The Biggest Hurdle

Here, I thought I would be a lot more productive in writing these posts now that I knew I had buy-in for my whole Carnival project.  Instead I’ve been reluctant to write because I wasn’t sure what I had to say.

Today brings good news though.  I have held all along that various kinds of acts need to have a certain kind of balance to them.  And that balance is generally things arranged in odd numbers.

For example any magic act I do will always have an odd number of routines in it.  3, 5, 7, 9.  This is because it allows for a kind of collection of ‘beginning, middle, and end.’  Even numbers don’t divide an act structure right.

For the Carnival I have wanted to make absolutely certain that I had at least three acts to present.  And getting the buy-in for that has kept me on pins and needles for a while.  Today we now have confirmed three acts for Kingdom A&S!

Whew.

Now begins the process of building and rehearsing those acts along with the wonderful other things we will be doing.  Carnival games that need to be built.  “Stage” dressing and lighting that we need to work on.  Things of that nature.  Every time I turn around I find layers of structure that need to be thought about and addressed.

That’s okay though.  I think that is really a big part of the overall fun.

So, for the moment at least, here is what The Carnival of The Phoenix will be opening with:

• Song and Storytelling from the lovely Vittoria
• An original Puppet Show from the lovely Yukiko and company
• A Magic Show by the not as lovely yours truly

In addition we’ll be following with an open Bardic Circle, some carnival games and a fortune teller.  I believe we are also looking to have “stick horse” races earlier in the day and a parade to lead people to the show in the evening.

Every level of this is a challenge as we build from the ground up.  What surprises me though, as I look back, is that I started this idea back in about September/October of 2011!  I know I’d played with it a time or two prior to that, but that was about when I went fully into ‘production’ of this idea, talking to people and seeing if I could get their support.

Approximately seventeen months to date.

I’m stunned.

But, as always, Onward!

ps  I have an obvious interest in images of The Phoenix.  The above image is from a tattoo design website.  Click on the image to go check out their other stuff.  Its pretty cool!