Kitchen Crew 

Beth Matthiessen and Alex Samuels

Alex Samuels starts the food planning about a month or a month and a half before the festival. It involves soliciting donations and coordinating what food it will take to feed three meals a day to 70-85 people. Some of the food has been regularly donated by Bizzaro, New Roots Organics, Globespun Gourmet and my fellow blogger Jason Smart at Starbucks. Other participants also contribute. If anyone reading this blog works in a restaurant or other food industry outlet and wants to make a donation, they can contact Alex at sponsor@1448fest.com

On the Wednesday prior to the festival Alex, Shawn, Jodi and Peter Dylan O'conner usually do the load-in on Wednesday, and then the food load-in on Thursday. Alex says that after the final show of the second weekend they have to do the load-out, so he usually skips the 8pm show so that he can be a part of the post-show celebration. Then, there's more work to do.

Barbra Cavanaugh, Alex Samuels and Beth Matthiessen are the Kitchen Crew and they arrive about 8 on show days, so they can be ready when writers and directors show up at 9. The tables are always loaded with delicious food choices (you would think they might have worked with actors before) and there are always snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Not only is the food provided to 14/48 participants nutritious and tasty, but the meals provide yet another opportunity to enhance the bonds of respect and cooperation that bring us all to this family table.

Show #3 Tech: Wesley K Andrews' SIASFGTAAR

The band rehearses Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" and the run crew has a seemingly seamless transition into show #3. Virgin director Corey McDaniel spends the first few minutes placing the set pieces, and has Virgin actor Opal Peachy walk through the stage to make sure there's plenty of room for her traffic.

Worried about being able to get through tech while hitting every element necessary, Corey has his crew plow through the script at top speed. Thus, we are treated to Darragh Kennan's dance club lothario at double speed.

(Tally for Darragh Kennan for this weekend: Caveman Club Nut, Night at the Roxbury dingus, and S.N.A.G.)

Wesley's script asks for chemistry to arrive in a particularly unusual place, and Corey gets it from Opal and her fellow Virgin actor Mike Mathieu.

After speeding through the script, the show has an extra five minutes to spare, and they use it in order to re-check sound cues, re-set light cues and make sure everyone's on the same page.

And we're out...

What They're Wearing...

Veteran Actor and recent Gregory Award winner Ryan Higgins is discussing potential footwear. He's got a lot of worn-out chucks. This doesn't surprise me as I've seen Ryan wearing threadbare jeans held together by safety pins for years. It's a style reflective of his rugged, edgy individualism which permeates all of his performances. Veteran Designer Michael Mowery walks by me wearing a grey sweatshirt splattered with paint from dozens and dozens of his set creations over the years! Virgin Actor Mike Mathieu is dressed in cammo fatigues and I can't help but think most people here would gladly drop and give him twenty. Veteran Designer Amy Lazerte is criss-crossing the building making final costume trips. Apparently Hipster jeans are in high demand. Virgin Actor Moses Kim is wearing an ear-flap hat which he's been wearing all weekend long, only now he's worked it into his costuming for tonight. I take the elevator to the 8th floor rehearsal room, step off and overhear Virgin Designer Jana Hutchinson say "and then I can get blood all over him without getting it on his overalls." My mind is racing...

Show #2 Tech: Erik Van Beuzekom's The Hummingbird Lady

It's determined that more help will be needed to make the transition smoother for the run crew, and show #2's tech begins with director Richard Ziman walking with a giant stick. The band is rehearsing "Little Runaway." Richard prefers for that song to actually play under the beginning of his piece, which requires a resetting of the light cue to make it seem smooth. They iron out the wrinkles and the cast gets to work their entrance.

The group moves on to the next cue, which has been moved from a different spot in the script, in order to underscore the entrance and presence of the titular character, played by Tracy Leigh. Mazen recipient Lisa Viertel and Veteran actor John McKenna play a pairr of urban lookyloos who are simultaneously skeptical and yearning.

Erik has delivered another taste of the unique flavor that hails from the Olympic Peninsula (a softer phrase for what is usually termed the "Chimacum Skull****").

They work a final sound effect with the band and the tech rolls on to show #3.

