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Dickens Christmas Fair 2008 November Missive #1
(sent November 4th, 2008)
Good morning everyone,
We've had a last minute change in the schedule which I was hoping to have out to you by now. Look for the workshop missive (with schedule) shortly as well as a costume missive a little later this week. Liz (our costume mistress) is out working at the polls today - go Liz!.
Special note regarding the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Color Album: please send your photos to Kevin Patterson at kevin@redbarnproductions.org rather than to me. Thanks.
Please remember to respond to the person that posted each item below, rather than hitting "reply". Please also remember that past missives (including workshop dates) can be found at http://www.cattaylor.com/missives.html
And please remember to vote.
In This Missive:
God Bless Us Every One! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers
Robert-Houdin Illusion Show Seeks Musicians
Pirates of Penzance Needs Pirates!
The Crummles Auditioning For Two Male Leads
The Nimble Light Toy Parade Needs You!
Want to Put The Dickens in Dickens Fair? (Dickens Character Auditions)
Naughty French Postcards Auditions
Sad News: James "Jimmy" Lea
God Bless Us Every One! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers
As the song says, We need a little Christmas – right this very minute! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers has been developed to help infuse every aspect of the Fair with the glorious and irresistible jollity of Mr Dickens Christmas Sprit. It's Yule-a-licious!
Christmas Keepers will add focus and dimension to the parades and pageants, thereby encouraging greater audience enjoyment (and understanding of what they are seeing). They will also help wit the ticket taking at the front gate and will move about the fair creating Christmas merriment by carrying packages, decorating certain pre-set areas, and generally being obsessively jolly!
This group can be a terrific entry point for people who are new to Dickens Fair, and who want to get a feel for the kind of magic we are creating. This can also serve as a home for performers who want to participate in the Father Christmas and Toy Parades (those who have participated in some of the larger Renaissance Faires will recognize the model as being related to the guilds of St. Helena and St. Cuthbert)
The Christmas Keepers will be led by Robyn Agpalo this year (along with her fairies and Alice casts) and will be meeting on the first day of workshops at a location to be announced at the morning meeting. (which is at 10:00AM on November 8th) If you need to confer with Robyn before that, you can email her at lilmspixie@yahoo.com
Robert-Houdin Illusion Show Seeks Musicians
Seeking ethereal/classical musicians for Robert-Houdin Illusion show, twice daily at the V&A. Violin, Oboe, Sitar, percussion and/or suggestions for background accompanyment to various illusions. Contact J. Paul at jpaulmoore@msn.com.
Pirates of Penzance Needs Pirates!
Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance will be performed twice a day at the V&A. We're short just a couple of Pirates, and will be auditioning before an upcoming rehearsal, exact date and time to be announced. For the audition, please prepare one verse of a song, which displays your range, projection, diction, and ability to sing on pitch. It can be from G&S (strongly preferred) or something similar, or even your favorite national anthem -- anything simple and straight forward which will give us a chance to compare your voice with others we hear. Please bring sheet music for your pieces. You may also be asked to read some dialogue from Pirates. Please contact Cat Taylor at cat@redbarnproductions.org to schedule an audition.
The Crummles Auditioning For Two Male Leads
Do you want to be dastardly and devious? Do you ever just want to poison and duel? Or are you the Hero type? Or do you wanna be? ;)
Either email me, or see myself or Julie St. Germaine at workshops next weekend.
We'd love to see what you have... Bring it on.. except your shame. Crummles have no shame.
Tess Boyd
tess.boyd@gmail.com
The Nimble Light Toy Parade Needs You!
The Nimble Light Toy Parade is looking for performers, acrobats, dancers, singers and instrumentalists to spend a half hour of their day coming out to play with us in our parade at the hour of twelve!. All musicians are welcome and in particular we are looking for a few rhythm instrumentalists, such as mandolins or guitars to carry the chords for our song, while our singers carry the melody. Costumes are provided, new ones are welcomed and many can just be worn over your Dicken's Faire costume. We have lots of furry ears and mitts. The kids love us and the more the merrier. Most of us also participate in the Father Christmas parade but it isn't mandatory to do both. Please contact me directly at stasha@gothik.net with Toy Parade in the subject line if you are at all interested. Thanks and remember "Don't forget to pick up your toys!"
Want to Put The Dickens in Dickens Fair? (Dickens Character Auditions)
The Other Books group is an ensemble cast that prides itself on showcasing the vast panoply of Dickens' brilliantly wrought characters. The characters are big, bold and quirky. Audience interaction is our raison d'etre and our lives are one big theatrical banquet of scenery chewing throughout the day. We need energy, commitment, fearlessness and willingness to be part of an ensemble. We encourage interested parties to read one of the books, or at least view one of the superb adaptations currently available to get a clearer picture of these characters. We will be working entirely in the streets this year - we do not have a stage.
