… though there may be a “rogue review” post tomorrow or the day after like I did last year. A couple of pics here may pique curiosity… just don’t ask so I won’t have to lie to you.
Archive for the ‘rogue’ Category
Da Count – rogue arriving?
12
Mar
Last night as I shared dinner with a few of the out of town Rogue performers talking shop, it struck me that… I like this, I really like this. Conversations flitted between discussions on the substance and mechanics of their individual shows to touring adventures with the unique features offered at various festivals of this ilk on the circuit. I felt connected again in a very real way to the creative world I used to live and thrive in. A world that I’m preparing to swim in again soon.
I ruminated about this just before I slid into dreamland last night. There are a few impressions that instantly came to mind. These provide an inkling that after 9 years this festival could be arriving.
Earlier in the night as I turned up at a venue to catch a show the line literally snaked around the corner. This was a brand new show that only started up for the second half of the festival. The crowd was equally made up of regular folk and regular theatre audiences… both types a good thing. Plus, the line was being worked by performers… though most of them were the out of town types. (This is an aspect of marketing is something that still needs to sink in with most local performers.)
On Wednesday over at the Starline Grill… the place was packed with Suicide Lounge on tap for the evening’s entertainment. A great mix of performers, audience members and volunteers made up the crowd. Half way through their set the band invited performers to plug their shows… which they did to robust support from everyone there. A friend I was sitting with beamed and said. “This is what this festival is about.” The festival buzz was definitely palpable that night.
On another occasion while having a drink, a local musician friend cornered me with his views on the lack or at least the lower average of original offerings that were locally produced. This has actually been an ongoing topic of discussion by a few over the last couple of weeks. A healthy and lively discussion I might add. One I can hope lights multiple fires and transcends into action not only for the festival but becomes part of the local creative landscape.
So, I am counting all of these this week. The question mark in the title is an indication that the festival is not quite there yet… but these impressions that I have shared (and if paid attention to) indicate the station may not too far off in the distance.
if it is new and original… (a post with Rogue pics)
06
Mar
… @ the Rogue Festival… I’m there… usually. Yep. the festival got underway last night… and got underway quite well for me with what I caught at the Starline.
The shows were Shadows in Bloom & Burning Man & the Reverend Nuge. Both solo performer shows and each with their own distinct styles. I liked them both. If you are expecting any more of a review from me on any of the shows I experience during the festival… don’t hold your breath. Generally, I will either “like a show” or “find it interesting”. And don’t try to read any more into it (for instance, qualify “like” as a rave and “interesting” as a dud) because I can like a show that misses its mark or find an interesting show that engages me. Besides, I’m not going to blog about every show over the next week.
They were both new and original… which is the point of this post… sort of. Now lets qualify new and original to mean not published nor previously produced… in this town. Though even with that, I prefer the former to the latter where a festival like the Rogue or it’s ilk are concerned. There was a bit of a discussion about this several days ago on the Beehive. As I stated in part of that discussion, I thought that years 6 & 7 of the Rogue were banner years (with original pieces) where local theatre folk were concerned. Yes, there are some this year too so, catch them if you can.
Whenever I have engaged in this topic of discussion with some of my local theatre friends they never fail to point out that “this isn’t New York, Chicago or San Francisco.” To that I say that even in those cities… all theatre is local… by the very fact that it is performed live. By that reasoning why shouldn’t new works be developed here as well? And what better place to start than the Rogue?
I’ve expressed my opinions in this subject before just thought this post could serve as a reminder. My hope is there will be more (“newness”) for year 10.
In the meantime… here are some Rogue related pics I snapped. Oh, and if you are in da Big NO… Go Rogue!
Da Count – friends… old and new @ the Rogue
05
Mar
Rogue time is a good time for that… at least for me it is. They may be performer friends from far and near or those of the more “civilian” variety with whom I have not connected with in a while. With the concentration that occurs at the Rogue chances are good I will run into many of them.
New friends at this time are usually of the performer/artist stripe. Engaging and sharing ideas always perks me up. But more importantly I get to be introduced to them as people. This takes on a slightly different curve with those who I’ve already come to know. I am always intrigued by where they are (and headed) on their journey.
