Fringe Adventures with Burnt Thicket

This summer, I had the privilege to Stage Manage at some of our most amazing cities across Canada.  And I wanted to share with you some about our adventure and what we learned:

STAGE MANAGING at the WINNIPEG FRINGE: 

On July 10th, Jamie Popoff of Burnt Thicket Theatre and I (Wanda) traveled, along with Jamie's family, to Winnipeg with "Hockey Dad: A Play in 3 Periods". We had a lot of fun along the way traveling through small town Saskatchewan finding surprise ice cream spots. 

Upon getting into Winnipeg, Jamie set up camp at the Travelers Campsite with his family and I found my way to the downtown transitional housing called The Flatliner's Inn which was only a 20 minute walk from the theatre.  It was so good to be greeted with a friendly smile and a helping hand after nervously navigating to a dark street in an older part of the city!  Derrick, Scott and Jacqueline helped me feel right at home.  

We were surprised at the size of Winnipeg's summer festival -154 shows taking part over the 2 week period. (It is just as big if not bigger than Edmonton's Fringe.)  This meant that we had the huge task of marketing our show, a new story for Winnipeg audiences.  But we did our best - putting posters and sandwhich boards wherever we could and giving out playbills to whomever we met.

It was challenging but not surprising to see that our show did not attract sizable audiences.  However, we were happy that we averaged 20-30 people.  Those that came loved the story and the 3 technicians that worked with us told us that they were so impressed with our show and the spirit and attitude with which we shared it. In addition, our stage hands, Lara, Tristen and Caleb, said they were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help us.  In that way, we had a very positive impact and are so glad for that success.

STAGE MANAGING at the SASKATOON FRINGE:

On July 27th, we traveled to Saskatoon.  This was a very different experience from Winnipeg in that it was a smaller Fringe and felt more like a small town event.  We were greeted with much excitement and anticipation.  And we had invitations to meals and parties with other performers.  The Fringe coordinators provided us with sandwich boards and help with putting them out each day and the performers came out to support our show as we did their's.  There were only 30 shows over the 2 week period playing and so our show had up to 60 people in the audience at a time. Stephanie joined Jamie's wife Julie as our stage hands.  Between hanging out and eating together at Jamie's home away from home, canoe rides down the South Saskatchewan and long red underwear and hockey board games on the street, we not only had a greater impact and much more fun, but we creatively and personally grew as well. 

Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

Thinking Outside of the Genre???

I have been thinking about something since I saw "The Blue Dragon" in Vancouver.  And tonight when I saw the film "Avatar", it came up again:

In both these pieces, I was struck by the fact that the Directors chose a genre that does not usually entail fabulous script and acting.  Lepage is a Director who is known for his work in French Theatre - which is a spectacle genre.  Cameron is an adventure science fiction Director known for spectacle and action.

Although I actually do love much of what these 2 directors do, I find it interesting that they are sticking to a focus on spectacle when there is so much more to be had in the telling of their stories through the script and through the acting.

For e.g. in "The Blue Dragon", the story took place in an impressive 2 story set that converted into a bar with a moving track table, airport, condo in Shanghai, a warehouse, the outdoors of the condo.  It was fabulous to watch and to see all the amazing images created by the projectors and by the dancers. At the same time, the script was a translation that could have used a little more work and much of the acting was not at all at the professional level that I thought it would be. But it was a really great story - one that would have been so much more powerful if delivered with excellence.

In "Avatar", Cameron created this amazing world of the Avatars and merged the curiosity and science of man with that world in a very creative way.  The images and the camera work in the film were incredible and very easy to watch.  But the script and the characters were created with the typical stereotype of the science fiction genre - where the people are very one-note:  The Avatars are this incredible spiritual people who live in this fabulously gorgeous forest and they do amazing things for each other and their surroundings there, whereas the army and the scientists who are studying the Avatars end up being pushy and selfish for the most part - even evil.  The most human person that we could relate to is the main character- the corporal.  In the end, he too makes stereotypically amazing choices. It's all just too good or too bad to be real. 

