So we finally rounded the cape of South America. Took forever because the captain did a loop so the boat could see it again. I don't know why it was so interesting that it required us to pass it a second time. It was just really rocky with some amazing waves crashing all around. The boat was getting tossed around good. I took some mpeg's of it with the camera and you can see just how much the bow of the ship is moving up and down. Most of the crew got a bit sea sick from the waves, but I fared pretty well. Got a head ache and didn't have much of an apetite but I did ok.
I did just have a cold though. (Yes I'm dressing warm mom) It only lasted two days and I got loads of medicine from the medical center. They really stock you up with medicine when you need it. I went in, saw the doctor within 5 minutes and walked out 10 minutes later with cough lozenges, cough syrup and some aspirin. I slept well and drank a ton of water and poof! All better.
So I didn't get to see Argentina. I was sick, but we were only there for a few hours so they didn't allow any crew to debark so we wouldn't inconvenience the passengers. So I just slept. Didn't see much except from what was visible from the port windows in the crew mess. Didn't look like much to see anyways. The port was far from where we were anchored so the passengers had to take the tenders (the little boats) to shore. My friend Andrew was lucky to be assigned to a passenger tour so he got to go ashore. He was taken on a boat ride and saw seals and penguins. He got me two postcards and a little tiny penguin doll. So it wasn't a total loss.
Today we're in Montevideo, Uruguay. The ship was actually able to dock so I went off shore with Andrew and some other crew. We had lunch at a really nice little restaurant. I got a sirloin beef steak, fries, sprite and half a litre of beer for $13. I also got some postcards and really cute ceramic shot glass. We all walked around looking at the little shops and the sites but had to return to get deck 8 ready for the deck party tonight. Luckily its really hot outside and its expected to be really warm tonight. Last time we did the deck party was on the other side of the continent close to the equator so it was about 80 degrees out at 10pm at night.
I'm going to try to mail some postcards home today to Mom, Dad and Robyn/Danny. I was told the pursar's office sells stamps and will take the postcards right there to be shipped out in the next port. As for New York, I don't know where the port is exactly, but I know it's in Brooklyn. No one on the crew knows the exact name of the port, but we should be there April 15th.
The caribbean is after Rio De Janeiro but of the 3 stops were making, I'll only be able to see St. Kitt's unless I can find someone willing to switch port mannings with me. I may have to give up a day in Rio for it. I don't think anyone would really be willing to give up Barbados though. Sigh...
Ok that's it for today folks, miss you all. I'm learning a lot. I'm running the Grand Ma (light board) for Royal Court Theater more frequently. And the lighting engineer is leaving when we get to South Hampton but so far Cunard hasn't found a replacement. ;-) Maybe there's hope for a promotion or at least more training. My boss said by the end of the contract, Andrew and I will probably be fully trained on how to do the lighting engineer's job. Yay! Disney, here I come!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Peru and Chile
Well, since my last update I have visited three ports. The first was in Peru. I forget the name, but we didn't spend a lot of time at the port. We (me and 4 other people) took a cab ride to Lima, Peru. We spent the day at a shopping mall called Miraflores where we ate lunch at a Tony Roma's. It was nice having a really good American Meal. Cheeseburger, fries and an onion loaf that we all split. After that, we went back to the port where there was a little market for the tourists. It was nice because you could haggle prices. I purchased two shot glasses, a wooden recorder and a cute little llama. I only spent $7.
Today, I'm in Puerto Montt, Chile. The last port was in Valparaiso, Chile. But to be exact Puerto Montt Chile's coordinates:
Lat: 41 28.880 south
Lon: 07 56.242 west
I'm sure if you google it you can find it on a map. It's really bad weather so we got drenched by the rain, we only spent about an hour shopping and to our wonderful surprise, we found a pizza hut and ate pepperoni pizza. Sorry Robyn, but I splurged and had a Coke. :-)
I bought a cute little ring for $2 for my Mom, which is an addition to the little present I bought her for her birthday. A fridge magnet that's also a bottle opener from Acapulco. It has a little turtle on it so I'm sure she'll like it. I figure it's better I tell her here that she actually has something rather than wait until April when I might get a chance to see her.
But the bad weather isn't a total waste. At least I won't have to carry all the band equipment up to deck 8 for their outdoor concert in a while. Now, we just have to lug two speakers up to deck 12 where there is an indoor swimming pool and lounge area covered with a glass ceiling. That's a lot easier. Alright, the ships engines are warming up so we'll probably be leaving in another two hours. Usually when the ship starts pulling out of port all the satellite signals go haywire and you can't make a phone call or get on the net for a bit.
I miss all of you, and lots of love.
Roxanne
PS I saw a real llama today. What's up with South America and putting llama's on everything? ;-)
Today, I'm in Puerto Montt, Chile. The last port was in Valparaiso, Chile. But to be exact Puerto Montt Chile's coordinates:
Lat: 41 28.880 south
Lon: 07 56.242 west
I'm sure if you google it you can find it on a map. It's really bad weather so we got drenched by the rain, we only spent about an hour shopping and to our wonderful surprise, we found a pizza hut and ate pepperoni pizza. Sorry Robyn, but I splurged and had a Coke. :-)
I bought a cute little ring for $2 for my Mom, which is an addition to the little present I bought her for her birthday. A fridge magnet that's also a bottle opener from Acapulco. It has a little turtle on it so I'm sure she'll like it. I figure it's better I tell her here that she actually has something rather than wait until April when I might get a chance to see her.
But the bad weather isn't a total waste. At least I won't have to carry all the band equipment up to deck 8 for their outdoor concert in a while. Now, we just have to lug two speakers up to deck 12 where there is an indoor swimming pool and lounge area covered with a glass ceiling. That's a lot easier. Alright, the ships engines are warming up so we'll probably be leaving in another two hours. Usually when the ship starts pulling out of port all the satellite signals go haywire and you can't make a phone call or get on the net for a bit.
I miss all of you, and lots of love.
Roxanne
PS I saw a real llama today. What's up with South America and putting llama's on everything? ;-)
Friday, March 17, 2006
Greetings from Ecuador
I've gotten all of your guy's e-mails over the past few days, and yes I wish I could reply to all of them. But I love that I'm getting them, so don't stop! :-)
We just returned from Ecuador. The captain added a second stop to make up for the missed Costa Rica port. I drank 2 beers and basically sat on the beach getting more of a tan. I'm a bit burnt, just from setting up the bands outdoors on deck 8. But I took a towel and held it over my head while I was standing in line waiting to get back on a tender to go back to the QM2.
We left Karl behind because he wanted to stay longer, and we've pretty much seen as much as we could with the time we had. Lucky Karl doesn't have to work till way later tonight. But he's still searching for a shot glass for me, since I couldn't find one.
I can't feel the boat moving anymore like I used to, but everyone keeps saying that'll change when we go around the cape of South America. We're also expected to see some really neat glaciers and penguins! My nephew would love that! I keep hearing about drydock in Germany in May as well. We should be there for a few days doing maintenance and rehearsing shows, but we'll also get some time to go explore the city.
New York is still set for April 15th. That's when a lot of the entertainment crew leave and me and Andrew won't be the new people anymore. My roomie will be leaving too so I'll be getting a new cabin mate. We spent last night out on the deck partying for the "Crossing the Equator" party. It was awesome. I actually forgot I was on a boat for a while, until I walked over to the rail and looked out at the blackness all around us. All I could hear was waves and see the wakes from the boat. (We had a full moon, so it was gorgeous). Then we struck the band at midnight.
