Circle is running around like crazy head-missing chickens planning for our shows, or performing in other shows so our blog is poop this week. We promise to be more interesting next week, so check back!
We love you!
Crystal has been a company member for a little over 2 months now, but we've been so busy we haven't gotten the chance to introduce her on our blog. Crystal, tell us a bit about yourself:
Crystal is a hottie!My name is Crystal Villalpando Brandan. I am a proud queer Chicano/a. I have a BA in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University. I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist. I have acted, directed, stage managed, and done some marketing for theatre both at SDSU and in the community. For the past 10 years I have worked hard to be an activist both for people of color and the Queer/LGBT community. I was a part of cultural and political organizations while at SDSU. My early participation consisted more of protests and marches, more recently I have worked with theatre to convey my message.
More than anything, I hope that my stories can help someone like me. I always wonder what life would be like if I had seen more people that I identified with in media and entertainment when I was growing up. I remember noticing that no one on TV or movies looked like I did. As a teenager I notice there was almost mention of the Queer/LGBT issues. Theatre offered me a medium that could tell the stories that I can relate to. New works inspire me to keep working in this crazy theatre world. I see theatre evolving much faster than TV and film when it comes to the content of cultural and political issues.
I hope my experience and background will be an asset to the Circle Circle dot dot family. I have fallen in love with everyone in this company and am excited about the future. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and has made me feel welcome. The work we are doing is important and the passion every company member has for each project is infectious. I am honored to be a part of a team with so much endless talent. Thank you CCdd for being so amazing to me.
I would not be the person I am today with out the following people: abuelos (RIP), Mama, Yanina, Vanessa, the office guys, Will, GRL, Wastage, SDSU theatre people, ex lovers and formers enemies. Thank you!
We love you Crystal and are so happy to have you part of our team!
Thanks for checking in devoted blog-readers, but we're taking a little break this week! Check back next week for more exciting CCdd news!
Everyone over in the CCdd camp started feeling a little blue this week, and we think we know why. Show endings suck! We work so hard on what we do. This isn’t your normal “pick-a-play/put-it-on” kind of operation. We live with an idea, emerge into a community, create an original piece, and workshop/develop it in rehearsals until its ready. Sometimes we have lots of time- sometimes we do not. We always, however, walk away from a production feeling the same: sad to see it go.
“DerbyWise” is no exception. This piece is special to all of us: the cast, company, and crew. And here are a couple of reasons why:
1. Roller Derby is awesome. And the community LOVES the show!
Cast with the Renegade Rollers
We had such a blast working with and learning about this game. When we were first approached with the idea by our Dramaturg Crystal Mercado, we knew this was the right fit for CCdd. We worked hard to make the Derby Dolls happy with the piece and in the end they were pumped. Our best audiences have been the ones with Roller Derby folks in the seats. They cheer and holler and stick around post-show to meet with and take pictures with the cast. We love them, and we’re so happy that they’ve enjoyed our show. Go become a Roller Derby Player!
2. FEMALE ROLES!
Photo by Rich Soublet
Theatre is historically a sexist world. Sorry, but it’s true. Right from the very beginning. And unfortunately it has taken its sweet-ass time to catch up to the rest of the universe in how it represents women, or even what kind of work it provides to them. Good parts for women are few and far-between.
We at CCdd believe it’s time to leave this bad history behind. It’s time for Theatre to be a mirror of MODERN life, and that’s why we do what we do. Women rock. And they are funny, and brilliant, and talented. This production gives 10 women the opportunity to show those qualities off and they do- like gangstas.
3. Because you love Circle Circle dot dot.
Cast and Crew of "DerbyWise" at Opening Night
You do, don’t you? I mean, you’re reading this… so you’re at least interested. So here is the constant deal for small, new (we are still pretty new ya’ll) companies: we need audiences to live on. That’s just all there is to it.
“DerbyWise” has consistently had strong audiences throughout the run- but we want to kill it at our last two shows with packed houses full of wonderful support from our community so we can keep doing exactly what you love. So come! Support us, support women, support Derby! We love you San Diego, help to keep us around for a long time.
Xoxo,
Circle Circle dot dot