Sunday, July 9, 2017

Keep on the Borderlands D&D Miniatures Painting - started

This is the 2nd time my boyfriend (Kelly) will be attempting to run Keep on the Borderlands, a 1st edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons module I purchased some years ago. Since it is a classic, and we will be running the campaign in-person, he decided to invest in some miniatures (Dungeons & Dragons: Nolzur's Marvelous Unpainted Miniatures) to go along with it! I've been having fun painting them, and wanted to share my in-progress pictures (apologies for the focus):

I am super pleased with how my custom washes on the undead (bottom picture) turned out! The zombies use a wash of 1:1 Guilliman Blue Glaze & Seraphim Sepia Wash over Fenrisian Grey layer. The Skeletons are a homemade wash using Karak Stone layer with a tiny bit of Sepia wash, a few drops of water and a few drops of Flow-Aid paint additive (Liquidtex), over a white primer. (All paints Citadel brand, miniatures are Dungeons & Dragons: Nolzur's Marvelous Unpainted Miniatures)




This last one has nothing to do with Keep on the Borderlands, it is a Harrower mini from Pathfinder I am thinking of using for my Bladed Scarf Magus, but I am really pleased with how the dollar store glitter nail polish enhanced this magic effect:


NOTE: Further Miniatures painting updates can be found on my new gaming blog "Tales of gaming on a shoestring budget"


Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Sewing for Halloween!

So, my dad got these bright red shiny Nike shoes [source], and decided he wanted a Dorothy dress from Wizard of Oz to go with them for Halloween. I found Simplicity Plus Size Pattern 4136.


Unfortunately, this pattern isn't going to come anywhere close to fitting him, as 1) his measurements are way off the charts, and 2) he's a dude, with a big ol belly. I had "extended" measurements before, so I figured I could probably do it again, but the man belly caused a new sort of problem, since the pattern is shaped for roughly hourglass shaped ladies. I had heard of a "Full Bust Adjustment," so I tried googling "Full Belly Adjustment." Lo and behold, I am not the first one to try to alter a pattern in this manner, unfortunately each source does it differently, so I will need to experiment.

Other bonus to me actually digging out my sewing machine & accessories, I found a BOX of PATTERNS! I had totally forgot about my collecting random patterns I've found at thrift stores over the ages, and most of them were costumes, too! Unfortunately I either wasn't paying attention to the sizes or didn't realize pattern sizing is totally different than consumer retail sizing, so even though I'm pretty slim (36b-30w-41h), there ain't no way most of those will fit me without modifications, either.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Videos of PATA rehearsals to come soon...

...as soon as I can figure out how to edit/convert them, and find the time!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Pre-liminary PATA auditions prep!

My pre-audition is in less than a week, so this is crunch time to finish up any work I want to do before Monday. I keep meaning to do a write-up about my workshop last week, haven't found the time yet, but I finalized my monologue selection and cuts! I will be doing Gina's monologue from Hole In The Sky by Reed McColm and Chuck Lorre Productions #267. My monologues are in decent shape, but I know there's a lot deeper work I can do with them, and I just need to finalize memorizing the new cuts.

A girlfriend of mine died of leukemia last April. She was 26. She'd been ill with it once before, and recovered, and so, we thought, well, she'll do it again. I went to visit her in the hospital a few times, but I didn't like it--she didn't look good and the whole place was full of sick people.
Her organs started failing, and her skin got scaly, and the last time I saw her I thought, this could be it. But she said to me, "I know I won't die, Gina, because I haven't lived yet."
Well, she died.  
- Hole in the Sky by Reed McColm
Last weekend I went on a movie date with a very nice [gentleman]. During the coming attractions I managed to get a piece of popcorn down the wrong pipe. I started coughing. The young couple sitting to my left immediately got up and moved across the aisle. The old lady directly in front of me leapt to her feet and literally vaulted over her husband in order to sit further away from me. For some reason, I was a little miffed. But then I realized the newfound power I had. Maneuvering like a knight on a chess board, I countered their move by moving two rows down and one seat over. I looked at them. I smiled. I coughed. They were stunned. How had their simple movie outing turned into an Edgar Allan Poe short story? But it had! The old woman cried out, "Why are you doing this to us?!" I laughed and said, "Why? You want to know why? Because death, my dear woman, is the inevitable end for us all! And there is no hiding from it. Even at the AMC!" - Chuck Lorre Productions #267
Honestly, I'm more concerned about my lack of headshot, and blowout failure. I've been trying to get a decent headshot for cheap for years, and now have less than a week to succeed.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Blog Renovation: FASHION/SEWING

Hello fair-wind internet travelers and friends! I apologize for the gap of service. If you haven't noticed, I've obviously fallen off updating local Spokane/CdA audition notices, due to moving to Portland a few months ago. As a consequence, this blog has been languishing away in obscurity whilst I decided what to do with it.

