I got a call from a friend around 5:45pm tonight asking if I'd heard anything about the drawing being cancelled. Apparently, people were showing up at the Fringe office, ready for the drawing, but no official Fringe people were there yet. It's 10pm right now and I just checked the Fringe site. Here's the note left on the homepage:

10/24/05 NEWS -Tonight's Fringe Lottery has been cancelled due to the hurricane and it will be rescheduled for a later date.

Dangit! I all this anxiety about whether I got in or not. Either way, I will be both happy and sad. If I get in, I will be happy that I am pushing myself WAY out of my comfort zone, sad because, well, let's face- there's a huge chance of complete embarrassment. Huge. Like, unrecoverably huge, bad, awful. And if I don't get in, I will be happy because I might have blown and now do not have to go through the humiliation, and sad because maybe it would have gone well. So, either way I win. Or lose. Or both.

I just added a counter to this blog, and my other blogs as well. I want to see if anyone is even reading this blog or not.

Beth Marhsall, producing artistic director for the Orlando Fringe Festival, sent out an email today to Fringe applicants I thought I would share with you. I thought this would be of interest to those who might want to produce a show in the future and to those who are just curious as to how the Fringe works. I know I am.


Greetings 2006 Fringe Applicants~

Thank you all for submitting to the 2006 Orlando-International Fringe Theatre Festival. I am very excited about the potential of your offerings and truly will do my best to get each and every one of you into our festival and one of your desired venues.
As you know, the 2006 Orlando Fringe Lottery is scheduled to take place on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 at 6pm SHARP! The lottery event is from 5:30-7pm. We encourage you all to come by and to get some snacks and drinks and witness the lottery. Terry Olson, Orlando Fringe Founder and overall O-Town arts GURU will be doing the honors of drawing at the OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC event!
The lottery will be held at 398 West Amelia Street at The Studio Theatre next to the Fringe offices. (FYI- it could cost you between $2-$10 to park in the parking garage depending on the events taking place that evening) I encourage you to arrive around 5:40pm in hopes to avoid having to pay. Unfortunately, Fringe has ZERO control over the parking garage and cannot validate parking tickets.
There will be pizza, snacks and drinks provided! This is a VERY casual and informal event. It takes all over 3 minutes to do the actual drawing itself, so be here by 6pm, should you wish to hear the whole lottery. PLEASE DON”T CALL THE FRINGE OFFICE ASKING ABOUT YOUR STATUS!!!! I will send out an e-mail to you all as soon as I have the answers to all your questions. Once you receive that e-mail, should you STILL have questions, please feel free to call me and I will gladly answer them. J

Here’s how our lottery works-

The Orlando Fringe, unlike most other Fringes is fortunate enough to now know ALL our venues going into the application process. You have submitted your application giving me info such as your 1st,2nd,3rd, choice venues and show lengths and number of desired shows.
These elements factor greatly into the lottery equation, as does your geographical location and of course, the greatest factor of all- good ole’ luck of the draw!!!!!!
Because you all have various show lengths, venue choices and desired number of shows, there is NO way for me to tell you 100% if you are in the festival, your desired venue and with your desired number of shows until we have the 100% random lottery and put you with a number from that lottery.

60% of our spaces are held for local (Central Florida artists)
40% of our spaces are for national and international artists- 10 of these slots are held for those applying through the CAFF touring lottery. Should all those 10 slots not be filled, they are opened up for other artists in international, national and local categories in that order. (For this lottery 7 are filled and 3 are available)
If you are drawn within the first 20 of the lottery, it is safe to say you are in the 2006 festival and most likely in you desired venue, with your desired number of shows.
Unless, the first 20 drawn all want the same venue as one another. (odds of this are so low-but possible)

Once the lottery has happened and a random number is associated with your show. I then go in order and place your show in a venue
based on your 1st choice. I do this until the time in each venue is maxed out. I then place you in your 2nd choice venue with your 1st choice of desired shows. If that venue is closed, I go to your 3rd choice. If that venue is closed, I call you and give you several options, less shows in desired venue, shorten your show, go to a 4th choice venue, if none of these work for you, Fringe refunds your money in full. If something else works for you, we invoice or reimburse whichever the case may be. Fringe also does reimbursements or invoices should you receive your 2nd or 3rd choice since you have paid for your 1st.
This process can get slowed down if you get called and do not contact me back in a prompt fashion. I am then unable to go to the next person in line without hearing back from you 1st. To avoid any confusion or long hold-ups, I am implementing a 24 hr. deadline to return the call I have made to you, should you not respond within that timeframe, I will go to the next person/group and you group will go to the last number. So it is VERY IMPORTANT TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO A CALL REGARDING LOTTERY!!!

