Our time in Waverly started off loading in the show the day before the performance. Â I had several outreach activities to do so this was the easiest way to make it all work. Â Hans and the crew were on top of things. Load in was a little different – some of the cases could come in directly to the stage but Windshear (a HUGE case) had to come in the “long way.” Â In the end, it all worked. Â Set up continued through the day and then I had to leave around 2:30pm for my first workshop.
The afternoon workshop was for the teachers of the Bremwood School. We wanted to expose them to the concepts of HOCUS FOCUS so they could implement it in their classrooms. Â It was a fun afternoon watching them learn, explore new teaching ideas, and share their thoughts about the project.
After the workshop, I came back over to the Auditorium to pick up Cindy, Keith and Ethan. Â Myrna – our gracious host – was going to pick us up at the hotel for dinner. Â We ate at a local establishment (one of our favorite things to do – experience “local” cuisine) and the food was great. Â I ordered the Chicken Pot Pie – delicious!
The following morning, Ethan and I conducted the second workshop. Â Students from Bremwood came over to Neumann Auditorium with the faculty to experience the Hocus Focus project on a different level. Â There were 110 students – anxious to get started learning some magic tricks. Â The morning moved along well and it was exciting to watch these guys learn tricks, get up on the stage and perform them while their peers cheered them on!
Once the workshop was over, Myrna took us back to the hotel. Â All of us went to the local Taco John’s for lunch and then back over to Neumann Auditorium to prepare for the 7:30pm show. Â Because much of the work had been done the previous day, this was an easy afternoon.
Around 5pm, we took our dinner break. Â Myrna had arranged for food to be served in a private dinning area off the stage. Â The table was set with real plates and silverware, napkins and glasses. Â Being on the road as much as we are, we don’t have the chance to eat like this often. Â Eric – our waiter – was there to take care of us and did a fantastic job.
When the doors opened, the audience rolled in! Â I could tell from the “chatter” that this would be a great audience – and they didn’t disappoint me. Â We also had a record crowd – more than 1,000 people – for the performance. Â Their willingness to participate, engage, and respond made it a wonderful experience for all of us. Â When the show was over, we were all pleased with the way things went. Â It was a strong performance for an enthusiastic audience.
A big thank you to Myrna, Hans, and the entire committee and crew for such a memorable experience!