So we're ready now to dive into actually getting this show produced. The second reading of the script will take place on Tues, May 15, at Eckerd College's Beninger Theater at 8 pm. Come out and take a listen if you're so inclined, but let me know if you're planning on attending. We'd like a small crowd to create some juice for the actors.

We will hold auditions on the weekend of June 9-10, and that ought to be a blast, too, though difficult as well. There are some seriously talented actors in the Bay area, and I really can sympathize with them as they go through the rigors of auditioning. Hate to say No to anyone.

Rehearsals are scheduled to begin mid-July. I ought to be a basket case by then!

Two weeks ago, Gavin Hawk, the director of CONGRATS, organized a formal reading of the script at my home. I cleaned all day and put nice beers in a cooler, and we ate pizza and salad. Six very gracious and professional thespians came by and read my play aloud--and it was a blast! They had great suggestions afterwards and were quite complimentary and excited to be part of this. Since then I've been working feverishly to work in their comments, and in so doing, the script is much improved. We'll do it once more before rehearsals begin, but I can't thank everyone enough. The collaborative nature of this has opened my mind to consider different approaches to everything. Almost everything. Anyway, as long as I don't screw the script up, we should be in good shape.

Last night, Paul Cardor and Jackie O'Neill hosted a wonderful little wine-and-chocolate gathering for the founders of A Simple Theatre in their tasteful downtown condo, and about fifteen people got to hear, for the very first time, the first act of CONGRATULATIONS, JOE, read by Gavin Hawk and Meg Heimstead. It was remarkable--two professional actors, delivering the lines, and people howling with laughter. People from every walk of life, genuinely enjoying it, and coming up afterwards and gushing praise. While we still have work to do, I feel safe in saying: WE ARE GOING TO KILL. This is a hit. And without your help, it would never happen.

And then I kicked Gavin's ass in darts.

The dates for the premier of CONGRATULATIONS, JOE is, without question, AUGUST 16-26 at Studio 620 in downtown St. Petersburg. Sorry about this switch, but we finally sat down as a group and realized that we only had money for one show, and that the dates for 620 conflicted with Gavin Hawk's directing schedule. But we have a budget now, and the show will cost $13,200 to produce. Of that, over $11,000 will go to paying the actors, tech people, and stage manager. We will pay everyone EQUITY scale, meaning this will be a professional production. I can't thank everyone enough for helping out, and our fundraising efforts will continue. We're excited to have our auditions in May, with rehearsals starting in July. I'll keep you posted as we progress--tomorrow I'm meeting with a member of the city arts advisory committee. And I'm still writing.

Lee

Hello All!

So now we have dates! June 21-July 1, 2012, at Studio 620 in downtown St. Petersburg. We'll begin rehearsals on May 28, and casting will take place about two months prior to that. Very exciting stuff. We still need to work out the nuts and bolts of marketing--my primo insurance agent, Paul Brockus, said he'll advertise with us. Erin Hinton of Bank of America has invited us to apply for funding, and I'm meeting next week with members of the city's arts advisory commission, to whom we'll apply for a grant. The IRS has also given us a tax number for those of you who need that. On the fundraising front, I keep hearing from old friends who have either donated or said they will. It's been truly humbling to get this kind of support.