Ok all, glad to hear Andrea's moving. And thanks for the picture of the puppy Robyn. Oh, and for everyone, Disney wrote back, they're super interested and the guy wrote he'd put my papers thru to be interviewed in the next round when I return. Yay!
Bye all! Casey's Gay!
Roxanne
We just returned from Ecuador. The captain added a second stop to make up for the missed Costa Rica port. I drank 2 beers and basically sat on the beach getting more of a tan. I'm a bit burnt, just from setting up the bands outdoors on deck 8. But I took a towel and held it over my head while I was standing in line waiting to get back on a tender to go back to the QM2.
We left Karl behind because he wanted to stay longer, and we've pretty much seen as much as we could with the time we had. Lucky Karl doesn't have to work till way later tonight. But he's still searching for a shot glass for me, since I couldn't find one.
I can't feel the boat moving anymore like I used to, but everyone keeps saying that'll change when we go around the cape of South America. We're also expected to see some really neat glaciers and penguins! My nephew would love that! I keep hearing about drydock in Germany in May as well. We should be there for a few days doing maintenance and rehearsing shows, but we'll also get some time to go explore the city.
New York is still set for April 15th. That's when a lot of the entertainment crew leave and me and Andrew won't be the new people anymore. My roomie will be leaving too so I'll be getting a new cabin mate. We spent last night out on the deck partying for the "Crossing the Equator" party. It was awesome. I actually forgot I was on a boat for a while, until I walked over to the rail and looked out at the blackness all around us. All I could hear was waves and see the wakes from the boat. (We had a full moon, so it was gorgeous). Then we struck the band at midnight.
Ok all, glad to hear Andrea's moving. And thanks for the picture of the puppy Robyn. Oh, and for everyone, Disney wrote back, they're super interested and the guy wrote he'd put my papers thru to be interviewed in the next round when I return. Yay!
Bye all! Casey's Gay!
Roxanne
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Port Manning
Tomorrow is Ecuador. I won't have a lot of time because I will be port manning. That means, when we get to shore, only so many % of the crew are allowed off the ship. The rest that are required to stay onboard are called "port manning." So I will be missing Ecuador, but my cabin mate Caz (nick name for Caroline) will be taking some of my cash ashore and getting me a shot glass, postcards, and hopefully getting a really good "Casey's Gay" picture.
Before I go any further, if anyone is reading this on Thursday...
I will try calling home, I haven't figured out how to get my stupid satellite phone in the room to work. But I have a $10 calling card and I can try my cell phone again from Deck 13. I've just been told it's hell to get a signal from a third world country. That's the plus side of missing Ecuador, a lot of the guys aren't planning on leaving the ship because they've been to Ecuador before and just keep saying there's nothing worth seeing. The country is aparently really dirty, and kind of dangerous (even during the day).
So that's it. Oh, and I'm officially not a Pollywog anymore. That's someone who's never crossed the equator.
For those FCCT people, while I was in Panama, I heard the original Dancing Cucumber Song from Veggie Tales. Joel knows what I'm talking about. I heard the tune playing and it took me a while to realize what it was. Ok... adios!
Before I go any further, if anyone is reading this on Thursday...
Happy Birthday Mom!
I will try calling home, I haven't figured out how to get my stupid satellite phone in the room to work. But I have a $10 calling card and I can try my cell phone again from Deck 13. I've just been told it's hell to get a signal from a third world country. That's the plus side of missing Ecuador, a lot of the guys aren't planning on leaving the ship because they've been to Ecuador before and just keep saying there's nothing worth seeing. The country is aparently really dirty, and kind of dangerous (even during the day).
So that's it. Oh, and I'm officially not a Pollywog anymore. That's someone who's never crossed the equator.
For those FCCT people, while I was in Panama, I heard the original Dancing Cucumber Song from Veggie Tales. Joel knows what I'm talking about. I heard the tune playing and it took me a while to realize what it was. Ok... adios!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Sans Costa Rica
Well the itenerary has changed. Yesterday we were unable to dock in Costa Rica so the passengers are upset. The swells were huge and it was knocking the whole ship around. People still actually wanted to try to get on the tenders (little life boats that take you to shore) so they could go on their little tours! I can't believe some people were willing to try. Anyways, the captain picked up anchor and we headed towards Panama (where we are right now) so we're a day ahead of schedule. I don't know if we'll continue on a day ahead of schedule or if he'll just slowly creep on so we wind up back on track.
Bad news, I can't upload photos. Not at all. It costs 12cents a minute here at this terminal and it wont allow me access to the USB or CD-ROM. I could use the wireless I was told, except it costs a fortune per minute and uploading pics would take quite a bit of time. So when I get a lot more pics, I will mail them home to my mom/dad/sister to upload. They'll have to give you the link, but it will be a while. I haven't taken enough pics to make it worth the while yet.
Alright, I have to run up to deck 13 (crew deck) so I can get a Casey's Gay picture. I forgot to take it ashore with me so it will have to be me holding it with Panama in the background. I didn't get to see the canal because it is about an hours drive away and we weren't allowed on shore that long. I worked at 4 pm today and I will be working at 8:45 and 10:30 again tonight. If you didn't know, I'm 3 hours ahead of you guys now. We lose an hour every time we change timezones, but it hasn't affected me. I actually get to take naps in the middle of day (no port hole) so when I turn off the lights the room is pitch black.
I miss you all. I'm glad Ryan did good at his t-ball game. If you guys leave a comment, try not to type in all CAPS, its really hard to read (I'm looking at Mom and Dad on this one).
Roxanne
Bad news, I can't upload photos. Not at all. It costs 12cents a minute here at this terminal and it wont allow me access to the USB or CD-ROM. I could use the wireless I was told, except it costs a fortune per minute and uploading pics would take quite a bit of time. So when I get a lot more pics, I will mail them home to my mom/dad/sister to upload. They'll have to give you the link, but it will be a while. I haven't taken enough pics to make it worth the while yet.
Alright, I have to run up to deck 13 (crew deck) so I can get a Casey's Gay picture. I forgot to take it ashore with me so it will have to be me holding it with Panama in the background. I didn't get to see the canal because it is about an hours drive away and we weren't allowed on shore that long. I worked at 4 pm today and I will be working at 8:45 and 10:30 again tonight. If you didn't know, I'm 3 hours ahead of you guys now. We lose an hour every time we change timezones, but it hasn't affected me. I actually get to take naps in the middle of day (no port hole) so when I turn off the lights the room is pitch black.
I miss you all. I'm glad Ryan did good at his t-ball game. If you guys leave a comment, try not to type in all CAPS, its really hard to read (I'm looking at Mom and Dad on this one).
Roxanne
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Schedule
March
11 Acapulco
12 At Sea
13 Puerto Caldera
14 At Sea
15 Puerto Amador
16 At Sea
17 Esmeraldas
18 At Sea
19 Callao
20 At Sea
21 At Sea
22 Valparaiso
23 At Sea
24 Puerto Montt
25 At Sea
26 At Sea
27 Punta Arenas
28 Ushaia
29 At Sea
30 At Sea
31 Montevideo
Acapulco was amazing. Spent a couple of hours on the beach with my co-workers. Since they've been there several times they knew exactly where to go. We ate lunch (carne asada, rice, guacamole, and tortillas) and drank Corona beers. Not much going on today. I'm working followspot again tonight for a show. Last night I just observed. I had issues updating the blog last time, I thought it didnt work, but it did! Yay!
