WE DID IT!!!

We did it!  Circle Circle dot dot successfully survived our first production!  We had amazing San Diego audiences!  We are so grateful to all who came, shared their love (and their heartache), and requested that we return with more original cutting-edge Community-Based Theatre!  And bet your sweet asses we absolutely will! 

Circle has a full schedule already planned for the fall and we couldn't be more excited to get on top of it!  Here is what's to come:

*CCdd has been asked by the San Diego Dance Theater (www.sandiegodancetheater.org) to create a site-specific performance piece to be woven into their critically acclaimed Trolley Dances happening September 24th-25th and October 1-2nd.

*We are already in the process of starting work on our second fully-realized production that will be performing at the 10th Ave. Theater in November! 

*We also have a full list of ideas for future shows, a list of awesome party fundraisers that you ALL will be invited to, and a lot more fun! 

We want to interact with you San Diego, we want you in on all of it, and we will keep you up-to-date with this blog, and on our facebook every single week! 

One show down- hopefully a lifetime to go! 

THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE!  Artistic Director Katherine Harroff is giving away first-born children out of gratitude to all those that request one.  Time-sensitive delivery. 

See you next week!

Lovin' From Our Audiences Pt. 2: Onstage Intern Edition!

During our rehearsal process we had the honor of having some wonderful young artists come and participate in one of our Viewpoint sessions while we developed a scene for "The Break-Up/Break-Down" (which is closing SUNDAY people!  3 more days to see this show!) 

These young artists came from the Onstage Intern program taught by the amazing Kym Pappas from Innermission Productions.  Here are some images and reactions from the rehearsal:

In the workshop with Circle Circle Dot Dot, I discovered a new approach to theatre that I find really interesting. In the midst of blocking, the director and cast were acting as equals to determine the direction the show would go; they collaborated on whether or not they should keep a line and what heartbreak song they would keep. Most importantly, I found this process especially liberating. Many times, as an actor, I encounter a script and director that won't even dare to challenge it. They will stay true to stage directions, or even worse, they will have every choice and every piece of blocking decided upon before auditions even begin. This collaborative process coupled with the cast and production teams incessent use of viewpoints techniques encourages the strengths, creativity and talents of all of the individuals in order to make the most entertaining and cohesive final product. This theatre company truly functions as a company in order to turn stories from our community into a one of a kind process. – Taylor
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Working with circle circle dot dot was one of the best experiences I've had since I started doing theatre. It was just amazing being able to work with other actors and learn from them. I learned about soft focus and I really loved view points. I feel it's a great way to warm up and get into character. It also helps you connect with the other people. View points just allows you to be creative and let loose. It just so freeing and relaxing. But what was most significant for me was getting the opportunity to see the cast run their scenes. It just reinforced that each actor must put their own persona into their character but at the same time it showed me that the creative process often works better when the whole cast collaborates. It just made me love theatre that much more. I could do that the rest of my life and be happy! – Jose
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Since we had such a wonderful experience with these young artists- we offered them comps to our production.  In return, a couple of them wrote us small reviews of their experiences of seeing the entire show come together, here is what they had to say:

This show was so fantastic! It covered and elevated so many aspects of what people WANT to do after a break up. You know, you want to just become a hermit or scream to the universe that the sex wasn't that great anyway and you want to beat up the bitch who was somehow better than you. This show takes all those painful unbearable wants and says, "see? You'd look crazy doing that. And it wouldn't have any effect on your situation; you'd still be broken up at the end, and you might have a restraining order as a parting gift." That message it's so important; all the guys and even friends who have left... All the hurt they've etched into my heart was a joke on stage and I could laugh about it and then it wasn't hurt anymore. - Kelly

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Having recently gone through a difficult break up myself, I found The Break-Up Breakdown extremely therapeutic. Through all of the outrageous humor, the impeccably honest message shines through: all break ups happen for a reason, and no matter how difficult at first, with time one realizes that they are better off. All types of people are explored in this production, along with their varying types of grief. From the rebounding and sometimes incredibly kinky heartbreaker, to the somewhat psycho ex-girlfriend, to the poor girl left in pieces on the floor; A little bit of all of us is strewn upon the stage in this both gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching production. This piece may not be the best choice for those in diapers, on both ends of the spectrum, but is certainly an excellent show for those who've been through the relationship wringer and are crazy enough to brave it again. - Taylor

 

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We couldn't ask for better reviews from a group of such wonderful up-and-coming young artists!  It was a pleasure having them in our rehearsal and in our audience.  If you are available tonight to see their work at Onstage, they have created their own original piece called "None of the Above" starting at 8pm.  Break a leg you superstar young performers! 