I guess I am partial to telling a good story and not sparing a dime on that because I want people to relate and to be drawn in.  Both of these pieces left me with wondering eyes and attention, not because I did not appreciate the spectacle, but because I think the story was shafted by the desire to create the spectacle.

Long lasting art I think is something that people will be able to identify with for a long time to come.  And I think that this kind of art can only happen when we are willing to think outside of the genre box.

What do you think?


Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

"Filth" by Irvine Welsh and Choice

When I went to see the show "Filth" at Sage Theatre directed by Kelley Reay, I had no idea what to expect.  I had a feeling it was not going to be pretty.  But I am really glad that I went.  I am glad because the show reminded me anew that not everyone comes from the same background.  And it is important for me to remember this so that I am a better person to others.  I will continue to plan carefully what it is that I do take in.  At the same time, I am learning how good it is to consider the worlds of others and to not turn a blind eye to them.  We can learn from each other. 

As I watched equity actor Frank Zotter play 28 characters (crazy but true) with the main being police officer, Bruce Robertson, I found myself thinking that every single ugly in this character's life - the drugs, the cursing, the drinking, the watching porn- each was a choice.  Eventually, we learn that his wife is not coming back and that the home he grew up in was filled with great criticism and anger.  This inheritance kept playing out in his life as a curse symbolized by a terrorizing worm growing in his belly.  We could see how the choices of parents impact the choices of children. 

There was one line in particular in the show that stood out.  Bruce has gone Christmas shopping, not to his delight.  He's walking back from making his purchase when he sees a man collapse in the street fighting for his life.  Bruce responds and does CPR but to no avail.  The man dies.  Shortly after, we hear Bruce ask "What makes a good man?" 


It has got me thinking about filth and about choices.  What it is that makes one person's life so filthy and another person's life so clean?  Is it really all the stuff we do or don't do?  Are those of us who have grown up in healthier environments really so much better than those who haven't? 

As it is getting to that time of year, Easter, I was reading in Matthew where Jesus tells the disciples that they are going to betray him and leave him. They ALL deny the possibility. Every last one of them. And then they ALL do exactly what they said they wouldn't.

So we all have the capacity to choose good things or ugly things in us. It is what we do with this that makes a difference. Just because we think we won't and did not come from that kind of background doesn't necessarily mean we won't. The possibility is always there. It's definitely a choice what we do.  Fact is, we all need the help of God.  

Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

Back from Vancouver Olympics

We are back from the Olympics!  It was a fantastic experience that I want to share with you.  Here's a picture of me at the cauldron...

The best parts of being there:
*Incredible energy and excitement throughout the city.
*When Canada scored in hockey, we heard the cheers echo in the streets.
*People were really helpful and nice.
*Superb weather (other than the rain in the second week)
*Beautiful sites.
*Meeting incredible talents in art and music.
*Being able to perform a play about hockey and God's heart in the midst of it all.

A huge thank you to Pacific Theatre for providing the space and to Jess, our tech.  And most of all, thanks to those of you who gave and supported so that we could go, especially our families.

If you still have not given to our adventure and would like to, you can still send your cheque to Burnt Thicket Theatre 240 15 Ave SW Calgary AB T2N 1P7.   Be sure to indicate on the cheque who you are supporting - Jamie or Wanda.

Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

A Director - Someone Who Is To Lead in the Arts Part 2

Continuing on the idea that Directors are leaders....

This past week as a Director, I have been in evaluation mode. As a result, I have had conversations with several people who work in different capacities in the theatre - Producer, Actor, Stage Manager - and all of them have had very similar responses when I tell them that I am interested in their feedback about their work with me and the relationship we have had. They say, "Really? You want to know what I think? Really??? 'Cause I'm so used to not being heard or even asked."

