Blithering Knitiot

So it's Spring...

But yet we're having lows in the teens for the next couple of nights, and it's 36º at the moment.  The winter was pretty busy - I directed a production of Cinderella, and just for giggles, decided to set the whole story in Japan, add some elements from kabuki theatre, and added a HUGE fan as the backdrop for the ballroom scenes (these pics were taken by the yearbook advisor at the final dress rehearsal):

All the kimonos were made by several mothers, and when they got done, all the kids looked fabulous!  Cinderella and the Step Mother and Step Sisters after the ball:

 The little white globes in the background of the ballroom were lanterns (manipulated by students all in black) that not only became part of the set, but also did their own choreography around Cinderella and the prince while they sang:

All the set pieces were moved and held by people all in black.  Ninja costumes were just the thing (even their faces were covered, so they really blended into the background:

We're very lucky to have an art department in the high school that is willing to build and paint the sets.  The base for the carriage is a rolling cart borrowed from the custodial staff, which was also manipulated by a "ninja".  All in all, it was a success artistically, and the parents and community were very happy, the kids are walking away with another positive theatre experience and memories, and now that it's over, I can get back to some knitting - directing plays is such a time comsuming project.

What little knitting that has been going on has been the start of a sweater (the bottom cuff of the body is completed), and a scarf that I started on the train to New York to see the BF and Operas at the Met is not even half finished, but I have been  working on it a little bit this past week - neither is picture worthy yet.  So, that's been my life the past couple of months.

I hope everything in your world has been terrific!  Thanks for stopping by!

Props

As promised, a couple of pictures of the sock puppets and "severed head pie" from a production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged" that I made.  They're pretty basic,but considering the time they were actually on stage, simple proved to be affective.

Left to right: the ghost of Hamlet's father, Severed Head Pie, and Hamlet's Father and Mother.  Very life-like, wouldn't you say?

The wigs for the puppets were crocheted out of eyelash yarn (and what a PIA is THAT stuff to work with!), and crocheted crowns with small "gems" sewn on.  The pie was made out of papier mache and a styrofoam head.  I'm not sure how "realistic" it all looks, but again, for the time they spent onstage, it all worked.

Hamlet's Uncle was portrayed as a shark in the play-within-the-play, which also had to be a puppet.  I found a stuffed shark toy, cut a slit in it's belly for a place for the hand, and then used a piece of foam rubber for filling.  Then I had to construct a costume to match the costume worn by the actor who was playing Hamlet's uncle.  We matched the fabric and trim (also complete with crocheted crown):

So there you are.  A little crafting creativity for the theatre.  Sometimes I  really think I need to get out more...

Have a great weekend!

Lately...

Life has been it's usual busy, get things done and meet some deadlines and have some more performance kinda thing. 

Drama Club at school presented "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde a couple of weekends ago.  I was the Prop Master for the show, so tea cups and silver tea services, journals and LOTS of cucumber sandwiches were taking up my time.  These kids ate through almost the entire show!  They were awesome and had quite an excellent theatre adjuducation from the New York state Theatre Association!

Some of my high school singers attended a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo festival this past weekend.  They did pretty well overall, and two of them received a perfect score on the pieces they performed. 

This weekend I'll be attended an all male knitting retreat just north of Albany.  I'm very excited!  I'm taking a laceknitting class, a spinning class, double knitting and a class on binding off techniques.  I think there are about 35 men going, so it should be quite a hoot!  My friend Van, who I met through menwhoknit.com will be going, so he and I can do some catching up, as well as meet lots of new people.  I know of a few guys who are going, but I'll take lots of pics and let you know who they are next week.

Yesterday I drove to Pa. to take Mom out to dinner for Mother's Day.  It was a very nice day.  It's not often we get to have time with just the two of us, so it was a nice treat.

I've started a little lace bookmark for a swap, and a mohair shawl is on the needles for some mindless knitting.  That's it for knitting at the moment. 

I hope you all are having a great start to your week!

Hey there!

Happy New year to you all out there in Blog land!  I hope the new year is being kind to you and getting back to work hasn't been too traumatic if you didn't have to work over the holidays. 

I've really got nothing new to report here, life has been very quiet for the past week or so.  The HS musical I'm directing has been cast (not without a little drama, but I guess that's what High School is all about...?), and the actors have been busy memorizing lines (hopefully), and rehearsals will start soon.  Then I will have basically no chances for a social life of any kind for a few weeks (like I had a social life to begin with.  *grin*).  But working with the kids and watching them grow as actors and singers is always a hoot, so it's worth the time spent with them.

