What do you do when you’re trying like crazy to attract more clients, boost business, take on more work and more deadlines to pay the bills? Why, volunteer for a local theatre production, of course! Oh, and if possible, make it a two-man show with lots of lines to memorize!
My friend Bob Souer calls this sort of madness “Inviting the Avalanche”. I’m about to test his theory.
At the suggestion of another trusted friend, actor/director Jack Hall, I auditioned for the upcoming RLT production of “The Woman in Black“.
I haven’t been on stage in a scripted play for 15 years. And while this show has a deserved reputation for terrifying audiences, the scariest part for me would be memorizing the play itself, along with the dialects of the various characters “The Actor” assumes during the tale.
Today I learned I was awarded the part, and four weeks of rehearsals start tonight.
While I won’t have the luxury of a script in front of me like I do in the studio, I’m hoping this will get me out of my routine and, to be honest, jolt me out of the creative rut of a comfort zone (if you can call this “comfort”).
And as for the rest? …let the “avalanche” of paid work begin!
I’ve had my early summer tornado, ridden a rare east coast earthquake, and managed to dodge the most recent hurricane. So I guess an “avalanche” is next on the list, right Bob?
— over and out —
Talmadge Ragan says
August 29, 2011 at 4:24 pmRowell! I’m so excited for you about this play and look forward to seeing it. Your director is a good friend of mine, wonderfully creative and very experienced and you two should make a good team. Congratulations! – Can you still make it to Faffcon or will rehearsals keep you in Raleigh?
admin says
August 29, 2011 at 5:00 pmThanks, Talmadge. Actually, Jack directed me in The Mousetrap years ago and has become a good friend. He’s part of the current production team on “Woman in Black”, being directed by Haskell Fitz-Simmons…another trusted friend. I’ll be in good hands either way. …and, yes, Haskell says I can still go to Faffcon if I promise to come back safely.
Kevin says
August 29, 2011 at 4:54 pmBob calls it Inviting the Avalanche, which to me is another way to say it’s about replacing the world of scarcity & lack that many of us were brought up in (and often live in,) with a world of abundance & possibility. It is admittedly hard to break old habits (rooted in fear), but putting ourselves ‘out there’ results in all manor of opportunities, few of which we can see with our somewhat limited vision. I look forward to coming to see you perform. Keep me posted on when it goes up. And HAVE FUN. Whatever problems, issues, and challenges you have will be there anyway, so why not enjoy your talent!
admin says
August 29, 2011 at 5:08 pm…that’s the plan, Kevin. Show runs Oct. 7th through 23rd. Actually, I’m going into this with no small amount of trepidation. But the only part of the “fun” I’ll miss is being able to experience it from the audience.
chrystal bartlett says
August 29, 2011 at 6:00 pmthey are lucky to have you, break a leg!
Bob Souer says
August 30, 2011 at 8:41 amRowell,
May you be buried (in a good way!) with work as a result of this move. And no question, you have the talent, skill and experience to make this a memorable experience for everyone involved. And I mean that in the nicest possible way, too!
Good for you.
Be well,
Bob
Trish Basanyi says
September 1, 2011 at 7:54 pmYay, Rowell! I can’t memorize lines to save my life……but you have fun! Wish I was close enough to check out a performance.
Vance Elderkin says
September 27, 2011 at 10:07 pmI didn’t know you were working with Jack Hall, Rowell. He and I were colleagues at NC State for many years, and I went to see a couple of plays he was in (loved him as Dr. Chumley in “Harvey”). A good guy. Can’t wait to see your play.