As the last post was done in about five minutes before a Nutcracker Evaluation Meeting, and my children think that more details about my feelings are needed for the last blog, here goes...
"Fall
New Classes"
While fall is great when the temperatures finally start dropping, calling August part of the fall season is not fun in my book.
August should remain as part of the summer!
Unfortunately, in my state, the schools have decided that the school year starts at the beginning of August.
This means that activities start in August, though most will start at least a week or so after the schools reopen.
What this means to me:
1) No recovery time from summer activities.
2) It is way too hot (100 degree weather)
to be thinking- Fall.
3) Trying to adjust to a new schedule.
4) Updating the calendar of activities
(which never really gets completely done).
"Fall
Nutcracker Season"
While this is one of my favorite times of the year, thinking about Nutcracker and the list of things associated with it is not always fun.
The list includes:
a) The contemplation of what parts my children would like this year verses what parts they will actually get.
b) Thinking of crafty gifts to make based on the parts of my children.
Don't get me wrong, crafts are one of my favorite things to do.
It's the planning and getting the supplies early, knowing that, in the end, one will be staying up for several late nights during the last few weeks of rehearsal making gifts.
c) Costumes-
Alterations and more alterations
Helping to make new ones
Revamping old ones
Trying to teach someone to take over a group of costumes that one is tired of seeing and dealing with year after year-
"MICE"
My favorite part doesn't come until almost the end- details on the costumes.
[Pictures will be posted at a later date of some of my Nutcracker costume details.]
d) Props-
Repairing
Building new ones
[Pictures to be posted at a later date of some of the props our family has made]
Discussions with my husband on improvements and the cheapest way to make something that will last for years and need little repair.
(FUN!)
A list of ways to keep hands and other body parts off of props when not in use on stage.
Hm, I wonder if mouse traps would work...
Buzzers are too loud.
A small jolt of electricity?
Seriously, props are made for a specific purpose.
Please don't handle props unless it's during the rehearsal for the prop or one is on stage performing with the prop.
By the way, exceptions will be made for handling props for pictures, if prior permission has been obtained from one of the following "proper authorities"-
Artistic Director
School Director
Props Coordinator
Backstage Manager
d) Are we actually ready for another Nutcracker Season of weekly weekend rehearsals for four (4) months, last minute performing opportunities, and all of the backstage projects?
After saying all this, it may be difficult to believe that Nutcracker Season is one of my favorite times of the year!
"Fall
New Classes"
While fall is great when the temperatures finally start dropping, calling August part of the fall season is not fun in my book.
August should remain as part of the summer!
Unfortunately, in my state, the schools have decided that the school year starts at the beginning of August.
This means that activities start in August, though most will start at least a week or so after the schools reopen.
What this means to me:
1) No recovery time from summer activities.
2) It is way too hot (100 degree weather)
to be thinking- Fall.
3) Trying to adjust to a new schedule.
4) Updating the calendar of activities
(which never really gets completely done).
"Fall
Nutcracker Season"
While this is one of my favorite times of the year, thinking about Nutcracker and the list of things associated with it is not always fun.
The list includes:
a) The contemplation of what parts my children would like this year verses what parts they will actually get.
b) Thinking of crafty gifts to make based on the parts of my children.
Don't get me wrong, crafts are one of my favorite things to do.
It's the planning and getting the supplies early, knowing that, in the end, one will be staying up for several late nights during the last few weeks of rehearsal making gifts.
c) Costumes-
Alterations and more alterations
Helping to make new ones
Revamping old ones
Trying to teach someone to take over a group of costumes that one is tired of seeing and dealing with year after year-
"MICE"
My favorite part doesn't come until almost the end- details on the costumes.
[Pictures will be posted at a later date of some of my Nutcracker costume details.]
d) Props-
Repairing
Building new ones
[Pictures to be posted at a later date of some of the props our family has made]
Discussions with my husband on improvements and the cheapest way to make something that will last for years and need little repair.
(FUN!)
A list of ways to keep hands and other body parts off of props when not in use on stage.
Hm, I wonder if mouse traps would work...
Buzzers are too loud.
A small jolt of electricity?
Seriously, props are made for a specific purpose.
Please don't handle props unless it's during the rehearsal for the prop or one is on stage performing with the prop.
By the way, exceptions will be made for handling props for pictures, if prior permission has been obtained from one of the following "proper authorities"-
Artistic Director
School Director
Props Coordinator
Backstage Manager
d) Are we actually ready for another Nutcracker Season of weekly weekend rehearsals for four (4) months, last minute performing opportunities, and all of the backstage projects?
After saying all this, it may be difficult to believe that Nutcracker Season is one of my favorite times of the year!
Will you still want to be involved with the Nutcracker when the kids graduate?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLoaded question...
ReplyDeleteI have one who wants to be a professional and one that may continue dancing into college, so Nutcrackers are being planned for a long term venture for our family. Just where, is the question.