I am taking a couple of pesrsonal days to take my Mom to NYC in a couple of weeks.  My Mom has never been to NYC, and we will actually be spending time with a couple of my brothers there.  This man, Bob DeAngelis, a professional Clarinetist from Toronto, is my oldest brother's brother-in-law.  Bob is performing a tribute to Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall, so we thought it was the perfect event to get Mom to NYC!  We heard Bob perform last Spring in Pa. with the Northeast Philharmonic, and it was then that we got the news that Bob will be performing at Carnegie Hall.  So, hotel rooms were reserved, tickets for the event were acquired, and we'll be staying an extra night because Mom wanted to see a Broadway show.  Chicago was the choice, and tickets are now in my grubby little hands!  Oh, and we're taking the train so we don't have to worry about driving or parking in the city.  So, we're good to go!  Mom is VERY excited, and we'll get to see a couple of my brothers and their wives! 

And if you haven't read Mel's blog, a dog named Phoebe needs  our help.  There's a link to the story and how to give if you are able.

That's it for now.  I've been pondering doing a little knitting again, but that's about as far as I got...  LOL!

Damn....

Because I like reading Lilith's blog, and since she tagged me, I'll play....

The rules:

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog. Here are my facts:

1. I'm not a big tv watcher, but I always find something on PBS, Turner Classic Movies, BBC America or Bravo that will get my interest.

2.  I have 5 siblings, all male.  I know exactly what you're thinking - "Your poor Mother!".  If I had a nickel for every time I heard that phrase.....

3.  Although all of my brothers played an instrument in high school, I am the only one who persued it as a career (in teaching), or has done anything in theatre.

4.  At last count, I have been part of 45 plays, musicals or operas, either as an actor, director, music director or backstage work: building costumes, props or sets.

5.  My favorite playwrites are Christopher Durang, Noel Coward and David Ives, and I have been fortunate to have performed in plays by each.

6.  I think LEGOS is one of the most amazing inventions.  Ever....

7.   I can't imagine  a day without laughter.  All of my close friends have amazing senses of humor, and the bloggers I read and have contact with are very clever, talented and funny.  It's not only healthy, it's the LAW...

7a.  I have seen all of Deanna Durbin's films.  Several times.  Google her - it will do you good.

There you are, my 7 things.  I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you feel like playing, go right ahead and have yourself a great time.  And stop by and see Lilith sometime.  She's a good girl, she is...  *wink*

Friday

Happy Friday.  Let's see, not much happening in my end of the world.  Knitting a little and still travelling to Syracuse for the knitting group once a week, school is still in session, and tonight we take our kids to a solo music competition at a neighboring school.  I expect to be home sometime after 9:30 tonight.  Oy...

I'm also updating my resume and collecting letters of recommendation.  I'm at the point where I feel like I've done everything I can do here (and lets face it, in 19 years here I've taught every grade level, and a little bit of community college as well) so maybe it's time to challenge myself and look for something new.  I also feel that the current administration doesn't make descisions for what is best for the kids, but what makes life easier and more convenient for them.  Just my honest opinion.  Although I know that I  am not the only one who shares that thought....  Needless to say, I'm just not happy here, and feeling like nothing I do here is valued or important in the lives of the kids.  When one isn't listened to or supported, I guess that's the next reaction...  So, I'll put my name out there and see where this goes.  If I don't find something new, staying here won't be the end of the world, it's still a job, right??

In the resume update, I've realized in looking at all I've done, I see I've done A LOT!!!  Oyness...  Now I gotta figure out just how long this resume should be.  I'm up to almost three full pages - is that too long???  I haven't a clue, I haven't done this in a long time.  Anyway...

On a happier note, I'm going to NYC tomorrow to see the musical Grey Gardens.  Looking forward to that!  Have a great weekend.   

Hey!

Just a quick post to let y'all know I'm still alive.  Most of my spare time is spent in rehearsals for Charlie Brown, so I've not been home much, knitting even less, and looking forward to the next couple of weeks to speed by so I can have some down time with Lizzie and pick the needles up again.  It's a very busy time of year, and directing and rehearsing shows is a time consuming thing.  Hope you all are well, and I'll be coming out to play again before you know it.  *hugs*