In years past this time to reconnect always seemed fleeting simply because of the frenzied pace of producing the festival. Quick “hellos” and “see ya soon” was the order of the day. With the latter perhaps returning the same time the following year. Though I do not produce this event any longer and actually have the luxury to engage in conversation (for the last 3 years)… the time still seems fleeting because these 10 days still go in the blink of an eye.
So, I savor this time knowing for at least once a year for the talent that inspires and the warmth that provides a new kick start to keep me going. And in the place in life that I’m currently at that counts to me more than they’ll ever know.
“Click the flashing button to find out about Da Count.
Good Luck… or Break A Leg…
04
Mar
… to everyone involved with the Rogue Performance Festival 2010!
I’ll be floating around catching your shows.
Cheers!
the Rogue perk up
03
Mar
It’s a bit like the fusion between the seduction of a siren song and the ominous rumble of unpredictability barreling from up ahead. At least for me it is. It begins tomorrow… the ninth edition of the Rogue. Invariably, it stirs something within… always does. One can almost smell it in the air… the stir of creative possibilities rising… … the eyes brighten with a whimsical twinkle setting the heart pounding just a little harder. I suppose any mass concentration of creativity has always had that effect on me. Excuse the cliche but it makes me feel alive.
For so many years before the Rogue began I would venture up to the Fringe in San Francisco… to catch my “fix” so to speak. Always returning wild eyed and invigorated by what I experienced. My enthusiasm raised to a near evangelic pitch with the sharing of what I experienced, often prompting condescending head shaking “poor sod” smiles amongst my friends. Now, and for the last nine years the “fix” can be had in our very own back yard. Now they’ve had a taste… now they know for themselves a bit of what I was raving and ranting about.
The Rogue like every festival of its ilk possesses it’s very own unique personality. Ask any of the touring fringe performers who have traveled from far and wide to be here for the next 10 days and they will attest to this fact. This personality radiates through the community from whence the festival was born. It comes from the “home team” whether it be performers, organizers and last but never least… the audience. It is a testament to the community in Fresno that many of these performers return time and time again, wooing new talents here as they preach the gospel of the Rogue on their travels.
To me the Rogue is an elixir… a tonic to the wonders of the possible. A creative infusion reminding me that mediocrity is never an option. Whether I experience a show that has been honed to the exquisite or one that misses the mark I always come away appreciating the effort and learning (in the realm of my craft) just as much from one as the other… especially if it is original.
So, go out to the Rogue. Be infused… and perhaps you will catch a taste of what I speak of.
Rogue Advice pt. 3
03
Feb
PERFORMERS… get a jump on your promo!
The Rogue is a month away. Get a jump on your promo opportunities at ArtHop on Thursday, Feb. 4. Get dressed up (if you have a costume… even better) and troll ArtHop venues to distribute flyers for your show!
One of the upcoming Rogue Cafe venues is hosting ArtHop. KP’s Actors Gym at 1470 N. Van Ness will be featuring photos from former Rogue performer Kien Lim. They invite you to distribute flyers and perform previews if you so desire… between 5 and 8 PM.
ON THE INTERNET
If you have a Myspace, Facebook or even your own website use it now! Set up events, etc to get the word out. The idea is to create your promo with basic information with a link to your site that provides more details, promo videos, etc.
Happy Roguing!
related:
Rogue Advice pt.1
Rogue Advice pt.2
rogue advice pt. 2
24
Sep
By now you should have everything set and ready… impatiently waiting for applications at the Rogue site to open. Feeling a little under the gun yet?
Wait! What? You’re still thinking about it? Applications open Oct.1, yo! Did you not read Part 1 from a couple of weeks ago?
I’m not going through all of that over again so I’ll wait while you catch up… (you may want to pay special attention to the “ass dragging” section).
Anyway, here goes for the second part…
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
… IN THE “PAPERWORK”
The first way to do this is to read ALL the information in your applications, contracts… and any notices the Rogue sends out. (TIP: You may also want to “friend” them on Facebook and MySpace) Also, check their “updates” page as often as possible. Understanding all this information ESPECIALLY ANY DEADLINES & DATES will give you a serious leg up. Following instructions also causes less headaches on both sides. If there is something you are uncertain of… do not be afraid to ask.
