The meeting went pretty much as expected

We just finished our meeting with Paul and he wavered a little on the rigging key, admitted no responsibility in the miscommunication with Puck and things are a little ambiguous right now.

It looks like Puck will sign his contract if he ever gets one. Apparently since he is not a member of the staff they are delaying sending him out a contract in case anyone else with 30 years of experience, who wants to work double or triple the hours on the contract, who wants to teach kids how to hold paintbrushes and use power tools, who gets yelled at for rules they don't even know exist.

Oh and now we get this e-mail from him

"Hi, I took a look thru the (Theater) Use Request Forms and the only forms that Puck made out were for the Fall play. The MS Drama Use Form was filled out by Lori with the last scene shop entry on March 6 and a March 9th (Theater) rehearsal & Tech scene shop, nothing for March 7,8. No other forms for the MS drama. Paul"

I told Puck to make out a request for times, but it is so difficult with his schedule. He obviously forgot to do it. We need to get on this right away.

I did get this one from Puck today though

"
Thank You Dear. and yes I think I would sign it, just so you and Rob know. I love the theatre, and I love working with you and Rob. I love passing on my skill and knowledge to the kids as well and knowing that every once in a while I'm going to be part of sparking a life long interest in someone.

I just need to find ways to keep the frustrations down. I start earlier, have more contact with Michelle and less with Paul. Restrict the size of the tech. crew(s) and kick problem makers out more. Get a core of the parents involved sooner like the High School does. Have a standard every other week Sat. Crew Call....

I like the respect I get from the people in the Schools and the community and like giving something of myself back to them.

Love You! "Puck""

I hope it all works out... I guess we dot our i's and cross our t's even more and stick to producting great theater.

Finally a nice day

Puck was supposed to talk to the principal about the "scary incident" I must say the child does not seem to have had any lingering trauma over the week. She was supposed to see him thursday as well about her punishment for profanity, disrespect, and pushing a teacher. Unfortunately the principal was absent on thursday so it all got pushed to friday.

I heard through the grapevine that her punishment was 43 minutes detention with the principal. Puck's punishment is that he cannot sub for 8th grade core classes for the rest of the year. He does get to sub in gym though, tech ed, and the library which are places he commonly subs. He did get a job for tuesday which will be very interesting since it is our medieval fair day and another day of rather non structured activity.

Puck was frustrated when he got out of the meeting, but much better when I got home from school. The girls mother still is avoiding me like the plague. I am not mad at her... just at her daughter. I don't think I am vibrating anger all the time, but who knows?

Maddie went up to the twin cities on an overnight band trip so Puck and I had Saturday to ourselves. We decided to go to a movie to sort of celebrate getting our drama checks. I first worked some more on beading Maddie's evening gown for the play (Yes I am over fussing, but I really enjoy that fussy work sometimes and the beads will look fabulous under the lights) It is the last costume left to complete and then she will be ready... there some little things that I still need to hem and such, but most is complete.

anyhow we decided on "300" . after seeing the previews I figured it was a movie that needed to be seen large! I knew it was gory, but the filming and surreal animation looked like it would soften that. We got popcorn and a cherry coke to share and settled in. First we were too close so we moved back a couple seats. We had a great view of the screen and although the movie was exhausting we both enjoyed it a great deal.

It was beautiful to watch... even a severed head flying off it's body in slow motion against the darkened sky was horrifically lovely. Lots of glorious abdominal muscles too :) In one scene the oracle is swirling in slow motion with the smoke and that beautiful scene is worth the price of admission. It is violent, horrible, noble, sad, heroic, sexual, and amazing.

after the film Puck had to have a ciggarette :) ... we both needed to walk a little so we made a quick stop at goodwill. didn't find any movies... but did find a couple odd figures for my nativity scene and some makeup brushes.

after that we went to Famous Dave's for ribs. 5 cars pulled in ahead of us and as we were coming in the door they were telling people 15 to 20 minutes wait. We gave them our name and started walking over to the bar... a waiter came up behind us and told us he had a table right now. It pays to be only two people in a crowded restaurant :)

The food was great and I got ribs all over my face and hands. Came home and watched an odd movie "The Ballad of the sad cafe" with Vanessa Redgrave and one of the Carridine boys I think Keith. Both of us remarked that those Carradine boys all have faces for depression movies. If they did a remake of Grapes of Wrath they should cast those boys . Anyhow the movie was pretty depressing and confusing and I don't think we will keep it.