One of the joys of Dickens is that within his pages there are no small characters. Even characters that appear for a few sentences are bursting with (often idiosyncratic) life. There are wonderful names and occupations throughout the Master's ouevre. We are interested in casting these characters, which range across all ages, classes and emotional quirks. There really is no excuse NOT to be a Dickens character if you think about it.
Since we live in an Age of Wonders, through the magic of the Internet you can look up the books and peruse for these characters, read about them and consider whether one of them calls to you to be brought to breathing life. However, the old-fashioned way - picking up a book - will yield an embarrassment of riches. You can't read two pages in most of Dickens' books without stumbling on SOMEONE fascinating and fraught with theatrical possibility.
If there is a character in a Dickens book or adaptation that you want to play, or simply find appealing, prepare a brief piece to read, and act, for us. It will give us a clearer idea of your capabilities and the type of character you want to play.
We will be doing a limited amount of auditioning during the audition/rehearsal period of the first weekend of workshops only. Bear in mind that auditioning for Dickens characters is like any other theatrical audition - it is best to come prepared. When considering auditioning for any role, please take the time to do some research on the
character to determine both that it is a role that you would be able to play and something you would enjoy doing. Being prepared also makes it easier for you to show yourself at your best and will make the process move more smoothly for all parties.
Participation in the Dickens Fair book character cast requires the ability to make the time and energy commitment, and the willingness to work in an ensemble cast. If you are cast, it is expected that your commitment to the cast will be your primary performing responsibility. You will be expected to provide your own, Dickens approvable, costume,
and to abide by the rules of both the Fair and our group.
If you are interested in auditioning for a book character audition, (they start at 2:30 this Saturday and Sunday) in the room specified in the schedule) please sign up on the list at Area 51. The auditions will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals, please be patient as we sometimes get a bit behind when auditioning promising actors. Please prepare a bit of the dialogue for the character you are interested in, and be prepared to improvise as that character. If you're not quite sure what character you'd like, prepare any bit of Dickens dialogue from a similar character and we'll help you with appropriate ideas.
Rydell Downward
Therese Porter
Co-Directors, Other Books Cast
Naughty French Postcards Auditions
On first day of workshops, between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM, the "Saucy French Postcard Tableaux Review" (better known as Naughty French Postcards) is holding open auditions. The Theme this year is Fairy Tales and Folklore. NOTE: Only those 18 and over can attend or participate in this show. We're not obscene or dirty, but for the Victorians, we would certainly have been risque.
We will be casting The Maid, who is known as "Mary" no matter what her name is. This is a minor speaking role. Basic young, subservient female. Crestfallen and tearful when chided by employer. Must be able to provide own costume. Black dress, apron, mob cap.
There are a few openings for Tableau Cast. Come prepared to answer questions, fill out forms, and have your photo taken in minimal attire. Having Medieval, Renaissance or Georgian costuming available is a plus. Looking great without it, also a plus.
Any questions? Contact Diana Young-Peak (dgbyoung@aol.com)
Sad News: James "Jimmy" Lea
A message from Carol Goodman
Our hearts become a little heavier...
James "Jimmy" Lea, the fun-loving smiling face from the front counter of the Acropolis Greek food booth has left us. He passed in his sleep from long running health issues sometime the night of October 29th.
His wife Jody sends the information that any who wish may attend the viewing at Vaca Hills Chapel in Vacaville between the hours of 5 PM. and 8 PM. On Thursday, November 6th. The address for Vaca Hills Chapel is 524 Elmira Road. Friday the 7th there will be a celebration of his life at 11:00 AM at the Orchard Avenue Baptist Church located at 301 North Orchard Avenue, Vacaville, CA 95688
Ted and Glynnis Papageorgacopoulos send this message "He became a surrogate uncle for our children and we couldn't have asked for a better friend. He brought such a great sense of loyalty, and fun to work with him, he will be greatly missed."
On a personal note, my step-daughter Leidhra and I had the chance to work with the Ted, Glynnis, Jimmy and the rest of their wonderful crew more than once. Jimmy had a sense of humor that would make you groan out loud but still manage to put a smile on your face. Our thoughts are with his blood family and his fair family in this time of loss.
Carol Goodman
Beverage & Catering Coordinator
To sign up for the missives, please email missives@redbarnproductions.org, and request to be added to the missive list.
