Land of Spirit

Four shows and THE LAST HARD TIMES is put to rest.   Don’t miss the opportunity to see Land of Spirit’s FIRST community performance.  There are approximately 85 wonderful, extremely talented, local community residents in the cast - and, another 50 volunteer crew members.  They all will make you feel at home and a part of this production. 

When the idea for this play began, about four years ago, no one ever expected a show of this magnitude.  The writing by Jules Corriere is some of her best work ever. . . the stories submitted by the community are perfect to relflect similar stories of the economic times of today.   Heater McCluskey composed some of the most heart warming and lively songs for this production.  Mix CIP Professionals ( Richard Geer, Jules Corriere, Joe Varga, Brackley Frayer and Iaga Kevin Jeff) with the local talent of Northeast Georgia and you have a performance that rivals that of any in the nation!  

Shows for this weekend are:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:30 and the Saturday Matinee is at 2:30.     CALL 706-356-8202 or 706-356-1926 for ticket reservations TODAY.  Don’t miss out - it’s an experience  you will not forget any time soon.  

Folks from all over Georgia, and even out of state, have been coming to catch this premier production of Land of Spirit. . . YOU can join this elite group by coming to see us this last weekend. 

See you at the theater, Judy 

I now have more respect and admiration for videographers than ever before!  I  purchased a Canon Camcorder back in the summer with all intentions of learning to use it.  Well, as usual I procrastinated and waited till the fall run of shows to get it out and try to use it.  I had thought that if I could use my Nikon digital cameras, then the Canon Cam couldn’t be too difficult.  What a surprise I had!

Now, it’s not the Canon product that is the trouble - it’s me - learning to follow directions or even to  read them.  I carried it to the theater and filmed the Mule Team. 

Mistake 1:  I did not even think of using electriciy - I used batteries and it took two because of the length of the show.  Now, why did I just not plug it in and not be concerned throughout the show that my batteries would not last.  DUH!

Mistake 2:  I thought that if I closed the LCD panel it would stop the filming - wrong.  It puts in on pause (I think) IF you actually close it.  Whatever I did wrong, it ran the entire time of intermission.  15+ minutes of wasted space and use of batteries.

Mistake 3:  Tried to download and edit without any training and only glancing at the book.  Worked for hours and still could not get it to work properly.  DUH!  It couldn’t be that hard to do. . .

Solution:  Go to Best Buy and purchase Adobe Premiere for Video.  I already use Photoshop 7 (older version) for my still pictures so I thought - yes, this could not be too difficult either.  I used all my reward points from Best Buy and got a deal on the software.

Mistake 4:  I take the camera back to the theater.  It was Mule Team playing again.  Things went better and I got a decent recording - came home and tried to download.  LOST a section of data from the middle of the show and the rest was worse than the first video. DUH!

Mistake 5:  I take the camera back to the theater.  It was Cotton Team playing this time.  Filming went great - however, I noticed I did not have as much time on the 16 MB card as I should have.  Yep - I had forgotten to delete all of the previous films.  I calculated how much time was left in the show and the camera told me how much time I had left on the card - It would be close, but I could make it.  I relaxed and finished filming, being careful to stop the film during break.  OR, SO I THOUGHT.  I had done it again - left it running during break - now, time on the card was crucial.  Guess what - it ran out on the last song of the show - got in the Sweet By and By song and just as they began the Land of Spirit closing song - it cut off.  DUH!  Well, I would just try again. -

Mistake 6:  Cotton Team is not playing again until Thursday - the final weekend.  So, I decide to use the first film I had shot for the Mule DVD - and I would edit the intermission and all would be good.  I worked on it for hours - thought I had it just right.  I began the process of burning the DVD.  It slowly moved up the monitor scale - in the end,  it took 5 HOURS to burn the DVD of the show - most of the night.     But, at least it was finished.  I would wait until tomorrow to take a look at the finished product.

RESULTS:  I printed a fancy cover for the DVD, using one of the digital prints from the play.  . . popped it into the TV and set back to watch and admire my work.  It starts off a bit ‘quivery’ (if that’s a word) but gets better  as it goes along - all goes well until it gets to the intermission.  Hmmmmmmm, there is the intermission scene still in the video - I just thought I had taken it out! DUH! 

Well, I took the video to Vivian to see if she could make copies so that it did not take 5 hours to burn a DVD - if she can, then we can share with the cast - even if they have to fast forward through the intermission.  Maybe one day we will be rich enough to hire a professional to come video the show!  Or, maybe one day I will find a class to take on how to make a video or at least how to properly edit the film - using the Adobe software.

