Quick Office Move Video

On my Facebook page, you'll find a quick little video of our new Office Space and the move we did. I can't believe we outgrew the old place so quickly! The new space is amazing! So much larger, with rehearsal space, office space, and even a reception area. I am just so pleased!

Big, big thanks to the entire Swazzle team for jumping in to make this move possible! It's a big step for our company and all of you are a part of it.

What an expression!

I tried taking a picture of our set up inside MOCHA but, it came out blurry (Dang you tiny camera window!). Instead, I have this hilarious picture of Tim setting up the sound system and making a great face ("What? Perform here?!" or "I say, do you smell something unpleasant"). That guy mugs for the camera like noone since Sean!

3rd Show!

Sacramento! Arcade Library, 6/14/07.

Set up a BREEZE!



These are the light fixtures in the library! Aren't they lovely?! They looked nice and craftsman-y to me and I just had to snap them.

ME! Backstage: Pre-show.

And BOY! Is my hair a WRECK, or what?!?!! I just can't make my hair look cute AND wear the headband! I just can't!

Still, I was pretty psyched for the 1st show! Look at that cheesy grin:-)

Puppet Show set up from our first show.



"Is it right?" says Anita.
"I don't know!" says Tim*

*Just kidding! We TOTALLY had this right! Have I mentioned enough how much I love the new set up?

Having Fun!

Here I am goofing off after we've set up the puppet stage. A good way to cure the first show jitters? Laugh!

Rex & Boots! First Summer Show!

Elk Grove. June 12, 2007



Tim backstage right before the first puppet show. He looks good and eager to perform! He needed the enthusiasm! The first show is always the roughest. You rehearse and rehearse but, you're never really prepared for the first time an audience sees the puppet show. After all, rehearsals are usually NOT attended by an audience, so you aren't ready when they (the audience) laughs at a joke, or claps during the chase...you can't expect it (although you HOPE for it!) or anticipate it in the rehearsal process. Don't get me wrong, Swazzle CRAFTS shows that we know the audience will enjoy! There are jokes and "bits" in the puppet show that we EXPECT will get laughs but, the TIMING...that's the thing you CAN'T rehearse! Knowing a line is funny and getting the laugh in the show are completely different animals!

The Elk Grove Library was GREAT and the Librarian was VERY enthusiastic! It's always such a pleasure to perform at a new branch (Tim and I had never performed there before), especially when the staff at the Library is as eager to see the show as WE are to perform it! The audience was excellent and the show was well attended. A GREAT kick-off for the summer!

Working it out.

Sean works through the movements of the scene.



And here it is in the rehearsal. This is one (of many!) things I've always credited with making Sean such a good puppeteer--he really puts thought into the puppet movement of each scene and what those movements and action signify.

INTERVIEW: Art Grueneberger pt. 8

Are there performers out there who influenced you? Inspired you? If so, who?

Stephen Mottram, Wendy Morton, Jim Hensen, Richard Bay, Ronnie Burkett, and the list goes on....

Thanks again!