Life does that sometimes. My health and finances made moving in with my dad in Portland the only feasible option. New city, same issues, but with less community.

So now I'm in Portland and, in an effort to keep myself moving forward and to keep in touch with faraway friends, I've been trying to update my personal blog on a more regular basis, mostly commentating on my personal struggles with chronic pain & fatigue, depression, and recently discovering I have severe adult ADD.

It's kind of a lot. I get overwhelmed, a LOT. And I'm trying to be as honest as I can be on my personal blog, so I can truly move forward, but it can be kind of intense sometimes. Creativity helps me be more positive, focus on my strengths, and practice follow-through. Sharing about it on the internet helps people who want to learn more, or who have similar hobbies, or who are interested in my stories & projects, as well as giving ME a sense of community & accountability. If I say I'm going to finish something, and I don't "get around to it" or forget, you have full permission to nag at me about it, please do!

Unfortunately, acting isn't really something I can do right now, due to the physical demands on my health, significant time investment required, and lack of knowledge in a new community. But I have many interests, and am trying to find out a way to support my family using my fashion/sewing/design skills.

So... that is what I think I'm doing to dedicate this blog to, for now. Eventually, I might also upload some songs or videos, as I get my recording/studio corner set up, and my voice back in training. Singing takes a lot out of me nowadays.

So!: FASHION! And sewing. And stuff. YES.

Things I may include: pictures of current projects, tutorials, design sketches, photos of Portland street fashion, costume ideas, links to patterns or great resources, fashion/DIY tips, inspirational board?

Also women power and stuff.

Really, I'm hoping this will give me a goal to focus on, to help me be motivated to sew. Most of my friends seem quasi-interested in my fashion/sewing/costume exploits, so I would love community support as well! Eventually I'd like to open my own etsy store, but fashion school is too expensive, so I'm working small to start. :)

Here is a sample of what is currently in my notebook:



Thursday, June 6, 2013

Apologies for moving

So, I had turned this blog into mostly an audition notice website for the Spokane area, but since I've moved, I haven't kept it updated. I'm trying to get into the Portland theatre scene now, since that is where I live. Not sure what the future of this blog will be for now. Sorry 'bout that. :(

Sunday, March 3, 2013

new influences rekindling old desires

Watching "Smash" and getting in touch with my High School Show Choir alumni have both made me more desirous of my Musical Theatre performance addiction... I want it. I am determined to have something to show online, for critiques and feedback, if nothing else, and soon.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Ignite! Table Reading

Table Read for Ignite! Community Theatre's upcoming play "Beware the Man Eating Chicken"

Monday November 14th
6:30 PM
Central Lutheran Church
518 S Bernard

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Foreigner Audition details

Auditions for The Foreigner by Larry Shue
Aug. 30, 31
7:00 p.m. both nights
Schuler Performing Arts Center in Boswell Hall on the NIC campus.

We're looking for 5 men who can play mid teens to 50s, 2 women who can play early 20s to 60s.

Community members are welcome to attend!

For further information, phone Joe Jacoby at 208-769-3220.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

August Auditions

Aug 9: Ignite: Hole In The Sky Booklight Reader's Theatre
Aug 10: Civic: Jane Eyre In Concert [M]
Aug 14-15: Circle Moon: Nunsense [M]
Aug 13: Regional Theatre of the Palouse: Meet Me in St. Louis [M]
Aug 15-16: Interplayers: The Boys next Door, The Receptionist,
Mauritius, An Infinite Ache, & Taking Steps
Aug 19: International Art Walk: (read previous entry)
Aug 27: Blue Door Theatre: open auditions (1pm)
Aug 28-29: SCT: Disney’s Aladdin [M]
Aug 29-30: Lake City PlayH: A Streetcar Named Desire
Aug 30-31: NIC: The Foreigner

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

International Art Walk looking for volunteers

The International Art Walk is looking for actors to volunteer for their community event on August 19th from 5-9pm. Pantomime, short skits, plays, improv and other ideas are welcome. Please contact Marilee Bailey at marileejb@aol if you are interested.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Auditions

Aug 1-2: Civic: Auditions: Thoroughly Modern Millie [M]
Aug 9: Ignite: Hole In The Sky Booklight Reader's Theatre
Aug 10: Civic: Auditions: Jane Eyre In Concert [M]
Aug 14-15: Circle Moon: Nunsense [M]
Aug 28-29: SCT: Disney’s Aladdin [M]
Aug 29-30: Lake City PlayH: A Streetcar Named Desire

Sept 5-6: Civic: Auditions: Turn of the Screw
Sept 14: Pend Orielle PlayH: 2011 Fallapalooza!
Sept 26-27: LCP: Sorry Wrong Chimney

Oct 17-18: LCP: Rent [M]
Dec 5-6: LCP: Epic Proportions
Feb 20-21: LCP: Lost in Yonkers
Mar 26-27: LCP: How to Succeed in Business...[M]

Monday, June 27, 2011

Computer microphone!