Miss you all, here's some info, letters only, NO Packages. Mail should be sent way in advance, if the ship leaves port before the letter arrives, I will not receive it, at all.
Montevideo Mailing Address (3/31-4/1)
J.R. Williams
Solis 1533, PO Box 248
Montevideo, Uruguay
Rio De Janeiro Mailing Address (4/3-4/4)
Inchcape Shipping Service
Rua Sao Bento 9, 1andar, Centro
Rio De Janeiro RJ-20090-010, Brazil
New York Mailing Address (4/15, 4/29, 5/23, 6/4)
c/o Cruise Link II, LTD
676 Ninth Avenue, Box 238
New York, NY 10019
USA
Mailing should include
Roxanne Rosas
Queen Mary 2
Ents Tech/Entertainment
Upper left area of envelope should say "Crew Mail"
And just an update for you Knott's People, I have 2 pics of "Casey's Gay" in Acapulco. Yay! The crew here loves the idea.
11 Acapulco
12 At Sea
13 Puerto Caldera
14 At Sea
15 Puerto Amador
16 At Sea
17 Esmeraldas
18 At Sea
19 Callao
20 At Sea
21 At Sea
22 Valparaiso
23 At Sea
24 Puerto Montt
25 At Sea
26 At Sea
27 Punta Arenas
28 Ushaia
29 At Sea
30 At Sea
31 Montevideo
Acapulco was amazing. Spent a couple of hours on the beach with my co-workers. Since they've been there several times they knew exactly where to go. We ate lunch (carne asada, rice, guacamole, and tortillas) and drank Corona beers. Not much going on today. I'm working followspot again tonight for a show. Last night I just observed. I had issues updating the blog last time, I thought it didnt work, but it did! Yay!
Miss you all, here's some info, letters only, NO Packages. Mail should be sent way in advance, if the ship leaves port before the letter arrives, I will not receive it, at all.
Montevideo Mailing Address (3/31-4/1)
J.R. Williams
Solis 1533, PO Box 248
Montevideo, Uruguay
Rio De Janeiro Mailing Address (4/3-4/4)
Inchcape Shipping Service
Rua Sao Bento 9, 1andar, Centro
Rio De Janeiro RJ-20090-010, Brazil
New York Mailing Address (4/15, 4/29, 5/23, 6/4)
c/o Cruise Link II, LTD
676 Ninth Avenue, Box 238
New York, NY 10019
USA
Mailing should include
Roxanne Rosas
Queen Mary 2
Ents Tech/Entertainment
Upper left area of envelope should say "Crew Mail"
And just an update for you Knott's People, I have 2 pics of "Casey's Gay" in Acapulco. Yay! The crew here loves the idea.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Mexico
We're a couple miles off shore from Mexico right now. I've taken some photos but haven't got enough free time to upload any. I'm in between projects right now and should be taking a nap like some of the others. Maybe I still will.
Our first stop will be Alcaupolco and I will allowed to leave the ship. The next stop after that will be in Ecuador, and I will have to remain on board, but I've been told that I'm lucky for that. Apparently Ecuador is a disgusting little country. Last time, one of the crew actually saw a dead person on the side of the road, so most of the crew won't be leaving the ship.
As for the boat repair ride to Germany, it's still on for May, we'll be there 4-6 days while the boat is in Dry Dock (which means it'll be up on stilts) but we'll still be living on board with absolutely no passengers. Basically it becomes a huge maintenance week for everyone.
Food is good. Beer is plentiful. And the sights are amazing. I haven't felt the boat rocking much until just after we left dock in San Pedro and today. Probably because we're close to the tip of baja california and the wakes are bigger. I havent gotten sick from the sea, but I did start to get a little nauseous from the drinking my first night. It's an initiation to get the new people drunk the first night, but I was ok. I stayed away from the tequilla.
Alright, I miss all of you, I wish you were here, mostly to help lug stuff around. And I can't wait to hear back from you. You can just post a comment on here, I don't think you have to sign up for anything, but you'll have to do a word verification (Dad hates those).
Robyn, hug Ryan for me. Mom slap Robyn for me (just kidding ;-) wink wink)
Roxanne
Our first stop will be Alcaupolco and I will allowed to leave the ship. The next stop after that will be in Ecuador, and I will have to remain on board, but I've been told that I'm lucky for that. Apparently Ecuador is a disgusting little country. Last time, one of the crew actually saw a dead person on the side of the road, so most of the crew won't be leaving the ship.
As for the boat repair ride to Germany, it's still on for May, we'll be there 4-6 days while the boat is in Dry Dock (which means it'll be up on stilts) but we'll still be living on board with absolutely no passengers. Basically it becomes a huge maintenance week for everyone.
Food is good. Beer is plentiful. And the sights are amazing. I haven't felt the boat rocking much until just after we left dock in San Pedro and today. Probably because we're close to the tip of baja california and the wakes are bigger. I havent gotten sick from the sea, but I did start to get a little nauseous from the drinking my first night. It's an initiation to get the new people drunk the first night, but I was ok. I stayed away from the tequilla.
Alright, I miss all of you, I wish you were here, mostly to help lug stuff around. And I can't wait to hear back from you. You can just post a comment on here, I don't think you have to sign up for anything, but you'll have to do a word verification (Dad hates those).
Robyn, hug Ryan for me. Mom slap Robyn for me (just kidding ;-) wink wink)
Roxanne
Friday, February 17, 2006
FAQ's
I have been receiving a load of questions since I announced I was leaving, so I created an FAQ list
Q: Where are you going? Why are you leaving?
A: I have taken a job aboard the Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which means I will be going to South America and Europe.
Q: How long will you be gone?
A: 4 months, I leave March 8th and return July 3rd
Q: What will your job be onboard? Lighting?
A: I will be a stagehand, the lighting job requires an intensive amount of training in intelligent lighting.
Q: Are you working in the theater?
A: Yes, and the other 14 venues on board like the piano lounges and lecture halls.
Q: Can we see you when you leave?
A: I have to be on board at 9:30am but the ship doesnt leave until 4pm. And no, I will not be on the deck to wave good-bye since my training starts at 2pm.
Q: Can we send you stuff?
A: No. No packages will be delivered for ship security reasons. But I will use the ship's internet to stay in touch. It costs about 15-25 cents a minute to use, so I will update this blog and/or e-mail when I can. My cell phone should work while I'm in New York, but I'll only be calling mom and dad so... yeah.
Q: Do you know where the ship is going? What is your schedule?
A: All I know is we're going to South America first, then to the east coast, then to England and back again. I don't know the exact dates and ports.
Q: Can you get off at the ports?
A: I've been told I will get some time, at some ports, not all of them. It's not guaranteed that I will get time depending on my training and the work that has to get done.
Q: Are you going to take pictures?
A: Obviously!
Q: Do you get your own room? Bathroom?
A: No, I am rooming with one girl. I have no idea who. I believe our room has it's own bathroom but the showers are shared. I don't know this for sure, but I was told she was going to be a production assistant.
Q: Do you have to wear a uniform?
A: Yes, I've been told it will be black slacks and a polo shirt with the company logo. I am also required to have steel toed shoes. I will also purchase a formal pants suit for evenings where formal attire is required to functions.
Q: What supplies do you have to take? What if you forget something?
A: I have to take the basics (clothes, tolietries) but there is a store onboard that sells the basics as well. If I forget anything, I'll have to live without or try to purchase it during the trip. And I have read there is actually a mall of stores on board.
Q: What does it pay?
