We had a good time - "trustus..."

The "Roadies" hit the road again for the first time in over a month. It was great to see everyone again and our stop for March was Trustus Theatre located at 520 Lady Street in the Vista, opposite the Publix. We have created art, we have danced, we have learned what it is like to be part of a symphony and now we are immersing ourselves into the world of professional theatre. Yes – "professional" theatre! Trustus Theatre is the only professional theatre in Columbia and one of the few professional theatres in South Carolina. As a professional theatre Trustus is expected to meet a higher quality in everything that they do.

Trustus has certainly accomplished this and more since opening their doors in 1985. Jim and Kay Thigpen, co founders of the theatre, had a vision of a theatre providing all of the benefits of professionalism and none of the discomforts of a typical theatre. From the moment you walk in the door the differences can be seen and felt. Patrons can enjoy excellent acting coupled with the ability to have a beverage of choice and snacks while watching the show from very comfortable seating. Trustus provides many benefits to the community above excellent entertainment including workshops, youth theatre training, multiple levels of actors and companies as well as being very generous to the Columbia community with their time and talents.

Jim and Kay Thigpen provided a tour of the facilities which included their newly added office area along with a smaller theatre for children’s theatre and everyone’s favorite "late night" events. This week we will have the privilege of another visit where we will be able to once again enjoy watching the rehearsals for the upcoming Rabbit Hole, winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and learn much more about a professional theatre. Sharon

The conductor wore chords

Hi, I'm Katie. If you're a loyal follower of our Road Show exploits, you may remember that I manage the program. That might make it seem unfair that I get to do this roadie blog, but I have a really good reason for doing so: I'm pretty sure I knew less than the average roadie going into our visit with the SC Philarmonic. And, I work for the South Carolina Arts Commission.

Hi, I'm a poser.

We talked about symphonic music a lot in elementary school, which was the last time I had a music class. I remember that the sections are winds, brass, strings, and percussion. I do sometimes go to the SC Philarmonic, and have gone to symphony concerts in other cities, but I struggle to stay focused and follow the music. I drift off, thinking about everything from the architecture of the hall to what groceries I need to pick up. I've felt, in my adult life (ouch), that I could be getting a lot more from these experiences - if only I were smarter, knew more about music, hadn't quit piano lessons, took my aderal before performances - you get the picture.

Given the above, I found myself nearly begging the players and staff at the SC Philarmonic to teach me to follow the music and stay focused at concerts. I think what I have now is a way to understand what the conductor is doing (the right hand keeps the beat, the left hand coaches expression from the instruments), tell the difference between different pieces in the program (an overture is one long piece, a concerto is written with a huge solo for one instrument with the orchestra playing backup, and a symphony has four movements - the first sets the themes, which will repeat in the other movements, the second is usually slower, more somber, the third is commonly known as "the dance," livelier, and the fourth brings it all back together and knocks it out of the house), and better prepare myself for each concert (get there by 6:20 for the pre-show discussion, or at least early enough to read the program notes.)

So, now you know a lot of what I know, but the SC Philarmonic folks made the learning much more interesting than reading the previous paragraph probably was. We started with our visit with Doug and Petrea, which Alan did a great job blogging about a few weeks ago. Our second visit was at the Koger Center, when we were literally front and center at dress rehearsal with the players and Sarah Hatsuko Hicks, the week's new conductor search nominee.

Wicked cool. That's what it was. Sarah, dressed in curduroys, was coaching the players through the program for that evening. It was her first time conducting on the stage of the Koger, as the group rehearses in a different hall. There were final adjustments to be made - a little faster in the string sections on one piece, altering a piano to get a bell sound out of it for another. At one point our soloist for the evening's concerto came to the stage (in jeans), and everyone worked through the piece together. For a concerto, the conductor follows the soloist and the symphony follows the conductor. Our soloist, a student at Harvard, had her entire piece memorized, and it seemed at least 15 minutes long (which is plenty of time for me to make a mental grocery list, but I didn't. It was too interesting.) I had written to Sarah through myspace (who would have thought a conductor would have a myspace page?), and she knew we would be there and wanted to talk with the roadies. At the mid-rehearsal break, she came to the foot of the stage, sat down and asked us about the road show and took our questions. She was totally down to earth and made us feel completely comfortable. It was really great of her to take time for us, given her hectic schedule that day.

