Well here it is as promised. Many people have hinted at it in conversation, so I gave in, of course, and have created my own blog. I really wanted to do something like this for Scooby Doo Live, but never was able to find the time. The hope is that I can share some of my experiences from the road with everyone back home and beyond. There are plenty of pros and cons with traveling, but what really comes from it, are some pretty amazing stories.
Just over a week ago I began my contract with VEE Corporation (Sesame Street Live) as Assistant Company Manager. This was a bit of a switch for me since all I had ever really done before was Stage Management. I have always been told that I would be a good candidate for Company Management, but had never really pursued it since I loved being a SM. I flew out to Minneapolis on Sept. 15 since that’s where the corporate offices of Vee are located. We got started right away on Monday with learning how to audit box offices. And I’m bored already, let’s get to the more exciting stories of Minneapolis…
One day while working in the office, another employee came into the CM office. She wanted to invite us to a local happy hour after work on that particular day. You know, the casual meet a couple of her friends and have a drink after work, that ‘ole routine. The CM and I said yes as we were both really needed a break from crunching numbers. We hit 5:00 and went to find her, she was still stuck in a meeting so she told us to go ahead. We walk into this bar and asked for the “Downtown Happy Hour” like we were told to do. We were ushered to the back where we found a table of 30+ people. We squeezed into the last seat and half on the bench and instantly started trying to figure out what was going on. Everyone at the table was super friendly and started making introductions. We met teachers, sales managers, etc…. After a beer or two and some polite conversation, I made an observation. I leaned over to the CM and stated, “Have you noticed how not one person here has a wedding ring on?” That’s right, we were at a singles meet-up. Later we found out it was an idea just to get people more social rather than a dating group. Let’s be honest though, it’s called a meet-up. Not to mention, I was the youngest one there. So after a while of talking to one end of the table, I say that I’m going to go just introduce myself to the others. Me? Randomly meeting people? Never. I make my way over there and start chatting with a few people. That was until I met this middle aged woman, whose name has escaped me. The name isn’t what’s important, this next part is. She had originally started talking to me because the guy to the other side of her, was getting on her nerves. So she decides that I was much more interesting (and younger) than her previous conversation. She proceeds to tell me how she used to date men my age but then stopped because her son didn’t like it. Guess how old her son is…here’s a hint, I remind her of him… So after the initial feeling of uncomfortableness, I for some reason continued to talk about the conversation. Not for long. I decided to close out my bill and asked the waitress to bring the check. This prompted a comment about how good the service is in this particular establishment, following with the fact that she works in the service industry. That’s right, you guessed it. She manages strippers.
You may be wondering why there is a photo attached with this. Well on our last night in Minneapolis we decided to get a nice dinner after what was a long day of driving back and forth from the airport all afternoon. We went to this incredible restaurant, Hells Kitchen, and had dinner and some drinks. I tried this very interesting coffee beer, that I actually asked the waitress for some cream to go with it. Upon leaving the restaurant, we notice a wine shop across the street and so we decide to see what they have to offer. After chatting with the shop worker and tasting multiple wines, I buy a bottle to take home. As we go to leave, the door opens with a group of 3 women who have clearly been enjoying their night. This particular shop has some decorative casks on the wall and one went up and started acting like she was going to drink out of it. So of course, I offer to take a picture for her. Instantly all 3 want in. Group photo time! The other two just stand next to the casks and I encourage them that this will not do. As they lean towards the faux spout, I give them a little direction. ”And a little closer. Ok now, on three, say Christmas Card!”
Minneapolis was a great city to be in for a week, but as touring goes, onto the next city. We are in Bemidji, MN until we get the show up and running with an Opening Night of October 4th! It will most certainly be a busy couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone lately with all of the encouraging texts and messages. Please don’t stop as I do enjoy having people to talk to!
Smile, Always. -AB
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| Cheers Ladies! |
