Thankyoufalettinmebemicelfagain
Tuesday, June 22
Valdez is in the middle of a heat wave. This is the 4th day of record breaking temps in Alaska, and while it's not hot by North Carolina standards (hazy, hot, humid, blah blah) the 78 here is pretty bad. Again, there is no AC in Alaska, windows are cranked and fans are a-blowin. Mosquitos are thicker, but I still haven't been bitten yet.
Valdez Harbor looks like a typical New England town, with a dock and boats in the middle of downtown. It so strange because I'm used to seeing those towns against a backdrop of an ocean expanse, and to see this sleepy little inlet at the base of a huge mountain is mind blowing. It's very calm here, and everyone is pleasant. The hotel I'm staying at is okay; I've stayed at better, but I've not stayed at a place with a nicer staff. They're great, but will probably be sick of me by the end of the week.
Today there were 2 classes, 2 lectures, and of course plays, plays, plays. I skipped the Directing class since I went yesterday; the acting class was led by Courtney B. Vance, from Law & Order, The Hunt for Red October, and of course the original stage production of Six Degrees of Separation. He's great, very down to earth, and teaches at a very relatable level. I got to meet him after the class (I have not been timid about meeting the biggies so far, except for Kushner and Albee) but didn't have my camera so will get a picture tomorrow. They added another class with him tomorrow since this class was so good. John Guare, the author of Six Degrees, and Courtney were supposed to do a lecture after Marian's about Six Degrees and how they play came about, but it turned into John just asking Courtney about his training, and by the time they got through chatting the hour was up. They were hilarious together, like a comedy team. I really wanted to hear them talk about that play, it's one of the greats, but didn't feel cheated watching them just talk for the hour. Hopefully they'll find a way to fit it in later in the week.
Next was the lecture, which was from Marian Seldes. I think most people would recognize her if they saw her. Most recently she was in Mona Lisa Smile. I knew her after seeing her picture. She was a founding teacher of the drama school at Julliard, and taught there for 25 yesrs. Being in her presence is amazing. She floats into a room. She glows, her skin is luminous. She commands attention without commanding attention, and when you speak to her there are beautiful lights in her eyes. She hugs everyone and kisses you when you say goodbye. She spoke for an hour about acting, working with great directors and playwrights, balancing real life and theatre life, and then answered questions. Just amazing. I got a picture with her, and when I saw her later in the lobby she said "hello, Adrienne." Not that I have any delusion that I made an impression, but her memory is wonderful.
Evening performances from Patricial Neal and Joel Vig. Ms. Neal was not feeling well, and had her arm in a sling, but she was fabulous. She was very frail, but her voice was strong. Someone said they could listen to her read the phone book. I know Rita had a great experience meeting her last year, but I think because of her health she didn't mingle after the show. I hope to have a chance later this week if she's around.
Had another chat with Mr. Richards today, and am drafting in his wake.
Heard from a little bird that it IS possible to approach the big guys about your play, i.e. give them your script. They might not read it at the conference, but they would take it with them and read later. That's huge. Think I'll verify that one, but... I did just happen to bring a copy of Stone Face with me... it could fit either Edward A or Tony K, I think, it's got enough politics in it. Hmmmm.... maybe I'll make a run to the library tomorrow, make an extra copy, and give it them both. Go BIG, right? One small step for man... .
Kisses, Darlings.
Valdez is in the middle of a heat wave. This is the 4th day of record breaking temps in Alaska, and while it's not hot by North Carolina standards (hazy, hot, humid, blah blah) the 78 here is pretty bad. Again, there is no AC in Alaska, windows are cranked and fans are a-blowin. Mosquitos are thicker, but I still haven't been bitten yet.
Valdez Harbor looks like a typical New England town, with a dock and boats in the middle of downtown. It so strange because I'm used to seeing those towns against a backdrop of an ocean expanse, and to see this sleepy little inlet at the base of a huge mountain is mind blowing. It's very calm here, and everyone is pleasant. The hotel I'm staying at is okay; I've stayed at better, but I've not stayed at a place with a nicer staff. They're great, but will probably be sick of me by the end of the week.
Today there were 2 classes, 2 lectures, and of course plays, plays, plays. I skipped the Directing class since I went yesterday; the acting class was led by Courtney B. Vance, from Law & Order, The Hunt for Red October, and of course the original stage production of Six Degrees of Separation. He's great, very down to earth, and teaches at a very relatable level. I got to meet him after the class (I have not been timid about meeting the biggies so far, except for Kushner and Albee) but didn't have my camera so will get a picture tomorrow. They added another class with him tomorrow since this class was so good. John Guare, the author of Six Degrees, and Courtney were supposed to do a lecture after Marian's about Six Degrees and how they play came about, but it turned into John just asking Courtney about his training, and by the time they got through chatting the hour was up. They were hilarious together, like a comedy team. I really wanted to hear them talk about that play, it's one of the greats, but didn't feel cheated watching them just talk for the hour. Hopefully they'll find a way to fit it in later in the week.
Next was the lecture, which was from Marian Seldes. I think most people would recognize her if they saw her. Most recently she was in Mona Lisa Smile. I knew her after seeing her picture. She was a founding teacher of the drama school at Julliard, and taught there for 25 yesrs. Being in her presence is amazing. She floats into a room. She glows, her skin is luminous. She commands attention without commanding attention, and when you speak to her there are beautiful lights in her eyes. She hugs everyone and kisses you when you say goodbye. She spoke for an hour about acting, working with great directors and playwrights, balancing real life and theatre life, and then answered questions. Just amazing. I got a picture with her, and when I saw her later in the lobby she said "hello, Adrienne." Not that I have any delusion that I made an impression, but her memory is wonderful.
Evening performances from Patricial Neal and Joel Vig. Ms. Neal was not feeling well, and had her arm in a sling, but she was fabulous. She was very frail, but her voice was strong. Someone said they could listen to her read the phone book. I know Rita had a great experience meeting her last year, but I think because of her health she didn't mingle after the show. I hope to have a chance later this week if she's around.
Had another chat with Mr. Richards today, and am drafting in his wake.
Heard from a little bird that it IS possible to approach the big guys about your play, i.e. give them your script. They might not read it at the conference, but they would take it with them and read later. That's huge. Think I'll verify that one, but... I did just happen to bring a copy of Stone Face with me... it could fit either Edward A or Tony K, I think, it's got enough politics in it. Hmmmm.... maybe I'll make a run to the library tomorrow, make an extra copy, and give it them both. Go BIG, right? One small step for man... .
Kisses, Darlings.
2 Comments:
Dahling!
Sounds like you're having a mahvelous time! You'll never want to come back to us in RTP!
Good luck on meeting the BIGWIGs and giving them your play. Get out there and be seen! We want to see you on Broadway in a year or so! :-)
Renee
Wah!! I love Courtney! What was his name in the Hunt for Red October again...Jonesy?? Anyhow, definitely get a picture of him. Was Angela around? Sounds like you're having a great time. Makes me think I want to go to some kind of conference like that...other than work-related, of course. I have a friend who went to a romance writers conference last year with some friends she met on the Internet..had a ball (um, yeah...).
- Sy
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