Get to Know Sarah Taurchini

With the summer running down let's see who we still need to get to know. Here is Sarah from Dream Sailors. She is one of the fantastic folks who have arrived in our world from the Georgetown U Community. Get to Know Sarah please!

1. What is your name, role/job and on which show are you working?

I am playing Beth, among others, in "Dream Sailors".

2. Is this your first time at Rorschach? If no, what have you done with those crazy kids before?

This is my first time with these crazy kids (I've been with other crazy kids, but none this crazy- and I love me some crazy). Actually, it's my first gig out of school, so that's exciting, too. I'm one of the luckiest people on earth!

3. Besides your show which of the Exile shows are you most interested in?

Skin of Our Teeth- I've heard some vague remarks from AD Seamus Sullivan and actor Matt MacNelly, and from what I conjecture, it's going to be awesome. I love the play anyway, so I can't wait to see what Rorschach does with it in the Gonda.

4. Tell us what has been your favorite part about working in the comfort of Georgetown University?

Heh... *looks around sheepishly* ... I just graduated from there, so I know the Georgetown theater spaces like the back of my hand. It's good to be at home, while simultaneously breaking away from Georgetown theater... if that makes any sense.

5. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced either designing, directing, managing or acting in this particular show?

I'm surrounded by incredibly talented, smart, and funny people- it gets intimidating. I'm the baby of the group... I have so much to learn from them all.

6. Who is your favorite character historical or fictional who was placed in Exile?

Sabina. I love Sabina. Some day, I will play Sabina.

7. In a fight which cast would win?

I've heard good things about this silver-skinned lady, but the Dream Sailors cast is experienced: multiple fights in various episodes with more weapons than you can imagine. I won't say more, but we can handle adrenalin.

8. Why should people come and see your show?

If a play is the film equivalent of a movie, Dream Sailors is the equivalent of TV. You know you're addicted to certain TV shows. This is better than reality TV, too. This is LIVE TV. In your face.

Final Weekend of Exile '08

Folks we are winding down. Exile is coming to an end but it is not quite over yet.

Tonight the kids of Dream Sailors are presenting episodes 3 & 4.

Tomorrow they do 1 & 2 and then Friday they do 3 & 4 again.

And then this weekend can you imagine we get to see them do four hour of theatre. 1 through 4 in just one evening Saturday and one afternoon on Sunday.

Don't miss this folks!

Finale of Dream Sailors Trailer

This is the end, my only friend the end!

Dream Sailors Episode 4: The Traveler is up and running. Now it is time for some marathon performances. If you missed any or all of the episodes this week is you one and only chance to catch up.

Don't miss your chance to see all of Dream Sailors from the beginning. Here is your viewing schedule for the final week of the show:

FINAL WEEK: All episodes playing!
Tuesday, August 12 at 730pm: Episode 1
Tuesday, August 12 at 830pm: Episode 2
Wednesday, August 13 at 730pm: Episode 3
Wednesday, August 13 at 830pm: Episode 4
Thursday, August 14 at 730pm: Episode 1
Thursday, August 14 at 830pm: Episode 2
Friday, August 15 at 730pm: Episode 3
Friday, August 15 at 830pm: Episode 4
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 MARATHON:
5pm - Episode 1 / 6pm - Episode 2
8pm - Episode 3 / 9pm - Episode 4
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 MARATHON:
1pm - Episode 1 / 2pm - Episode 2
4pm - Episode 3 / 5pm - Episode 4

Previously on Dream Sailors

Episode 4 of Dream Sailors premieres this weekend. The Skin of Our Teeth closes on Sunday. So get your butts in our seats ASAP. Once again thanks Grady for the video work.

Dream Sailors Episode 2 Recap

Thanks again Grady!

Remember episode 3 premieres this Thursday.

By the way the final weekend is selling fast get your tickets now.

While We Are Waiting

Randy, Colin and the crew are getting love out there in the world for Dream Sailors. First DC Theatre Scene, by way of Lorraine Treanor sends this love their way:

Actors Tony Bullock, Rex Daugherty, Lindsay Hanes, Casie Platt, and Grady Weatherford are doing excellent, convincing work with Shane Wallis a standout among the rest of the ensemble.
As all dreamers know, dreams aren’t static. These flash by, melt and merge into one another thanks to the creative team: Colin Hovde contributes great casting and brisk pacing; set designer Hannah J. Crowell designed a series of panels strung with what look like dried rice noodles (but aren’t) guided by quick footed stage hands, which quickly sluice through the front stage forming different slices of space; and the eerie quality to the dream and waking states are made vivid by the lighting and sound designs (John Burkland and Christopher Baine respectively).

Read it all HERE.