Once I have placed everyone that got in their applications by Oct. 15th I will then go on a first come first serve basis from the waitlist.
At the moment I have 60 lottery applicants and 3 waitlisters. Our numbers are already up from last year.

I hope this gives you all a greater understanding of how this whole “lottery- thing” works! Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

NOTE- IN THE EVENT THAT HURRICANE WILMA HAS HIT OR IS HITTING US AT THE TIME OF THE LOTTERY, WE OBVIOUSLY WILL RESCHEDULE! I will be in contact with you all as soon as possible.

I look forward to meeting you all and seeing some my locals at the lottery!!!!!!

I just had an idea. What if i did a podcast of my rehearsals instead of video. Video is such a pain to get all up on my computer, then edit. Sound is easier it seems. And since this is a musical show, it lends itself to a sound-only format.

Next week is the drawing!

SAK said I could use the video from Friday's shows on my website as long as the final video clips had a SAK logo in the lower right hand corner and a title frame with their name on it. It's a fair trade-off: I get video footage to promote my show, they get their name out there- you never know who's watching.

I had a couple random ideas while auditioning for SAK's soap opera yesterday. (By the way the soap starts in November in the 10pm weekend show slots). What if I had a "Madge" character like in the Dame Edna show? She'd be the oppostie of me, whatever that would be. If my character turned out to be a big shiney scene-stealing diva, she'd be homely and quiet and we could play off each other. And at some point the status could change.

My second idea was to have a "boyfriend" character. I'd describe some story and then we'd act it out and then I'd sing about it. Like, we'd be in the kitchen and I would be making his breakfast and he'd come in drunk and hit me and we'd fight. I'd end up cowered in the corner on the floor...and then I'd sing. Or maybe he wasn't that mean at all, and the audience could see it was me overreacting and thinking he was this horrible mean person when really, it was me who was the psycho. I just see some kind of theatrical thing going back and forth between monologue, then scene, then song. He could play many characters as well. A boss, a dance intructor, a doctor... or it could be several people playing them.

Keep your fingers crossed- Oct 24 is when they have the drawing to see who gets to be in the Fringe! i hope it's meeee!

Well I think I might have my first source of video for this blog and to promote this show. I did 2 shows last night at SAK's comedy barn and sang a couple songs that got video taped. So as soon as I can do the following I can get it online:

1. get tape from SAK's comedy barn
2. buy a video camera or borrow one (to play the tape in)
3. edit on my computer
4. upload to my site
5. put link here

Right now I can do nothing with reguards to the show. I am waiting to hear if I even got into the Fringe or not. So no news to report.

When I went to turn in my application at the Fringe office the other day I was so nervous talking with Beth Marshall. She runs the whole thing! I wanted to make a good impression....and I did not. I got too nervous about my check being blank and thinking she would think I was stupid for not being able to fill out the check without her help. So I said I had a problem doing the whole application process because of my brain. Yeah, not charming. Officially it is true- I was a gifted kid in elementary and middle school (dropped out of the program in high school because in alabama the emphasis was on college-prep, not creativity) and so I guess I am still gifted unless it wore off. And gifted kids can do some things well and other things, like fill out multi-page applications and remember where they left the blank check and keep track of due dates and such, not very well. And, as you can see, they can also not explain things when they are nervous very well either. I have to script it out at some point.

Anyways, as I left I thought "Dammit! Now she thinks I am a retard and will never let me in the Fringe!" But then I realized what I was saying. She's probably gifted too. She certainly is artsy- her look is very punk/mother earth/grunge. However, she has to be left (or right I cannot even remember) brained to run a huge venture like this. So, she is probably is one of the lucky few who is both- good with business and numbers AND creative. So when she sees me acting flustered and nervous about applications and social situations, she must know the truth. Or not. I hope she does. I hope she reads my blog and knows how much retarded time I have spent writing about this 3 minute exchange.

The application got turned in to the Fringe office this afternoon ladies and gentlemen! Woohoo! Damn I am so happy. Yesterday I went to drop it off- I drove all the way from work to do it- and when I go there discovered it was not in the bag where I thought it was. and it was not in the trunk. I drove all the way home and there it was- in my back seat. So mad.

