Final thoughts...

It's 6:30 in the morning, and I'm up for some reason.

Old friend and colleague David Yee came to our final show yesterday. He wished me congratulations, and wrote, "I hope you got a lot out of doing it".

That made me think: What did I get out of it?

I was disappointed, frankly, that we didn't get more press out. Journalists will always write what they feel - regardless of your relationship with them - but a theatre critic in the room is always the chance of success. While most of them slam you (it's easier to criticize than to celebrate in this country), it would've been nice to have the chance at mainstream success from the big papers...

But alas, we SOLD OUT our last 4 shows anyway!

5 minutes before the show started on our final Sunday PWYC, we had about 5 people sitting. By the time the clock hit 2:31, our small house of 25 had ONE seat available! Word of mouth saved our show. While we milked what little indy press we got for everything we had, we sold out almost every show the last 2 weeks based on word of mouth... People came to the show, really enjoyed it, then told their friends to come. If your houses continue to build as the run evolves, people like your show. The opposite is also true.

But back to the idea of 'what did I get out of it?'.

Well, let's see.

a) Found out that you can put up a GREAT indy show that people enjoy for ZERO dollars! That's not an easy feat - despite how casually I may discuss it. Taking money COMPLETELY out of the equation FORCES you to think creatively - about EVERYTHING. I felt like we were golfing with a handicap - so to even be mentioned amongst all those shows whose budgets were in the $30,000 - $100,000 range is quite an accomplishment when you think about it...

b) Directed a show in an apartment, and had people LOVE the staging. Going for an unconventional venue can get you serious props if you pull it off, but it can also go the other way. My lighting design was light switches and the light from the refrigerator. It could've gone seriously seriously wrong. What I hoped for was that we could put up a show that I told cast member Bahia Watson yesterday was "decidedly unpretentious". Our audience generally agreed. Despite a couple rumblings I heard about being a tad inconvenienced, the audience in theatre basically just wants a unique experience. For an art form that is so transient and fleeting (with nothing but documentation to prove that the play even happened!), experience is key.

c) We all made a bit of money! In the indy world, it's not uncommon to make absolutely nothing for your work. A conventional co-op has expenses to recoup, so the zero budget thing meant that we could split all the box office proceeds equally amongst our team. It was a nice little bonus to cash a cheque last night...

d) I personally got a chance to solidify relationships with friends, industry and media. Rightly or wrongly, being a playwright changes the relationships you have with people in your life. Attending (or NOT attending) your newest play usually indicates where you stand with them. Friendships are lost (or created) based on whether or not a friend supports you. Friends turn into competitors, competitors turn into friends, and there's something calming about seeing your mother attend every single time...

e) Introduced a new audience to my work. Our audience generally consisted of 20 somethings beginning to work in theatre. This was by design. While friends/family is always the #1 way to build audience for these types of shows, you've got to have a hook. I knew going into it that most of my cast's friends would also be 20 somethings starting out in the industry. By writing a show specifically ABOUT those people, I was able to create a bit of verisimilitude for people who'd never heard of me. I think in general that very little theatre is written for/about the next generation (even shows written BY 20 somethings!), so I've always been able to carve out a niche by essentially catering to an untapped market. Plus, my plays will only live forever if the next generation grows up watching (and liking) them...

f) Worked with some great people. People always say this, but it was especially true in this case: I worked with some people I really like. That doesn't happen all the time, so I truly cherish when it does. Although our production had its share of dramas (as they all do), we kept it all together the entire run - and, most importantly, stayed together. When I look back on this experience, some of my favourite parts will be the things I learned from the people involved. Artistic things yes, but mostly just life things. And like I told cast member Jess Salgueiro yesterday afternoon, "life comes first". And it does.

In summation, to answer Dave's question (publicly no less), I did get a lot out of it. Fame and fortune has still not found its way to me in the 10+ years I've been acting/writing professionally - but I feel at the top of my game both personally and professionally. What more can you realistically ask for?