I only picked it up since we had a copy of the play and I didn't even know a movie had been made of it. It was a Merchant Ivory film too, but very odd. I really hate totally depressing endings where justice is not served and things are not explained. I forgot that it was written by Edward Albee... that explains why we have a copy of the play. Back in 1974 when I took History of the American Theater our teacher got Albee to come to the school for a lecture. As a result of that we read every stinking play Albee every wrote (Had to buy them all too) Never learned too much about the rest of the American playwrites although we did spend a couple days on Arthur Miller and Tennesee Williams. The upshot was that Albee in real life turned out to be an arrogant pompous ass who lorded it over us peon college students, not deigning to even speak to us at the reception we threw for him. Sometimes it just does not pay to meet icons!

On friday I watched "State and Main" now that was a very fun movie directed by David Mamet

Maddie got home about 10:30 and told of her exploits. They went to see "Zombie Prom" at the Hennepin Theater and she loved it. They also spent way too much time at the Mall of America and all she got was a weasel key chain. I think she had fun, but she was very tired.

I beaded for another half hour and went to bed.

Oh and our meeting with Paul is Monday... fingers crossed

Ok Now I am steamed!!!

Today I finally felt calm enough to write an e-mail to Paul requesting a meeting. This is something that our superintendant suggested. What follows are the series of e-mails.


>>> Lori 03/21/07 11:34AM >>>
Paul,

Puck and I and possibly Rob would like to meet with you to discuss your recent constrictions of Puck's access to certain portions of the Theater. We would like to do this sometime within the next two weeks since contracts are due to be signed soon.

please advise when this might be convenient. I would not be able to meet until after 3:15, but otherwise am pretty open

thank you
Lori

>>> Paul 03/21/07 12:18PM >>>
Lori, I would be happy to meet with you, Puck and Rob.

I would like to correct your e-mail as to the term you used, constrictions, but rather restrict his access. The definition of constrict is more of a tight hold upon something to constrict causing one to have difficulty breathing or functioning properly. Restrict is defined as to keep within limits, as of space or action. That action still allows flow of operation. The D1 key will still access all the areas necessary to conduct the work necessary to satisfy Puck's contract with the school district. He can request the additional keys, rigging, booth, catwalk, within the 1-2 weeks before the performances. This is usually the time he would be accessing those areas to begin working on lighting. At that time I will review the necessary technical requirements for other users and determine if and when that work can commence.

The elementary drama club has me in the booth from 3pm-5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The next available time I would have would be at 3:15pm Friday, March 30th.

Have a great day. Paul

>>>>>>>from Lori 3/21/07>>>>>>
Paul,

I carefully worded my request for a meeting using terms which reflect my feelings. You and I disagree.
The 30th is fine with me. I cannot speak for my team.

Lori

Believe me it took a long time to write just the little phrase above. I cannot believe he is such a jerk!

When it rains it freakin pours!

The show is all wrapped up and put to bed. Still no decisions about continuing in drama.

It was on friday that Puck had a crisis. He was subbing for a teacher that took the day off to go to the flipping basketball tournement (no I do not get sports fever at all) anyhow the band was touring the elementary schools so the eighth grade made it a movie day. This means that all the kids who are caught up get to watch a movie and those who are not are sent to the pit to complete late work.

I was the pit lab, but had study hall and lockerroom interuptions to deal with. Puck ended up subbing in a room that was supposed to be watching basket ball. He has always been very lenient with the kids so some were playing cards and others were listening to i-pods. Several girls got up and started writing on the chalk board... they should have asked permission, but did not and he just let it go.

