The August void
What happens between contracts?
Obligatory share our website and buy your tickets!
www.shiftorchestraproject.com
08/08/2022
I lie in a malaise concocted of exhaustion derived from closing a musical and moving an apartment into a storage unit in 90 degree weather. I spent too much on well-earned tacos. My friend is letting my crash at their place while they dog sit. On the wall is a shooting-star rainbow sign that reads “Get well, soon!”. I hear the echoes of “Jansim”, being shouted at me by the Korean masters I used to spar with. Jansim translates roughly to reserve energy—something you’re evidently supposed to have unlimited supplies of. I wasn’t allowed to quit fighting until they let me. There really isn’t the same glory in writing e-mails. At least back then I got to use a sword.
08/12/2022
I’m twenty-eight now. Some new friends surprised me with a lovely evening of dinner and cake. I’ve been diving into studying Sarah’s “Mass for the Endangered”, which brings me new life, along with the encouragement of our steady but sure fundraising. I’m awash in e-mails that require urgent replies that are followed up with “I’ll be out of the office until—”, implying that the matter was not, in fact, urgent. I must go acquire new clothes and get rid of some head-hair.
I’ve spent much of the week delivering parts. It’s been a great way to continue exploring the city, including a large forest preserve through which I—true to form—accidentally took the route involving the most stairs….
8/18/2022
Forecasting fundraising is a bit like predicting the weather. This week had promised to go well enough that I might be able to take a few days away from researching donors and writing e-mails. Oh well.
The weather’s been beautiful. Delivering parts continues to show me new nooks and crannies of the city, and highlights my dearth of social grace. I’ve taken the excuse of being between leases to allow myself some explorations of Boston’s culinary offerings, which are varied and exceptionally delicious if, like the rest of this city, a bit expensive.
I stuff my face with a block of cheese disguised as an empanada and feel my heart slow. This is the way it must be.
8/20/22
A glimmer of hope as a restauranteur offers to collaborate with us on the concert. The to-do list for this concert has become a practical demonstration of Occam’s razor.
8/21/22
My YouTube suggested viewings list is now full of digital-nomads living/working out of converted vans and studios they’ve built in the Alaskan Wilderness. Is it trying to tell me something?
9/4/22
Times move fast. I’ve been oriented at Berklee and my classes begin this week (now I’m teaching three). I’m negotiating my first professional theater contract, I’m testing technology for the Mass. I presently have four computers in my care…but also I’ve completed what is hopefully my final couch-surfing stint for a long time. I drink some coffee that I made in my own (shared), kitchen and wait for it to kick in. We’re in the final stretch of the marathon now.
Bonus round: