Benefittage
I avoided participating in Menlo's benefit auction until now. I didn't like the idea of being in a dance number (ten million mandatory rehearsals) or a fashion show number (rehearsals, fittings, bizarre outfits, makeup). Blech. I followed Za's advice and signed up to go backstage. (Not participating at all was an option, but I figured I should be involved.)
The last couple of days have been really crazy. I've been at rehearsals that start at 6pm and go past 11pm. We're all suffering from lack of sleep. But I don't regret signing up to backstage (which, btw, is now a verb). I get to sit at the stage right entrance and cue people when the tech-booth guys tell me to. It's intense and stressful, but exciting. I'm naturally neurotic about being on time and having things go just right, so it's totally my job.
We had the lunch show a couple hours ago. It went pretty well -- a few minor blips but no big splats. Dinner show is coming up this evening. I'm actually very surprised that it's going so smoothly, since we've never done a full run-through with costumes without stopping.
It's also kind of amazing how much the performers rely on us. They treat me and Gracie (on stage left) like we're the only things holding the show together. I feel kind of omnipotent but also powerless, because I cue everyone out but I can't make people change costumes faster or go hunt MIAs down (I'm restricted to a few-feet radius by the headset cord.)
It's a pretty spectacular show, though I'm not one for fashion shows. The dance segments are really cool. arujei is making quite a name for himself by being really passionate in the pirate dance; the tech guys have become his fan club.
Also, my back hurts like a bunch of painful things. Mnleah.
The last couple of days have been really crazy. I've been at rehearsals that start at 6pm and go past 11pm. We're all suffering from lack of sleep. But I don't regret signing up to backstage (which, btw, is now a verb). I get to sit at the stage right entrance and cue people when the tech-booth guys tell me to. It's intense and stressful, but exciting. I'm naturally neurotic about being on time and having things go just right, so it's totally my job.
We had the lunch show a couple hours ago. It went pretty well -- a few minor blips but no big splats. Dinner show is coming up this evening. I'm actually very surprised that it's going so smoothly, since we've never done a full run-through with costumes without stopping.
It's also kind of amazing how much the performers rely on us. They treat me and Gracie (on stage left) like we're the only things holding the show together. I feel kind of omnipotent but also powerless, because I cue everyone out but I can't make people change costumes faster or go hunt MIAs down (I'm restricted to a few-feet radius by the headset cord.)
It's a pretty spectacular show, though I'm not one for fashion shows. The dance segments are really cool. arujei is making quite a name for himself by being really passionate in the pirate dance; the tech guys have become his fan club.
Also, my back hurts like a bunch of painful things. Mnleah.