One of the girls wrote "C............. sucks butt" in large letters using the side of the chalk. Puck went up and told her that was inappropriate and to erase it. She responded that C.......... said she could write it. He told her he didn't care, that it was inappropriate and to erase it. She proceeded to ignore him and draw little clouds around it so he reached across her for the eraser. She put her arm out to block him (he says she pushed him aside and knew dang well it was him... she says she thought he had left and that it was her friend she was blocking. Puck says they were face to face most of the time and that it all took place in a few seconds)

This is where Puck should have walked away and called the principal, but instead grabbed her upper arm and moved her out of the way to erase the offending phrase. She said "ouch Mr. W." and then left with her friends for the principals office. She claimed she was very afraid of Puck because he was shaking. (She is taller than him and probably outweighs him) This is a genetic medical condition that affects his brother, father and grandfather. It is a sort of palsey that is always much worse on little food and sleep, both of which are in play during drama season.

the upshot of the slight investigation is that he has been barred from subbing at the Middle School until the end of the year when she moves on to the high school. He was sent home. This girl is the daughter of one of my co-workers here at the school and so now that relationship is in jeapordy. We talked briefly on Friday, but not much was resolved.

Today I have tried to find out if the student recieved any punishment for her own part, but see little evidence of it. Hardly anyone is talking to me today. It seems to be the elephant in the parlor.

We have discussed the possibility of selling our house now and moving away. It is just difficult all round and I am very very tired.

Terrible decisions to make

Life has taken a turn the last couple days which may take Puck and I out of theater here in town.

Puck has always marched a little to his own drummer and has ticked off the director of our facility on occasion, but things came to a head on Thursday last after he had changed two lights around just before the band concert. Now our play goes on this weekend and Puck was trying to get as far ahead as possible to give us time to work with our light cues. Maddie designed the lights and I think he was trying to give her time as well and work around her very busy schedule. I told him he was not supposed to mess around with the lights until after the band concert, but he talked to the director and e-mailed him. He even forwarded me an e-mail that seemed to indicate directions from him about moving lights... nothing about not touching them at all.

Well on thursday I get an e-mail from Paul (the director) asking if Puck had messed with the lights. For one thing I have no idea why he sent me the damn e-mail and not just asked Puck. I am not my husband's zoo keeper and he is the tech director... I am not. Anyhow I forwarded it on to Puck who responded apologetically that he had moved two lights and did something with a floor dimmer (not really sure what that was about.

Paul came back with a vengence. First of all we did no have written permission to be at the theater at that time slot and second he (paul) had told him specifically not to fiddle with the lights (that part is a damn lie)

He was right about not having the time slot, but Puck had requested it and frankly we hardly see each other at this time of the year. I do my best to keep track of the calender, but we both have been so sick and had trouble with weather and requesting new days. Puck honestly thought he had the date. We have had it before so it was not an unfamiliar thing.

So I knew Paul was pissed, but when Puck went over to deliver a poster Paul handed him a formal letter addressed to the superintendant of schools, both principals, and the building administrator stating that Puck was not to be allowed any keys to the light booth, catwalks or rigging until 1 to 2 weeks before any production he works on and at that time he must request the keys from Paul (the big prick) Essentially this castrates Puck as far as doing the part of theater he loves. Lights! Interesting that he did not decide to included any of the theater supervisors in that letter. This keeps him from touching any lights, but also using any rigging to fly things or move curtains. Of course I could get the keys, but how would that help things?

Unless we get this sorted out he will resign... and if he goes I have to go too. I don't want to work with an inferior designer... if we both go then dear Rob (my co-director) will go too and that pretty much kills middle school drama. I would resign my contract at the high school as well. It would put a major crimp in high school drama as well.