A: I will be making $1600 a month, plus I am covered by medical and dental while on the ship. A doctor and dentist live on the ship as well. Any emergency medical problems will be dealt with off the ship.
Room and board are also covered so as long as I keep my expenses low, I can keep what I make.
Q: What about taxes?
A: Taxes will be taken care of when I return so I will save every penny I can.
Q: How did you get the job?
A: I applied in two places. Directly with Princess Cruise Lines and with c-deck.com. Cunard called me and interviewed me over the phone.
Q: What steps did you have to take to get the job?
A: I have to have a Norweigian Maritime Medical, take drug/blood tests, take the Yellow Fever vaccine, have a criminal background check, apply for a Seaman's Discharge Book, obtain a passport, and provide passport photos along with signing a contract with Cunard.
Q: How did you hear about this job?
A: I have spoken to people who worked as techs and performers on ships before and decided it was something I'd like to try. The turnover rate is high because some people don't like it and there are always openings for stage hands.
Q: What if you don't like it?
A: I will work the 4 month contract and quit if I don't like it. Otherwise, I will get a month off and leave early August again for another 4 months.
Q: Are you going to party onboard?
A: Probably, depends on the crew
Q: Are you having a going away party?
A: Yes, for all you Cal Poly peeps I will be at the TGIF in Brea on March 3rd at 8pm, for family I will be having a "gathering" on March 4th either at my mom's in Anaheim or my dad's in Placentia (not decided yet)
I will also be trying to get in touch with people from work at Fullerton and Knott's, but probably only on a person by person basis, no actual party plans since Fullerton is in prep for Festival season and Knott's people are scattered to their own lives/jobs.
A list of advice I have already heard and taken in.
1. Don't become a lush
2. Don't gamble
3. Don't get pushed over board
4. Try hard to see as much as possible, this is the chance of a lifetime.
5. Get your flu shot
6. Party
7. Don't get caught up in all the food available
Q: Where are you going? Why are you leaving?
A: I have taken a job aboard the Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which means I will be going to South America and Europe.
Q: How long will you be gone?
A: 4 months, I leave March 8th and return July 3rd
Q: What will your job be onboard? Lighting?
A: I will be a stagehand, the lighting job requires an intensive amount of training in intelligent lighting.
Q: Are you working in the theater?
A: Yes, and the other 14 venues on board like the piano lounges and lecture halls.
Q: Can we see you when you leave?
A: I have to be on board at 9:30am but the ship doesnt leave until 4pm. And no, I will not be on the deck to wave good-bye since my training starts at 2pm.
Q: Can we send you stuff?
A: No. No packages will be delivered for ship security reasons. But I will use the ship's internet to stay in touch. It costs about 15-25 cents a minute to use, so I will update this blog and/or e-mail when I can. My cell phone should work while I'm in New York, but I'll only be calling mom and dad so... yeah.
Q: Do you know where the ship is going? What is your schedule?
A: All I know is we're going to South America first, then to the east coast, then to England and back again. I don't know the exact dates and ports.
Q: Can you get off at the ports?
A: I've been told I will get some time, at some ports, not all of them. It's not guaranteed that I will get time depending on my training and the work that has to get done.
Q: Are you going to take pictures?
A: Obviously!
Q: Do you get your own room? Bathroom?
A: No, I am rooming with one girl. I have no idea who. I believe our room has it's own bathroom but the showers are shared. I don't know this for sure, but I was told she was going to be a production assistant.
Q: Do you have to wear a uniform?
A: Yes, I've been told it will be black slacks and a polo shirt with the company logo. I am also required to have steel toed shoes. I will also purchase a formal pants suit for evenings where formal attire is required to functions.
Q: What supplies do you have to take? What if you forget something?
A: I have to take the basics (clothes, tolietries) but there is a store onboard that sells the basics as well. If I forget anything, I'll have to live without or try to purchase it during the trip. And I have read there is actually a mall of stores on board.
Q: What does it pay?
A: I will be making $1600 a month, plus I am covered by medical and dental while on the ship. A doctor and dentist live on the ship as well. Any emergency medical problems will be dealt with off the ship.
Room and board are also covered so as long as I keep my expenses low, I can keep what I make.
Q: What about taxes?
A: Taxes will be taken care of when I return so I will save every penny I can.
Q: How did you get the job?
A: I applied in two places. Directly with Princess Cruise Lines and with c-deck.com. Cunard called me and interviewed me over the phone.
Q: What steps did you have to take to get the job?
A: I have to have a Norweigian Maritime Medical, take drug/blood tests, take the Yellow Fever vaccine, have a criminal background check, apply for a Seaman's Discharge Book, obtain a passport, and provide passport photos along with signing a contract with Cunard.
Q: How did you hear about this job?
A: I have spoken to people who worked as techs and performers on ships before and decided it was something I'd like to try. The turnover rate is high because some people don't like it and there are always openings for stage hands.
Q: What if you don't like it?
A: I will work the 4 month contract and quit if I don't like it. Otherwise, I will get a month off and leave early August again for another 4 months.
Q: Are you going to party onboard?
A: Probably, depends on the crew
Q: Are you having a going away party?
A: Yes, for all you Cal Poly peeps I will be at the TGIF in Brea on March 3rd at 8pm, for family I will be having a "gathering" on March 4th either at my mom's in Anaheim or my dad's in Placentia (not decided yet)
I will also be trying to get in touch with people from work at Fullerton and Knott's, but probably only on a person by person basis, no actual party plans since Fullerton is in prep for Festival season and Knott's people are scattered to their own lives/jobs.
A list of advice I have already heard and taken in.
1. Don't become a lush
2. Don't gamble
3. Don't get pushed over board
4. Try hard to see as much as possible, this is the chance of a lifetime.
5. Get your flu shot
6. Party
7. Don't get caught up in all the food available
Friday, February 03, 2006
Bon Voyage
I got the job. I will be working for Cunard aboard the Queen Mary starting in March. That is, as long as I pass all the required medical exams. I had no idea how much paperwork was involved. Currently I'm filling out an application for a Discharge Book and/or British Seaman's Card. It was e-mailed to me from the people in the UK overseeing the final steps of my hire.
I also spent the morning going over some documents e-mailed to me regarding life on board the ship and what is expected of me as crew, and not just as an entertainment technician. It feels like moving back into a dorm situation my first year of college. I have no idea who I'll be staying with, but the paperwork made it sound like it would not even be an American. Most of the crew is British or Phillipine. This should be interesting.
I also am waiting for a phone call back from the doctors office to find out when/where I will go to get my maritime medical exam and yellow fever vaccine. I did a google on yellow fever and quickly added mosquito repellant to the packing list.
This whole process looks like it's going to cost a bit of money. I have to pay for the exam, the books, a visa, etc, etc. The whole point of going for a job is to make money because I certainly don't have it. Guess I'll be maxing out that credit card again, sheesh!
I also spent the morning going over some documents e-mailed to me regarding life on board the ship and what is expected of me as crew, and not just as an entertainment technician. It feels like moving back into a dorm situation my first year of college. I have no idea who I'll be staying with, but the paperwork made it sound like it would not even be an American. Most of the crew is British or Phillipine. This should be interesting.
I also am waiting for a phone call back from the doctors office to find out when/where I will go to get my maritime medical exam and yellow fever vaccine. I did a google on yellow fever and quickly added mosquito repellant to the packing list.