After a quick break we headed up to the first balcony for the rest of rehearsal, to hear the difference between the orchestra section (which is the fancy name for the floor of the Koger Center) and the balconies (most of the roadies preferred the acoustics in the balcony). We broke off for the afternoon, with plans to see each other at the concert that night.

We looked good Saturday night! I think everyone dressed up a little more for this concert than we have for our openings and performances at the Columbia Museum of Art, the Power Company, and the Nickelodeon. We ushered our guests to the first balcony, where a few rows had been set aside for us, and settled in for a concert that, for once, I knew a little something about. From the stage, Sarah shared the story of the "Blue Cathedral Overture," a piece written by her friend after the loss of her brother. Knowing the story helped us all hear the initial sounds of grief and longing, followed by hope, redemption, and, finally, peace. After the applause (and we all knew when to applaud, because we knew an overture had only one movement), Sharon and I looked at each other and said, simply, "that was so good."

The rest of the performance followed in that manner. At the end of the performance, standing in the lobby of the Koger, I felt something really different than I usually do after a performance. I felt like I had been given a really amazing gift; that they had played that performance just so I would know about that music and those stories. I heard a lot of similar comments from the roadies. It required us to take some time and learn a little more, and it required that the conductor and players make some time to help, but I think it was totally worth it.

This week (February 4-9), the next conductor search nominee is in town. He'll rehearse all week with the players, meet folks around town, and get a feel for Columbia. I'll be back at dress rehearsal Saturday morning with a few roadies (and you know we'll be comparing him to our new pal, Sarah). If you'd like to join us, send me an email at kfox@arts.sc.gov, and we might squeeze you in. You can also find more information about the conductor search by visiting scphilharmonic.com.

It's also about time to start the search for next year's roadies. Keep an eye on our myspace page (myspace.com/newaudienceroadshow) and the SC Arts Commission website, southcarolinaarts.com.
Thanks for everyone at the SC Philharmonic - we had a great time! Katie

Alan keeps the beat with the SC Philharmonic

Walking into the USC School of Music I was greeted by Jason Rapp, the SC Philharmonic’s communication director, and told where to go. The room was in the basement and had stadium seating with room in the middle for the conductor and a piano. Rhonda Hunsinger, the executive director, and Jason then joined us on one side of the seating as musicians Douglas Graham and Petrea Warneck sat facing us with their respective instruments.

Doug, principal clarinetist of South Carolina’s Philharmonic Symphony, asked us to raise our right hand and keep along with the counts of an electronic BPM meter he had brought along to demonstrate the main task of a conductor. A one-two-three-four and a one-two three-four and again. I was doing poorly at this so I switched to my left hand, as most good lefties would do, and improved a tad.

Petrea Warneck, oboist for the philharmonic, and Doug proceeded to talk about reeds which both the oboe and clarinet rely on to produce sound. I learned a lot about these little suckers, like how much they cost, how little they last, and the importance of having a few of these tuned up and ready to go -- a lot like my Friday night choices for a date (j/k). Petrea sounded off first on her oboe with an especially difficult piece because of the notes being used and her control of air was spectacular. Doug also played a piece with the same kind of care and results.

With the philharmonic quickly narrowing down their candidates for the music directing gig, our guest conductor will literally be auditioning for us come January 19^th, 2008. The website shows she is one of seven talented conductors that are being considered, three of which have already auditioned. Could she be the one?

As if this wasn’t enough reason to anticipate the performance at the Koger, we are joined by the rising talent of 19 year old Rachel Lee on the violin. Her sound has been raved about by the Chicago Tribune and San Diego Daily Transcript. This Saturday night has all the makings of a ball! - Alan

“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Redwine and red wine at If ART

Apparently, my mind is pretty sophomoric. When I heard that the Roadies would be venturing to a local art gallery called if ART, the first thing that came to mind was the humorous reference to flatulence. Come on, I’m not the only person who thought this! I quickly moved on to more mature thoughts about art galleries (I’m a grown-up, after all) … like the thought of how delicious the free wine would be once I arrived at the art gallery.

The wine was quite tasty, but I digress.

Local artist Anna Redwine is an MFA graduate from the University of South Carolina. She has a typical 9 to 5 job, but her true passion is in making visual art and utilizing it as her language with people (as contrast to the spoken word).