Bobman

Last chance to get tix is Sunday...

Hi everyone,

We are SOLD OUT again tonight. That means we've sold out our last 3 shows - and most shows in the last 2 weeks. TOMORROW (Sunday) is your last chance to watch us!!

We are NOT pre-selling any tix for the final show - to be fair to our audience. The show starts at 2:30. Box office will open at 1:30. Once they're gone, they're gone. Just show up early, and pay at the door... Pay what you can.

Thank you again for this exciting journey. We've proved you can put up a great show for ZERO dollars...

Bobman

Thursday and Friday are SOLD OUT!!

Hi all,

So we sold out half our shows last week - and that trend is repeating itself this week!

Unfortunately, all tickets for both Thursday and Friday are now completely SOLD OUT!!

We have a few tix left Saturday, but please book in advance at torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com They will most likely go quickly...

As for our final show on Sunday Oct 4th @ 2:30pm, it will be first come, first served. We are NOT pre-selling tickets - to be fair to our audience. Since every ticket available is selling right now, I can only assume that getting there an hour to 30 min before the show could guarantee you a seat, but I really don't know what to expect??

Get there early Sunday to be safe - or book your tix for Saturday like now!

And thank you to everyone for this exciting journey!! Who knew we could put up such an awesome show for ZERO dollars??? All of these SOLD OUT houses... is just gravy. :)

Thanx for your support.

Bobman

The new format is AMAZING!!

Hi all,

So I made a few tweaks - and they totally paid off!!

Made some adjustments to our opening act - and our hosting (as well as some text cuts) - and the show is getting consistent laughs for 1.5 hours!!

I like to say that we get a laugh every 30 seconds. That's pretty much true - if you calculated the statistical mean - but sometimes we go 10 seconds, sometimes 1 minute. The point is that our audience is laughing consistently throughout each of the 3 plays. That's not an easy feat...

I have written many comedies and dramas over the years, and they're very different animals. It's very difficult to gauge a drama. For me, it's more about stillness. If the audience is focused on the show, you're doing your job. If they're doing lots of fidgeting/seat-shuffling, they're probably not into it. For comedy, it's about laughs. You gotta make them laugh, or it's probably just not very funny...

I'm happy to report that this show is zipping along though! While our opening night was good, the show is about 3 times better now! Actors know their lines/blocking better, I made some good cuts, we've found the right balance to open the show, and word of mouth is getting us the right kind of audience...

We've sold out most shows this week, but we still have a bunch of tickets available next week. Please join us. The only thing I can guarantee: We'll make you laugh. :)

Bobman

We're trying a new format tonight...

So after a few shows, I've decided to try a new format.

We have replaced the comedy troupe with cast member K Trevor Wilson - who is also an acclaimed stand-up comedian (as well as a fantastic actor).

We're hoping this new format can make the show even better!

Stay tuned - as we may continue to make adjustments as the run continues...

Bobman

P.S. Here is the new list of credits....


Produced by Bobby Del Rio and Jason Morneau. Stage managed by Jason Morneau. Cast (alphabetical): Ryan Moleiro, Jessica Salgueiro, Jonathan Shatzky, Julie Tesolin, Bahia Watson and K Trevor Wilson.

With stand-up comedy by K Trevor Wilson.

Our first review...

Well, we're selling out pretty much every show now. So I guess this reviewer was right...

“People will like Three Plays about Toronto Theatre. It's funny. People will go and it will sell out. It is certainly entertaining.”

http://www.timeandspacemagazine.com/2009/09/review-3-plays-about-toronto-theatre.html


Please book in advance to guarantee yourself a seat. torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com

Bobman

Here is all the info you need...

Hi everyone,

For anyone who wants to track our adventure with the ZERO budget journey, start at the bottom of this blog and work your way to the top. I am PROUD to say that we ended up producing the ENTIRE show for absolutely no money... We even managed to get flyers donated to us, and some nice Eye Weekly preview press without hiring a publicist...

