Sorry for the delay in updates. I flew into Cancun on Sept. 10, had to skirt around Hurricane Ike, so we arrived late. I've just finished my first week and have to say everything went great with the exception of Mexican Independance Day.
That evening I was scheduled to perform at a resort in Tulum. They were having a huge Mexican Fiesta, dancing, music, games and food on a huge plaza. They dropped my show right into the mix - so imagine being immersed in Mexican culture and STOP - here is an American Ventriloquil who you can barely see from the rear of the plaza. The audience was far enough back I couldn't connect with more than the front few tables and the show DIED.
I was extremely upset I was placed in that situation. When I return next week I intend to have a chat with the staff about set up!
On a lighter note - I visited the Mayan ruins of Coba Wednesday. Had a great time and shot some video for an upcoming project about Dangerous Duck in Mexico. When I have time to edit I will post it on the net and provide a link.
Well. have to go walk the beach - my driver doesn't pick me up until 5:30 tonight. Its a tough life down here... :-)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Whazz Up....
Thought I should take a moment to update this just in case somebody actually looks this way!
Last weekend was extremely busy. I am co-owner of the Crosewl Magic Shop at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Last weekend the festival opened, and in addition to getting the shop ready for the season, I was performing on the Blackfriar Stage that weekend.
Renaissance Festivals are unlike any other performance venue - and working ventriloquism there was new for me. The first day was spent trying to tune the show and comedy to the audiences. Sunday was a lot of fun. This week will be spent finalizing the shop's details and stock supply. I then need to start figuring out what I'm taking to Mexico.
I took off these weeks so I could spend time with the family before I have to leave. It doesn't look like much will happen there! My son started High School today - and raced out the door at the last second to catch his bus. My wife has a convention this week, so she left early this morning and won't be back for a few days... oh well, quality time!!!
It does give me time to start getting my office in order and writing checks so all will go smoothly while I'm down there. I've been trying to make my whole office "web-based" so I can handle all contacts, quotes and bookings from anywhere in the world. I've also got to figure out exactly what I want to take with me. I know I should "Pack-Lite", but my brain keeps saying - you may want this - you'll be gone for a month...
Time to get to work!
Last weekend was extremely busy. I am co-owner of the Crosewl Magic Shop at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Last weekend the festival opened, and in addition to getting the shop ready for the season, I was performing on the Blackfriar Stage that weekend.
Renaissance Festivals are unlike any other performance venue - and working ventriloquism there was new for me. The first day was spent trying to tune the show and comedy to the audiences. Sunday was a lot of fun. This week will be spent finalizing the shop's details and stock supply. I then need to start figuring out what I'm taking to Mexico.
I took off these weeks so I could spend time with the family before I have to leave. It doesn't look like much will happen there! My son started High School today - and raced out the door at the last second to catch his bus. My wife has a convention this week, so she left early this morning and won't be back for a few days... oh well, quality time!!!
It does give me time to start getting my office in order and writing checks so all will go smoothly while I'm down there. I've been trying to make my whole office "web-based" so I can handle all contacts, quotes and bookings from anywhere in the world. I've also got to figure out exactly what I want to take with me. I know I should "Pack-Lite", but my brain keeps saying - you may want this - you'll be gone for a month...
Time to get to work!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Nothing Gets Done...
Ever have the feeling you are working as hard as you can and nothing gets done? Welcome to my world the past week and a half.
I had a very successful week at Knoebels Amusement Resort. Great shows, visited by close friends and some family - fun and yet tiring. I sleep in late every morning since my shows don't start until afternoon. Its a working mini-vacation. Problem is, you get lazy and the next thing you know, you are back in the real world with an office, clients to contact, quotes to send, mailings to do - this is a real job.
When I got back, (after 4 shows, a late load out and a 3 hour drive) I was tired, yet the next morning after only a few hours sleep, I had to unload the truck, swap vehicles and get on-line. I had no Internet access for a week; I had a lot to do! During all this, I'm supposed to be learning Spanish, practicing a new routine, working on my show for the Maryland Renaissance Festival and getting things in order for my Mexico trip. The more I get done, the more I remember I have to do - so I've been treading water!
Of course, writing this isn't helping - so I guess I'd better Get Nothing Done...
I had a very successful week at Knoebels Amusement Resort. Great shows, visited by close friends and some family - fun and yet tiring. I sleep in late every morning since my shows don't start until afternoon. Its a working mini-vacation. Problem is, you get lazy and the next thing you know, you are back in the real world with an office, clients to contact, quotes to send, mailings to do - this is a real job.