Got an external microphone for my computer from a friend's yard sale (traded her for a t-shirt)! I'm excited because that gives me more impetus to start recording (& posting) performance videos. I want to start a... sort of professional youtube vlog account of my various performing arts stuff. Monologues, songs, no dance since I'm not trained in that yet... maybe some film stuff, and/or a montage of recorded theatre performances, like an audition tape.

...but I've many personal things to deal with presently that take priority.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Songs I love & want to perform

Specifically today:
In the wee small hours of the morning - Frank Sinatra
Rolling in the deep - Adele
Feeling Good - The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd (covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé)
A dream is a wish your heart makes - Disney Cinderella

Recently, and wanting to audition/perform:
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Infected - Repo: The Genetic Opera

Ready to Perform:
Maybe This Time - Cabaret
If I were a Bell - Guys & Dolls
Til there was you - Music Man
Goodnight My Someone - Music Man
On a clear day (You can see forever) - [title song of musical]
Almost like being in love – Brigadoon
Home – Beauty and the Beast
Alto’s Lament

Friday, June 10, 2011

Dracula costuming

So, SFCC is planning on doing ***'s version of Dracula in the fall, and my costuming assignment in Stagecrafts class is creating costumes for the brides of Dracula. I know they're doing it in Victorian style, and that the director wants them in gauzy-bridal-looking-pastels-fadedglory sort of style. That's about it. I've read through the play, but don't really know what style he's going for, I assume traditional, since it's pretty accurate to the original novel.

But I has an ingenious idea.

WHAT IF DRACULA WAS STEAMPUNK THEMED?!??!?

I suddenly got very excited, but somehow, don't think this is probably the direction he had in mind, and probably wouldn't be cost-effective for a community college to produce, either.

Now ask me if I care. >:-D

Anyway, so I have to draw/color pictures of them, and come up with appropriate fabric swatches by Wednesday. Kind of excited, but still have a LOT to do!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Missed out on Civic's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"?

Well, you have another chance to experience it before they leave for national competition in AACTFest11!


Wednesday, June 8 - Audience Dress Rehearsal
Spokane Civic Theatre, Main Stage
7:30 P.M.
No Charge - Open Seating - Donations to the Festival Fund Accepted (See below)

Also, audition packets are available for Civic's In Concert production "Jane Eyre." Auditions will be August 10th. Click here for more information.

Click here for donation form for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

More Auditions

Sorry guys, just missed the Fiddler On The Roof auditions for LCP - they were last week.

As most theatre season are drawing to a close, there are only a few current postings for local auditions. However, several theatres offer classes during the summer, and there are a few amateur film projects going on in the summer you could participate in!

May 21: CIVIC: Footloose (M) (Teens only)
Aug 1-2: CIVIC: Thoroughly Modern Millie (M)
Jan 9-10: Theatre Arts For Children: Anne of Green Gables

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

local Renaissance Faires

So, if you're interested in participating in one of the local Ren Faires (Yes, we now have two), you just missed auditions for the Northwest Renaissance Faire (they were March 13-20). HOWEVER you can still call Tienne @ (509)276-7728 to audition, since rehearsals don't start until April 17th, and the Faire runs June 25 - July 24.

The OTHER local Ren Faire (Spokane Renaissance Faire, organized by Spokane Entertainers Guild) had their final auditions May 22-23, but since their Faire isn't until October 1-2, you might still have a chance there too. Contact Tara Mickschl (no, I don't know how to pronounce that) @ (509)998-9596.


Respective websites: http://www.nwrf.net/ http://spokentguild.org/home.php

Monday, March 14, 2011

How we act quote

Ran across this today, whilst researching for an upcoming stage kiss in the next production. LOVE it - this is exactly how I think about acting!!

"In acting, we are always, to some extent, split in two. (We never, as some people would have you believe, totally BECOME the character.) There is the part of us that is always ourself, standing to one side watching, while at the same time there is that part of us that is living the life of the character in that moment. The trick is to minimize the former and maximize the latter. The "ourself" part is like a guide, while the "character" part acts on the suggestions of "ourself." The "ourself" part must urge the "character" part to live the moment. But if the "ourself" part is watching the audience watching us and wondering how they’re reacting, it cannot do it’s job properly. It is a problem of concentration, but the key to concentration is knowing at EVERY MOMENT precisely what it is we’re supposed to be concentrating ON." -John Crowther