There is a reason my asking is a surprise.  As it is the Director whose vision and leadership becomes the focal point of creation for a production, it has been my experience that in the theatre world many Directors do not ask what the people they work most closely with think of their leadership or their work.

Again, I want to reiterate that I struggle with both evaluation and also to not fall when I am leading.  Being a Director carries with it great challenges.  It is easy to see how someone in this role might make mistakes.  After all, we are front and center leading the vision into reality.  However, I believe, for the powerful communication through art, that it is imperative that Directors learn to not only be powerful creators but powerful leaders and people.

Obviously, there is a danger in asking anyone and everyone for an evaluation. You can, for one, become overwhelmed with all the information you are getting back. And, if you are not secure in your person, evaluation can knock you for a loop.

However, I have found that there is value in asking those who you know will be honest and open with you. It can provide you with great insights into things that you did not realize and it can assist you in growing in the places that you really do need to mature in rather than only the ones that you yourself are interested in.

It is never easy to hear feedback but it always bears fruit and improves my next project and my life.


Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

A Director - Someone Who Is To Lead in the Arts Part 1

Who is a Stage Director? This is the person whose responsibility it is to communicate, clarify and control or lead in the production of a show for the stage and the theatre. They collaborate with designers, actors and producers to create a story on the stage. And they rely on managers to assist them in putting it on the stage in a strong powerful way within the boundaries of budget and space.

In order to do the things that a Director needs to do and to do them with excellence and integrity, a Director must become someone who is not only a great creator but also a great leader and person. It is a huge responsibility - one that should never be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly my experience to hear of Stage Directors who do not handle their responsibilities well. This includes some who are well educated and even those who are teaching the skills in universities and colleges.

This is hard to hear. I find this difficult to hear because a Director sets the tone for the whole experience. The people who work with a Director have a very different experience depending on the character of the Director they are collaborating with. Whether we want to admit it or not, those of us who work as Directors are leaders and have a mandate to be the best we can be as people in skill and our persons. If we treat people in our lives without respect and take advantage of them, then we are not going to produce very good shows nor are we going to leave a very strong legacy.

I know that this is true because I have struggled all my life to treat my friends, family and colleagues with respect and with love. It's not that my heart is set not to. It's just that I have learned this bad behavior - when the pressures are on during the creation of a piece or I am not having a great day or something personally is occurring in my life that is difficult to deal with, I sometimes choose to feel out of control and insecure. As a result, I have tended to condescend or disrespect people. This has not bode well for me in my life. I have lost opportunities and relationships because of this.

So if you are a Director, I would encourage you, based on my experience, to take a look at how things are going for you and what kind of result you are having. You might just want to make some changes.


Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca

New Look for a New Era

Have you seen our new look on our website?

(If you haven't, just type in our website addy www.reinholdtproductions.ca and hit your refresh button on your browser. Your browser should forward to http://reinholdtproductions.art.officelive.com). Let us know what you think.

We are moving into a new era with our company. It's a new era because we have come to understand our mission and vision even more clearly than we had before.

It IS about being integral and excellent as we thought before (those are some values we have). But it is MORE than that. It is about our focus and our approach. Like our new tag line says, we are designing expressions with the focus on the connections. (More about that later.)

And so we have moved all of what we offer together onto one website (including our Kaizen Coaching). It is simple to navigate and easy to understand. We definitely do create and design in whatever we are doing - whether designing interiors or coaching or directing/producing/acting on the stage.

So take a look! We dare you!

Designing with you...

Wanda
www.reinholdtproductions.ca

Decide After You Give a Look!

It's been a very interesting last couple of weeks. And although I have not blogged much in the last while, I have been thinking of you, my readers. Mostly, I have been thinking about the kind of life and environment I DON'T want for you. Here's why...

As you may or may not know, I am a theatre director. I freelance. So, I choose where I want to work and with whom and what stories I want to tell.