I'm not sure I would do the no budget thing again - as it certainly complicates mundane transactions like buying batteries or renting a moving van - but it definitely was creatively satisfying...

Here are a few things you need to know:

1. The best way to find our location is to go to Givins/Queen (1 block East of Ossington). We're pretty much right at the corner, so just look for the people congregrating...

2. The best way to guarantee yourself a seat is to e-mail torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com Just simply tell us what night you want to come, and we'll reserve you tix. Shows are Tue - Sat @ 8pm for $10, and Sunday PWYC @ 2:30pm. We open tonight (Sept 17), and close Oct 4!

3. Here is a link to Eye Weekly recommending our show by calling us a BEST BET.

http://www.eyeweekly.com/arts/bestbets/article/71695


4. Any other questions, e-mail torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com

5. As demanded by our audience, we have decided to creatively solve our program problem by posting our program online (here and on the Facebook group "3 Plays About Toronto Theatre"). Thanx for supporting us, and we'll see you in the theatre!!

Bobman


PROGRAM:

Writer/director: Bobby Del Rio
Producer/stage manager: Jason Morneau

Cast (alphabetical order):
Ryan Moleiro - MICHEL in Plagiarism, JONATHON in Fringe Show
Jessica Salgueiro - SALLY in Schmoozers, actor in Plagiarism
Jonathan Shatzky - MARK in Schmoozers, VICTOR in Plagiarism, HOWARD in Fringe Show
Julie Tesolin - JANET in Fringe Show, GINA in Schmoozers
Bahia Watson - MARIE in Plagiarism, SANDY in Fringe Show
K Trevor Wilson - DANNY in Schmoozers, actor in Plagiarism


Playwright’s note: “These plays are sorta based on actual people, and sorta based on no one in particular. Just laugh, people. Just laugh.” -BDR

Thank you from the playwright/director: Cast and crew (especially Jay Morneau for cooking), Ben Blais and Red One Theatre (for staging all those readings for me – thanx too to all the great actors who performed at Sing For Your Supper in Toronto and Montreal), all those actors/directors who helped me do readings in various random living rooms (Absit Omen, in particular), Bill Lane and Factory Theatre (for the encouragement, development and the money), Alessya Q (for always supporting me – I love you, pretty), Derrick Chua, Gideon Arthurs and the Toronto Fringe Festival, Amanda Lynne Ballard, Angela Argento, everyone I’ve ever loved or hated working in the Toronto theatre community for 10 years, Anthony Furey (for the show that almost happened), Jennifer McEwen, Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine, Eye Weekly.

Thank you from the producer:
Organic Boutique
Landlord and Tenants of 970 Queen St. W
Ad Factor
Timo: for helping with maintaining the space.
Laura for putting up with me. Love you babe.


BOBBY DEL RIO, writer/director
Bobby Del Rio last wrote/directed PORN LIFE (named one of 2007’s best plays by Fab Magazine). Bobby’s other independent theatre writing hits are: CHRISTIAN VALUES (#3-selling hit of 2001 Toronto Fringe Festival), WHEN CHILDREN FALL (named one of 2000’s “best Fringe/SummerWorks shows” by Eye Weekly) and CHILD HOOD (SummerWorks 2005). Published plays include: PROFESSIONALLY ETHNIC (Summer 2009 issue of Canadian Theatre Review), HALF-CHINX TAKING OVER THE WORLD (Spring 2002 issue of CTR). http://www.bobbydelrio.com/

JASON MORNEAU, producer/stage manager
Jason Morneau has spent the last seven years breaking into the Entertainment Industry. He has worn many hats in the industry such as, Stage Manager, Lighting/Sound Designer/Operator and Djing, not to mention performing Stand up and Sketch Comedy. With all this knowledge and experience, Jason has been producing and directing his own material at varies venues such as Gladstone Hotel, Healy’s and Theatre Passe Murialle. Jason is the founder of the production company, Agawa-Sapphire Productions which was formed in 2007. Since then they have produced a comedy show called Wacky Friday on a Monday, Beautiful Days (murder mystery, comedy) and filmed a Documentary, A Sense of Discovery which documents his road trip to Western Canada will his Step Dad’s Mental Illness, Bi-Polar Disorder. Jason looks forward to future projects with Bobby.

