I just got home from a rehearsal with the BSF, where they’ve just hired me as running crew on Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was a last minute placement: I had sent in my resume last week and they had already filled the position, but the person they initially hired had a conflict for the entire last weekend, so they called me. 11am, I got a phone call asking if I was still interested and available. I told them about a conflict I had for one of the dates (which will having me arriving late for a matinee), but they’re fine with that since the majority of what they need me for is strike. After a quick exchange via email, I was put in touch with the stage manager and we arranged for me to start at tonight’s rehearsal, although due to pre-existing plans, I would arrive a little late (which was fine – I’m not sure they were expecting me to be available tonight at all and instead start tomorrow). I showed up at 7 after they had already started a run, so I was tossed head first into learning what to do.
This show is being done in an outdoor theater in this gorgeous little field. The combination of outdoor theater and constant rain is not a good one, however. Unfortunately, halfway through, the rehearsal got rained out. This provided me the opportunity to learn very quickly how they wanted the tarps put over the stage. After some discussion, they decided to cancel the rest of the rehearsal (there was something like several hours more of rain being predicted). We cleared out the tent the props were under so that the actors could work on a vocal rehearsal, during which time I finally had a chance to catch up with the stage manager and find out what I would be doing during the run. I stayed after the time I was officially dismissed so that I could get a tour of the space and have some time to get to know the people I will be working for, and I have to say, I’m really excited. If all goes well, I might be able to translate this into further work with this company. If the impression I get of the company is anywhere near accurate, that would be absolutely amazing. I am so excited about all of this. I think this might be the foot in the door I’ve been looking for.