Y'know, I'm a total LJ addict, but I never post. That's pretty sad. Here, have a post from me!
It's the second week of classes, and as usual right after winter break I've been mostly decorative so far. What can I say, the first show I'm designing this semester had auditions this afternoon, so I don't have a cast yet. I did a bit of research, but other than that I've felt pretty useless here. I should have a cast tomorrow, though, so I can finally start doing something. Yay! Up until now it's been pretty much all about finding busywork.
We had our usual department meet-n-greet on Monday, where we the staff and faculty introduce ourselves to the new drama students. Once again I was asked if I'm a student, too, in addition to being the resident costume designer. Hehee, no, and I'm not 19 either, but I'm flattered you thought so! Apparently I'm visibly older this year, though, 'cause I was pegged as 17 a few semesters ago. Heh. Actually, the teenage guesses are relatively rare, but that there are any always makes me giggle.
I'm still hunting for a new minion. Oh how I miss you, pirategrrl. I've had a few nibbles, but haven't hired anyone yet. Since I didn't have anyone with known skills to draw from this semester, I had to ask the possibles to bring me a portfolio, or at least a few examples of their work. I think that scared most of 'em away. Hope someone appears from out of thin air! Some semesters are like that-- nobody into costuming. Others I'll have a ton of great people to pick and choose between. I'm so limited by needing someone carrying at least 6 units-- several of my former minions have real jobs now and are just taking one class, but would love to pick up some extra $$ by working in the costume shop part time. Bah.
I have one lab student so far (there is no costuming class, students interested in costumes work under me in my shop on productions as independent study or as part of "rehearsal and performance in theatre", which is a sort of catch-all class for everyone working on whatever production is coming up whether they're actors, running crew, or whatever.) This new guy is definitely an interesting one. Presents a very gang-banger exterior, both visually and in his way of speaking, but he seems to be very new-agey hippy in terms of interests-- astrology, herbalism, those kinds of things. Oh, and he's a rapper. He played some of his music for me. Seems he's only recently out of jail, and is doing school to keep himself out of trouble. He glommed onto costume because it's hands-on and he can make stuff. OK, we'll see how this goes. I've definitely had students with backgrounds far different from my own, including new immigrants from Russia and Vietnam with not much grasp of English. Even though he's local, I think teaching him will be as much of a cultural learning experience for me as working with them was. He's very enthusiastic, and never shuts up. Like I said, should be interesting! I've got him in my shop four hours a week, and until some other costume-minded folks wander in, it's going to be some pretty intense one-on-one time.
We had our usual department meet-n-greet on Monday, where we the staff and faculty introduce ourselves to the new drama students. Once again I was asked if I'm a student, too, in addition to being the resident costume designer. Hehee, no, and I'm not 19 either, but I'm flattered you thought so! Apparently I'm visibly older this year, though, 'cause I was pegged as 17 a few semesters ago. Heh. Actually, the teenage guesses are relatively rare, but that there are any always makes me giggle.
I'm still hunting for a new minion. Oh how I miss you, pirategrrl. I've had a few nibbles, but haven't hired anyone yet. Since I didn't have anyone with known skills to draw from this semester, I had to ask the possibles to bring me a portfolio, or at least a few examples of their work. I think that scared most of 'em away. Hope someone appears from out of thin air! Some semesters are like that-- nobody into costuming. Others I'll have a ton of great people to pick and choose between. I'm so limited by needing someone carrying at least 6 units-- several of my former minions have real jobs now and are just taking one class, but would love to pick up some extra $$ by working in the costume shop part time. Bah.
I have one lab student so far (there is no costuming class, students interested in costumes work under me in my shop on productions as independent study or as part of "rehearsal and performance in theatre", which is a sort of catch-all class for everyone working on whatever production is coming up whether they're actors, running crew, or whatever.) This new guy is definitely an interesting one. Presents a very gang-banger exterior, both visually and in his way of speaking, but he seems to be very new-agey hippy in terms of interests-- astrology, herbalism, those kinds of things. Oh, and he's a rapper. He played some of his music for me. Seems he's only recently out of jail, and is doing school to keep himself out of trouble. He glommed onto costume because it's hands-on and he can make stuff. OK, we'll see how this goes. I've definitely had students with backgrounds far different from my own, including new immigrants from Russia and Vietnam with not much grasp of English. Even though he's local, I think teaching him will be as much of a cultural learning experience for me as working with them was. He's very enthusiastic, and never shuts up. Like I said, should be interesting! I've got him in my shop four hours a week, and until some other costume-minded folks wander in, it's going to be some pretty intense one-on-one time.