Show #1 Tech: Paul Mullin's The Patriarch

Tech begins on time, and we're rolling. First things first, the table needs a chair. Virgin director Pamala Mijatov asks to take a look at the special on the platform in front of the band, which needs to be a little brighter. Trick comes back with a couple of modern chairs for the table, which need to have more of a 50s feel. Trick goes off in search of that.

While light levels are set, the actors are on stage running through their traffic patters. Virgin actor Sean Ryans practices the sermon he'll be delivering at the top of the show. Trick finds a chair appropriate enough for Pamala, and places it by the table. It is immediately spiked. Pamala goes back to setting cues with Angelo.

15 Minutes. It is unsure if there will be enough time for a run through, so Pamala is making sure the lighting cues look like they fit. The band practices the chorus to "Take Me Home Tonight."

10 Minutes. The band will rehearse going from the intro song into the scene when the time comes. "I'm of German descent," proclaims Stephanie Kim. Ben Burris practices his entrance from the vom, and the light cues are set! The timing will allow this crew to do a run of the piece.

The band has a lilting Irish tune (duo between flute and recorder); Daniel Chercover and Stephanie have an All in the Family-esque exchange. Ben and Sean are brothers, one of whom is joining the Army and the other is a priest (respectively). Daniel has a rant to ring out the show and tech is over.

Jason gives the band the time to run their transition song and we move into show #2.

Props

Cole Hornaday with the newly decapitated head he built for tonight's performance. This is Cole's third time with tech for 14/48 and his fourth time with the festival. He directed for last summer's Kamikaze. 

"This is a lot less stressful than Kamikaze because I was afraid I'd be drawn as an actor in a two-hander with about a hundred lines. The second day of 14/48 is always harder on tech, for some reason. Maybe the writers just get a little more... shall we say... ambitious. In any event, this time is no different. And working with the crew back here is always great."

Vlog Attempt #1: Terri's Just Too Good At It

I overheard Mark Fullerton say to Pattie Miles Van Beuzekom, "I realized that there is an art to recognizing how much information other people need in order to achieve your goal." Sounds like directing.

Saturday's 3:00p.m. Directors Meeting

The meeting begins with several tardy directors, but they roll in not too long after three. Veteran stage manager introduces the crew (Angelo is a carryover from Friday, new to the team is Tess Malone and Trick Dannneker), there will be more than a handful of runners for the show, so we should be in good shape.

The directors share their concerns, and the question in front of the group is whether it'd be better to do a cue to cue during the 20 minute tech, or if there is some other methodology that works better. Simply, whatever feels better for the director is what's best in order to address any concerns they might have.

Show #1 has some additional needs, but otherwise, fairly straightforward and should be ready to go come tech time.

Show #2 needed to figure out the business around a hummingbird feeder that needs to be preset. Director Richard Ziman narrates through the cast's traffic patterns in order to establish what's needed with the lighting designers.

Jason relates that the workload for the band is fairly large today, so they will be working hard through the entirety of tech to be ready to go at show time.

Show #3 is essentially ready, but needs to check in with the various teams to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Show #4  the placement of a practical instrument is discussed and it turns out that Angelo, the lighting designer, has placed the outlet in a very convenient spot. The first part of this show's tech will be spent on placing the various set pieces throughout the space.

Show #5 needs to check to make sure that one of the set pieces will be able to support the weight of an actor. "It's got four legs and wood, so it's better than a folding table," Trick proclaims. Safety is job one, folks.

Show #6 has members of the run crew on stage at the top of the show, gaining some extra hammage in the process, but is otherwise quite ready to go.

Show #7 as the last piece of the evening, this is the one that's still not quite set, in terms of having its needs cemented, however, every team assures director Mark Fullerton that it'll be ready soon.

Five minutes until tech. Time for the restroom and then the crucible may begin.

Friday ShowCards rushed for Saturday's Slideshow

Band Rehearsal

Sitting in on a rehearsal and I'm reminded of what a terrific asset these excellent musicians are. They usually try to put an original song, based on the theme of the evening, into the show. They also play covers and scene change music, as well as an assortment of sound effects called for in the action. Sitting in their places at the back of the stage, they are a bit removed from the rest of the activity in the building (except, of course, when actors wander in to try and find their places on stage). But come showtime... the energy and creative strength of the band establishes the tone of the entire evening, and they never let 14/48 down.