RYAN MOLEIRO, cast
Since graduating from Bishop's University's Theatre program, Ryan has worked with some of the best acting coaches in the city. Living in Toronto he has been working steadily in both film and television. He has also produced and written several short films as well as a lifestyle show that is currently being shopped. Some of his favorite theatre credits include: Tony from Savage in Limbo(John Patrick Shanley), Big Earl from Book of Days(Landford Wilson),and Sir Toby from Twelfth Night(Bill Shakespeare) He is SUPER DUPER PUMPED to be working with Bob and the rest of the cast!

JESSICA SALGUEIRO, cast
Winnipeg-born Jessica Salgueiro loves Toronto and its theatre scene. A recent graduate from the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts; Jessica strives to constantly improve her skills. She is involved in the Second City training centre and Sears and Switzer Film School. She avidly supports independent film-makers and has starred in various short film projects with director Jerry Nguyen. Jessica has been involved in various T.V. projects, including: “In the Grid” and is currently working on a new feature film with Flow Productions. In addition to her acting, she has also delved into directing. She assisted Darlene Spencer in her production of “Les Belles Soeurs,” and directed several plays for the “Focus Theatre Festival” in Aurora, ON. Recent theatre credits include; Rizzo in “Grease” and R.P. McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

JONATHAN SHATZKY, cast
Jonathan Shatzky is a handful. On one hand, a hard-working professional driven by a passion for the arts, on the other, a sneaky little monster who will steal a bite of food right off your plate if you look the other way. Part man, part beast, Jonathan is known for his random acts of kindness, his devilish little smiles, his infectious enthusiasm, and his ability to play any song with a distinct melody on his teeth with a pen (true). Jonathan is very grateful to be a part of this production, and is very thankful to find himself in a position to follow his dreams and still be able to eat.

JULIE TESOLIN, cast
Since acting in her first play at the age of seven, Julie knew she wanted to pursue a life in art and theatre. Graduating with honours from the Fanshawe College Theatre Arts Program, she moved to Toronto continuing her passion for art and growing as an actor. Julie has worked in film, voice over, and theatre. Some of her favourite theatre credits include: Desdemona (Othello), Mary (The Red Coat), Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Pope Joan (Top Girls). When not acting, you can find Julie teaching Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga, and Nia Technique classes in the city. Julie is thrilled to be part of this amazing cast and excited to be working with such a talented group of actors! She would like to thank everyone for coming to the show and sharing your support!

BAHIA WATSON, cast
bahia watson was born in may in carman, manitoba. a prairie girl at heart, she gave up the low-cost living and homemade bread at mom’s in winnipeg, and set out for toronto to follow her big city dreams. as the playwright-in-residence at anitAFRIKA! dub theatre, writing has provided a sense of control and contribution, turning into the eastcoast demerara projects, a storytelling company in the works. when not rehearsing, reading or writing, bahia likes to cook and eat and discover the delicate layers of love. this performance is dedicated to her black mama, the ultimate storyteller.

K TREVOR WILSON, cast
K. Trevor Wilson is a 14 year veteran of entertainment who has appeared in numerous film and TV projects some of which have actually been viewed by people including recurring roles on NBC and Family Channel’s Darcy’s Wildlife as mumbling hillbilly Deuce and Showcase’s Billable Hours an Stacey the IT tech. As a comedian Trevor has headlined shows all over Canada including Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal and is a founding member of the Sex, Drugs, and Comedy Tour and Toronto based sketch troupe Smell’s Like the 80’s. He is an award winning stage director and is certified in first aid. Who is this amazing superman?