This whole process looks like it's going to cost a bit of money. I have to pay for the exam, the books, a visa, etc, etc. The whole point of going for a job is to make money because I certainly don't have it. Guess I'll be maxing out that credit card again, sheesh!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Update on The Search for Work
So work has been sparse, and by sparse, I mean I haven't worked in over 2 weeks. I'm going insane and the house is spotless, except of course for my desk which will forever be an organized mess.
I had a phone call from Princess Cruise Lines today, a phone interview. It was rather nerve wracking, I had no warning... just... "Ring! 'hello?' ... 'Hi this is Denise from Princess Cruise Lines...' "
Yup. I did well, I didn't get the job I applied for but they wanted me to seriously consider the position for stage crew. Basically my resume screams educated grunt.
I don't know if I want to take it. I'm scared of leaving, how sad is that? I'm always saying I want out. I want out of here and now the opportunity presents itself and I hesitate.
I'm guessing it has to do with the fact that I'd be sharing a room with a stranger (haven't done that in years), trapped at sea (never done that), and my aging grandparents are starting to get weak. All 4 are alive and it would be hard to drop everything if they died to get back in time for funerals and their masses (they're catholic, I'm not).
Sigh... Why can't Disney just call? I called the phone number my interviewer gave me and was told there was no update. He hadn't heard anything so I thanked him and said I'd call at a later date. I had a former teacher say she'd call and put in a good word for me. I was so excited, but then I remembered she tends to forget stuff. I hope she doesn't forget this.
I had a phone call from Princess Cruise Lines today, a phone interview. It was rather nerve wracking, I had no warning... just... "Ring! 'hello?' ... 'Hi this is Denise from Princess Cruise Lines...' "
Yup. I did well, I didn't get the job I applied for but they wanted me to seriously consider the position for stage crew. Basically my resume screams educated grunt.
I don't know if I want to take it. I'm scared of leaving, how sad is that? I'm always saying I want out. I want out of here and now the opportunity presents itself and I hesitate.
I'm guessing it has to do with the fact that I'd be sharing a room with a stranger (haven't done that in years), trapped at sea (never done that), and my aging grandparents are starting to get weak. All 4 are alive and it would be hard to drop everything if they died to get back in time for funerals and their masses (they're catholic, I'm not).
Sigh... Why can't Disney just call? I called the phone number my interviewer gave me and was told there was no update. He hadn't heard anything so I thanked him and said I'd call at a later date. I had a former teacher say she'd call and put in a good word for me. I was so excited, but then I remembered she tends to forget stuff. I hope she doesn't forget this.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Disney Again
Well, I didn't get the job I wanted with the Royal Caribbean cruise lines, so I've reapplied to Disney again.
I'm not getting any work from the union, so I had to get off my ass and stop waiting for them to call. I call every monday and give my availability (which is basically 24/7) yet still no calls. At least the one gig I did work for them looked good on the resume since Disney requires their tech employees to join that union. IATSE local 504.
Crossing my fingers again, and this time I brought home a valid phone number. Last time I tried to call to find the status of my application, I was only able to talk to the silly disney automated computers. Now I've got the business card to my interviewer and I can call him to see whether or not I get the next interview.
Wish me luck... again.
I'm not getting any work from the union, so I had to get off my ass and stop waiting for them to call. I call every monday and give my availability (which is basically 24/7) yet still no calls. At least the one gig I did work for them looked good on the resume since Disney requires their tech employees to join that union. IATSE local 504.
Crossing my fingers again, and this time I brought home a valid phone number. Last time I tried to call to find the status of my application, I was only able to talk to the silly disney automated computers. Now I've got the business card to my interviewer and I can call him to see whether or not I get the next interview.
Wish me luck... again.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Weird Point in my Career
So I'm at this really weird point in my career. Do I give my resume to the cruise lines or not?
I just worked my first union gig last night, and I'm working another one tonight. It's really great working in a venue so large and insane. I thought I'd be totally unqualified and unprepared to do the job, but all they needed was grunts. Physically I'm not in the best shape to be doing something like this, but I managed. I even got myself quite dirty, dirtier than the boys even. ;-)
I think I'm kind of scared to turn my resume in. It means a huge change in my life. Leaving everything comfortable and familiar. There's still a huge chance I wouldn't even get the job, so I'm really only worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet.
My job at Knott's ends as of Thanksgiving morning when we hit the deadline to change the park over to Christmas. Halloween Haunt was like seeing if I could handle the cruise line (since I was working the same show 3 to 4 times a night per week) and I know now that I can. I just have to learn how to keep the music out of my head and my mp3 player fixed that ordeal.
I'm also learning that I need to take on a lot more responsibilities I've ignored. My mom always handled my car insurance since I was an honor student and she got great rates for me, but now I'm not living with her anymore and out of school. I started quote shopping and its so confusing. Plus I'm looking at taking over my dad's house payments from him which would be A LOT per month so I'd have to find a roomie. But if I got this job, I'd only have to worry about a place to live for 2 weeks every 6 months.
I've decided to hand in the resume, see what I can get. I can always turn the job down... only problem is, I've run out of options. I just haven't found where I want to be.
I just worked my first union gig last night, and I'm working another one tonight. It's really great working in a venue so large and insane. I thought I'd be totally unqualified and unprepared to do the job, but all they needed was grunts. Physically I'm not in the best shape to be doing something like this, but I managed. I even got myself quite dirty, dirtier than the boys even. ;-)
I think I'm kind of scared to turn my resume in. It means a huge change in my life. Leaving everything comfortable and familiar. There's still a huge chance I wouldn't even get the job, so I'm really only worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet.
My job at Knott's ends as of Thanksgiving morning when we hit the deadline to change the park over to Christmas. Halloween Haunt was like seeing if I could handle the cruise line (since I was working the same show 3 to 4 times a night per week) and I know now that I can. I just have to learn how to keep the music out of my head and my mp3 player fixed that ordeal.
I'm also learning that I need to take on a lot more responsibilities I've ignored. My mom always handled my car insurance since I was an honor student and she got great rates for me, but now I'm not living with her anymore and out of school. I started quote shopping and its so confusing. Plus I'm looking at taking over my dad's house payments from him which would be A LOT per month so I'd have to find a roomie. But if I got this job, I'd only have to worry about a place to live for 2 weeks every 6 months.
I've decided to hand in the resume, see what I can get. I can always turn the job down... only problem is, I've run out of options. I just haven't found where I want to be.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Hills are Alive with the sounds of dinner theater
So I spent the last two days helping a friend (for a paycheck) at the Candlelight Pavillon Theater(The Sound of Music) in Claremont. She anticipated lots of problems and wanted to bring in someone she knew because of all the confusion in the pre-production process of the show.
It tooks weeks just to get a copy of their house plot from the house electrician, and when she did get it, it was a jpg file (she needed the CAD file). It was obviously done in CAD but they didn't seem to know how to get the original and send it.
So she dragged the jpg into Vectorworks and created her plot over that. She told the house electrician she would adapt their house plot so that's all he had to worry about doing before she arrived. We showed up on Monday and lo and behold, house plot wasn't finished. Plus, there were speaker clusters blocking the view of many lights in the first FOH position (not on the plot).
So...
-The house electrician took it upon himself to "redesign" the FOH and change the purpose and angle of some lights for her benefit (uncircuiting everything putting us off schedule)
-Their additional electrician actually cut one gel out of the center of a sheet of gel and threw the rest away
-The additional electrician also refiled gels we had pulled for focus time, so we had to redo that
-We asked for two or three floor mounts, and they brought us the bases of mic stands
-A base went bad on a 6X9 so I asked for the cap off an altman ers we weren't using, the house electrician brought up a cap with the ground wire actually dangling outside of the connector and said "don't worry, if it's out of the connector it can't hurt you, it's not carrying a current."
