threaded | unthreaded | newest first

Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

topic posted Sun, July 12, 2009 - 3:18 AM by  Kirilee 		Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
Hi everyone,

My name's Kirilee and I've been lurking on this loverly community for a couple of months now. And I have a couple of questions to ask, if that's alright. I'm planning a year-long studenty trip next year and, ever since I discovered the amazing Dickens' fair, I've wanted to head over there and participate in 2010 (I know, I know - I'm a little early, but I'm planning my trip around this). The problem is: I live in Brisbane, Australia and would only be able to get to San Francisco right at the beginning of November. My question is this: Is there any way I can still be involved? Possibly even auditioning via youtube or something? I don't really care what role I would have, but I'd love to be part of the Otherbooks Nicholas Nickleby cast, as that's my absolute favourite Dickens'. Would I even be allowed to volunteer, coming from another country? And who should I get into contact with to confirm that I'd even have a chance (I'm a little shy to go straight to the top if I'd only be a nuisance)?

Thank you so much for reading all my prattle and good luck with the Fair this year! I look forward to reading about your preparations and hope to join you next year,

Kirilee
posted by:
Kirilee
offline Kirilee
1 friends
join to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • Kelly
    Kelly
    offline 199

    Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

    Sun, July 12, 2009 - 3:25 PM
    Workshops for Fair don't start until early November - you may be in SF just in time, depending on your arrival date.

    This page at the Fair's webstie should tell you most of what you need to know:

    www.dickensfair.com/performerinfo.htm

    Even if you mis the first weekend of workshops, it's still possible to fill your requirements and find a group to join, especially if you contact floks ahead of time.

    New blood is a Good Thing.
    join to post
    • Kirilee
      Kirilee
      offline 1

      Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

      Mon, July 13, 2009 - 4:19 PM
      Thanks so much for your wonderful reply. I've read that site from top to bottom, which only resulted in me getting more excited about coming to join you all! And thanks for letting me know that, even if I miss the first weekend, I can probably still join. That's a load off my mind. Enthusiastic and totally ready to be new blood, although I wish I could join you this year! You lucky Americans =D.
      join to post
  • Mark
    Mark
    offline 14

    Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

    Mon, July 13, 2009 - 11:42 AM
    'Elllo Sweets!

    The big question is how long you are planning on being in the Bay Area...

    Dickens workshops and rehearsals are on weekends in early November (7-8, 14-15, 21-22) and are pretty much required for participation as a new performer... As well the show will run four weekends (Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20)....and any major character will be expected to be there *every weekend* while minor characters usually will need to commit to at least half of the run or more. (It varies from director to director among the various performance groups).

    If you have not already done so, send an e-mail to Cat Taylor at missives@redbarnproductions.org and ask to be put on the missives e-mail list.... They will keep you apprised of dates and info for performers.

    Incidentally, you do know that most performers need to provide their own costumes...
    join to post
    • Kirilee
      Kirilee
      offline 1

      Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

      Mon, July 13, 2009 - 4:26 PM
      Wow... what a wealth of information. Thank you! I plan to arrive in San Francisco pretty much November 1 and will be staying on till about December 26, providing I've sorted out my role (any small role) before I arrive, if that's possible. I know the auditions are in October (or, at least, I think they used to be), so that's going to be the only problem I can think of, timeline-wise.

      Oh, and thanks for the heads-up about the missives list! I was apprehensive about emailing because I'm not actually taking part until next year (even though I read through all the missives available online with great excitement), but I'll send her an email right away if you think it's alright.

      hehe... yes, definitely aware of the costume issue. And quite excited about it, too. Believe me, a great portion of my savings is going towards decking myself out in full Victorian getup. I have to avoid the temptation to splurge on costumes on Etsy.com, because I know if I buy them now, I'll get sick of them before next year. =)
      join to post

  • Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

    Wed, August 5, 2009 - 12:11 AM
    Hi, Kirilee.

    Welcome to Dickens!

    Also consider joining the Children of the Other Books tribe, which is where the Nickelby cast would gather.

    Rydell & Therese (Thalassia) run the Other Books tribe & cast, as someone mentioned.

    There should be no problems with you participating, and as very few people are paid, your visa won't be in jeopardy.

    Your biggest challenge might be getting to the Fair itself, but there's a tribe for that - Ride Share to Dickens Fair.

    Do you sing at all?

    There used to be a "Paul's Ice Cream" factory on the banks of the Brisbane river; by any chance is it still there? It would be near the William Jolly or Victoria bridges, I think. I know I saw it as I walked to the Castlemaine & Perkins brewery from the east.

    I sang a concert at the World Expo in Brisbane the year you were born, that's how I know a little about your town.
    join to post
    • Kirilee
      Kirilee
      offline 1

      Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

      Thu, August 6, 2009 - 7:29 PM
      Hi, Reginald!

      Thanks for the welcome!

      You sang at Expo? That officially makes you incredibly cool in my books.=) Everyone says how great Expo88 was, and I'm royally annoyed that I wasn't around (in any aware capacity, at least) to see it. What did you sing?

      I do sing a bit. I used to be in my school's choir and got some solos, but for the past couple of years it's been nothing but singing loudly around the house.=D

      Thanks again,
      Kirilee

      P.S Just confirmed from my mum that apparently the Paul's Ice Cream Factory is still there, although I have to admit I've never seen it. The joys of discovering your own city, huh? =)
      join to post

      • Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

        Sat, August 22, 2009 - 9:25 PM
        I sing English Music Hall stuff now, but back then it was mostly classical, opera, and some 'jazz standards' (think Bing Crosby).

        I'm glad the factory is still there.... I should get back there and check up on them, I suppose. :-)

        Talk to you soon! If you have any questions, drop me a line at regfoghorn AT yahoo DOT com

        Reginald F.

        aka Paul S.
        join to post
        • Kirilee
          Kirilee
          offline 1

          Re: Semi OT: A little help for a wannabe newbie, please =)

          Thu, September 3, 2009 - 4:04 PM
          Ooh, that's awesome! And I see you're helping to organise the Dickens Faire Mikado this year. Good luck!

          Thanks for offering to answer any questions I have. The moment I think of one, I'll be sure to email!

          Hoping you're having a lovely day (and Dickens prep isn't too stressful for everyone yet),
          Kirilee.
          join to post

Recent topics in "Dickens Fair Folk"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
Photos from Second Weekend 2009 offlineKim 1 Today, 1:52 PM
Do we have a Krampus? Glen 22 Today, 1:26 PM
My Photos from the First Weekend Chris 18 Today, 1:10 PM
Lost & Found - What have you lost? Have you found something? *SilverUnicorn* 67 Today, 1:08 PM