatre class at Naropa University in Boulder, CO. It's a great program specializing in Grotowski training and Viewpoints. Just wanted to share that with the rest of the gang!

Next Fred Christoffel checks in.

Hi Jimmy from Windy/Dusty Lubbock –

Now everyone ease up on our Millie! It has been a long time since we had anyone make it to D.C. for the Ryan’s, probably before she was born. Next time she’ll know to ask the resident “old-fart” (me) before she posts.

As Mike Scudday mentioned, USITT was in Houston this past month and it was a special treat for me. Not only were my current students there, but also students from every design class since I have been teaching at Tech, and some form other schools where I taught, seemed to find their way to Houston, not to mention my youngest daughter made it to her first USITT as a young lighting designer. Ok, so I am officially old. Also, a Player who only slightly pre-dates me, Joe Aldridge, was named a Fellow of the Institute (USITT). This is a big honor and even though his introduction failed to mention Texas Tech, Joe knows where he comes from.

I need your help in getting the word out. The Technical Director position at TTU is open and I am in need of someone (good) to fill the position. The job announcement is below, so if any of you out there know of someone you would recommend, please send them my way.

Technical Director: Texas Tech University seeks full-time (12-month) motivated individual to serve as Technical Director for the Department of Theatre and Dance. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to work with and motivate a diverse group of students and will possess a strong commitment to safety. In addition, they will be required to provide technical support, oversee, and participate effectively in the areas of scenery, props, lighting, and sound for 5-Mainstage, 4-Lab, and 3-summer rep productions annually. Participate in the department’s collaboration with the Angel Fire Mountain Theatre. Supervise paid student production staff, practicum students, and volunteers; track and manage appropriate production budgets and payroll. Maintain all University Theatre facilities and equipment and serve as departmental safety coordinator. Work in a collegial manner with a dynamic faculty, staff, and student population who are committed to the highest level of professionalism in a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is a NAST-accredited program committed to promoting a multicultural learning environment that provides intensive theatre and dance instruction within liberal arts setting dedicated to a lively combination of academic studies with practical production experience. We serve approximately 130 undergraduate students who pursue BA and BFA degrees in theatre arts and dance, and 69 graduates who pursue MA and MFA degrees in theatre, and a multidisciplinary PhD in Fine Arts. We operate two performance spaces, a 385 seat proscenium theatre and 99 seat trust theatre.

Qualifications applicants should possess are an MFA in technical theatre or production or BFA in technical production with extensive professional experience or training. Start: May 5, 2008. Submit applications, including letter of interest, current resume, contact information for three current professional references, and statement of shop management philosophy, online at: http://jobs.texastech.edu. Email enquiries accepted to: fred.christoffel@ttu.edu . Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Texas Tech University values a diverse faculty and seeks to create as diverse a pool of candidates as possible. AA/EOE.

Speaking for myself, I love our Millie. She’s always been a delight in my dealings with her. Now, all you kids who are looking for a TD job, or know somebody looking for a TD job, get busy.

An announcement in two parts from Patrick Donnelly.

Not for immediate release! In about two weeks would be fine.

I do have some interesting news. Much of it is still in the realm of secret knowledge, and will be revealed in early May.

I have a great job coming up, and I will be hiring some assistants. Eventually as many as four (4).

I am looking for young folks interested in becoming actively involved in professional theatre. Specifically tech theatre and building management. These will be upwardly mobile positions. The assistants will be exposed to people at the top of the game, and I will encourage them to move up into professional management, Stage Management, Company Management, IATSE road jobs and work in theatres around the country.

The money will be good, better than most entry level jobs, and the work environment will be superb.

I will give special consideration to ex-military (I like people who know how to execute orders and understand hierarchy). For my first choice I will be drafting for size. Good organization skills and computer literacy a must. Reliability a must.

If any Players and especially upcoming TTU theatre Grads are interested please get into contact with me. Email is best.

Patticakes

(And then we heard…)

It is now official.

I am now the TD for the Majestic theatre in San Antonio.

Back to where I started, but now it is a white collar type job, with an assistant or two (to be named soon). About five times the money as well.

Great old house!

So I guess the deal here is that if you’re interested in hitting Patrick up for a job, send me an email and I’ll forward it to him.

Next we hear from our beloved Producer, Stuart John.

I'm back in CA now and starting the next "Transformers" which Michael Bay will want bigger than the first. It should keep us busy for quite a while. I'll keep the GRN posted with what I can, shows these days are real strict about leaking information.

That's all for now. Don't forget to check our website,

greenroomplayers.org, for past GRN and Player archives. Let us know if

you have any shows you would like to post on it as well.

Peace and Prayers for all Players,

Stuart John, Cast of '76

Cleveland. Oh, Stuart. And I thought my job had its drawbacks.

And finally, Jonathan Marks forwards more information from Tawny Mertes. Which, of course, begs the question, “Why isn’t Tawny checking in on her own?”

As you know, THE GLASS MENAGERIE performing through June 8 at ACTORS CO-OP in Hollywood has received glowing reviews from the Los Angeles Times (CRITIC'S CHOICE) and the LA Weekly (GO!) and now StageSceneLA.com as well.

Here's a link to our most recent review:

http://stagescenela.com/html/the_glass_menagerie1.html

The show runs for just three more weekends! A special discount ticket offer is available for Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24 at 8 pm. 1/2 price tickets are available for these two performances only - that makes your ticket JUST $15 - a 50% discount (regular ticket price is $30).

1/2 PRICE TICKETS ARE LIMITED, SO HURRY AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION!

Call the Actors Co-op Box Office at (323) 462-8460 and mention my name. The box office takes Mastercard and Visa and reservations are confirmed with payment. Actors Co-op is located at 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Check out their website at www.actorsco-op.org.

Thanks so much!
~
Tawny

I am going to be in LA next weekend, but unfortunately I’m scheduled to be in meetings during both of those performances. I’ll try to break free, but I promise for sure that in your honor I will blow out my candles. And look for blue roses.