Then Stephanie of the Going Out Gurus over on the Washington Post Blog has this to say:

"Dream Sailors" makes it easy to jump in midway. I went to the second episode without seeing the first and found out that I could watch a "previously on" video on both the Rorschach blog and at the theater before the show began. Rorschach also provides a cheat-sheet with the list of characters, so it's easier to keep everyone--and their bizarre dreams--straight. Earlier episodes will also be reprised if you decide you want to see it all from start to finish.

Read it all HERE.

Grady is working on the next Dream Sailors Trailer. For those of you who are looking for some Dream Sailors' scoop, read on:

Rumors are abounding on the set of Dream Sailors as to a mystery romance. Nothing is confirmed, but a lot of time is spent on the Georgetown campus seeing glimpses of rising star Rex Daugherty and sophomore Rorschach actor Lee Liebeskind holding hands and laughing together. One stealthy paparazzi even caught glimpse of the duo embracing in joy for one another. Last Saturday they were the only two actors playing "Frisbee" together. This reporter attempted to contact each actor for comment but was turned away by their agents. I did get in contact with Lee Liebeskind current "Girlfriend", Megan Reichelt, and was told that "...their relationship is fine and that there are no issues." From her tone of voice on the phone, I am not sure I believe it.

Even Peter Marks Says He's Hooked

...I sort of got hooked. Just trying to keep up with what's going on makes the game diverting.

Read the rest of the review HERE from the Post.

Remember Episode 2 runs all this weekend and a chance to see Episode 1 again this Saturday at 7pm.

Sorry I am in a bit of a rush today, but to all of you who are waiting for the last weekend of Dream Sailors, maybe should reconsider. We are starting to sell out for the marathon run.

What the Hell?

Dream Sailors is open and it has some whacked out craziness going on. Photo by Keith A Erickson.

A Message from a Dream Sailors' Insider:

DC insiders are talking about the series premier of the new show "Dream Sailors". Although the show is raising a lot of questions with talk of massive fight sequences, Pirates, and world class choreography...the biggest buzz is coming from the drama and intrigue surrounding the set. A source close to the project relates that the buzz around town on the show is so big that talks of "Dream Sailors" season two have already begun. Although season one is written by local favorite Randy Baker, my source tells me that Hollywood wunderkind JJ Abrams has been approached to write the next season. I am told that although Baker will retain creator credits the producers are looking for a new direction in terms of writing. Nothing is confirmed, but even if not true it has caused quite a stir on the set and even talks between cast mates on where their loyalties lay and who might be returning for the next Season.

House on Fire and Previously on Dream Sailors

Above is the first in the series of previouly ons for Randy Baker's Dream Sailors. The show opened last night and in true Rorschach fashion it has already started with a bang. Or at least a high pitched wailing fire alarm.

Not five minutes into the performance last night, the hazer which they had been using without incident for almost two weeks, set off the fire alarm in the whole Davis Performing Arts Center.

Which not only stopped their show but The Skin of Our Teeth and This Storm is What We Called Progress. It was quite a sight seeing the audience and casts of all three shows milling aroudn the outside of the building waiting to get the all clear signal to go back into the building.

The good news is that all three shows and all of our audiences came back into the building and finished our shows. This would never have happened back at Casa, someone pointed out. Mostly because we didn't have fire alarms, but it was nice to be reminded of the good old days when loud noises used to happen all the time.

Dream Sailors Premieres and Reviews Keep Coming in for Skin

Episode 1: Jacob's Fence of Dream Sailors, opens tonight and continues through Sunday. I think that you all know how excited we all are to be producing Randy's new show. This fantastic cast has worked their hind-quarters off to bring this special World Premiere to life and they will continue to work their asses off for the next 5 weeks. Don't let them down and get your own ass over to see this special show.

Debbie Minter Jackson, is the second to chime on The Skin of Our Teeth on DC Theatre Scene. While not fully impressed with the show, Ms. Minter Jackson does have some kudos for the cast:

McCormick portrays the father figure with a self-assurance and swagger. Whether he’s right, wrong, just, unfair, sporting Spitzer-like arrogance, or humble-pie humility, McCormick carries it all and is exciting to watch.

Wyckham Avery as his Edith Bunker-like wife seems to acquiesce, twisting and turning to his every whim, but shows glimmers of reinforced steely strength when you least expect it-one can only pity the fool who dares to mess with her family. Cesar A. Guadamuz plays Henry, whose original and official name is apparently Cain, replete with plenty of underlying hints about his tendency to throw rocks at people in uncontrolled rage, so you know where this is going.

Simone Zvi plays the dutiful though precocious daughter Gladys, and Jjana Valentiner rounds out the cast in the pivotal role of Sabina, with a bright-eyed appeal.

Read the rest HERE.

