Setting the Pace

Well, it's been a bit of a crazy month in Halifax. I'm still searching for that elusive provider of security, money and hopefully some happiness known as the 'job'. It seems a lot has changed since I last lived in Halifax and that my imaginings of walking into a great job and into the waiting arms of my future employer who was going to kiss me gently on the forehead and thank me for joining their team were slightly outside of the scope of reality. Reality is much more like this:

I search for jobs for which I am qualified and have ample experience and solid references. I tailor cover letters and applications for said jobs. I apply for jobs. I hear nothing back. I make enquiries - by phone, by email. People don't respond. I search for auditions for acting jobs for which I am qualified and have ample experience and solid references. I go to auditions. I hear nothing back. I get enquiries about my interest in attending future auditions. I respond. I hear nothing back. These are the types of scenarios for which the 'bitchslap' was invented.

It royally sucks that there is a wall of indifference from potential employers about responding to correspondence and phone calls. It is unprofessional. If you ask me to call you and I do or email you and I do and then I never hear from you, you are an idiot. Simple. And, in my experience this scenario didn't happen to the same degree in England. Progression, not regression people! There, rant over. I feel better, and can resume telling you about the good things that have happened..

I did audition for Neptune Theatre's company. I was happy with the audition, although I can't say I understand the ethos behind open auditions for no show in particular, where you prepare a classical and comtemporary monologue. I would much rather audition for a particular show. I'm not about to do Hamlet anytime soon. Actually my monologue was from Electra, but I'm not about to do that show either. I would rather audition something of my own. But there you have it. No call, assuming I'm not what they wanted. Not belonging to ACTRA, another pain in my ass. I may write something about it yet. I'm still hoping to audition for one or both of the dinner theatres as that is much more my area - live comedy, anxious audience.

I recently performed at Harmony Bazaar in Lockeport (Sat. July 25). This festival of women and song is four years running and I decided to take a stab at storytelling for children using a number of stories and rhyming children's verse I wrote years ago. It was great, so wonderful to be in front of an audience again and great to do something on my own.

Things are progressing rapidly on the Sam and Dave front back in England. Although jobless, I'm determined to get back in November for what is likely to be about 12 shows now. Aside from the Exeter Autumn Festival, the sketch show is now scheduled to be performed during the Hull Comedy Festival at the beginning of November alongside some big name acts including Al Murray. I'm thrilled, but will have to start raising funds soon!

Now I just need to get things moving from this end. I've made some enquiries about doing comedy work with new people but I'm not used to being laid back or allowing things to move in slow motion. I may just have to go it alone! What a frightening thought.

I'm planning to continue with open mike performances and have found some regular events being held at local libraries and a group called Word iz Bond which regularly host poetry slam nights.

I'm still writing regularly and have one young adult book which will be finished in final draft by the end of August called The Queen of Cumberdone Bligh. This was ten years in the making (on and off) so the relief will be grand. Next step - find a publisher!

Welcome Home Eh!

OK, well I made it to Canada safely. It's taken me a bit of time to get my Atlantic legs back and I'm only just starting to feel settled. My intention was to write an update before leaving England, but it was too hectic, so to recap...

The Temple of Nothing's preview of Women are Revolting was held at the Exeter Phoenix Bar on 18th June. It was fabulous. This was the first time I had performed any of my own poetry and I had the opportunity to do two from my larger body of work called the Book of You: Chapter 2 (Define Definition) and Chapter 3 (I am Eve). The event was recorded and the wonderful Belinda, Belinda, Belinda of Big Brother 9 fame and one of the founding members of the Temple of Nothing has edited some wonderful snippets of performances from the night which are making their way across youtube and facebook. Great stuff!

I was able to do some filming with Sam and Dave for their new mockumentary: The Making of the Sam and Dave Show which will be premiered during their live show at the Exeter Autumn Festival. This is going to be a great show. The more time I spend with them, the better the work is and they are at the top of their game now. It's fabulous.

I'm trying to do as much early networking in Halifax as possible, laying the groundwork for future work, writing, performances and meeting some fabulous people in the local arts scene. I also have an audition with Neptune Theatre for their company on Monday and will be scrambling in a blind panic to learn my two monologues by then. But, if I want it, I've got to show them the goods. Let's hope the goods are good enough!!

I will try to make my entries more frequent now that I'm settling in and having more news to report. Let's hope the sun comes out soon, this is more like English weather!