So sadly, I could only help two days, so when she should have been sitting down to start building cues, she was now sitting watching yet another rehearsal trying to figure out where she could cut cues tomorrow. She's gonna have to rely on their electricians to finish the focus and fix any other problems that arise. I felt so bad leaving her there, but we couldn't work while the rehearsal was going on.
And before I left, we both happily noticed, one of the speaker clusters had a blown speaker in it. Looks like the director and audio's gonna have some fun on this run.
It tooks weeks just to get a copy of their house plot from the house electrician, and when she did get it, it was a jpg file (she needed the CAD file). It was obviously done in CAD but they didn't seem to know how to get the original and send it.
So she dragged the jpg into Vectorworks and created her plot over that. She told the house electrician she would adapt their house plot so that's all he had to worry about doing before she arrived. We showed up on Monday and lo and behold, house plot wasn't finished. Plus, there were speaker clusters blocking the view of many lights in the first FOH position (not on the plot).
So...
-The house electrician took it upon himself to "redesign" the FOH and change the purpose and angle of some lights for her benefit (uncircuiting everything putting us off schedule)
-Their additional electrician actually cut one gel out of the center of a sheet of gel and threw the rest away
-The additional electrician also refiled gels we had pulled for focus time, so we had to redo that
-We asked for two or three floor mounts, and they brought us the bases of mic stands
-A base went bad on a 6X9 so I asked for the cap off an altman ers we weren't using, the house electrician brought up a cap with the ground wire actually dangling outside of the connector and said "don't worry, if it's out of the connector it can't hurt you, it's not carrying a current."
So sadly, I could only help two days, so when she should have been sitting down to start building cues, she was now sitting watching yet another rehearsal trying to figure out where she could cut cues tomorrow. She's gonna have to rely on their electricians to finish the focus and fix any other problems that arise. I felt so bad leaving her there, but we couldn't work while the rehearsal was going on.
And before I left, we both happily noticed, one of the speaker clusters had a blown speaker in it. Looks like the director and audio's gonna have some fun on this run.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Knott's Argh...
**Original first paragraph's erased**
OK, on to other issues. I'm working at Knott's Scary Farm right now. I'm the video switcher for the Ed Alonzo show and I"m hating it! I took some tv and film courses in junior college before I settled on theater, and now I'm back at the damn board wishing I had said I wasn't available for the month of October. I was told I was going to be a stagehand which is why I said yes, but the day I walked in, they informed me (well, the TD informed me) that I was the new video person.
I think I used a switcher maybe once at Fullerton? And it was a lot easier since it was programmed by someone else so all I had to do was move the lever up and down, not push buttons. Sigh...
Oh well, October 31st isn't that far off. So I'm using this time to siphon all the info I can out of people about working for the cruise lines. Another girl, named Kaycee, just stopped working for them, and has given me loads of info. She didn't like it, but she said some people do. I'll never know if I'll like it till I try it, so... yeah.
Princess Cruise Lines
Carnival
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Lines
Links to all of these and a couple more
OK, on to other issues. I'm working at Knott's Scary Farm right now. I'm the video switcher for the Ed Alonzo show and I"m hating it! I took some tv and film courses in junior college before I settled on theater, and now I'm back at the damn board wishing I had said I wasn't available for the month of October. I was told I was going to be a stagehand which is why I said yes, but the day I walked in, they informed me (well, the TD informed me) that I was the new video person.
I think I used a switcher maybe once at Fullerton? And it was a lot easier since it was programmed by someone else so all I had to do was move the lever up and down, not push buttons. Sigh...
Oh well, October 31st isn't that far off. So I'm using this time to siphon all the info I can out of people about working for the cruise lines. Another girl, named Kaycee, just stopped working for them, and has given me loads of info. She didn't like it, but she said some people do. I'll never know if I'll like it till I try it, so... yeah.
Princess Cruise Lines
Carnival
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Lines
Links to all of these and a couple more
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
senior project finished
Monday, Christina and I finished our senior project. It's official. It's all over.
We took it in to the copy & mail place (which should also now be known as we charge up the butt for slow ass service) and had it bound. I'm hoping to scan the cover and post it when I get it back from my dad. He's going to try and read it when he returns from New York next Sunday.
In the mean time, I am focusing on work, and planning a weekend trip to Vegas when one of my girlfriends comes down from San Francisco. It's gonna be a girls road trip and I'm so looking forward to it!
PS Lisa, I'd really love a response. I think your criticism is worth pure gold since Christina and I were robbed of the traditional post mortem with the theater department.
We took it in to the copy & mail place (which should also now be known as we charge up the butt for slow ass service) and had it bound. I'm hoping to scan the cover and post it when I get it back from my dad. He's going to try and read it when he returns from New York next Sunday.
In the mean time, I am focusing on work, and planning a weekend trip to Vegas when one of my girlfriends comes down from San Francisco. It's gonna be a girls road trip and I'm so looking forward to it!
PS Lisa, I'd really love a response. I think your criticism is worth pure gold since Christina and I were robbed of the traditional post mortem with the theater department.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Roxanne prepares for the Real World
So here I am now. A college graduate. Out seeking for that job. I spent two hours at Disney today applying for a tech services job. The people at the front desk didn't understand what I meant. They kept grouping me with kids who were there to work in the park as ride operators and food services. It was rather annoying.
So after spending a lot of time working on a resume, I decided I need to create a personal webpage. I have one that links to this blog and my little Tech Theater website on geocities.com, but I'd like to actually own my own URL. It's just the tech geek in me. I'm gonna spend my free time messing with Dreamweaver and Flash for a while, hopefully I'll get better and have another skill to add to the resume.
This is my resume, not the actual one, just a compilation of the items on it. (Some additional jobs that did not fit on it). I'm posting this just for my own benefit, but if you have any experience in a template that works, please let me know.