BTW, the leader of the band just stormed off in a whirlwind of anger and vulgarity. Other angry musicians shouted after him. Someone said, "He does this every fucking time."

Then he came back and sat down and they started back in, trying to figure out a sound effect for "when he dives into the sea". The guy who said "He does this..." says, rather quietly, "I almost thought he really meant it."

What'choo Packin?

Even as a Veteran Actor, one of the most stressful and anxiety-ridden aspects of 14/48 is packing my bag. This should be a painless activity but it's always a daunting task to second guess destiny as I pillage my wardrobe and make-up kit for potential costumes for characters that haven't even been written! Items that have randomly come into play that I happened to pack however have included a rainbow clown wig, a green Starbucks apron, a lab coat, a clip-on lip ring and coke bottle glasses. I'm asking artists what the most interesting or weird item is they've packed.

Virgin Actor Mike Mathieu brought a shoe collection.

Veteran Actor Marcy Rodenborn advises me to always bring nice underwear because you never know what you're going to be doing or where you're going to be seen on stage.

Virgin Actor Moses Kim packed knee-high socks.

Veteran Actor Kathy Hsieh brought lots of bras because there's a different bra for every occasion.

Virgin Actor Donna Wood brought a pretty pink princess dress.

Veteran Actor Darragh Kennan says it really doesn't matter what he packed because he hasn't had to use any of it!

Virgin Actor Opal Peachey has a pink wig "because you never know when you're going to play a fem-bot," especially if you get cast in a Scotto Moore play I might add.

Veteran Designer Anne Marie Caldwell packed brightly colored duct tape, a hummingbird feeder and a superhero cape.

Veteran Actor Seanjohn Walsh packed a chartreuse monkey with a windy tail. He keeps trying to work it into the play but it keeps getting cut.

Veteran Actor Ryan Higgins lives so close to the theater he didn't bring anything but a razor. He does have a drawer full of weird stuff at home though like lizard skin or a scaly black thong.

Virgin Actor Sean Ryan brought leg warmers and some black pleather hot pants with big white stars on the ass. Will he be wearing them tonight?

Veteran Actor Harry Jamieson packed a beer helmut with accompanying sippy-straw.

Veteran Designer Michael Mowery brought wood. The runners will go get everything else.

Virgin Actor Stephanie Kim has a crocheted 3D Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer hat!

Veteran Actor Lisa Viertel packed a technicolor macramé poncho which Tracy Leigh will wear tonight.

Veteran Actor Bob Christer packed a floppy hat that makes him look like a teddy bear.

Veteran Actor Julia Griffin brought a padded bra which she hasn't had to use.

Virgin Director Corey McDaniel only packed half a bowl which is well below the legal limit.

Who You Have To F*** To Get In

Despite the flippant title for this blog post, there is no 14/48 "casting couch." An average of 50 artists from the greater Seattle area and sometimes beyond participate each 14/48 festival weekend. Shawn Belyea describes the process by which the Steering Committee meet and nominate artists to participate in the festival which is no easy task. Each of them come to the table with a list of artists with whom they've worked or seen their work and think they've got the chops.

Part of the mission of 14/48 is to continually introduce new Virgin talent to the experience while balancing this unpredictable element with returning Veterans (though even Veterans can lack predictability. In fact, predictability is the antithesis of everything the festival stands for but it helps to have certain known variables factored into the randomness of it all). Volunteering for the festival is a great way to meet the Steering Committee and put yourself on their radar, though there is no guaranteed sure-fire route to getting invited. In short, the Steering Committee need to know you and see your work around town. So keep working and building relationships in Seattle theater. It's a rich, diverse, talented community and it's up to you to stand out!

Rehearsal Drop In #7 - Betsy Barker Episode #37

Scot Augustson's 1 man 4 women play directed by Mark Fullerton. Basic blocking and trying to imagine how it will translate to the platforms, steps and levels of the actual stage. This show has a live dog in it. Teru McDonald and Kenna Kettrick come up with a great physical bit, and then, with Mark, figure out where it can fit into the script. Lots of penciling going on in their scripts.