We Own the Kids Page of the Post Today

Pick up a copy of The Washington Post today and go to the Style Section. Don't open the section just turn  it over and go to what is usually the Kids Page. Go below the fold and read some Rorschach goodness. 

First you can read all about Dream Sailors, which just happens to be opening tomorrow night. Celia Wren talks to Randy, Jenny and Colin Hovde about the great experiment we have going on down in the Theater Lab at Georgetown. She also does a pretty nice job of giving the history of Episodic Theater going back to Greece and Shakespeare (think about any Shakespeare play with the name Henry in it and you'll see where she is going with that.) Read for your self though in the article, Pursuing the 'Dream' That Lingers Longer Than One Night.

Then there is a stellar review for the folks slogging it out upstairs doing The Skin of Our Teeth. Nelson Pressley:

They've blown the dust off this one. As Nassri's gang renders it, Wilder's drama feels like the granddaddy of the edgy material Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company has bee doing for years, finding loopy ways to goof off and then land hard.

Love is given to the cast, designers and director. HERE is the rest of the review for you to read.

Congratulations to everyone on both shows. Keep on plugging.

Skin is Open, Sailors is Opening and Storm is . . .

The Skin of Our Teeth opened last night to a great audience. Thanks to everyone who makes this show so wonderful to work on. Usually we could bask in our opening but we have another opening in just three short days.

Get ready folks Dream Sailors makes its triumphant debut this Thursday. No pay-what-you-cans but all tickets are just $10 each. Want to save $5, see all 4 episodes for just $35.

And in the world of This Storm is What We Call Progress, we should have some interesting and exciting news very shortly. Stay tuned!

This Storm is What We Call a Trailer

Thanks to Karl Miller and Grady Weatherford. The Trailer looks fantastic.

Remember This Storm is What We Call Progress runs for just two more weeks and we have two more PWYCs for The Skin of Our Teeth tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Also start marking your calendars because the first episode of Dream Sailors opens on Thurday at 8:30pm. No Previews for Dream Sailor but you can get tickets for a low $10 per episode or see all 4 episodes for $35.

See you tonight!

Video and PWYC for The Skin of Our Teeth

Now the time is here for us to see what happens when Rorschach has two plates spinning in the air.

Tonight The Skin of Our Teeth joins with This Storm is What We Call Progress. Both shows will be performing this weekend. Skin has 3 PWYC previews, starting at 7:30 Tonight, Friday and Saturday nights.

And what is in store for next weekend. Not two but three shows running, as Dream Sailors joins our roster of shows.

For tonight just remember that Storm starts at 8pm and Skin starts at 7:30pm.

See you there my friends!

I Think He is Creepy. Don't You?

Another message from the The Traveler. Once again he is threatening people. And has gotten very specific.

DCepticon,
In regards to your assertion of some sort of power or status involving your plays "completed" nature. I would remind you that it has been in a status of completion since 1942, making it old and with an ending that any individual could obtain using the internet, a retail book store, or (in an act that would match the age of the piece) a library. I will not reveal to you my plans involving the 4 simpletons that inhabit my existence - firstly because your primitive mind would not be able to comprehend them, and secondly because you may reveal them to a more evolved specimen of your pathetic kind before I have eliminated you. Check your food for nuts.
Warmly
The Traveler

Traveler, I'll watch what I eat, you just be sure to take care of that stygmatism. Good thing your show wasn't finished yet, otherwise your inabaility to see things straight might have really impacted your character's eye color.

House Cleaning

Well everyone, we have some house cleaning to do.

First off there is one more review that just loves the heck out of This Storm is What We Call Progress. Missy at DCist send her kudos our way HERE.

Missy says:

After a nearly year-long absence from the theater scene when it lost its performance space, the small but ambitious theater company is returning with a jam-packed schedule stuffed with three works running in July, including a four-part serial. If its first offering, a sexy and meditative staging of the world premiere This Storm Is What We Call Progress is an indication of things to come, we're in for an exciting summer.

Also we have three performances of This Storm is What We Call Progress this weekend. Tonight at 8pm, No Show on the 4th, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. for tickets visit us HERE or call 1-800-494-TIXS.

And finally I got an email from a from someone yesterday which has got me a little worried:

Dear DCepticon,

It has come to my attention that the Casts and Crews of Storm and Skin do not fear the Cast of Dream Sailors. This is a mistake. True they may think they are formidable with their light sabers and knife fights, but can that really compete with due wielded katana's, nunchucks, broad swords, a 8' naginata, duel wielded sai, cutlass, rapier, and a hand to hand fighting style that pauses only for dialog - which is unnecessary in a fight. I realize we may be a bit secretive down in the lower dungeon, but one must always fear that which lives in the dungeon. If a test is necessary, Dream Sailors would happily engage Skin for the rights to use our own performance space for rehearsals. We've considered just breaking their necks one by one anyway. In fact the Traveler would happily take on the entire Skin cast by himself, he is already doing the Darth Maul/Obi-Wan fight from Phantom Menace - so he is used to the light sabers. He will also reserve the right to use their dreams, memories, and fears against them.