Roxanne Rosas
teksalot@yahoo.com
Light Designer
Production Manager: B Morse
Knott's Berry Farm 8/04 - 12/04
Seasonal electrician
Supervisor: T Nelson
Fullerton College - Theatre Arts 7/98 - Present
Board Op, Stage Hand, Followspot
Supervisor: S Pliska
Fullerton College - Fine Arts 3/99 - Present
Maintenance (Facility and Equipment), Board Op, Followspot, Stage Hand, House Manager,
Concessions
Supervisor: Ed Huber
OCPAC - Founders Hall 98/99
Set-up and Strike crew for the black box theater
Supervisor: C Fisher
Handless Man Theatrics - 98/99
Basic Carpentry, Set-up and Strike
Supervisor: Jim Book
Target Fullerton - Hardlines Sales Floor 6/97 - 7/97
Target Tempe - Hardlines Sales Floor and Back-up Cashier 8/97 - 11/97
Handling money, helping customers, organizing products
Supervisor Fullerton: J Gagnon
Supervisor Tempe: S Price
Marymount College - Financial Aid Office Assistant 9/96 - 5/97
Answering Phones, Office/Clerical Work
Supervisor: Les Butler & Ana Saucedo
Educational Experience
Growing Up Johnny & Stosh - Master Electrician
Twelfth Night - Light Designer
Hopscotch - Director (10 Minute Scene)
The Importance of Being Earnest - Master Electrician
The Crucible - Light Board Op
The Laramie Project - Follow Spot
No One Is Alone: A Cabaret (ADDY G Foundation Fundraiser) - Light Designer
Gross Indecency - Co-Light Designer
Tommy - Audio 2
A Midsummer Nights Dream -Co-Sound Designer
Blade to the Heat - Assistant Light Designer
Sly Fox - Light Designer
Much Ado About Nothing - Rehearsal Stage Manager/Head of Backstage Crew
A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Sound Board Op
West Side Story - Rehearsal Stage Manager/Light Board Op
Scenes from an Execution - Wardrobe Crew Head
Assassins - Follow Spot
The Crucible - Light Board Op
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Stagehand
Skills
ETC Obsession II, ETC Expression, Strand Mini-Pallette, Strand 550i, Dove Light Board, Strong Gladiator II Follow Spot, Maintence for ETC Source 4, Strand Leko, Altman Light fixtures, Soundcraft and Mackie Sound Boards
2005 Outstanding Graduate Cal Poly Pomona
2003 - 2005 Honors all quarters while attending Cal Poly Pomona
2001 Special Achievement in Design and Technical Production - Fullerton College
2002 - 2003 National Dean's List - The Association of Educational Publishers
1996 - Cultural Arts Commission Scholarship - City of Placentia
Fullerton College 2001 A.S. in Computer Information Systems
Fullerton College 2001 A.A. in Theatre
Valencia High School 1996 High School Diploma
So after spending a lot of time working on a resume, I decided I need to create a personal webpage. I have one that links to this blog and my little Tech Theater website on geocities.com, but I'd like to actually own my own URL. It's just the tech geek in me. I'm gonna spend my free time messing with Dreamweaver and Flash for a while, hopefully I'll get better and have another skill to add to the resume.
This is my resume, not the actual one, just a compilation of the items on it. (Some additional jobs that did not fit on it). I'm posting this just for my own benefit, but if you have any experience in a template that works, please let me know.
Roxanne Rosas
teksalot@yahoo.comProfessional Experience
The Bus Stop Journals 6/05Light Designer
Production Manager: B Morse
Knott's Berry Farm 8/04 - 12/04
Seasonal electrician
Supervisor: T Nelson
Fullerton College - Theatre Arts 7/98 - Present
Board Op, Stage Hand, Followspot
Supervisor: S Pliska
Fullerton College - Fine Arts 3/99 - Present
Maintenance (Facility and Equipment), Board Op, Followspot, Stage Hand, House Manager,
Concessions
Supervisor: Ed Huber
OCPAC - Founders Hall 98/99
Set-up and Strike crew for the black box theater
Supervisor: C Fisher
Handless Man Theatrics - 98/99
Basic Carpentry, Set-up and Strike
Supervisor: Jim Book
Target Fullerton - Hardlines Sales Floor 6/97 - 7/97
Target Tempe - Hardlines Sales Floor and Back-up Cashier 8/97 - 11/97
Handling money, helping customers, organizing products
Supervisor Fullerton: J Gagnon
Supervisor Tempe: S Price
Marymount College - Financial Aid Office Assistant 9/96 - 5/97
Answering Phones, Office/Clerical Work
Supervisor: Les Butler & Ana Saucedo
Educational Experience
Growing Up Johnny & Stosh - Master ElectricianTwelfth Night - Light Designer
Hopscotch - Director (10 Minute Scene)
The Importance of Being Earnest - Master Electrician
The Crucible - Light Board Op
The Laramie Project - Follow Spot
No One Is Alone: A Cabaret (ADDY G Foundation Fundraiser) - Light Designer
Gross Indecency - Co-Light Designer
Tommy - Audio 2
A Midsummer Nights Dream -Co-Sound Designer
Blade to the Heat - Assistant Light Designer
Sly Fox - Light Designer
Much Ado About Nothing - Rehearsal Stage Manager/Head of Backstage Crew
A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Sound Board Op
West Side Story - Rehearsal Stage Manager/Light Board Op
Scenes from an Execution - Wardrobe Crew Head
Assassins - Follow Spot
The Crucible - Light Board Op
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Stagehand
Skills
ETC Obsession II, ETC Expression, Strand Mini-Pallette, Strand 550i, Dove Light Board, Strong Gladiator II Follow Spot, Maintence for ETC Source 4, Strand Leko, Altman Light fixtures, Soundcraft and Mackie Sound BoardsAwards
2005 Outstanding Graduate Cal Poly Pomona
2003 - 2005 Honors all quarters while attending Cal Poly Pomona
2001 Special Achievement in Design and Technical Production - Fullerton College
2002 - 2003 National Dean's List - The Association of Educational Publishers
1996 - Cultural Arts Commission Scholarship - City of Placentia
Education
Cal Poly Pomona 2005 B.A. in Theatre - Tech & Design EmphasisFullerton College 2001 A.S. in Computer Information Systems
Fullerton College 2001 A.A. in Theatre
Valencia High School 1996 High School Diploma
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Zimbabwe Meets Pomona CA
The senior project for Twelfth Night was completed on schedule, and is still waiting to be graded, in the mean time, I began working on my first professional light design. The Bus Stop Journals written by Bernardo Solano as a community based theater project debuted June 18th at the Downtown Center in Pomona, CA. It was a great success.
The show featured former Cal Poly Pomona Alumni and community members. The play was written by conducting interviews with many bus riders, asked questions that began with "If a man approached you, told you he was from Zimbabwe and asked things like 'How could I contact Oprah?', how would you react?"
The responses were from all sorts of people you meet while either sitting at the bus stop, at the bus depot, or while riding the bus. A man named "Africa 'Thembi'" arrives in America with his band, but when it's time to leave, he stays behind and winds up in Pomona, CA. He thinks he will make it big with his Mbira (An African musical instrument consisting of a hollow gourd or wooden resonator and a number of usually metal strips that vibrate when plucked), but has lost his ability to play it because of his loss of faith in God. When his mother passed away recently, he was unable to say good-bye because he did not see her soul pass on to the next world.
He makes friends with new people, Carl (a teenager who offers him a place to live) and a blind woman named Nancy (she lost her sight 3 years ago from a gun shot to the head). Her insight is stronger than her blindness and she reminds Thembi of his mother with her wisdom. A month goes by, Nancy has become Thembi's friend and Carl has managed to contact one of Oprah's personal assitants. While taking the call Thembi hears the mbira music of his soul, and he sees Nancy dancing toward him to the African rhythm, he knows she has died and he is watching her soul pass on. He takes this as a sign that he must return home to the family he left behind, because he has regained his faith and ability to play the music he loves.
Thembi (Nehemia Chivandikwa) meets Donald (Michael Sartain), a drunk who attends Mt. SAC. The ladder is from the set designer (Bill Morse who also plays the bus driver) still hanging a map during the last dress rehearsal.
Thembi meets (Oz), a goth who hangs out on 2nd street and tries to convince Thembi to seek politicial asylum to stay in the U.S. legally
Nancy enters the stage and Thembi is shy about talking to her at first
Thembi has forgotten the phone call temporarily and dances to the music as Nancy (Sandra Fogler) passes on to the next world. Images of Thembi's home flash on the back drop as he remembers what he has left behind to come to the U.S.
This summer, several of the cast and production crew will travel to Zimbabwe to tell the second part of the story. An American student (Courtney Rowan), enters the exchange program, but when she arrives, she is left stranded alone in a part of Africa and we see how she views their culture. The play will be constructed in much the same way as it was done here. Several Cal Poly Students were interviewed as to how they would react to being in that situation.
