Designer Dinner Party

We haven't launched, so it was NOT a meeting, just an informal "let's meet before we meet in a formal setting" kind of event.  And it was lovely.  The clearest result I see immediately after is that we all, Sarah, Mallory, Brian and I, are extremely passionate about theatre and are willing to work dilligently and deliberately to uncover as many possibilities and ideas before having to narrow things down to decisions.  Everyone understands that the play is dense and epic and will require persistent communication.... and everyone is up to the task.  After the launch on Tuesday, we will combine our schedules and create a plan to meet and read the play aloud together.  Which should be fun.  Everyone should have a pen or pencil in hand, sketching and taking notes as we go.  We will also have three or four very longs meetings to story board the show-- this will be story-boarding moments and transitions.  After we do this, we will then take a look at all of the ideas and research and create the BIG IDEA of the production.  

Everyone committed to include all designers in all emails-- particularly emails with new ideas and scheduling meetings.  At CMU, one of the pitfalls can be a drastic lack of communication between the design options after the initial week.  This team is enthusiastic about actual collaboration throughout.  

Everyone also committed to a professional approach to the show.  This means a respectful and positive outlook.  Keeping lines of communication open, staying punctual and following through on tasks will ensure this goal.

And we spoke about keeping the details of the production relatively quiet in the department.  Involve advisors, of course, but let's allow the audience to be surprised.

On another note, I met a guy at a bar who almost came to CMU and is interested in Assistant Directing the show.  We'll see if this works out.  

Also, as of today the three designers assigned to the show (a professional sound designer will be added shortly) are now able to post blogs!  This site is about to get bigger.