Rob sent a carefully worded e-mail off to the superintendant of schools whose response was less than supportive. He reccomended that we meet with Paul and work things out among our selves. I think I am tired of working uphill. I think the kids appreciate what we do, but it sure would be nice to have a little support from the powers that be.

Oh and Paul (the little dictator) sends me an e-mail on monday that only has the words "Look at this" with three pictures attached. They showed black scuff marks in the back hallway of the theater. there were maybe 5 or 6 of them. They were long and looked deliberate, but heck... that was after three days of rehearsing 40 kids 5 hours a day Sheesh! what does he expect?

Sometimes we break rules that we didn't even know existed... like the weapons form we have to fill out to bring any plastic gun or sword or axe into the place. Two years I never needed it and it was never in the use form. then last year I mention guns and get yelled at. I suggest that it would be helpful to have it in the form so at least people would know what to expect. Now it is in the form, but dang if you can find the damn form when you want it. It is buried in a mound of rules.

We cannot eat in the lobby of the theater (all vinyl) unless we get permission from the little dictator. We are supposed to fill out another form and get another key for the high school cafeteria. We usually cheat and bring an extra garbage bag because moving the whole cast to a separate building takes so much precious time.

They treat that damned theater like a plastic coated sofa. It will be out of style before anyone really gets it nice and gritty. I am tired of the nit picky way the damn place is run. Everyone knows Puck has odd hours. He is a sub so works some days and some not. We are expected to ask for date over a year in advance and if we don't then we lose days. We work around all the concerts... We put in at least twice the hours the service contract calls for. We try to appease parents and administration and at the same time teach kids what it is like to perform in quality shows.

I have been typing up little biographies of the kids to post with their pictures in the lobbies. I look at their smiling, proud faces and read how they love drama, and want to be in shows all through middle and high school, how they used to be afraid to be in front of groups and now they are not. How they have made new friends with kids from all grades and I can barely keep my tears back.

I am just so tired of all the fucking crap that goes along with it and the lack of support. I have had a good cry, but I don't think it will be my last one.

Mrs Pearce the Housekeeper

As I keep reminding everyone... Mrs Pearce is not a maid!!!! She is the lady of the bachelors house. I adore this costume. I found a lovely little pair of pinc nez glasses to pin to her collar too. The back of the shirtwaist has the same points on the bosom of the dress. The best part is that she can get in and out of it with relative ease and her Ascot costume fits right over the top of this one... so does her Cockney costume

Mrs Pearce

The main costume Maddie will wear in the show as the housekeeper. This is the vintage Edwardian costume I replaced all the lace on. It is such a beautiful costume and it is wonderful to have been able to make it wearable again. Even though it was a pain to fit all those dinky piece together :)

Ascot costume

this dress has about as much black and white pattern as possible :) Maddie found the scarf in her stuff and it adds the right touch. I love the pattern on the top half of the skirt... It is a weird satin weave that I found in a nice big hunk at Goodwill over the summer.... I am still tempted to add a little bit of a petticoat under the bottom half of the skirt to make it flair a bit, but it looks pretty good when she walks

Ascot dress front

Back of the ascot dress

here is the entire costume for the ascot scene. I still have three little medalli0ns to add just above the bow to jazz it up a little. I made three circles of lace and centered them with small puffs of the polka dot skirt material.. I think it will tie the pattern in better.

The extravagant hat

Side view of the hat... mostly ostrich plumes that I found on Ebay and were shipped directly from Austrailia. The shipping was pretty much the same for my 3 glorious 24 inch plumes alone as for all the rest which include 12 17 inch black plumes (I used all of them) and 24 8 inch natural silver plumes (I used most of them) It is a relief to have it completed

my cool bird that I got while half price Christmas shopping. The little bugger was flocked green though and sucked up my spray paint like crazy. The polka dot ribbon is exactly the same pattern as the bottom of her skirt.. the one I took off one dress and added to a straight skirt I made

here is the hat from the front with Maddie barely balancing it on her head... I have ordered a 12 inch hatpin for the dang thing :)

back of hat