I wish I could go, but alas, I have graduated from Cal Poly and this was my last venture with them. I have to enter the real world now (damn!) and get a real job (double damn!). So traveling to another country to do a project for free (plus pay my own way there) is just not possible at this time. But it sure was nice to be involved on this side of the project.
The show featured former Cal Poly Pomona Alumni and community members. The play was written by conducting interviews with many bus riders, asked questions that began with "If a man approached you, told you he was from Zimbabwe and asked things like 'How could I contact Oprah?', how would you react?"
The responses were from all sorts of people you meet while either sitting at the bus stop, at the bus depot, or while riding the bus. A man named "Africa 'Thembi'" arrives in America with his band, but when it's time to leave, he stays behind and winds up in Pomona, CA. He thinks he will make it big with his Mbira (An African musical instrument consisting of a hollow gourd or wooden resonator and a number of usually metal strips that vibrate when plucked), but has lost his ability to play it because of his loss of faith in God. When his mother passed away recently, he was unable to say good-bye because he did not see her soul pass on to the next world.
He makes friends with new people, Carl (a teenager who offers him a place to live) and a blind woman named Nancy (she lost her sight 3 years ago from a gun shot to the head). Her insight is stronger than her blindness and she reminds Thembi of his mother with her wisdom. A month goes by, Nancy has become Thembi's friend and Carl has managed to contact one of Oprah's personal assitants. While taking the call Thembi hears the mbira music of his soul, and he sees Nancy dancing toward him to the African rhythm, he knows she has died and he is watching her soul pass on. He takes this as a sign that he must return home to the family he left behind, because he has regained his faith and ability to play the music he loves.
Thembi (Nehemia Chivandikwa) meets Donald (Michael Sartain), a drunk who attends Mt. SAC. The ladder is from the set designer (Bill Morse who also plays the bus driver) still hanging a map during the last dress rehearsal.
Thembi meets (Oz), a goth who hangs out on 2nd street and tries to convince Thembi to seek politicial asylum to stay in the U.S. legally
Nancy enters the stage and Thembi is shy about talking to her at first
Thembi has forgotten the phone call temporarily and dances to the music as Nancy (Sandra Fogler) passes on to the next world. Images of Thembi's home flash on the back drop as he remembers what he has left behind to come to the U.S.
This summer, several of the cast and production crew will travel to Zimbabwe to tell the second part of the story. An American student (Courtney Rowan), enters the exchange program, but when she arrives, she is left stranded alone in a part of Africa and we see how she views their culture. The play will be constructed in much the same way as it was done here. Several Cal Poly Students were interviewed as to how they would react to being in that situation.
I wish I could go, but alas, I have graduated from Cal Poly and this was my last venture with them. I have to enter the real world now (damn!) and get a real job (double damn!). So traveling to another country to do a project for free (plus pay my own way there) is just not possible at this time. But it sure was nice to be involved on this side of the project.
Monday, June 06, 2005
research paragraph... incomplete
In order to begin my research, I needed to create a list of things I would need. Because I already had a good idea on the colors I would use, I decided to focus on the time of day each scene would take place in. Any time I would feel lost or uncertain about where to go next, I would always return to the script. The play, for me, was the one constant among all the changing circumstances and provided the clues I needed to start researching. Historical research did not seem to be of much use to me. But curiosity drove me to research the meaning of the play’s title.
Twelfth Night refers to the end of winter festivities that begins on All Hallows Eve. A common theme during the celebrations is reversal. Shakespeare wrote the play Twelfth Night or What You Will to be performed on the twelfth night using mistaken identity and gender role reversal as part of the story. The play’s title mimicking the date of celebrated misrule only compounded the importance of the main character’s reason for adopting a masculine appearance.
I searched the plays words carefully looking for ideas on what time of day each scene would take place, and then I tried to construct a timeline for the entire play so the transitions would make sense. Unfortunately, this idea was ditched as I began to receive rehearsal reports from the stage manager explicitly stating that the director wished certain scenes to take place at morning or sunset. I decided to follow the director’s wishes rather than dissect the script any further.
Rehearsal reports also clued me in to a new obstacle. The director had rearranged the script’s opening sequence which made my primary resource into a variable instead of a constant. I began re-reading the play for a fifth time trying to imagine the storm that begins the story, but is not scripted out in detail. We only learn about the storm through exposition and now I had to work with the sound designer to actually create it.
It was also at this time I began to question how to deal with the director. I interviewed several members of the department and asked how previous encounters had gone with her. The majority of answers led me to believe that designing this show would be easy, until the last few weeks, which was correct. I’ll address those issues later.
I turned to the High End AF1000 strobes for lightening. I had just seen them in the previous show’s main stage as a lightening effect for The Foreigner and loved the color temperature and wash they created. I considered using PAR lamps to hit the high points of the scenery, but I really wanted to use an instrument I had never used before. I also wanted the chance to try to learn some DMX technology.
I continued searching the script for clues and began scribbling notes in the margins about how each scene should look. My analysis of each scene had already told me the mood, but my final decisions were all based on keywords by characters or the ends of scenes into the next ones.
My first actual encounter with a text clue to the time of day was in act I, scene 3, when Maria says: “By my troth, Sir Toby, you must come in earlier o’ nights.” I figured it was after sunset by then, if Sir Toby is being scolded for returning home so late. I learned from some of Christina Russo’s research on the
I continued in this fashion for the rest of the script, finding keywords and deciding on the time of day for each scene. When I was done, I was better prepared to being color testing. I started with my cast because of the wide range of color tones. Searches on the internet led me to R54, R05, R35, R51, R62, R60 and R33. I began tracking down cast members and quickly lighting them with the gel book and my trusty Maglite.
As for the rest of the colors, I relied heavily on virtual light lab version 1 and version 3. I own a copy of version 1 which is severely limited in options, but version 3 allowed me color test a jpg file of the cyc sent to me by the set designer. I narrowed my selection to a range of purples, blues, and ambers to the cyc; pinks, blues, lavenders, and ambers were still the main choices for back, down and side washes.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Awards
Last night was the awards party for the end of the year. Seniors are recognized and the Alpha Psi Omega organization on campus awards the "best of" people. I was honored last night to receive best light design for Twelfth Night.
I also received a plaque for being a graduating senior, and to my shock I won outstanding graduate. I so thought Lauren was going to win for all her community work with peer theatre, but she was given a separate award for that and a scholarship. To my advantage though, Bill forgot the Dr. Seuss book that is tradition for the outstanding graduate to read from. Unfortunately, the department will not forget, and I'm sure I will have to read it at some future time.
I'm continuing to work on the research portion of the senior project, I'm focusing on the numbers I went over on color temperatures of lamps and sunsets. I wish I had saved and documented that portion better, but I just glanced over it and scribbled notes on post-its. I'm noticing that Christina's research is a lot more thorough than mine, which is probably why it's so much easier for her to type it out.
I also received a plaque for being a graduating senior, and to my shock I won outstanding graduate. I so thought Lauren was going to win for all her community work with peer theatre, but she was given a separate award for that and a scholarship. To my advantage though, Bill forgot the Dr. Seuss book that is tradition for the outstanding graduate to read from. Unfortunately, the department will not forget, and I'm sure I will have to read it at some future time.
I'm continuing to work on the research portion of the senior project, I'm focusing on the numbers I went over on color temperatures of lamps and sunsets. I wish I had saved and documented that portion better, but I just glanced over it and scribbled notes on post-its. I'm noticing that Christina's research is a lot more thorough than mine, which is probably why it's so much easier for her to type it out.
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