Rodeny Dangerfield

I heard Rodney Dangerfield on an online comedy radio station recently. I miss that funny old bastard...

La Contenta Show 11/21 - lighting lesson learned

One thing I learned producing the show last Saturday: lighting is important! I already knew that, but the lesson was certainly accentuated.

I'd arranged to set up lighting equipment package that was advertised by satisfied, independent customer reviews as being ample for lighting a "small or medium-sized stage." Confident in my purchase, I ordered the package.

Pressed for time, we set it up the night before, and we were concerned about the tripod stand it used to elevate the actual lights, for at least three reasons:

• The stand partially obstructed the view
• It presented a potential tripping hazard
• It displaced at least a few audience seats

We made an executive decision to distribute the lights on the floor, at the foot of the stage. This put a lot of light on the performers, but from a low angle. The downside was that it cast light in an eery, ghost-stories-by-the-campfire angle. The upside was that the view was unobstructed, tripping hazards were minimized and no seats were disturbed.

I'd quietly urged my fellow performers to stand as far back from the front of the stage in an effort to let as much light to our faces as possible. Even though it was my idea, I admit that I found it difficult to do so and still feel comfortable with delivery.

One final problem was that the channel-based lighting controller I purchased only lights one light at a time, out of a bank of four. This was a surprise, especially since customer reviews raved about how this package was plenty for small stages.

Retrospect, unanswered questions:

• Is there a better way to vet or research customer reviews?
• I wonder is we could have dedicated a small table to the bank of lights. This would have displaced a few customers, but the lighting quality may have been greatly improved by raising it a few feet from the floor. Nobody wanted to sit front and center, anyway!

Lessons learned:

• do dry runs farther in advance (although it was almost impossible in this case for reasons unimportant to this examination)
• mount lighting on a ceiling or floor mounting that allows for minimum intrusion into usable spaces
• consult a lighting professional

Live and learn, and we'll improve with every effort!

Blowout at La Contenta in Valley Springs

Last night's show was a total gas. I learned a lot, and although I can't wait to reflect upon it, I must put it off a little while longer. Lots to digest.

But a friggin great show. Thanks to Jason Resler, Joe Rivera and Roberto Arreola for making it one Hell of an evening!

Chip's Comedy Club Grand Opening

Chip's Comedy Club had its grand opening last night, and I was glad to be in the audience. Joe Rivera's latest effort included Joe, Nate Lewis, Josh Hollinger and was headlined by Patrick Jaye.

Joe had live music to back up the comedians. The drummer threatened to steal the spotlight, using nothing but devastatingly timed rimshots to slyly pan a flat punchline here and there.

I did my part by coming to laugh and soaking up a small fortune in booze. Nine bucks for a shot of Scotch? I hope somebody appreciates that I took one for the team - that's me, generous to a fault.

I made a late decision not to perform, even though I think Joe would have made room for me in the lineup if I'd asked. It's been a long week, and Daddy has been too busy to rehearse properly. Plus, I wanted the opportunity to just relax enjoy some good, local comedy. I don't get enough of that. Before the show ended though, I realized I'd made a mistake, and should have taken the opportunity to "work." Next time, I'll have my excrement assembled (shit together) better, and not miss another chance.

Interestingly, there was a late audible on the headliner play: While Anthony K was slated to round out the show, Patrick Jaye brought it home instead, and in fine fashion.