And finally- this weekend is your last chance to see the play that has left our audiences peeing themselves with laughter and shock!  So get your tickets, bring something to clean your seat up with please, because this is getting expensive- and join us for our final weekend of our launch production!  This is the start of CCdd, but this is the end of "The Break-Up/Break-Down"  Come see! 

Lovin' From Our Audiences Pt. 1!

As we continue into our second weekend of "The Break-Up/Break-Down" we decided to keep our own words to a minimum and reach out to our audiences to see what some of their reactions were to our performance.  This is our first installment, more reviews and some fun post-show audience reaction videos will soon follow this weekend! 

But first, here is what Circle friend, Wendy Maples had to say about her experience with the piece:

Let’s talk about what it means to build something.  As 20 and 30 somethings, we build relationships.  We try to build our credit.   We build crappy IKEA furniture with nothing but a plank of wood and directions in Swedish.  At some point in the last decade, we’ve fucked up all three.  But building something with your whole heart, with every fiber of your being, with nothing but 5 bucks and the want to do it takes some balls.  Thankfully, Katie Harroff has huge ones.    

Enter Circle Circle dot dot:  Katie’s new collaborative ensemble and San Diego’s answer to so many questions.  Where are all of the good actors in town right now?  Where can I have a good laugh tonight?  Who created this amazingness?  Answer.  Answer.  Answer. 

 Right now at the 10^th Avenue Theatre, you, dear readers, have the opportunity to see something that has been built completely from the ground up, with not much more than passion and a fair amount of booze.  On stage, you have the opportunity to see the most eclectic group of super heroes:  musicians/teachers/puppeteers/massage therapists/engineers/social workers/pilates instructors by day, actors by night.  All of these people will tell the tales of their relationships; gay, straight, and beastial.  You will squeal.  You will squirm.  You will want to kick someone’s ass.  You will want to ride a pony.  I’ll say no more.  Because you all have 20 bucks somewhere.  Spend it here.  You won’t be sorry.  And you’ll leave with the desire to never drunk-dial again, an invaluable life lesson. 

 I have had the privilege of being on stage with most of these fools.  I narrated The Break Up-Break Down Stage reading in April.  I love these people with all of my guts and I’ve had the pleasure of watching this beautiful beast get built. 

And building something from nothing is no small feat, people.  Especially without directions in Swedish. 

 -Wendy Maples

 We love you so much Ms. Maples.  You are the best. 

And here is what audience member Jason Perkins had to say about his experiences:  

I only had a vague idea of what to expect from The Breakup Break Down. I knew it was an original piece about relationships. That's it. What I left with was a smile and a great subject to talk with my friends about. That's a big part of what the show does, it allows you to reflect on all those crazy happenings of your own past relationships. Whether they make you laugh or cry or hate yourself for the mistakes you made. The Breakup Break Down covers it all. I would call it a theatrical, "Best of SNL relationships," but that doesn't go far enough. SNL would never get The Breakup Break Down past the censors, but the mix of outlandish, hilarious, physical humor that runs though-out the show is infectious. The energy that every performer brings to this show is a big part of what holds The Breakup Break Down together. Director Katie Harroff did not take it easy on these performers, and that shows through in a commitment to every joke, gag, song and serious moment of the play.

I can see how The Breakup Break Down could go too far for some people, but in this age of YouTube, Twitter and every other form of self-publication, The Breakup Break Down keeps pace with anything you could see online and outpaces everything you see on-stage.  In fact, that’s probably what sets it apart from so many traditional shows. The Breakup Break Down says, life can be this crazy and this F*&%$#@ up, but if you really look at it you can find the tender moments, the truthful moments and as an audience member the reflective moments.

I have two reasons for bringing more people to this show. First, I cannot wait to see the reactions and discussions that come from seeing this show. There’s a bit of all of us in the characters that populate The Breakup Break Down, even if we only admit it reluctantly. Secondly, to support the young original voice in San Diego theatre that is Circle Circle Dot Dot. I can see Harroff and her crew keeping their foot on the gas pedal and that makes me excited to see what they bring to stage next!

- Jason Perkins

We are grateful that our audiences have had such a wonderful reaction to our production!  We hope the word travels far and wide and that everyone can make it out to our show- one that we really have loved making. 

More soon! 

An Open Love Letter by Artistic Director Katherine Harroff

So... here we are! 

Tonight we have our very first audience for "The Break-Up/Break-Down," and tomorrow we open.  It seems absolutely insane that something started so sweet and small and has become so huge.  We have featured articles in several publications around town, we have a slew of people coming on opening to review and enjoy the festivities, and then we are in full swing for a 3-week run.  When I first gathered my friends in my living room and shared this idea of starting a Community-Based Theatre project, I didn't imagine that it would work out so immediately, so swiftly, and so NOW!  I am in constant awe at what we have accomplished, who has come to help, and how our fortune has turned into real potential and possibility. 

