Tut'Z Bubble Burst

I've been thinking the past few days about how I want to definitely blog about my last 2 weeks, but then I think back to everything that happened, and become completely overwhelmed. So, today, while I'm to exhausted to actually think about it all at once anyway, I am tricking myself into just starting to type and see what happens.

Every time Tut'Zanni comes together, it seems perfectly timed for each of our lives. There is something special about the work that we do, that brings a level of vulnerability and openness that has created a sort of pseudo-family. There really isn't a line between our personal lives and professional performance lives in relation to the Tut'Z, and it's amazing how much we're realizing we wouldn't have it any other way.

Not every company does or even should work the way we do. We have tapped into some kind of magic that has become somewhat of a lifeline for each of us. We come together usually at least every 6 months or so, and it seems we're always all in a completely different place! Having a baby, in a new job, just gone through a huge breakup, or are GETTING MARRIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOUR.

Things we've learned this tour:

-Back to the basics! This was one of the first times we did not hold workshops before our actual performances (we had one after they started), and with less rehearsal time (1 day before!), we did not spend time working on our technique. With mask work, and the commedia work we do especially, technique is crucial. We held a workshop on Moday before our performance, and without even practicing in our show masks, simply revisiting the technique and the spirit of play brought new life to our performance.

-How close we are affects how we are on stage. Close, both emotionally, as well as physically. We bond and understand each other deeply on a personal level, which allows us to come together for these short periods of time and open ourselves up to a very vulnerable and open style of work. When one or more of us can't be there, or if we feel they are disconnected emotionally from us, we feel it on stage. We need each other!

-Flexibility is key. Just as we have a structure that we deviate from on stage, our work schedule has to be the same. We set a schedule, but check in each night before, or even the day of, to see what needs to wiggle around. Life happens, and we need to be gentle with ourselves. That being said, we also have to realize it's not a complete lack of accountability or structure, and we have to keep a sense of urgency driving us forward.

-Transparency. Aren't all relationships about communication? That is true for a company as well. Despite having obviously more tasks, the ones who actually are acting as the hosts (because they live in the city we're touring in) tend to be a little more relaxed throughout the chaos. This is because they know exactly where everything stands, the work that has been done behind all the administrative hubub, and financial goings-on. Those who are coming in from somewhere else have a sense of coming in blind, and that only incites a feeling of anxiety and fear, and nothing good comes of that. Also, financial transparency is very important, especially for a non-profit like a theatre company. Knowing exactly how much a space costs makes you far more likely to make the time there precious. And, you'll want to sell those tickets!

-Development, Festival, Self-Production. We didn't realize we were doing it, but we created a sort of system for our shows. First, we have a development period, with a work-in-progress show at the end. Our work requires an audience to progress, so we put ourselves somewhere with a safe audience to help us with feedback and to play with the material we have put together. Then, we take it to a festival. There, we have sort of built-in audiences, and it's a great place to get press reviews and a little bit of attention. Lastly, is the daunting self-produced show. This is by far the most difficult, but most educational of the 3 types. You are responsible for everything. The venues, the insurance, the marketing, outreach, rehearsals, transportation... But I have to say, I am so so happy we did this, because it is a skill set I'll be forever glad to have, and I know will only improve each time. P.S. One of the biggest things we learned was how important marketing is! I know it sounds gross, and can be very financially intimidating, but we definitely found out why that is frequently the largest part of the budget. At the end of the day, you've gotta get butts in those seats!

That's all I can really think of now. People are constantly asking how we do what we do, so I'm trying to put that out there.

This trip was amazing. My own personal development was massive, and I made some strides with my characters and my own personal process that are helping me build confidence and even more excitement moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who came to our show or workshop, those who tweeted about us or shared info, or even just liked our photos. We couldn't be more grateful. It's a tough biz, and it's all about getting the right people to pay attention- and by that I mean you. Yes, it is great to have big Broadway players and Universities look at us, but truly it's those who love and support us that help keep us putting ourselves out there and going at it every day. We love you, and are excited to bring you along on this wild ride!