Moving on up! (OPT updates)

Hey folks,

Just wanted to quickly let you know that I will be returning to Yukon on Wednesday, May 4th. Once I get up north the planning will begin on what is going to be a very active summer for Open Pit Theatre. Jessica and I will start the pre-planning for the Devised Yukon Project right away. The first order of business is to get our audition information together. Yes, we will (hopefully if everything comes up Milhouse) be holding auditions in Whitehorse to find other northern artists for collaboration on DYP. I've had some thoughts about what I'd like to see in the audition.

Working as a group is probably one of the most important aspects of collective creation. Everyone needs to get into the same rhythm and have the same end-goals. I think this will be the main aspect of our auditions, making sure people can work within a group while still providing their unique point of view. And ideas of course, ideas are gold.

I asked Sarah Stanley about what to look for while auditioning people and she said one of the most important things is making sure you hire people that you can have serious fun with. I'm going to take that to heart and try and make an audition environment that will bring out the best serious fun in everyone. There will be games! singing! movement! and perhaps a creation exercise!

Anyways, I'll keep everyone who visits the site posted, of course. We don't have a mandate yet, but when we do it will include a commitment to openness in every aspect of our process. We want our audience and our collaborators to know how, why, and what we are making. I want you to be as invested as I am.

Creative Auto Update:

My Grandpa (hi Grandpa!) mentioned the enormity of the task I set out for myself in answering Twyla Tharp's Creative Autobiography questions. There are a lot of questions and I see myself getting quite busy for the next little while. So, I am making a soft commitment to get through the list by the end of the summer. I also might dish some of these questions over to Jessica, or our other collaborators, or artists in the community. We will see what happens as I am sure there will be much else to write about in the coming months.

See you soon Yukoners and I will miss you Torontonians. Oh, and if you need to contact me, or have any quesitons about OPT just email: sam@openp.it (I have no fear of spam!).