12/28/08

St. Louis, MO

It's pretty odd to say that I'm in all these cities because I don't actually get to see them. I'm sleeping during most of the traveling, and pretty much the rest of the time is spent in the venue. I knew it would be like this, so I'm not complaining. I'm just letting you know how it is.

So today we had another 8am call. We loaded in a lot faster than yesterday. Brandon (the other video tech) and I actually got a little break around 3:30 because we were all set by then. Hopefully as we get better at this we'll have more time between load in and the show. We're still working out issues with the projector and rack patching. We've had a different set up for the projector every time so far. Tomorrow will be different again because we're in a theater rear projecting.

I haven't actually met Jeff yet. We've met and talked to Brian, his opening act, and he's really cool. Jeff is very talented though. I think some of his humor isn't very exciting, but seeing him in person really makes you realize what a talent ventriloquism is. People get so caught up in it and forget he's the only one up there. At one point Walter makes a statement and Jeff says, "What?" and Walter says, "What do you mean 'What?' You actually don't know what I just said??" It takes people a minute to get the joke.

Tonight's show went well. Marnell the tour manager said we did "fabulous" and they want every show to run like that. I was surprised to hear that on our second show. Definitely a good thing though!

It's been a bit odd being the only girl on the crew. Mostly because of the showering situation. We have to shower in the arena after the show's done and the trucks are all packed up (unless it's the rare occasion that we're in a hotel). Most of the showers are locker-room style. Steve said he wants to make sure I stay safe and comfortable so if I can't find a room with a lock, I have one of my co-workers (who is very cool and I know I can trust) guard the door. It's worked out fine so far.

It's also a bit empowering being the only girl though. Matt, our lighting director, said he noticed the stage hands listen to me a bit better, so I guess that's good.
It's tough, but I'm glad I'm doing it. I just can't believe what a big deal this is. I had no idea he was so popular until we started this thing.