Link to Cat Taylor's Homepage
Back to Dickens Christmas Fair Backup Performer Missive Page
Cow Palace Missives
Official Save The Cow Palace Website
Dickens Christmas Fair 2008 November Missive #1
(sent November 4th, 2008)
Good morning everyone,
We've had a last minute change in the schedule which I was hoping to have out to you by now. Look for the workshop missive (with schedule) shortly as well as a costume missive a little later this week. Liz (our costume mistress) is out working at the polls today - go Liz!.
Special note regarding the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Color Album: please send your photos to Kevin Patterson at kevin@redbarnproductions.org rather than to me. Thanks.
Please remember to respond to the person that posted each item below, rather than hitting "reply". Please also remember that past missives (including workshop dates) can be found at http://www.cattaylor.com/missives.html
And please remember to vote.
In This Missive:
God Bless Us Every One! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers
Robert-Houdin Illusion Show Seeks Musicians
Pirates of Penzance Needs Pirates!
The Crummles Auditioning For Two Male Leads
The Nimble Light Toy Parade Needs You!
Want to Put The Dickens in Dickens Fair? (Dickens Character Auditions)
Naughty French Postcards Auditions
Sad News: James "Jimmy" Lea
God Bless Us Every One! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers
As the song says, We need a little Christmas – right this very minute! The Blessed Order of Christmas Keepers has been developed to help infuse every aspect of the Fair with the glorious and irresistible jollity of Mr Dickens Christmas Sprit. It's Yule-a-licious!
Christmas Keepers will add focus and dimension to the parades and pageants, thereby encouraging greater audience enjoyment (and understanding of what they are seeing). They will also help wit the ticket taking at the front gate and will move about the fair creating Christmas merriment by carrying packages, decorating certain pre-set areas, and generally being obsessively jolly!
This group can be a terrific entry point for people who are new to Dickens Fair, and who want to get a feel for the kind of magic we are creating. This can also serve as a home for performers who want to participate in the Father Christmas and Toy Parades (those who have participated in some of the larger Renaissance Faires will recognize the model as being related to the guilds of St. Helena and St. Cuthbert)
The Christmas Keepers will be led by Robyn Agpalo this year (along with her fairies and Alice casts) and will be meeting on the first day of workshops at a location to be announced at the morning meeting. (which is at 10:00AM on November 8th) If you need to confer with Robyn before that, you can email her at lilmspixie@yahoo.com
Robert-Houdin Illusion Show Seeks Musicians
Seeking ethereal/classical musicians for Robert-Houdin Illusion show, twice daily at the V&A. Violin, Oboe, Sitar, percussion and/or suggestions for background accompanyment to various illusions. Contact J. Paul at jpaulmoore@msn.com.
Pirates of Penzance Needs Pirates!
Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance will be performed twice a day at the V&A. We're short just a couple of Pirates, and will be auditioning before an upcoming rehearsal, exact date and time to be announced. For the audition, please prepare one verse of a song, which displays your range, projection, diction, and ability to sing on pitch. It can be from G&S (strongly preferred) or something similar, or even your favorite national anthem -- anything simple and straight forward which will give us a chance to compare your voice with others we hear. Please bring sheet music for your pieces. You may also be asked to read some dialogue from Pirates. Please contact Cat Taylor at cat@redbarnproductions.org to schedule an audition.
The Crummles Auditioning For Two Male Leads
Do you want to be dastardly and devious? Do you ever just want to poison and duel? Or are you the Hero type? Or do you wanna be? ;)
Either email me, or see myself or Julie St. Germaine at workshops next weekend.
We'd love to see what you have... Bring it on.. except your shame. Crummles have no shame.
Tess Boyd
tess.boyd@gmail.com
The Nimble Light Toy Parade Needs You!
The Nimble Light Toy Parade is looking for performers, acrobats, dancers, singers and instrumentalists to spend a half hour of their day coming out to play with us in our parade at the hour of twelve!. All musicians are welcome and in particular we are looking for a few rhythm instrumentalists, such as mandolins or guitars to carry the chords for our song, while our singers carry the melody. Costumes are provided, new ones are welcomed and many can just be worn over your Dicken's Faire costume. We have lots of furry ears and mitts. The kids love us and the more the merrier. Most of us also participate in the Father Christmas parade but it isn't mandatory to do both. Please contact me directly at stasha@gothik.net with Toy Parade in the subject line if you are at all interested. Thanks and remember "Don't forget to pick up your toys!"
Want to Put The Dickens in Dickens Fair? (Dickens Character Auditions)
The Other Books group is an ensemble cast that prides itself on showcasing the vast panoply of Dickens' brilliantly wrought characters. The characters are big, bold and quirky. Audience interaction is our raison d'etre and our lives are one big theatrical banquet of scenery chewing throughout the day. We need energy, commitment, fearlessness and willingness to be part of an ensemble. We encourage interested parties to read one of the books, or at least view one of the superb adaptations currently available to get a clearer picture of these characters. We will be working entirely in the streets this year - we do not have a stage.