The real problem is that I do not have any children - thus, no grandchildren.  If I had, I could have called the grands to come over and they would have had that camera and computer working beautifully in just a few minutes.  I have no doubt - young folks are not nearly as Technology Challenged as I am.

I’m taking the camera back this Friday night to film Cotton Team again - it’s the last weekend of the show - I have to get it right this time.  Any one have any grandchildren for rent?  IF so, give me a call or send an email!  Duh!

 See you at the theater, Judy

If you have not seen Land of Spirit’s THE LAST HARD TIMES, you only have one more weekend to catch the show.  Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances and the Saturday Matinee are the last for this season and then the play is retired!  In 2009 there will be an all new play!

The timing for this production could not have been more perfect.  In these tough economic times, it does one good to look back in history and see how previous generations survived the Great Depression Years - how they pulled together and made do with what they had.  It’s a lesson that young and old alike need to learn for addressing our current economic situation.

It’s just past midnight on Saturday and we had two shows today - both were wonderful!   Cast members were highly energized and the crowds were right in there with them - especially the Matinee audience this afternoon.  In both the matinee and evening show we had lots of folks to come from out of town - even out of the county - and, from out of state!   There were church groups, a Teen- Age group of 20 from a South Carolina Camp, family groups, and even the Jaguar Club came to support their fellow member Tommy Scott.   It has been a FULL day of laughter - meeting old friends - and, making new ones.

During tonight’s show I began to think ahead to next Saturday night - our closing performances.  We’re all tired from a fall run of 13 shows (+ four remaining) - but, I’m already beginning to feel a little sad about the closing of the show.  It has been a remarkable journey. . . four years in the making. . . and worth every ‘blood sweat and tear’ we put into it. 

Tonight, I sat and watched 90+ year old Louise Allison perform with all her heart and soul.  Through this entire year - from submitting personal stories early last winter, to auditions in March, through all rehearsals  in the spring, 17 performances in June - three weeks of rehearsals in the fall - and now through 13 fall performances, Mrs. Allison has not missed a single time when she was to be at the theater. . .  she has been there faithfully every single day and on time!  What a trooper - and, you can always bet she is there with a smile on her face.

And then, there is Jerry King.  Jerry had a heart attack right before fall rehearsals began.  However, as soon as he was released from the hospital he was back at the theater.  I must admit it makes me a bit nervous when he comes up and says to me - ” Now Judy, if I fall dead on that stage - just tell everybody I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing - I would not miss this show for anything - so, don’t feel bad if it happens here on the stage.”  I’m happy to report his death has NOT happened, and Jerry is a trooper just like Mrs. Allison.  They both understand the word ‘responsibility’ and have been outstanding role models for our younger cast members.  

We’ve missed our Non-Returning cast members from the spring, but new cast members for fall have done an admirable job - with only three weeks of rehearsals under their belt.  It’s unbelieveable how many cast members, new and returning, have played new roles this fall - they have stepped right in and taken over when someone is out and the audience has still received spectacular performances.

Today between the matinee and evening show the cast had Pizza and Pot Luck for dinner - and, following the dinner we had a real treat.  Younger children in the cast ‘peformed the scene “Who Fried the Rooster” for older cast and crew members.  They were so very funny - each of them had memorized the lines of their teenage mentors and their performance was outstanding.  We’re going to miss them this winter, but we’re hoping they will ALL be back for spring!   

One must watch Henry McConnell every single moment to fully understand all he contributes to the play.  He comes early and sets props; he stays late and re-sets props;  In between, he has roles in almost every scene; and, he  helps others in setting their props.  He is especially helpful in handling those heavy items for the ladies.  He’s there to help us clean up - inside and out.  He goes about doing all of this in such a quiet way that people have a tendency to overlook Henry and not appreciate what he does.  When fall first began we thought Henry was not going to be back - what in the world would we have done without him.    His contributions have been immeasurable and throughout the entire process I have never heard Henry complain  - about anything.  What a joy to work with someone like Henry McConnell!

Just noticed how late it is and I will try and blog more tomorrow - early church is going to come even earlier if I don’t get some sleep tonight. 