I'll be seeing you all real soon.
the Traveler

All I have to say to The Traveler, is at least we have a finished script.

Have a happy 4th and come out to the theatre.

Storm in Progress

Everything is rolling. Storm has been in rehearsals for over a week and Skin and Dream Sailors have their first reads tonight and tomorrow night respectively.

To your left Karl Miller in getting beat. I am not sure if this is part of the show or just part of Jenny's directing process.

More news to follow folks I promise.

WITMWTGE?

We spent a good portion of Saturday sitting in a basement room at Georgetown this weekend, not the cellar but the basement there is a difference, and we worked our way through a draft of Randy Baker's next play Dream Sailors. Don't let the name fool you this play is f to the up crazy, sexy and a little scary.

The premise of Dream Sailors is not as exciting as the way it will unfold, which will be episodically, with a new show in the series premiering each week. Four episodes in all and each one ends with a cliff-hanger for the week to follow.

It tells the story of four friends who wake from their lucid dreaming party to find a dead body. I think I will leave the rest to your imagination.

Randy has got himself something new here. Taking the conventions of television and adapting it back to the roots of dramatic story telling on stage.

In honor of this exciting and promising read through I want to start the shows first catch phrase, sort of along the lines of "Save the Cheerleader. Save the world.", "The Truth is Out There." or "Sit on it Potsy!"

"Who is the Man with the Green Eyes?"

Start using it in conversation, to pick-up members of the opposite or same sex, organize viewing parties and get ready for the excitement.

Rorschach in Exile

Thank you Jane Horowitz for breaking the news to your readers. For those of you who would rather read this on-line than squint to read this run down of what the hell we are doing, go HERE. Scroll down the page after you have read the lovely salute to Living Stage founder Robert Alexander and you can read the article in beautiful html.

So there you go. Rorschach in Exile, is our catchy title for this experiment in what can only be described as a Theatrical Attempt to Keep All of Our Balls in the Air at Once. And here is a link to the rediculously Low-Priced Subscription to see not 3 but 6 shows this summer.

What will this mean for you the Rorschach audience member?

- Air conditioning.
- Shows running all summer long with a good amount of overlap.
- A chance to get a look at Georgetown's fine looking spaces.
- Getting to see what Rorschach can do when we aren't in a pitched battle with loud Columbia Road traffic and summer noises.
- Did I mention air conditioning?

Many of you have been with us since the days when we would spring up somewhere in DC and put on a show. Our time at Casa, while sweet and productive, was only supposed to be a brief stop on our way to better and bigger things. Some of which is coming together even as we speak and I will have more annouoncements to make as this year rolls on.

So for those of you who have followed us from the JCC to the roof-top Greenhouse in Tenleytown, from Signal 66 to an abandoned auditorium in SW, we hope you will follow us to the swankier digs at Georgetown. I promise you this will be something special and well worth the commute.

Here are the links to our remaining shows that will make up Rorschach in Exile.

This Storm is What We Call Progress - June 22 - July 20
The Skin of Our Teeth - July 13 - August 10
Dream Sailors -
Episode 1: July 17-20
Episode 2: July 24-27
Episode 3: July 31-August 3
Episode 4: August 7-10
All 4 episodes run together in the final week Aug 12 - 17

Come Sail Away

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you all to subscribe to an entire season of Rorschach. Season 8 kicks off with Kit Marlowe but it just keeps rolling. Many of you have received an email from Rorschach that outlines exactly what you get when you subscribe to an entire season. I just want to drive the point home a little harder.

What does just $75 get you? At most theater's in town it should just about cover the cost of one ticket and your parking. But at Rorschach how about not 4 tickets but 7.

In addition to our normal productions this season we introduce you to the idea of episodic theater. Randy Baker is working hard on 4 shows that will twist and turn all the while moving the story of four friends who lucid dream together and make a horrible discovery in their basement upon waking up. Dream Sailors, is a new kind of theater which hopes to engage its audiences with cliff hangers, character arcs and mystery, with a new show premiering every three weeks this spring. Who is the Green Eyed Man who haunts their dreams? Only one way to find out.

A season subscription means not only do you get to see three traditional Rorschach shows but you are guranteed seats for every episode of Dream Sailors.

More about the rest of the season soon, but click here if I have tempted you. Because I love to tempt you. And for students and seniors knock off $20 and pay just $55 for a whole season, including all four episodes of Dream Sailors.

Tomorrow more, Get to Know from the Kit Marlowe crew.