News
August 20, 2009
I’m back - sorry to my followers (mom, dad) who have missed these news updates. Summer has been filled with fun distracting projects. A lot of changes this summer. Most note worth, I recently have moved and am in the process of setting up a new sound studio and rehearsal space with my friends and collaborators Misha Fiksel and Eric Engelson. It is starting to look like a comfortable place to work, experiment, rehearse, and record. Pictures to come.
Currently, I am working on a handful of exciting plays with some exciting folks. Opening at the beginning of September is Sugar Syndrome - playing for short stint at Chicago Dramatists. Next up is the world premier of Mouse in a Jar with Red Tape Theatre (opens October 5). Red Tape and I have been flirting for years now for a chance to work with one another. Glad the opportunity presented itself with this very bold and stylized play. Finally, I will be working on Rhymes with Evil with InFusion Theatre at Studio 37. I predict this show will fully challenge me and I’m looking forward to it! On top of that, Jim Moore (T.D. of Studio 37) is the beez kneez (as they say).
April 8, 2009
Talk Radio is up and running! This was an awesome process! The ensemble is doing unbelievable work. Including Viv Woodland, our stage manager. Her dedication and attention to detail is a huge asset to the production. Chicago is full of the most gracious theatre artisans out there. I have to thank the Chicago sound design community who donated loads of equipment to make this production possible. David Naunton, Mike Tutja, Mike Griggs, Misha Fiksel - Thank you!
Sketchbook 9 is already well on its way. I think our audience this year is going to love the play ground of a set we are putting up at The Building Stage. Sam Porretta had a great vision for it and has followed through beautifully.
March 9, 2009
The month of March, I am finding, is a relaxing time. More importantly it is a time to prepare. Beginning in just a couple of weeks I am designing 6 shows in about 6 weeks. 3 plays, 2 festivals and 1 remount. I am starting to think that “sound designer” is synonymous with “crazy one.” But I love this stuff! So, more precisely perhaps, I have been “going steady” with sound design. We love each other.
First up is the technically and creatively challenging Talk Radio by Eric Bogosian at The Gift Theatre. Working in such a small space with such a technically large play has made me rethink what is possible and necessary in sound design. I have been looking forward to this piece ever since I learned I would be working on it. Also on deck, Of Mice and Men at Steppenwolf for their TFYA program, The Bells are Ringing at Roosevelt University, Diversey Harbor with my friends at Theatre Seven and 2 huge festivals - Sketchbook 9 with Collaboraction and (my favorite) 2nd Story with Serendipity Theatre. Phew!
This years 2nd Story is going to be more brilliant than ever. More amazing stories and story-tellers than ever, musical guests, and some of Chicago’s top notch sound designers. Such as Misha Fiksel, Mike Tutaj, Tamara Roberts, and (hopefully) Michael Griggs. Write me back, Griggs! I hope to see all of you there.
January 29, 2009
I am sound designing The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neill, which loads in next week at The Goodman Theatre as part of the O’Neill Festival. I am truly honored to be part of this production from all points. From working with Sean Graney and the Hypocrites to the awesome Goodman audio team, David Naunton and Nick Keenan. The run through performances I have attended promise fantastic work from our actors. I am chomping at the bit to get in that theater and begin working!
Later in February, I will be working with Red Twist Theatre (formerly known as Actor’s Workshop) on The Goat by Edward Albee. It has been sometime since I have been able to work with them. Their modest black box store front space is such a fun location to experiment with sound design. Stark contrast to the comfortable amenities of The Goodman. However, I often feel more at home in the small confines of Red Twist.
January 4, 2009
2009 has kicked of with a torrent of great activity. With Sandcastle, produced by Theatre Seven, in the works, I am keeping my focus on the not to distant future. Next week, load-in and tech begin for Stop Kiss being directed by Michael Patrick Thorton at The Gift Theatre. Michael Thorton and I will also be working together, later this year, on Of Mice and Men at Steppenwolf Theatre. Something is always happening when M.P.T. is around!
December 2, 2008
This Holiday Season I am working on another Light Opera Works show - Music Man. Pete and the folks at Cahn always treat me well and, let’s face it, I’ve missed them.
Also, looking forward to getting to work on some original music for Sandcastle by Lanford Wilson being produced by my good friends at Theatre Seven of Chicago.