See you at the theater, Judy

It’s here, the long awaited Land of Spirit Cookbook!  Favorite recipes were submitted by Cast & Crew Members of  THE LAST HARD TIMES.  It has 200 delicious recipes and 69 photographs of the theater, play, and crew members!  It’s only $10.00 per book and proceeds from sells will go toward Land of Spirit’s 2009 folk life play!   They’re here just in time to make wonderful Christmas gifts, or ‘just because I care’ gifts. . . Get yours today, either at the theater or the Welcome Center in the Lavonia Historic Depot.

See you at the theater, Judy 

I have really gotten behind on blogging about the show. . . On Wednesday evening the cast put on an outstanding performance (their last dress rehearsal) for a special event, honoring Remarkable Women of Franklin County.  It was a smashing success and all the new cast members played their roles as veterans.

Then, On Thursday evening we ‘officially opened’ the fall remount of THE LAST HARD TIMES.  Considering the economic situation and gas prices still rather high,  attendance was good - not a full house by any means - but, well attended.  Again, the cast dug deep and pulled out a wonderful performance. 

Tonight, despite the rain we had all day and into the evening, attendance was good again.  Tonight was the Mule Team’s first production before a live audience and they, too, put on a wonderful performance.  It’s really hard to tell who are the new cast members and who is returning.  It’s the TEAM WORK that makes it hard to tell - veteran cast members have taken the new under their wings and made them part of the family!

Iris Brown and sister Bridget, and the children, have  molded right into the play.  They both have main roles, doubling for returning cast, and they are doing a fine job.  And, Cari  Turner and her two sons are doing well.  As I said earlier, all the new cast are doing a great job.

As for our returning actors - have they have grown.  Just thinking back to June - or maybe even back to first rehearsals it’s amazing how they have developed and refined their acting skills.  Their voice projection is louder (making it easier for deaf people like me to hear) and they ‘play to the audience’ much more than when they first began.  And, if someone misses a line there are not those ’signs of fear’ that creeps across their faces.   They simply move on and pull themselves out of a jam.

Richard Geer’s family was here for opening night - his wife, brother and sister-in-law - were all here from Denver - and tonight friends from New York came in to see the play.   Of course,  they raved about the play and the wonderful theater we have here in the Land of Spirit!  Richard and Jules have done a wonderful job and it was exciting for them to have Richard’s family come see their work.

If you are out there reading the blog and have not yet seen the play - PLEASE do not hesitate in coming to the theater - even though times are bad - ticket sales are going well.  Don’t wait until the last couple of shows and miss your chance to see this production - we just might need the lessons learned from THE LAST HARD TIMES to get us through the NEXT HARD TIMES!

See you at the theater, Judy 

I hurried to Rehearsal on this cool Sunday afternoon, because I had taken a nap after lunch and had overslept!    Genny was working in the office and the theater doors were closed - I gently opened the door and peaked in.  Didn’t have to wonder long about what was going on - sound and movement told it all.  Iega was back! 

Kevin Iega Jeff is choreographer with CPI. . . he was here for the summer show and the cast just adored his every move - they would work so very hard and he would have them do it over and over and over - but, always giving out compliments and only gentle reminders of how they might do it better. . .   Iega can be found watching the show from top rows of the theater; in the back - on the sides - on the floor - he knows the show from every angle in the theater.  And, he has cast members playing to the audience in every seat in the theater! 

Jules and Richard have worked just as hard on getting cast to learn their lines, selecting props, blocking each and every scene - so that when Iega comes in - fun for the cast begins - and, the show takes on that professional touch when one adds choreography. 

Iega has cast members, young and old-er,  ’reaching for the stars’, putting ‘grit’ in their stance, facial expressions and voice and he gently moves 85 cast members around the floor as if it were the easiest thing in the world. . .  He never raises his voice and they follow his directions without any hesitation.  They , too, know he is good and they aim to please.  Even though they are local performers they recognize and appreciate having a professional dancer (from New York and Chicago), especially some one with Iega’s credentials, come teach them.  It’s an amazing opportunity for these performers and they take advanage of every moment of Iega’s time.

Land of Spirit is blessed to have a great (greatest) artistic team  - Iega, Jules, Richard, Heather, Kit, Vivian, Barbara and Debbie - only three more nights of rehearsals - but the cast will be ready!  Let’s just hope you are ready - come enjoy the magic of the Land of Spirit!

October 23, 24, 25  - Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1

November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15

Evening shows begin at 7:30 and Saturday Matinees at 2:30!

Tickets are $15. general admission or $14. for Seniors (60 or over) and Groups of 10 or more!  Call  706-356-8202 or 706-356-1926 for reservations and tickets are available at the door as long as they last!  