But now, it's all in- the check (for over $500- Jesus!) and the application. Will suck because if they don't accept me that money will sit in a non-interest receiving account. So I would actually lose money. Eh- fuck it.

Ok, so the name- where are we with the name? I know I don't want it gay-themed. Not really the voice of the show. Someone suggested "Love me, love my pianist" and I added "but love me more" at the end. Kinda funny I think. I don't know- I am not a real titles person. Other people are better at coming up with them than me.

So I think it's sometime next week or the week after that they make the announcement of who's in and who's not. Keep your fingers crossed and start saving your money for my tickets!

Oh, someone had a cool idea of making each show a different theme. So, people might want to come back to see the same show, different theme. That would be cool. That would also make it more fun for me. And I could do a different poster for each show! Hello- there's me over-doing it again. "I'll do seven shows and seven posters and seven programs and seven t-shirts! Wheeeeeeee!"

I went to the SAK/Fringe building, ready to turn in the application. I had the blank check. I stopped by SAK to pick up the backpack with my application in it that I had left there Saturday night. I open the bag- no application. I go to the Fringe office since I was in the building hoping they have a spare one. They don't. I go to the car in shock- wow. What a waste of time.

I drive all the way back home, reach for something in the back seat and there's the application.

This Wired article discusses the King Kong movie blog. On a much, much smaller scale, this is what I am doing with my own blog. Sharing the behind the scenes stuff can be just as content-rich and entertaining as the final product. And shouldn't the marketing (which is really what these blogs are) for the final product be this way?

I took my application to SAK last night in hopes of being able to drop it off at the Fringe office. I didn't know how that would get done exactly, as the office was probably not open. I had the application in my backpack and as soon as I walked in the door I forgot it was there. And after the show...I left my backpack at SAK.

So now Monday I have to stop by SAK, get the bag, pull out the application and then walk over to the Fringe office. I guess it's not as bad as I was thinking it was earlier today. But still, it made me laugh at myself- leaving something so important in a place I cannot get access too until the day I need it.

The application is filled out. I have to call this Monday or Tuesday, make an appointment to drop it off at the Fringe office and we are done with the application process.

I don't like any of the show titles. They're too gay and don't really describe the maudlin, dramatic feel I want and instead focus on the gayness of the character. And right now, I don't care about a title. I didn't know until Wednesday night at Fridays that you could turn in the application without a final show title. So for now, I am not thinking about it. It will come during rehearsals.

I almost want some sad Holiday Inn lounge singer feel. Aged, has been, kitchy, bad lounge act. Maybe it starts like a bad lounge act then it turns into a bio of the singer. At first he's horribly smarmy. Then after a few minutes we realize we are no longer watching a cabaret act, but instead are inside his head examining his life through cabaret. I am not seeing a "Just Jack" thing here. More, it's like a Mrs Haversham/Tim Burton thing.

Curently: application filled out, in car trunk. Turning it in Monday or Tuesday.

I discussed the name of the show with some people and from what I can make out, the name does not have a large effect on ticket sales. Also, I think not going so "gay" with the title might describe the show better. It's not about "gay." It's about the skewed take on life the character, who happens to be gay, has. And his gayness definitely has an effect on this. But it's not the basis of the show. So perhaps a less-faggoty title might be more appropriate. It's really about his personality.

I had this idea. I know people who I think are talented who are putting on Fringe shows. What if we got together and instead of having individual production company names (that we all make up just because there is a blank on the application for "production company name") we come together and use the same production company name. The name can become a brand that signifies "talented people and good shows" based on our shows at the Fringe this year. Then this production company can lend it's name to other shows done throughout the year. The brand can generate interest and a reputation.


I had another idea. What if i had a group of friends who wanted to make extra money. They would sell show tickets for me and I gave them $2 from each tickets.

I had another idea- what if I did a calendar! Each month would be a (very) funny pose and design. It would be sold as a way to support my upcoming Fringe show. It would serve to get the word out about my show and raise money. The photos would be very funny and would give a hint at the type of humor the audience could expect from the show. I could include two tickets inside the calendar along with other little coupons I incorporated from the community. My inspiration is Amy Sedaris. If you gooogle her name you get a few funny concept photos she took.

The application is filled out! A very dear person, Rob from SAK, sat down with me and helped me fill it all out. I appreciate his help so much as, I am sure we all have seen (well those of us who are applying to the Fringe) that the application is far from simple, clear and concise. LOL!