When I got back, (after 4 shows, a late load out and a 3 hour drive) I was tired, yet the next morning after only a few hours sleep, I had to unload the truck, swap vehicles and get on-line. I had no Internet access for a week; I had a lot to do! During all this, I'm supposed to be learning Spanish, practicing a new routine, working on my show for the Maryland Renaissance Festival and getting things in order for my Mexico trip. The more I get done, the more I remember I have to do - so I've been treading water!
Of course, writing this isn't helping - so I guess I'd better Get Nothing Done...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rehearsals
After Monday's shows, I made the long drive back home. Tuesday and Wednesday I felt exhausted. Must be fighting something. Last night I started rehearsals for next week, when my wife and son will team with me again at Knoebels Amusement Park in central PA.
We've played Knoebels for 13 years now. During that week, thanks to the great location and lack of cell phone signal, we are completely out of touch with reality. This will probably be my last post before I return from that trip. Not that anyone actually reads this thing anyway.
We've played Knoebels for 13 years now. During that week, thanks to the great location and lack of cell phone signal, we are completely out of touch with reality. This will probably be my last post before I return from that trip. Not that anyone actually reads this thing anyway.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Rumba
During VentHaven, I met ventriloquist Bob Rumba. Turns out, Bob now lives about an hour or so from the fair I am working this week. I contacted him with my show times when I arrived here and Sunday, he and a friend came out to say hello and see the show.
Thanks Bob, it was great getting to know you and I appreciated the company!
Today I've got an 11:00 check out, then will head to the local mall for air conditioning and to kill time since I don't need to be on the fairgrounds until 4 pm. After my last show, I'll track down my check and then drive 3 1/2 hours to get home. It will be great to sleep in my own bed tonight - although I'm guessing the wife won't be too happy if I wake her as I get in.
Thanks Bob, it was great getting to know you and I appreciated the company!
Today I've got an 11:00 check out, then will head to the local mall for air conditioning and to kill time since I don't need to be on the fairgrounds until 4 pm. After my last show, I'll track down my check and then drive 3 1/2 hours to get home. It will be great to sleep in my own bed tonight - although I'm guessing the wife won't be too happy if I wake her as I get in.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Playing Favorites
Saturday was a great day - a couple of friends I hadn't seen for quite a while surprised me by stopping by to say hello. That is something I love about fairs - you meet other entertainers and vendors who become an extended family. You never know where you will meet again, but when you do, it is always fun.
My audiences yesterday had plenty of repeats who came early to get a good seat. I sometimes feel like they will want something different so the show will remain fresh for them. As we talked, I found they each had favorite moments and characters they couldn't wait to see again. Some adults were even doing their impressions of my show. A real surprise was when one family told me they caught my show North of here in the beginning of June. They saw my name in the paper and came out to see me. After the show, they asked if I had brought Deeder. Naturally, Deeder made an appearance in the next show.
Well, it is time to get ready, grab some lunch and head to the fairgrounds. I'm looking forward to making people laugh today!
My audiences yesterday had plenty of repeats who came early to get a good seat. I sometimes feel like they will want something different so the show will remain fresh for them. As we talked, I found they each had favorite moments and characters they couldn't wait to see again. Some adults were even doing their impressions of my show. A real surprise was when one family told me they caught my show North of here in the beginning of June. They saw my name in the paper and came out to see me. After the show, they asked if I had brought Deeder. Naturally, Deeder made an appearance in the next show.
Well, it is time to get ready, grab some lunch and head to the fairgrounds. I'm looking forward to making people laugh today!
Friday, July 25, 2008
TGIF
Yesterday I checked into the hotel - great room! Its a good thing because I will be spending some time there. Got to the fairgrounds and found out I only had one show at 7:45 pm. The early show was cancelled because the fair wouldn't open until 6:00. That meant a lot of waiting before I went on. The show was very well received and the crowd grew during the act, so I think I'll have fun here.
The scheduling problem came in due to the mid-run replacement. I'm here through Monday, then a hypnotist comes in for the final five days of the run. The hypnotist runs 45 minutes to an hour, I run 30 minutes at a fair. I'm extending to 45 min. for the weekday shows, they add a 3:45 show on the weekends - so I'll return to a 30 minute show those days.
Because of the late afternoon starts, I'm getting some business taken care of in the mornings and working on some video projects I started. In fact, I guess I should get busy or my free time will slip away.
Until tomorrow...
The scheduling problem came in due to the mid-run replacement. I'm here through Monday, then a hypnotist comes in for the final five days of the run. The hypnotist runs 45 minutes to an hour, I run 30 minutes at a fair. I'm extending to 45 min. for the weekday shows, they add a 3:45 show on the weekends - so I'll return to a 30 minute show those days.
Because of the late afternoon starts, I'm getting some business taken care of in the mornings and working on some video projects I started. In fact, I guess I should get busy or my free time will slip away.
Until tomorrow...
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