what to do, what to do...

I am simply at a loss; I don't even know what to say.

Connie's Ric Rac has been the venue for Troika since its inception back in December. Apparently they've been presenting themselves as a school and not an entertainment venue. While classes do go on there, overwhelmingly the events are performances featuring live music, puppet shows, improv and sketch comedy.

At 1:30 in the morning on Saturday, March 31st Connie's Ric Rac was raided by officials from the Dept. of Licenses and Inspections along with half a dozen or so boys in blue. They came in to find live music and a keg sitting in the corner. At 1:30 in the morning, that probably wasn't the quite the paradigm of a school in the eyes of L&I officials. They kindly escorted everyone out. They issued a red flag cease operations / stop work order and locked the place up. They were charged with operating an entertainment venue without a license and cited in violation of zoning, fire, electrical and liquor regulations. I know, go big or go home, right?

So this has left me in a mad dash to find a new venue for the show on the nineteenth. And boy have I been dashing. I thought I had the Playground through CSZ, but it turned out that Amaryllis was using it to premier Weight. Luckily that one was only a lead and wasn't confirmed. Then I confirmed the black box at the Prince. I was so stoked about using this space. The check for $550 was all good to go. (yeah, I was seriously going to pay that much out of pocket to make this show happen). Got the call that between the Cabaret and the Film Fest that the nineteeth will be the first day they'll be able to get in there and strike, so there's no way it will be cleared and re-setup in time for a 7:30 house. Sigh. Yesterday I confirmed the Actor's Center. Talked to them on the phone... no conflicts. Sent press releases to the four corners of media, updated events calendars and let my players know we had a confirmed venue. An hour later, I get an email saying that they are hosting an event in the space that night and it won't be available.

Seriously, wtf? Whose cheerios did I piss in?

I've tried all kinds of places. Most are not available. There are a ton of productions launching right about that time so many are having a show or final dress. Walnut Street premieres The Dishwashers on 3 and Incoming on 5, Exile launches Glengary Glen Ross at Neighborhood House, Cabaret starts up at Plays and Players. It's just nuts. I've never seen so many simultaneous premieres. Many have other conflicts with events, workshops and classes. Others are just too much $$.

Seriously losing hope. When do I say enough is enough? At what point am I doing a disservice to my players? I still haven't had the heart to tell them that another space we had confirmed is now not likely going to happen.

Thanks to Kristen I have a couple more places to call now. Someday we'll have a dedicated theatre and this won't be an issue. Until that time, it's madness as usual...