Show titles: Though on the Orlando Fringe application it says you do not need to pick a title right now, some very special SAK friends and I brainstormed titles for my show. Here they are, in no particular order. I do want to say, if the title of the show is something YOU suggested, I will most definitely give your ass credit! Do not worry. (Just remind me, as right now I am drunk)

And listen bitches- I want feedback. Tell me what you like the best. Tell me what you think will work at Fringe.Your feedback is very much welcome, no matter who the hell you are. Just tell me what you like.

The show is a gay man improvising an entire cabaret. The show will be semi-autobiographical. It will be me, only heightened. But no script. Also, let me preface this with this: Picture each title with the subtitle beneath it: "A One-Man Improvised Cabaret" right beneath it.

Ok, here they are, in no order whatsoever:

Let Me Fagertain You

Ab Fab Cab (Absolutely Fagulous Cabaret)

A Fag and His Pianist

Fagalot!

Fantestical!

Thoughroughly Modern Faggot!

Homo Singing

Cabagay (like Cabaret mixed with the word "gay")

I am very, very Gay

Cry With Me

Ball Change (my personal fave!)

Naked Black Man

Fagaret (like Cabagay but with fag instead of gay)

This is Gay

My Life is Gay

Gay Guy

Poo Stabbin'

Please Love Me

Sing, Gay Man, Sing!

Sing, Faggot, Sing!

Alright. That is what we have come up with. Now you email me! email@markbaratelli.com

I want to give another shout-out to the cast of the benefit musical "Company." I got the chance to hang a bit with a very amazing new friend, Robyn Pendretitti tonight, after her show. She was amazing in the show last night and I am sure amazing tonight. If you saw the show, you know what I am talking about. Just very good vibes and good performing from a smart, mature, pretty and very sweet actor. I wish only the best for this ho and cannot wait to see more from her. And y'all...mke her start a blog! I am sure it wil be hilarious!

I would like to hold public rehearsals eventually. I think doing it in public once the format is in place is a good idea. Yesterday I asked, while I was at the downtown branch of the Orlando Public Library, how one could book their stage for that use. I gave my name and number and I got the card for the person to talk with.

Saturday night I told one of the SAK pianists I was doing the show. I didn't ask him outright if he wanted to do it. If I make it into the festival, then I will begin searching for an accompanist. Is that smart? Hell I don't know.


The friend I first thought of to direct this show said yes. And then said he was moving away in two weeks. He's going to Tennesse to live with Dolly Parton and work at the Comedy Barn, where he says a giant pig ends the show in a not-funny gag that is not funny. I wish he could stay but he has to go. Dag nabbit. Very talented guy.

Status:
-application: new one printed out Sunday, due in two weeks

It's 4am Sunday morning. I played the 8pm SAK show, then watched Fourplay, then went to the closing night party for Fourplay. Wow, what an impressive, well-put-together show. Wish I could have been a part of it. The cast was very good. They really went out with a bang tonight.

I got some feedback from a respected person about the show length- he says it should be 45 minutes. If it's 30 minutes, he says, I absolutely cannot go over that time (Fringe rules). If the show is published as 45 minutes, then I can do 45 or less and will be safe. So if the show ends up being 38 minutes, I am good. THe show will differ in time each performance. Makes sense to me. He said to do the 60-seat venue this year then if it goes well, do 100 seats next year.

I posted a crude, hand-drawn 8.5 by 11 "poster" in the SAK greenroom saying (a) I am doing the show and (b) I am blogging about it daily.

Still have not printed out the new application.

I had an idea to treat the workshops as shows somewhere. Like, have it be open. I perform and the director directs while the audience is watching. Might be neat to audience. Or maybe after a couple months of workshopping it I can open it up to an audience. Non-paid of course. Unless it gets good, then I could charge perhaps.

I like the name "Improv Cabaret." It says exactly what it is and does not involve my name. That makes me more comfortable than having my name right there on the poster. First of all, the only reason I'd do that is to flatter myself. No one in Orlando knows my name. It holds no value to the audience when viewing the poster.

OK so this is the beginning of my journey to the Fringe Festival. The very first post. Right now this is where I stand:

-application incomplete, in bag somewhere. plans to reprint and fill out by end of weekend

-shared three ideas on my other blog and came to the conclusion of doing the Improv Cabaret idea.

-no piano player yet, no rehearsals scheduled

-in the midst of setting up a long-form workshop with friend. Will be weekly.

-broke my phone Tuesday night and my car died Thursday night