I breathe a tiny bit easier today, but that’ll change in about 5 seconds as I shift focus to the upcoming “Not-a-Gala” and LIZZIE, which picks up on Monday with our first full company meeting. In the meantime I want to make sure that Karla Hartley knows how much I appreciate her coming back into our house, which was for years always her house that we just got to play in, and for putting together a great opener for the new season. We’re thrilled that the entirety of opening weekend sold out so far in advance, and that sales are so brisk for the rest of the run (we’re already 75% to breakeven!).
I wish Andrew Meacham had the space to put all the stuff I said about Karla in the paper because it was all true and doesn’t get said enough. Not that anyone who’s been paying attention doesn’t already know this, but she’s pretty much the hardest working person in show business and serves as an inspiration and a benchmark of excellence to us all. She’s also just good people. I truly look forward to going over and playing in her sandbox for Annie Baker’s The Aliens in the spring.
I’m also thankful for Matthew Michael Schiel and Rollin’ Oats for the partnership that covers all of our crew meals, the opening night goodies, and their presence at the “Not-a-Gala.” We love the added excitement this brings to both the slog of tech weekend and the buzz of opening night. It’s also a great illustration of how meaningful in-kind donations can be, it doesn’t always have to be cash.
Finally, I’m grateful for Greg and Michelle Baker and the staff of Fodder and Shine for doing these opening night parties for us. I’ve been trying hard to make opening nights “a thing” (which can be hard when you run for four weeks and don’t have a board of 100 people) and these events have really helped the cause there. The food is always on point, the staff is all top-shelf, and it’s just so nice to be able to have that space to relax, enjoy one another, and celebrate with great food and drink — not the easiest thing to do when you’re leaving the theater at 10/11p on a Friday night and you’re rolling 20-40 deep. Greg and Michelle have offered up space for Jobsite events both formal and informal since the doors of The Refinery first opened, yet again putting their money where their mouths are in regard to the importance of Doing Local.
I say it all the time, but I’m one f*cking guy. Jobsite succeeds because of the efforts of many, from the gifted artists who light up our stages to the people who want to be on the other side of the paint line among the first to cheer us on. Thanks to you all! We’ve dropped our Underpants, the 2016-17 season is on!
About Jobsite Theater from Jobsite Theater on Vimeo.