This past fall, I was submitting scripts to a Producer and, although she liked what I was giving her, she did not feel that any of the stories I was giving her were right for this season. Finally, she gave me a script. I read it a couple of times and I hated it. I hated it so much that I said I wasn't sure I wanted to do it. She told me to read it again! (Yea, she definitely has the guts to be a Producer!)

Well, long story short - I decided that it was worth doing. I did not love it but I eventually saw that there was some value in doing the story.

It's very interesting to me how this all worked out. Because as I began to analyze and prepare for rehearsals, I found the script to be speaking directly to me. In fact, the message was so powerfully directed to me that I began to realize that this was not just an ordinary script choosing process that we had gone through, but something that was anointed.

Decide on whether you want something in your lives after you give it a really good look. You might be surprised what you find!


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Lives of Meaning

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about what it is that makes our lives meaningful or special. I've come to the conclusion that the meaning flows from whatever definition we give life.

What do you think makes our lives meaningful?

And I think Sarah McLachlan says it so perfectly. Here's the lyrics to Ordinary Miracle and a video to listen. May it bless you as much as it has me.



It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

The Difference Between KW & RP

Recently I was asked about the difference between the two branches of my work in the performing arts- Kaizen Works and Reinholdt Productions. Great question!

Reinholdt Productions is a Canadian production partnership with my husband, John, that is contracted to direct, write, and partner in performing arts projects. Through sharing actual experiences, John and I aim to inspire other performing artists in the actual DOING of their art. In other words, we tell of actual adventures in our business planning, developing, and producing works. In turn, we hope to teach others.

Kaizen Works is a coaching community that focuses on the person, the character, living and being first. I enter into a relationship with performing artists in which we take a look at beliefs, habits, personal understanding and awareness. If necessary, we tweek so that the artist can BE who they were created to BE. It is in this BEING that we find that the actual DOING of the art flows naturally.


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Simple Leadership

I've been fascinated for a long while by the leadership styles and work of those whose approach to leadership is simple and yet powerful. I'm thinking of people like Jesus of Nazareth, Mother Teresa, Ghandi.

What do you learn from these individuals?


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Giving Thanks

Why is it that gratitude or giving thanks changes how you feel / what your perspective is?

I challenge you to try it even in the hardest circumstances and see if it doesn't surprise you!

Let me know how it goes by email or by comment below. And I will tell you my story :).


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Thoughts on Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson

I love this video! What are your thoughts on creativity and education from it? Enjoy!



Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

What??! Did I Just Miss a Moment?

Ho, ho! This is the second time I've been asked to consider whether or not I am "living in the moment" (and whenever something comes up repeatedly, I figure that it is important that I listen!).

So what does this phrase mean exactly? Do I have any hints whatsoever? I think I do from two sources....

Any guesses from you as to what this phrase means?

Here's an article about it...

Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Trust

I have a confession to make! I've realized lately that I don't trust easily. And I want to get better at it. Can you relate?

Here's an article about it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Are You Choosing a Message of Gloom or Vavoom?

Have you seen the show on A&E called "Intervention"? It's true stories about people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs and their response to their family and friends when they gift them with an opportunity to get well. I've watched 2 of them now and this second one about Trent really hit home. (I highly recommend watching the episode if you get a chance. They are online.)

Trent is a man in his late 30's who is addicted to drugs and is continually making decisions to do drugs rather than to see the value in his life who was also in a terrible auto accident. (This is where I was drawn in. The car looked like mine does BTW.)

Unfortunately, he chose to see the accident as doom and to think that his life was basically over. His attitude toward his accident reminded me of a conversation with a counselor that I had in which I was asked what message I was taking from my own accident. I said that I was hearing a reminder to be focused and to lead a simpler life by being focused. In addition, I felt that the accident was a confirmation that trusting in God rather than my own strength is best. This is definitely a different response from Trent's.

I tell this story because it so clearly describes what I am talking about when I say "creating the life you want". It illustrates that we all make choices that create our lives.

How are you looking at your life? How you see your life will impact your legacy. The good news is that we all have the ability to see the richness and to choose to live it!