Redwine discussed her current series of artwork, which she put simply, "drawing life." Her drawings reflect her one-on-one moments with another living thing (ex. mosquitos, spiders, fish). She quickly explained that "drawing" doesn’t just mean to put pencil to paper, but to "extract" or "take in" the life that the other living being brings through their experience with her. The multiple drawings on one panel reflect a sense of movement. Once the moment with that living thing is gone (ex. the mosquito flies away), the experience is complete and the drawing is finished.

if ART owner Wim Roefs, who had graciously opened his gallery to us, talked to us about the challenges of getting people to recognize the value of purchasing art. Even though 10% of the general population may visit art galleries, only 2-3% of people from this sector are moderately serious about actually purchasing art. Roefs explained that the majority of his time is spent convincing people to recognize the value of purchasing art … and keeping artwork in his gallery on the minds of his potential buyers.

He told us about the market for art in Columbia, and explained that even art galleries in New York (which you may think has the art market tapped) have unique challenges in creating a distinction from the hundreds (thousands?) of other art galleries within the NYC.
Roefs discussed the relationship between gallery owner and artist and how he makes the distinction between "career artists" who have an authentic passion for making art as a form of expression and "Sunday artists," who tend to dabble in art every so often. Seeing as how I buy my art supplies on-sale at Kmart, I would probably fall into the second category.

I’m certainly no Anna Redwine.

Lauren

The Nick and Nan

I set out on my Road Show journey on Tuesday as we all have before, not knowing what to expect. Heading down to the basement of the Nickelodeon Theater, I was warmly greeted with good company, home cooking and an ice-cold beer. While I knew this would not be an average movie experience, I did not realize this night would be my Road Show "ah ha" moment.

After dinner, Andy Smith, the Nick’s Director of Programming, gave us a brief history of independent film and the Nick. It’s hard to believe that a bed sheet screen hanging on the basement wall could morph into a venue that provided a movie experience like no other.

Our experience like no other was provided via Lost and Found from local filmmaker Betsy Newman. It is an extremely personal documentary about the search for Betsy’s sister Paula, who disappeared 33 years ago. Driven by a 1999 New York Times photo, we travel west with Betsy to San Francisco, seeking out a mentally ill woman whom she believes may be her missing sister. Her story not only grabbed me, but also shook loose feelings of hope, sadness, empathy, curiosity and pain. My perspective of independent film had changed – "ah ha". There was no scare factor, no political statement, no verbosity. It was a simple journey of sisterhood and lasting hope. We all have a Paula - someone we loved, lost, yet hold onto forever.

After the film, we had the pleasure of meeting Betsy Newman. She spoke of the filmmaking process and of what motivates and inspires filmmakers. They so often eschew popularity, and with it monetary gain, to share their experiences with the world. Betsy’s film is a gift, a contribution from pain and loss given to further our understanding of mental illness and homelessness.

After such seriousness, we sat down with Executive Director Larry Hembree, Andy and Betsy. They shared more about the Nick’s past, present and future and its role in the community. Not only does the Nick entertain, but it is also a non-profit which seeks to reach out and give Columbia a culture shot. Larry discussed the capital campaign efforts to raise $3 million for the refurbishing of the Fox Theater located on Main Street. The theater will not only have two screens for films, but will also provide educational programs and series.

On November 30 we will be viewing Lust, Caution and will enjoy an after party at the Fox Theater. I can’t wait to see the new digs and to continue my independent film experiences and "ah has". Thank you to Larry, Andy and Betsy for an enjoyable and educational night. Nan

We're at the Nick in November - Sharon blogs about our first visit!

On a cool November night the "Roadies" made our first visit to Columbia's very own Art House Theater, the Nickelodeon. I settled into my comfy theater seat not knowing what to expect. Not knowing what to expect is a standard for our New Audience Road Show evenings. The uncertainty of the evening is one of the many fantastic aspects of this program!

We learned that there are less than 30 Art House Theaters in the US. Larry Hembree, Nickelodeon's Executive Director, welcomed all of the Roadies along with many theater patrons as this was a normal evening for business at the "Nick". The lights were dimmed and the movie began after the standard fare of previews. The film for the evening was an Indian film and the 2007 Berlin International Film Festivals winner for Best Debut Film, Vanaja. I am a very fascinated with the Indian culture. Growing up I had a very good friend that was Indian. I enjoyed spending time with her family, experiencing Indian cuisine, Indian music and art as well as the very popular "bollywood" films. Bollywood is the informal name given to the well known Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India.

As the movie started I began to realize that this was not "one of those". I was quickly sucked in though and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will not give the details of the movie away so that anyone wishing to see Vanaja will still enjoy the movie. I will highly recommend the movie though! The audience is immediately charmed by the lead character, Vanaja, played by Mamatha Bhukya. She is a spirited young girl that ignores the chains of the caste system when dreaming of being a dancer. Anyone interested in more information should visit the following websites: www.nickelodeon.org or www.vanajathefilm.com .

