My own hello

[kiilljoy]

Just so I can't be accused of lurking, I'm Paul Arnold. I have a BFA in Theatre from Emporia State in Kansas. I'm currently interning at a theatre here, and since they've discovered that I'm good with lights and electricity, I've slowly become the ME, though not in title. Actually, we had a show back in October where somehow communication with the LD we thought was going to do it, wasn't confirmed and we ended up without a designer for a couple days, when I spoke up and said that I could probably do it. Since then, I've designed two other shows here and put up a third from an old plot (that I had to modify not extensively but enough) for the perennial revival we do downstairs.

I designed and ME'd a couple shows in college and one in high school, and I've done more Stage Managing than I'd prefer (God bless those that like it, and are really good at it. Me, I like to think I'm pretty good at it, but I don't really like doing it.). I've performed, directed, been on costume crew, and worked front of house. I actually have the most performance credits of anything, but I'll take work anyway and anywhere I can get it.

I like knowing what I'm talking about, so as my responsibilities at the theatre have increased, I've bought a couple books on electricity and wiring, and asking lots and lots of questions of the guys here that know more than I do (I've been very fortunate in that respect. I have found two very good sources so far). I found ControlBooth with google searches when I've been doing some research.

For the future, I'd like to keep getting lighting gigs, and start auditioning and try and start directing around the city.

I can see some of you out there thinking "Heavens. An Actor trying to be a techie" Well, yes, but just because most actors are useless, doesn't mean I am.

If you click here you can see some photos of our shows. I did the lights for "LaVidas' Landlord", "Season's Greetings", and "2007 Diva".

[Van]

Originally Posted by kiilljoy

I can see some of you out there thinking "Heavens. An Actor trying to be a techie" Well, yes, but just because most actors are useless, doesn't mean I am.

Oh there are a lot of us "I want to be an actor when I grow up" technicians out here. Luckily someone usually comes along and says,
"Hey, You like to eat don't you ?"

Welcome Aboard. There's nothing wrong with doing both acting and technician-ing, and it good to know both sides of it. Certainly sounds like you have the proper thrist fo knowledge attitude.
Anyway I'll say what I always do; " Ask what you want, answer what you can."

[Pip]

Welcome to the control booth killjoy!

[gafftaper]

Welcome to the Booth Killjoy. Don't be a stranger, get in and post. The community grows stronger with every active memeber. Get to know the search function, there's a ton of information in the archives.

Originally Posted by Van

sounds like you have the proper thrist fo knowledge attitude.

Having an Oklahoma flashback Van?

[Spikesgirl]

Killjoy - the first lesson we taught in acting class at my old college was take tech theater. That way you could still feed yourself and be in the theater. Ran into a couple of actors who disregarded that advice. Where are they, at a restaurant waiting tables. Somehow, I'd rather be running props or coiling cable than waiting tables.

Your stage managing comment made me chuckel - yes, I'm a stage manager. My TD says that it's a job anyone can do, but that few do well and enjoy doing it. After much experience doing everything else, it's the job I enjoy the most.

You are on the right path with wanting to know all that you can about anything connected with your ME/design work. And if it makes you feel better, nearly all the techs in my current theater have been on the stage at one time or another. They do both, especially since actors are volunteers, techs aren't.

Welcome, learn lots, ask many questions and rememer, it's not how much you know, but knowing where to look for the answer that's important.

Charlie