One of the joys of Dickens is that within his pages there are no small characters. Even characters that appear for a few sentences are bursting with (often idiosyncratic) life. There are wonderful names and occupations throughout the Master's ouevre. We are interested in casting these characters, which range across all ages, classes and emotional quirks. There really is no excuse NOT to be a Dickens character if you think about it.
Since we live in an Age of Wonders, through the magic of the Internet you can look up the books and peruse for these characters, read about them and consider whether one of them calls to you to be brought to breathing life. However, the old-fashioned way - picking up a book - will yield an embarrassment of riches. You can't read two pages in most of Dickens' books without stumbling on SOMEONE fascinating and fraught with theatrical possibility.
If there is a character in a Dickens book or adaptation that you want to play, or simply find appealing, prepare a brief piece to read, and act, for us. It will give us a clearer idea of your capabilities and the type of character you want to play.
We will be doing a limited amount of auditioning during the audition/rehearsal period of the first weekend of workshops only. Bear in mind that auditioning for Dickens characters is like any other theatrical audition - it is best to come prepared. When considering auditioning for any role, please take the time to do some research on the
character to determine both that it is a role that you would be able to play and something you would enjoy doing. Being prepared also makes it easier for you to show yourself at your best and will make the process move more smoothly for all parties.
Participation in the Dickens Fair book character cast requires the ability to make the time and energy commitment, and the willingness to work in an ensemble cast. If you are cast, it is expected that your commitment to the cast will be your primary performing responsibility. You will be expected to provide your own, Dickens approvable, costume,
and to abide by the rules of both the Fair and our group.
If you are interested in auditioning for a book character audition, (they start at 2:30 this Saturday and Sunday) in the room specified in the schedule) please sign up on the list at Area 51. The auditions will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals, please be patient as we sometimes get a bit behind when auditioning promising actors. Please prepare a bit of the dialogue for the character you are interested in, and be prepared to improvise as that character. If you're not quite sure what character you'd like, prepare any bit of Dickens dialogue from a similar character and we'll help you with appropriate ideas.
Rydell Downward
Therese Porter
Co-Directors, Other Books Cast
Naughty French Postcards Auditions
On first day of workshops, between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM, the "Saucy French Postcard Tableaux Review" (better known as Naughty French Postcards) is holding open auditions. The Theme this year is Fairy Tales and Folklore. NOTE: Only those 18 and over can attend or participate in this show. We're not obscene or dirty, but for the Victorians, we would certainly have been risque.
We will be casting The Maid, who is known as "Mary" no matter what her name is. This is a minor speaking role. Basic young, subservient female. Crestfallen and tearful when chided by employer. Must be able to provide own costume. Black dress, apron, mob cap.
There are a few openings for Tableau Cast. Come prepared to answer questions, fill out forms, and have your photo taken in minimal attire. Having Medieval, Renaissance or Georgian costuming available is a plus. Looking great without it, also a plus.
Any questions? Contact Diana Young-Peak (dgbyoung@aol.com)
Sad News: James "Jimmy" Lea
A message from Carol Goodman
Our hearts become a little heavier...
James "Jimmy" Lea, the fun-loving smiling face from the front counter of the Acropolis Greek food booth has left us. He passed in his sleep from long running health issues sometime the night of October 29th.
His wife Jody sends the information that any who wish may attend the viewing at Vaca Hills Chapel in Vacaville between the hours of 5 PM. and 8 PM. On Thursday, November 6th. The address for Vaca Hills Chapel is 524 Elmira Road. Friday the 7th there will be a celebration of his life at 11:00 AM at the Orchard Avenue Baptist Church located at 301 North Orchard Avenue, Vacaville, CA 95688
Ted and Glynnis Papageorgacopoulos send this message "He became a surrogate uncle for our children and we couldn't have asked for a better friend. He brought such a great sense of loyalty, and fun to work with him, he will be greatly missed."
On a personal note, my step-daughter Leidhra and I had the chance to work with the Ted, Glynnis, Jimmy and the rest of their wonderful crew more than once. Jimmy had a sense of humor that would make you groan out loud but still manage to put a smile on your face. Our thoughts are with his blood family and his fair family in this time of loss.
Carol Goodman
Beverage & Catering Coordinator
To sign up for the missives, please email missives@redbarnproductions.org, and request to be added to the missive list.
Link to Cat Taylor's Homepage