After laughing, sniffling, feeling good and feeling bad during this brilliant film the Roadies headed downstairs below the Immaculate Consumption (a GREAT place for a cup of coffee!) to discuss the film and the Nickelodeon. Many of us recounted our first visits to the Nick. This is an amazing theater and seeing a film there is not just "going to the movies". As many people described their visits to the theater it became apparent that seeing a move at the Nickelodeon is really an "experience".

Larry and Andy Smith, Nickelodeon's Director of Programming, provided great insight into the theater's many programs, the process of selecting and acquiring films to be shown, their efforts in reaching out to the community and providing films to meet specific audiences as well as information regarding the new location in Columbia's old Fox Theater. There will be two screens in the new theater. This feature will provide great opportunity for showing a multitude of new films as well as providing the rare opportunity to enjoy film noir as one can only experience in a theater setting.

Next week the Roadies will return to the Nickelodeon to enjoy another film and learn more about the theater, how it is run and what their budget planning entails for 2008 among other topics. The Nick is a non-profit art house film theater run by the Columbia Film Society. It is the only theater of its kind in South Carolina. This is just one more of the rare jewels housed in the Columbia area!

To close I would like to say that the movie and the time spent with Larry and Andy was… well, Jhakaas! Sharon

Mayotard, not leotards - Brad blogs about the Power Company

The Roadies were back on the campus of Columbia College Tuesday night for their encore experience with the Power Company, South Carolina's leading contemporary dance company. Thanks to Katie, we were given a full hour’s warning that there might be a little more body movement than the week before.

After a quick dinner of turkey and mayotard sandwiches with gallon-size cups of iced tea, we made our way back in to Martha Brim’s studio. We found out last week that Martha is the founder and artistic director of the Power Company. This week we would quickly discover that she is also a master of subtle persuasion. As Misty mentioned in the blog last week, the thirty foot wall of mirrors in the room can be quite intimidating for novice dancers like the Roadies. Martha reminded us that the people we see in the mirror are not ourselves, but our evil twin that can’t touch our dance skills. That mind trick was helpful at the time, but offered little comfort when I noticed the tripod and video camera hiding in the back corner.

Nevertheless, we threw caution to the wind, formed a circle and started moving. Without the shackles of rhythm or technique we creatively and fluidly moved our arms, shoulders, hips and feet through space. As the music began to play, we all somehow lost sight of the camera, the giant mirror, and the twenty-five people watching as we searched deep inside for our inner cowboy or cowgirl. Led by Martha and the Power Company apprentices, our circle began to rotate and swirl and our lasso-throwing, gun-slinging, and spurring evolved into a group interpretation of a bonfire as Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire" blazed in the background. Somehow, through the sweat and emotion, credulity set in and we failed to realize that we weren’t just dancing for our own enjoyment; we were auditioning for next week’s performance: Blaze! A Shakti Rodeo! Martha’s artful arm-twisting subdued the Roadie resistance and we agreed to perform under the lights next Friday night.

We moved upstairs to catch the real dancers for their last hour of rehearsal. They performed two dramatic numbers from the upcoming show that are in sharp contrast to the whimsical boot-scoot opener featuring the Roadies. The first was a number choreographed by former Power Company member Christian von Howard titled "In Memory of...." It powerfully illustrates the interpersonal relationships that flow through an individual’s life. The second dance they rehearsed was "Same Moon," an autobiographical piece written by current Power Company member Stephanie Wilkins. "Same Moon" dramatically captures the pain and sorrow caused by a broken relationship. Hearing the stories behind these two compelling pieces allowed us to go beyond mere observation and feel the emotions that the writers were trying to convey. A brief question and answer session with Martha and the Company furthered our appreciation for their work. Each of the members work a day job (and some work two!) in addition to the time they put in at the Power Company. They rehearse together two evenings a week year-round and practice solo sections in their limited spare time.

The experience Tuesday night brought home Martha’s statement from last week that everyone has within them the power to create dance. We learned that contemporary dance is as much or more about creative expression than it is about skillful technique. This was encouraging to us Roadies who, next Friday, will attempt to be as expressive as our two left feet will allow. For a great opening laugh followed by an entertaining and inspiring performance, come check out The Power Company’s performance of Blaze! A Shakti Rodeo! Brad