See you at the theater, Judy

It’s hard to believe the fall remount of THE LAST HARD TIMES opens this week - Thursday, October 23 is Opening Night!!!  I have been so busy with last minute work on the Remarkable Women of Franklin County Project that I’ve not had time to see many rehearsals - and, I miss them.  There are 16 (?) new folks joining us for the fall remount and I’ve not had time to get to know them either- and, I miss the original ‘Land of Spirit family.’  Actually, I am now looking forward to seeing all 16 fall performances. . .

The Opening Exhibition for Remarkable Women of FC project is Wednesday Night: with a short program, a Reception hosted by the Garden Club - and, then the honorees and their guest have been invited to see a VIP show - actually it’s the last dress rehearsal before the play opens on Thursday - but, for us it’s a VIP Performance!  We’re holding our breath that we have enough seats for all those coming. . . over 200 have called in an RSVP - and, then there are volunteers, cast and crew - it’s going to be one crowded theater!  But, it’s going to be a special evening for the Women of Franklin County and their families.

It’s been an exciting, educational and heart-warming project to work on - and, at the same time it has been overwhelming, time consuming, and more work than anyone of us had imagined.  What was thought to be an easy process turned into what I call a “monster” because of the sheer volume of women being honored.  There were so many wonderful nominees that we changed the original objectives - and now we are honoring 250 women.  And, to add to the stress of the project - a local foundation has offered to pay for publishing a book about these women - so that we can preserve history and at the same time,  we can sell the book with proceeds going to fund future Land of Spirit productions.  Now, is that not terrific!   On the other hand, looks like I will become an author after the first of the year.

Back to the fall remount. . . I have seen new cast members Eddie Floyd and Kim Garmon (sp?) practice their big scene - American Spirits.  One is playing Moonshiner Lalan and the other Moonshiner Earl  - actually I think they each play both roles - but, you would never know they were new in these roles.  Makes one wonder if in true life they have ever been a moonshiner - Eddie talks about “taking those curves and hauling that shine” as if it comes natural.   Oc course, with him being a Lavonia City Council member don’t guess he has been in the Moonshine Business - just the Hardware Business with his Mom & Dad - they own Morgan’s on the square downtown.

Kim is a veteran Community Theater performer - not only in Toccoa where he lives but in several communities - up to 10 at one time  - before his heart attack a year or so ago .  We’re fortunate to have him join Land of Spirit and I think you will enjoy seeing him in several roles.  He will be doubling Jeff Thompson as the Medicine Man. 

There are several new children in the fall remount, too.  Such beautiful, full of laughter, children. . . it’s worth the money you pay for the show ticket just to see these kids - they sing, dance, and know not only their lines - but, the lines of the adults, as well.  Oh how nice it would be to still have that much energy - and to be able to remember the way they do.  Like they always say -” one never appreciates anything until they loose it ” - so from my blogging words, you can tell “my energy has got up an went and took my mind along with it”! 

Enough for tonight. . . just call 706-356-1926 and get your ticket NOW for opening night!  See you at the theater, Judy  

Monday evening, before the appointed meeting time of 6:00 PM, cast were already beginning to arrive for our first meeting of the fall season.  It was an informal get-together to meet new cast members, give out the fall rehearsal schedule and run through the show songs for the new folks. . .   

What fun it was to see young and old come together after being apart for three months - joyously and sincerely glad to be back in the theater and with their LOS family members from June performances.    There was laughter, hugs and chatter but when the call was made to begin, all the cast piled into the stands and made the new cast members welcome.  Stage Manager Vivian, introduced each of the new cast members and as they came down on center stage - other cast members playing in the same scenes would stand and make a connection with the new person.  And, as for the younger cast members - it was only a few minutes before the seasoned cast members (one season) had them under their wings - showing them the “ropes of the theater.”

Heather and Kitt were there, so as soon as Vivian had business taken care of - Heather began a musical rehearsal.   She asked the cast to begin with the Land of Spirit theme song and just to sing while sitting in the stands.  Well, that lasted through Moriah’s opening solo.  When the others joined in, they began filing out of the stands - one after another.  They took their place on the floor, around center stage, with new folks joining right in.  Even 5 year old Riley Whitworth was demonstrating choreography for the new girls.  It was ‘almost’ as they had never been away from the stage. 

And, it could have been the song itself that drew them to the floor - Land of Spirit - a place we call home.  And so it was, all had come HOME - to the Land of Spirit. 