Thoughts?

For more on this story and my thoughts, check out my article published on Ezine Articles.

Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org
articles at http://www.ezinearticles.com

What??? Depression a Choice?

"Wow. I never thought of it that way before. You have a choice?"

Lately in my conversations, I have noticed that people are very interested in how I am describing parts of my life. For e.g. that I CHOSE depression a few years ago after an organization I was involved with handled a change of staffing in a poor way or that I CHOSE not to think first about suing the driver that caused my accident and injuries but to think about him and his needs.

People are so surprised that these kinds of things are just choices. Don't we just go through them? Aren't they just something that happens?

What do you think?


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

The DISC Profile Solves My Puzzle

What in the world is going on with this friend of mine? Why did she respond the way she did to my accident?

I've been asking and praying about these questions for the last couple of weeks. Then a few days ago, I came across the DISC profile system again and it helped me re-gain perspective and understanding. I realized that she was helping me in a great way even though it was not in a way that I might set out to help someone. Maybe it will help you too.

Can you think of anyone in your life who may have surprised you with their actions? Could the DISC profiling help you to understand and appreciate them better?

Check out my article on Ezine Articles for more on this tool.


Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Have you tapped into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Our Lives Speak

Last night in talking with a friend of mine, I realized that my life DOES speak. What does the idea of your life speaking mean to you?

To me it means whatever my choices, they speak. Whatever my attitudes, they speak. Whatever comes out of my experiences speaks and most of the time it speaks very loudly. My friend thinks that the way that I want to pray for and take care of the young man that was in the accident (the one who caused it) is amazing. She started to cry when I told her that because she so wanted to hit him, to make him pay for what he did to me.

She could not believe that I, the one whose life has been changed, am talking about his needs and his life and his need for help. (Obviously, his choice to drink and drive speaks something about his life and his attitude.)

Don't get me wrong, I want to be sure that I am wise and have legal protection. But I am so glad that my first thought is not the hurt or get back at this person in any way. To me, if that was my first thought, that would mean that my heart is angry and full of hate.

I realize that corporations and individuals in our world have been moving quickly to legal action against another party.

But what if it was different? What if the first thing we did was give the other party/ person who we know is hurt or is in need a "hug" instead? What if we showed compassion first and then we arranged protection for our own selves? How would that affect the world around us?

Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Tap into your richness!
http://www.kaizenworks.org

Leaning on Others

Have you ever had to rely on others for your life? I did 2 weeks ago (the reason I have not written recently).

I survived a 2 vehicle car crash and surgery. The people that came to the scene were incredible - calming me, phoning my husband, holding my hand, asking me questions to keep me alert...Then at the hospital, nurses and doctors kept informing me of what was going to happen before it happened (including just before they cut off my clothes to be sure I was not hurt seriously and before they inserted a cathider). I had to trust them to move me from a bed to the examination tables and back again. I had to trust them to reset my broken ankle after putting me asleep.

Once in a room, I had to learn to call people when I needed help getting up or moving around in my bed. And a day or so later, I had to trust a physiotherapist's advice to lean on a walker for support when walking or moving in and out of a shower.

Going to my mother in law's to put my foot up for 2 weeks and to begin to heal emotionally too, I learned a great deal about our community - that there are a tremendous amount of supportive services for people who have been in accidents. The police, victim services, personal home care and mental health associations have been amazing.

But I think that the reason they have been amazing is because I have made a choice to let them help me. I need the support as do my family and friends. This has been tough and has brought many changes into our lives. By leaning on others who partner with people in need, my life is deeply enriched in a way that I never expected.

Thank you to all the paramedics, nurses, doctors, therapists, friends, neighbors, and family who are a part of my recovery. Thank you for allowing me to lean on you. You have encouraged my heart.

Keep Partnering!

Wanda

Kaizen means "continually growing" in Japanese.
Are you tapping into your richness?
http://www.kaizenworks.org