… IN YOUR SHOW
I am of course presuming that you already have a show picked and ready to go… OK, at least picked. It is important to remember that the less your show requires in terms of props, equipment, etc… the less complications you are heaping upon yourself. So, as simple as you can make it in the “production value” area and still have an effective show the easier it will be. Make your show as portable as possible… I will elaborate why further down this post.
As you are rehearsing, pay careful attention to both the running time as well as make sure that setup and strike is also part of the process. Every show has a 15 minute limit to setup and strike. You really don’t want to run over this as it will cause irritation to groups coming up next, venue managers and audience members who have scheduled to see a show after catching your performance. Try to avoid all those bad vibes coming your way.
SPECIAL NOTE TO BYO VENUES: Starting ON TIME is paramount to the success of the festival on the whole! Rogue audience members often schedule other shows to see after they have experienced a show at your venue. Missing the other show because yours started late gets them royally pissed! The Rogue has 2 sets of start times Mainstage and Cafe… pick one and stick to it. Bad time management only reflects on your venue and can be a detriment any other shows playing there.
AVOID THE “GOOD ENOUGH FOR FRESNO” MALAISE LIKE THE PLAGUE!
First… it insults your potential audience who are a lot more hep than you give them credit for. Next… it insults yourself and your own potential… enuff said. A good rule of thumb to follow while you are nailing the whole shebang together is, “Would I pay good money to see this show… performed anywhere?” If the answer is “yes”… you’re on the path to a strong start.
Be Adventurous Part 1. Original (or obscure) over the tried and true (i.e. well known published works especially in the realm of theatre) is the name of the game here. The more successful shows in (Rogue) festivals past have all had that quality. The whole idea behind the creation of the Rogue (and fringe festivals of it’s ilk) is to encourage and foster new bold and original works. (Otherwise it would be called the “Same Old Same Old” or “Kinda Mediocre” Festival.) Audiences more often than not are looking for a new experience at the Rogue.
Be Adventurous Part 2. Seriously consider taking your show “on the road” after the festival. (This is the main reason to make your show as portable as possible.) For years the Rogue site has had one of the most complete list of (fringe) festivals on the world wide web. Use it… be bold, ambitious and take your show out! Commit to your craft! The more you do it the better you become. Shows on the fringe circuit have gone on to succeed with a wider audience.
In many ways the fringe circuit is “the new vaudeville”. Many of the out of town performers who come to the Rogue are active on the circuit… in fact, many of them make a living doing it. So, during the Rogue… go see their shows, invite them to your show, network and befriend them… pick heir brains.
Also, go experience other fringe festivals (in other cities)… if for nothing else, to experience something new. There are a few in our region in Boulder, San Francisco and next year a brand new fringe in Hollywood.
Be Adventurous Part 3. Give your show and/or company life after the Rogue. (This is really an extension of part 2… from a local standpoint.) Many companies/artists/musicians have been candid about the fact that their biggest audiences have been during the Rogue. Use that! Here are a few ways.
- Grow your mailing list whether it be the snail mail kind or via the internet. Make sure a sign-up is available at every performance. Make sure your web presence is listed in your promotional material… especially flyers. BTW. if you don’t have a web presence yet, you should get one now. It is one of the most effective and affordable ways of getting the word out. At the minimum have at least a MySpace and/or a Facebook presence (which is free)… for something with more information create a site on WordPress or Blogger (which is also free)… and if you are really serious about your craft get a Web Site (which is very affordable).
- Promote upcoming gigs/shows in the programs for your Rogue shows. The festival attracts new audiences every year and this is an opportunity to “harvest” new “regulars” to your season. (Yeah, I know… this involves planning ahead.)
- Strike up partnerships with other artists/performers/companies. This opens up the possibilities of co-producing “twofer” shows after the Rogue as well as exciting new collaborations down the line. Not only is there strength in numbers but more shows during the year also “grows the culture” in your community. This also gives you a further opportunity to tweak and “grow” your show to a higher performance level (see… be adventurous pt.2).
I think that is good for now. Is your brain swimming in circles or figure of 8′s yet?