The Ugly Tuesday was an off day for both of us. The festival hadn't started yet, our posters were up, and it was raining which meant we decided to stay in and relax... with our thoughts. Let me tell you something, it's never really a good idea to leave me alone with my thoughts. I am a doer. I like impulses and following them. I love being around people. I don't need to be thinking too much. When I think too much, I dwell; I worry; I get filled with doubt; I create highly preposterous scenarios in my head and somehow manage to make myself believe them as truth.
It wasn't pretty and the less said about that the better.
The Good
Wednesday was much better! We missed our bus in the morning (I know, this should fall under The Bad, but keep reading). Lugged down with our set, props and costumes, we started walking when suddenly a horn blares behind us. There he was, our knight in Chevy armour! Our billet pulls up to the curb and yells: "I'm going downtown, hop in!"
Best. Billet. Ever.
Somehow, we also managed to finish our tech rehearsal in less than three hours as crews were setting up the space around us. Our technician and stage manager rocks!
We then found out that Industry Images - our printing experts - were located practically next door to the venue. This is also where we met handsome firemen IN UNIFORM in the elevator. Sorry ladies, I was too bashful to take pictures.
We went on a trek to the main fringe office, checking out how our posters fared in yesterday's rain. Of course, all was well.
I also checked in at the Advance Ticket Box Office and found out that we have bums in seats for almost every show during the run! I was shocked. As an out-of-town performer who's never been to the Peg before, I never imagined that people would just, you know, show up... in advance.
After setting up a volunteer appreciation show (Go Go Friendly Volunteers!), we ran into some Ottawa locals and headed out to the Towne Cinema 8 to watch the new Harry Potter movie FOR FOUR DOLLARS! (my review - it's pretty good though they cut a lot out of the book and the ending feels a bit rushed)
I also bought a belt because my pants were falling off (What? That's good right?)
We then had dinner and headed out to watch our first fringe show, Amy Lester's Little White Lies. It's a very cute show. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, we saw Colette Kendall's The Cockwhisperer, a damn funny show. Colette is incredibly sexy and self-confident. At one point when she lost her place in what she calls a workshop piece, she told any reviewers who might find this unprofessional to fuck off. I think I'm kind of in love with her. Oh! Did I just find my first Fringe Crush in Winnipeg? Cool!
The Bad
I realized late last night that I lost my bus pass.
Ah well, today is another day. No Exit Upstage opens tonight at 7 pm in Venue #13 - Ragpickers Theatre. Buy your tickets now!
Thursday, July 16 – 7:00 PM Friday, July 17 – 9:15 PM Saturday, July 18 – 6:00 PM Sunday, July 19 – 8:30 PM Monday, July 20 – 6:00 PM Tuesday, July 21 – 8:45 PM Wednesday, July 22 – 5:30 PM Thursday, July 23 – 7:00 PM Friday, July 24 – 9:15 PM Saturday, July 25 – 7:30 PM Sunday, July 26 – 6:00 PM