"Tails will be wagging or heads will roll." Harry Todd Jamieson

Mark "Bigger is better, definitely, with this kind of a script." Alliterative tongue twisters galore. "Harry, you will ALWAYS take center stage."

Amy Christer is not happy with this job. "Oh, it's disgusting, really. He takes in strays. Then he..."

"A bitch in heat won't keep."

Robina Robinowitz: "People have died of sheer joy when they have beheld my work." Katie Driscoll is eating this up.

I'm not sure Scot will be happy with what they've done to his serious literary drama.

 

pics: Saturday Morning

Rehearsal Drop-in #4 I Dare You

The actors are discussing the song "Black Bird" and its use in this play by Veteran Writer Marcy Rodenborn. They pause to listen to it on Director Beth Raas-Bergquist's ipad. One by one the actors join in the singing. It's far from Glee, in terms of musical theater polish, but I for one am grateful for that.

Inside the Bullitt, 60 Minutes to Lunch

--Prince's "Kiss" streams down from the Artist Liaison office.

--Pattie Miles Van Beuzekom, who is directing Bret Fetzer's two-hander with Bob Christer and Julia Griffin (matching last weekend's Veteran director Stan Shields in pulling two-handers both nights) brings in her cast, and does the robot.

--Bret Fetzer confesses that he ended up going to sleep later than the night before, despite having finished his play well before Friday's 10:30p.m. show was complete (he needed to type out his script).

--Jodi Paul Wooster and Shawn Belyea are speaking with the film crew about 14/48, stressing the role that the festival has in the Seattle theater ecosphere.

--The design team is coordinating the various stops they need to make throughout the day. They will need to fabricate a field guide to romance for play #3 (Veteran playwright Wesley K Andrews' Standard Issue Armed Services Field Guide to Average American Romance).

--Veteran playwright Paul Mullin, done for the day, talks about his habits as a writer with the film crew. "If you think about it, the writers' process, in a typical play's life, is distended to the point of absurdity...There's a certain comfort that comes from knowing that whatever it is you're working on will be produced the next day. It might suck, but it will have a life on stage."

Rehearsal Drop-in #3 SIASFGTAAR

This play by Wesley K. Anderson has the distinction of having the longest title in the festival. The actors are on their feet running through it already. Corey introduces me to the cast and tells me that a detailed listing of his internal emotional process as a Virgin Director will be available to me after lunch. Virgin Actor Opal Peachey and Veteran Actor Darragh Kennan are "dancing" in a nightclub scene and no one in the room can keep a straight face. This cast is clearly enjoying the process. Corey directs Opal and fellow Virgin Actors Jordi Montes and Mike Mathieu through a beat during which their characters salute. Something hysterical just happened but I missed it. "Bi-sexual radicalism" is a bit of dialog that perks up my ears. Mike exits the scene, sits down next to me and relishes the discoveries he just made. The way he handled the joystick really cracked that scene wide open. I leave this room laughing...

Rehearsal Drop In #5 Camp Lake Sunnylake

Wayne Rawley's 2 male, 2 female play directed by Andrew Huntley.

Andrew "Take all the subtlety out of the script, basically."

"You Have Lollipops?"

"Of course I have Lollipops."

"We're sure there are no other non-murdered camp counselors out there?"

"I am not a slut. I'm bookish and I read books and I wear glasses and I will probably make it to the end of the show."

"I don't think we should turn on some rock and roll music."

"I wish I could take that whole thing back."

Colleen Carey, Tonya Andrews, Kaleb Hagan-Kerr and Frank Lawler. Oh, this is going to be fun.

Rehearsal Drop-in #1 The Patriarch

Veteran Writer Paul Mullin and Virgin Actor Stephanie Kim are chatting it up on break. There's talk about the differences between the theater communities of Chicago vs. Seattle. Paul says you can really get your arms around the scene here while "Chicago is more of a silo, and 14/48 is a silo-buster." New York is also mentioned and the fact that if you're a playwright in NY no one is going to ask you to act in their play, whereas in Seattle you're free to be a triple threat if you want. Paul drew play slot #1 again and he says he wants to do something different and start the night off on a more quiet note, especially since Scot Augustson is closing the festival out with slot #7.  The temporary silence of the actors mulling over their lines is broken by the sound of Paul whistling.