Crew Members will be meeting Wednesday evening at 5:30 with Debbie Lolley.  Debbie will be coordinating volunteer Crew Members  for Parking, Concessions, Ticket Sales, Ushers, etc.  And you know what, I just bet they, too, will be like Cast Members - ready to see one another and come HOME to the Land of Spirit.  I’ll let you know what happens at this meeting, too.  See you at the theater, Judy 

Cast Members:  Please look under Cast & Crew information at the top of this site to get rehearsal schedule.  Contact Vivian if you cannot make rehearsal dates announced for your scene.  Thanks!

See you at the theater, Judy 

Jules arrived on Friday from NewPort News, it was so great to see her.  As usual, she brought excitement and cheer along with her.  We started immediately ( 3:30) with an organizational meeting with part of the Stage Management Team (Vivian & Barbara) &  Steve Mitchell, our local Assistant Director, Genny and myself.   

The meeting was short because we had the Floyd Family come for Friday night auditions due to them being out of town on Saturday.  Three lovely young ladies and their Dad jointed the Land of Spirit Team.  What joy it is to see a family enjoy their spare time together - and, we can’t wait to see the new Spirit Kids grow in self confidence with us.

By six we were finished and off to 211 Restaurant for dinner.  At the restaurant it was like ”reunion time” for Jules.  First, there was Mayor Owens and his wife Judy, City Manager Gary Fesperman and wife Mary Jo, and two cast members Anne & Richard Bielski.  Next, was another cast member Jeanette Greer and husband Sam.  Just as we were seated in came Harold & Susan Harbin, both volunteers with Land of Spirit and Harold serves as a City Council Member.  However, the reunion did not keep us from enjoying a delicious meal - and Jules said she could not leave without their homemade pie as a late night snack.

Saturday morning we were up and at the theater by 9:30.  Auditions were to open at 10:00 but folks began arriving early.   It was non-stop until after noon.  What fun we had - welcoming new family members.  There were lots of new Spirit Kids and some adults, too.  Another family came - Carrie Turner and her two lovely sons - and what talent they possess and are willing to share with the community! 

While we were auditioning on Saturday morning, Genny was busy working a booth at the Carnesville Fall Festival - Marketing Land of Spirit.  So, immediately at the end of morning auditions Jules and I left for Carnesville.  We had a delicious barbecue sandwich and Jules met lots more Franklin County folks while we roamed the festival.   We rushed back to Lavonia for the 2:00 audition schedule and took up where we had left off in the morning - greeting more new people to Land of Spirit and having ‘reunion time’ for those cast members who came to try out for more parts.  Kit McCluskey, Assistant Musical Director and Painist had come to assist all day on Saturday, as well.

By the end of auditions, we had seen 16 new members and 11 returning cast for a total of 27!  And, another family joined the LOS family.  Early Saturday morning we had met a newcomer named Iris (my favorite flower) and her daughter.  Later that day, her sister Bridget came to audition.  After coming and seeing all the kids, Bridget went home and brought back three of her children to audition - making it a total of 6 from this family!  Luckily, they all live in Bowersville and Royston area and will be able to carpool to practice.  And did I say how talented they are - Iris writes and produces plays of her own and Bridget read as if she had been in plays forever! 

I think all who auditoned were an answer to prayer.  I had prayed for the Lord to bless our auditions and to bring good folks to our LOS family who could take the place of those not returning, and would fit in with our LOS family.   And, He did - all 16 new members will bring their talents and themselves, as individuals, to the cast and our family will continue to grow.  

When everyone had left, the group sat down to assist Jules with casting assignments.  She is incredible at seeing the potential of each person who auditioned.  As they read a part selected from the play, she could envision them in other roles, as well.  And, she doesn’t just take into consideration what is good for the play - she thinks of the individual and how we can help them grow and become a better person and actor.  It was almost 7 by the time she had finished and then we all went to LaCabana for Mexican crusine.   

And, the lesson I learned from Auditoins - I must be getting really old.  I was so tired and exhaused after such a busy day that I was in bed by 10:00 that night - 8:30 Church came early on Sunday morning.

And, then there was Sunday afternoon - Genny and I were back in Carnesville by 2:00 PM to make an LOS presentation to the Franklin County Historical Society - what a delightful group of people.  At the end of their meeting, they surprised us with a 2009 LOS Supporter check!  Ending our afternoon on another positive note.

Next, there’s a presentation to the Franklin County Jr. Service League on Monday night, and a retired teacher’s sorority on Tuesday - and, the beat goes on. . .

See you at the theater, Judy