Well The Miracle Worker Show closed on Sunday with a bang! What a cast, great bunch! In my humble opinion Rori did very well today, and for the all the shows considering it was something very new for her. She was exhausted though by the time we got home, and didn't even really want to eat her dinner. She had a bit of air about her with the other dogs, but I reminded her that she is "one of the pack" at home, not a soloist. She recieved many compliments to which I am very grateful. She is truly very animated, bright, and showy when given the opportunity.
I too was tired, but unfortunately did not get much sleep because Little Miss Maddie apparently had an upset belly for most of the night. She was very restless and needed consoling, so I spent my night trying to comfort her. By morning she was fine again. Her belly seems very sensitive and we might have to keep a closer watch on that.
It's funny how good it feels after a performance...it generates a feeling of accomplishment, and just feels darn good. Great weekend! How was yours?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Theater & Rori
Well first off, I have to thank the Strawberry Playhouse, and director Lucille Fala-Brennan for giving Rori the supporting role of Belle, in The Miracle Worker. It has been an interesting and educational journey and has taught me a lot about animals and the theater. It is NOT as easy as it seems!
When I work my dogs, I typically can be near by in well lit areas offering hand signals or support of some sort. However in theater, it is an entirely different story. First, it is LIVE, and second the audience area is dark, so I had to rely on rehearsals to provide Rori with the experiences and actions needed, and I had to heavily rely on the actors. Not all actors own pets nor have experience with them so I needed to be sure they felt as comfortable as possible with the dog and attempting to keep her in the scene. This was not always an easy task as Rori, initially wasn't sure what was expected. So with a few more prompts and hints for the actors all seemed to eventually fall into place. And at the conclusion of Rori's scene one time, she didn't want to leave the stage, but the gentleman playing Captain Keller kept his character and escorted her off as part of the show. As the shows progressed all actors including Rori seem to adjust to each other and find their way to providing poignant scenes. When some of the actors changed roles, it once again became an adjustment for EVERYONE. I understand that playing a role and trying to keep an animal in the scene can be challenging, but there are tricks to used, and prayers to said (haha). All in all it has been a great experience and if asked, I would do it again with any of my dogs. The only things I might do differently is ask the director for permission to address the cast and discuss working with whatever pet is going to participate. As each person has their own personality, so does each animal-everyone needs to have a basic understanding of one another for it to be a successful and believable journey. I would discuss the basics of handling and working with a dog. I also would ideally request a few more short rehearsals just so the dog can experience the people, stage, and scene, and so the actors can begin to develop a working relationship with the dog.
It has been a wonderful experience-we have two more shows. Tonight, and tomorrow is the close. Wish us "break a leg!"
When I work my dogs, I typically can be near by in well lit areas offering hand signals or support of some sort. However in theater, it is an entirely different story. First, it is LIVE, and second the audience area is dark, so I had to rely on rehearsals to provide Rori with the experiences and actions needed, and I had to heavily rely on the actors. Not all actors own pets nor have experience with them so I needed to be sure they felt as comfortable as possible with the dog and attempting to keep her in the scene. This was not always an easy task as Rori, initially wasn't sure what was expected. So with a few more prompts and hints for the actors all seemed to eventually fall into place. And at the conclusion of Rori's scene one time, she didn't want to leave the stage, but the gentleman playing Captain Keller kept his character and escorted her off as part of the show. As the shows progressed all actors including Rori seem to adjust to each other and find their way to providing poignant scenes. When some of the actors changed roles, it once again became an adjustment for EVERYONE. I understand that playing a role and trying to keep an animal in the scene can be challenging, but there are tricks to used, and prayers to said (haha). All in all it has been a great experience and if asked, I would do it again with any of my dogs. The only things I might do differently is ask the director for permission to address the cast and discuss working with whatever pet is going to participate. As each person has their own personality, so does each animal-everyone needs to have a basic understanding of one another for it to be a successful and believable journey. I would discuss the basics of handling and working with a dog. I also would ideally request a few more short rehearsals just so the dog can experience the people, stage, and scene, and so the actors can begin to develop a working relationship with the dog.
It has been a wonderful experience-we have two more shows. Tonight, and tomorrow is the close. Wish us "break a leg!"
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Been too long....
It's about time to get back to writing...this blog that is. So much has happened over the past few months I couldn't even begin to write it all, so we'll start from today with some quick history.Yes, Maddie the newest pup, is completely housebroken and has been for quite some time. She continues to be a little shy around new things but now explores with encouragement. She's learning new tricks all the time. She has just started her first formal obedience class.
Trevar, our handsome Scottie, unfortunately had a MAJOR dental dilemma to where he had to have several back teeth extracted. This was the first time he ever had any problem, but he took it all better than I would have. It was a very strange anomaly and one we hope we never see repeated. He's looking forward to the pool opening.
Darby, our eldest Westie, celebrated her 16 th birthday on March 2! Hard to believe. Since she came to live with me when she was almost two, I continually remind her she at least owes me two years. Her eye sight is failing along with her hearing (except when she hears dinner), and motorically she is a little awkward (except when she hears dinner), but she is still very much enjoying herself. And we enjoy her silliness too!
And then there is Rori...the animated one. Rori had the distinct honor to debut in community theater. Rori has been playing the part of Belle in The Miracle Worker production at The Strawberry Playhouse in Tuscarora, PA. It has been a fun and interesting experience and she has met a lot of new people. She has enjoyed the attention and I think she even liked being on stage, once she became familiar with the routine. 
(Below Rori pictured w/one of the young actresses portraying Helen Keller-face blurred pending permission of parents) Rori will be performing again this weekend with a different young actress.
(Below Rori pictured w/one of the young actresses portraying Helen Keller-face blurred pending permission of parents) Rori will be performing again this weekend with a different young actress. "For the Love of Hanna" my latest work-in-progress is progressing, albeit slowly. I hope to have it completed including edits, by summer. I have to.
So that pretty much is catch-up...at least with the dogs.
Oh we're trying to rescue a dog that has been running the mountain for almost a year, check out his blog/story http://savingteddy.blogspot.com
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