Day 1: First Production Meeting

Now that I'm back in Bournemouth, things are really starting to kick-off!
Today I spent some time making an 'ultimate sourcing list' which I'm sure will be added to over time,  I've printed out multiple copies which I then distributed at the production meeting.
Here is a copy:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=31843A379A3CA19!122&authkey=!AKyKIx6KDgTzWIU
At 2:45 I had my first meeting with Sarah my wonderful costume supervisor and we basically just talked through everything that would be needed for  each design and how we would go-about obtaining these things. We're both still a bit stumped about the yellow uniforms, but we think sourcing white jackets and dyeing them is definitely the way forward. We talked about going to Southall next week but that plan has since been altered via the production meeting. We also had a talk about to what extent props were part of the costume team's responsibility, and where to draw the line.

At 4:00 I had a production meeting in the theatre with the director, the production manager, the head course tutors, and my student team (minus one of the makers and the scenic artist). It was a whirlwind of a meeting and I came-out feeling totally bewildered and overwhelmed- I'm just going to make lots of lists and then hopefully I'll know where to start.

General Notes:

• Flame retardant fabric for the seating will be really really expensive, sacrifice making it 'indian fabric' and just use normal display fabric with a couple of runners sewn along some of the cushions.
• Get Flame-proof display fabric from MacDougals, again will be expensive.
• Benedick will be splashing in the pool and will need rubber boots for that scene.
• Kirsty the technical supervisor has a meeting on Monday afternoon which I might try and get in on, so I know what her role is.
• The first 2 weeks of rehearsals will be off-site in Winton. 
• The Set needs to be basically complete after those 2 weeks to enable the actors to rehearse in the space.
• The floor is really important to get done asap.

Costume Notes:

•  -Look at Denny's and Alexander's for jackets, also livery companies.
  - Look in Army surplus stores and online for the watch
  - Research the right type of braid we need to embellish the jackets (thickness etc)
  - Look in the costume store at the Arabian Nights costumes to see if there is anything suitable

Set Notes:

•   Balcony: The laser cut screen could restrict the view of lighting, sound and DSM too much. They could be out on the balcony or the pattern could be more open.
• - Need a plan B for the audience entrance in case of Rain
• - Illuminated fire exit signs need to be visible
• - Wooden Ladders not widely available due to health and safety regs, if there is a ladder there it needs to be usable.
• - Need somewhere else for the actors to sit, perhaps a couple of wooden benches. These could be used in the wedding scene and could fit under the stairs when not needed in the space.
• -Make sure all fabric is fireproof, buy it in the right colour, don't dye it.
• - First 2 weeks of rehearsals will be offsite, the third week will be in the theatre with the set as near to complete as possible.
• -Tech rehearsal will probably be 24th october, Dress 25th in the afternoon before the evening performance.
• -Scaffolding painted a distressed blue not solid colour?
• - Send John images of swords and he will source them.

So I've got a lot to be getting on with, but I'm not quite sure where to start. So I made a to-do list for the weekend.

SATURDAY
am- Tile Research
am- Try to contact Banyards about tree.
Mid- Visit Pokesdown to try Vintage Shops for Striped Blazer for Benedick.
pm- (go to the bank)
pm/eve- Update Script Breakdown and Costume Plot- send to Sarah
eve/night- (finish unpacking)

SUNDAY
am- Complete remaining designs (6)
eve- Brief Maker about missed meeting.
night- catch-up.