I am in love with this moment and all of what it holds.  I am in love with every person working on this project and I'm going to tell them why right now. 

To my company- I love you.  The late nights, the epic meetings, the attempted balance between your own life and the new life you have with this project- it has been insane!  Each and every day you have stepped up and worked for this goal.  You keep me grounded, you send me text messages to see if I have eaten or showered (the answer to this is usually no), and you make my heart at ease when I feel myself breaking down.  Thank you for your obscene level of commitment and love of art.  Thank you for taking risks and believing in something different and something new.  Thank you. 

To my cast- I love you.  You have taken this insane little launch-project, and have turned it into a comedic dynamo that has kept me laughing for MONTHS.  Ever since you all gathered in my living room and read through the script with drinks in hand- I have been smitten.  I am in love with your talent, with your gusto.  I love your ability to make total asses of yourself for the sake of comedy.  I am in love with your giant hearts that have never complained about our discoveries of being a new company.  I am in love with the fact that not a single one of you has ever been just an actor in this process.  You work hard.  You pick up slack.  You are amazing.  You are a gift to a director, to a playwright, to the world.

To my crew, designers, choreographers, photographers, random helpers- I love you. Without you we would be a pile of actors rumbling around a vacant, desolate, dark world.  And that would have sucked balls.  Your time and help throughout all of this is heaven-sent.  Thank you for having our back.  Thank you for giving a shit.  Thank you for believing in new art and just showing up.  This week has shown me so much in the form of human kindness that it is has left me breathless.  I love you all. 

Even when things are hectic, even when some things are scary- this love has made every single second worth it all.  I am madly in love, and think we should all get married. 

Sincerely, 

Katherine Harroff

Guest Blog: "The Break-Up/Break-Down" Stage Manager Adrian Brown!

He speaks!  The main-man, the legend, the Adrian Brown ladies and gentlemen.  Here is his insight to how exactly things have been working with CCdd for the past months:

Greetings theater junkies and fellow blog enthusiasts,

After our last post by the lovely Sam Ginn I wondered how I was going to follow that up, so I felt it was fitting to simply interview myself for this blog. Yes, this may be the first time in history (outside of a mental institution) that a person has decided to interview themselves so here it goes.

We are here with Adrian Brown, stage manager of the upcoming show “The Break-Up/Break-Down”; Adrian, how did you get involved in this production?

Well first of all, Adrian, I want to say what an honor it is to be featured in this blog.

Of course

I was approached a couple of months ago by Evan Kendig and Brendan Cavalier to stage manage this show. Some time before that, Brendan asked if I was interested in stage managing another show but I was busy at the time but I told him that if there was another opportunity to let me know; and as soon as he said that it was for “Circle Circle dot dot” I knew immediately that I had to be apart of it and I haven't regretted it since.

The show had a staged reading in April that was highly praised by the audience. What was your first impression of the show?

Well, I was invited to see the final rehearsal before that staged reading and I sat in the corner, the lights went down and what I saw just blew me away. I hadn't seen anything like this in theatre before. And I'm not trying to over hype this show or anything! (Laughs) But there were all these jokes and touching moments just flying at me that at the end of it Katie comes over and asked what I thought of the show and the only thing that came out of my mouth was “scaldingly hilarious”.

That's a unique way describing something.

Well it's a unique show. If anyone has experienced a breakup you know the pain that comes out of it: The look that she gives you before she says it's over or the one word he says that finally clicks with you that he isn't the one for you and to combine those moments where you feel that your heart is ripped right out of you with these brilliant comedic moments it just creates something that the audience can really feel and relate to. We have had weeks of rehearsals now and I still laugh at how funny this show is.

Have you cried?

No comment.

The show opens next week. Is there anything that you are nervous about before the run starts?

Not really. I'm excited more than anything to share this show with everyone. Tonight we are working on our “special” show. I've been looking forward to that for a while now. I couldn't have asked for a better cast to work with. The comedic talent in the room is just ridiculous. It's almost intimidating at times. It feels like the locker room in gym class all over again. But these folks are so amazing and gracious, I absolutely adore them.

Is there anything you can tell us about this “special” show?

More information is on the way. I am sworn to secrecy. I'm sure Katie is a hundred meters away ready to pull a trigger if I say anything about it so for now I will just say “No Comment”

- Adrian Brown

Thanks Adrian!  You freaking rule! 

There is still time to get your tickets and see what everyone is blabbing about right HERE!