The Sideshow Blerg

The Blog of Sideshow Theatre Company

A Day in the Life of a Sideshow Intern

February 1st, 2012

Devoted Readers,

We all know you are just dying to know more about the inner life of a hard-working American Intern like Nicktern. Here’s just a splash of all the crap we’ve been putting him through!

Enjoy!

It is I, the Nicktern, returning from the depths of a wild weekend for all of us at Sideshow. We really only had one thing on the mind: CLLAW 12!!!! The weeks of preparation, tweets, and work had finally come down to this.  I had been working especially hard the night before CLLAW, the night I severely underestimated how long it would take to cut out the CLLAWBux. I started at noon on Friday, and a pair of scissors, a new paper cutter, and 15 hours later, it was done. I had finished cutting over 2000 CLLAW Bux for the event! This was an important lesson in both cutting ability and efficiency, and preparation will begin much earlier next time.

Regardless, I walk in to the Hancock Center the next morning running on fumes and coffee, to enjoy an excellent reading of Sideshow Literary Manager Walt McGough’s new play, True Places.  I really enjoyed it, the characters were very vivid for just a reading, and I liked the adventures that the characters went on throughout the show. After the reading, I helped with the load-in for CLLAW. I then retreated home to take a nap and recharge the batteries before the big night. Finally, the clock struck 9, and, like Cinderella, I slipped on my glass slippers and headed into Club 162.

But what’s this? OH, a cruel twist of fate! The Nicktern cannot be let in to CLLAW 12 because he is under 21!  Though I was quite disappointed, it’s understandable; I do not want anyone losing their liquor license. So, I headed back home, only dreaming of what wonders waited inside the event. I will survive though, plus, I will be at the front of the crowd for the first CLLAW I am legal for! Now that it’s all over, I feel a bit lost, not sure where to go from here. Fortunately, the rest of Sideshow does. I’ve been working on various assignments for Heather, Megan, Ben, and Karie, and will keep you guys updated on the progress. Talk to ya soon!

-Nicktern

Cool Song for you:

Here’s a super weird but awesome music video from one of my all-time favorite bands, Grizzly Bear:

“While You Wait For the Others”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ4jZeGUFzI&feature=related

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Meet the Nick-tern!

January 18th, 2012

Dearest readers,

It has begun. Sideshow has aquired a new intern. We are pumped. His name is Nick. We have bestowed upon him the nickname Nick-tern. It’s a delight to say.

Nick will be posting on here for the time he’s with us – so enjoy!

Hello all!

It is I, newest Sideshow intern Nick. Just to get this off my chest first– Yes, I am an American citizen– I have been told I have quite some shoes to fill after a British intern became a fan favorite. I hope to do the same.

So, let me tell you about myself. My name is Nick, I’m currently a freshman at Bennington College in Vermont, working with Sideshow as a part of this Winter Internship program we have at the school.  I met Karie from Sideshow a little over a year ago, after seeing Heddatron. I talked to her about starting my own theatre company among other things, and she said to reach out to her if I had any more questions. Some time later, I came to her with a question: Can I be your intern? She accepted, and soon I was heading back home to Chicago for the winter. Since my internship started, it’s been great (minus the bevy of cockroaches that have taken residence in my apartment). I’m learning a lot more about how a theatre company is run, and how much work that’s put in day in and day out. One of the biggest things I’ve realized is that the more artistic, theatrical side of the company (the one the audiences see on stage) is just one element of what it takes to be successful, with the other huge chunk being administrative and marketing among other things. Another is that if you want to keep up with the modern times, you must go with Google. I’ve never really used Gmail or Google calendars or anything, in fact my main e-mail address is still on AOL (hip & retro!). I’m also super excited for CLLAW 12!!!!! It’s sounds pretty awesome and should be a great evening for a couple of good causes. Well, that’s all for now! Good to meet you folks, look for these posts every week or two.

-Nick

P.S. So at the end of these I’m thinking of posting a video, maybe something funny, serious, or just a song that I love that’s stuck in my head. This time it’s the last one, here’s a tune from this kickass Austin-based band Pure X called “Dry Ice”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjfd8o2aNmA

 

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Resolute in 2012

December 30th, 2011

Dearest Readers,

Now it’s the time of year when people force you to re-evaluate your life and come up with one singular resolution that should for some reason make your upcoming year just SPARKLE. And then if you are like any honest-to-God, cold-blooded American, you are going to work your ass off on the resolution until about March, and promptly give up on it. It’s ok – this isn’t a criticism. This is just truth.

I’m personally excited for 2012 because I just do better in the even years, you know? My odd years are truly odd, so I’m ready to get the hell outta 2011 and rock out in 2012. But I don’t want just one resolution. FORGET THAT. Let’s dream big or go home, right?

As a theater person, I could make this a list of theatrical goals. Or artistic goals. But when I started to create my list inside my brain, I realized it’s really a list of life goals. And since theater and art are part of life, it all made sense that the lines blurred and the world turned grey. Well maybe silver. I’m uncharacteristically optimistic today.

Resolute 1: Be a lover, not a fighter.

I’m not 100% on board with this resolution. I freakin’ love fighting. But I think you can get people to do what you want if you are nice to them more easily then if you fight them. 2012 might be the time to test this theory out.

Resolute 2: See more plays, dummy.

I always start out strong with this one, so here goes again. Seeing plays is good for you. Just like bacon. As a theater professional, I should see as much work as I can, from all types and sizes of theater. Yeah I know, super logical. But it’s a good reminder.

Resolute 3: Make more phone calls.

The internet is making me feel stupid anymore. I think I’ll be less of a fighter if people can actually hear my voice and know that I’m not being serious. Unless I am. Then watch out.

Resolute 4: Don’t lower expectations (regardless of how people might try to lower them for you).

This resolution is a warning to you, lazy people of the world. If you expect me to be a lover and not a fighter, then don’t give me something to be enraged about.

Resolute 5: Play with more puppies and furry animals.

Resolution #6 might be to include more puppies and furry animals in plays, so we can professionally play with animals and make our lives better. Yes.

As you can see, I take new year’s resolutions very seriously. In fact, I have one more resolution to add to the list. If you haven’t already, you should resolve to be at the next Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestling match on Saturday, January 28th at 10PM. You can drink, watch ladies wrestle, and give your hard earned dollars to two great charities, Sideshow Theatre and our partner charity, Marwen. Buy tickets in advance, I might even give you a hug! I’m super nice in 2012, remember?

See you next year, Sweetie.

Ms. Megan

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