wrapping things up

Wow - it seems like I just got here, and already I'm looking at packing up to leave this week. What a whirlwind - of activity, learning, and emotions. I had an incredible experience this weekend, doing the lighting for the CATS (Castleton Area Training Seminar) vocal recitals, the Jennifer Koh violin recital, and the CATS scenes from various operas. It was full of challenges - the light board gave me the "blue screen of death", but between myself and my colleague, Tristan, we got it up and running again. Several lighting units died and had to have bulbs replaced (thanks again to Tristan and his height, it was done quickly), and I designed the scenes in about an hour, tweaked a bit just before they opened the house, and again on the fly as they performed. It was exciting and exhausting - I am SO glad to have today off! :) I also had an amazing experience at the company party last night, that I have to share with you. I think Maestro was present at all the events this weekend. Both Friday and Saturday several of the CATS commented how much they enjoyed the lighting for the concerts (just stuff on sliders with a couple different areas and color added in for effect). It was really nice to hear, and fun to "design on the fly" again. Then the scenes - I thought I'd be doing the sliders with a couple specials thrown in, but it turned out to be considerably more complicated than that, so I threw together cues based on descriptions, got to see part of the rehearsal to tweak some stuff, had a quick look-through, then tweaked it while they were performing. It was a true "slash-and-burn", not my best work, but I was fairly pleased considering what I was working under - people were visible, it didn't all look the same, and in some cases added some atmosphere. Anyhow - the amazing part of the day. I went to the company party last night, and at one point, Maestro showed up and gave a little speech. A few minutes later, Nancy, the General Manager, grabbed me and brought me to Maestro to introduce me as the lighting person for the shows this weekend. Maestro was effulsive in his praise - words like "intelligent and sensitive" were used. I was gobsmaked and so humbled that he noticed. I thanked Nancy later for that, and she replied, "I had to do it! He was in the hallway raving about it, so I had to have him meet you!" What an amazing way to end the shows and the summer. David (our Technical Director) made me take today off to rest and pack, then I start working on the Theater House tomorrow (had to refocus stuff, remove a couple units for seating, and generally repair and tidy stuff). Still don't know exactly what my next step will be. Still waiting to hear if I am going to PA for an in-person interview, or just heading out on the road to see friends, mom, and this amazing country. Whatever the next step - it will be wonderful.