Well, I’m back. Or am I..?

It’s been yet another long absence from blogging SCHOOL FOR WIVES notwithstanding), but this one was, I promise, well worth it. Just recently returned to Ottawa after two weeks on Manitoulin Island (freaking gorgeous) for the Baby Clown Workshop led by John ‘Smoot’ Turner at the Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance, aka the Clown Farm. I write these words to you as an official Baby Clown, and it feels great to have been born again. And I know, lots of you have been waiting for me to write the big post telling all there is to tell about my time there.

Well, THAT’S not gonna happen. Sorry folks, but what happens at Clown Camp STAYS at Clown Camp. The ins and outs of John’s amazing workshop won’t be traded publicly by me (tho buy me a beer later on and you may get a few tidbits). What I CAN say is that it was a thrilling experience that taught me tons, and made me a better performer by miles. I can also say that camping was a helluva lotta fun, and that I still fucking hate mosquitoes. John Turner is an amazing teacher, and working with him was worth every penny and more. The Legion Hall in Gore Bay is a good spot for a cheap drink and darts, and you definitely want a mob of baby clowns to crash your 50’s/60’s themed community dance party. I can tell you that strip Bunny-Bunny is a great way to start the day. And I can tell you that Amaliya, Spenser, Ana-Marija, Verena, Nadine, Ali, Briar, Chrissie, Sonia, Rainey, Alissa, Oliver, Mario and Josh are a brilliant bunch to learn, grow, and papier-mache into the wee hours with. Fell in love with the lot of them, and can’t wait to see them all again some day. Special shoutout to the assistants Val, Donna (of the MISSOULA OBLANGATA), Sandrine (the LITTLE LADY herself), and wonderful boss Jenny. And of course, Paco.

So what, then? If I’m not writing a tell-all about Clown training, and I seem to have stalled out pretty effectively on the theatre review front (I honestly have nothing booked for the rest of the month), then just what the Hell am I gonna fill this blog with..?

Well, I have a plan. And it’s pretty much going to be to try and match these pages with what I’m actually filling my time with these days…which is, happily, theatre. Not seeing it, but actually making it. Somehow that crazy dream I’ve been nursing for the last few years is starting to come to life, and all of a sudden I’m hip-deep in doing what I love. Very excited to announce that I’m working on not one but two shows as of right now, and I’ll do my best to keep you updated on what’s happening with the both of them as rehearsals march on. On the long path, we’ve just started laying the groundwork on next Spring’s Chamber Theatre production, Eugene O’Neill’s THE HAIRY APE. I’ve been lucky enough to land a spot in the killer ensemble cast, and can’t wait to really start digging into the mad play with Lisa, Donnie and the whole lovable Chamber gang. It’s going to be a long haul (not hitting the boards until next March/April), but I’ll keep you in the loop.

In the much more immediate future, I’m beyond giddy to say that rehearsals are underway for FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF DATING, a new show for the third Fresh Meat Theatre Festival that I’m creating with my new ‘Production’‘Company’ STRANGE VISITATIONS (which technically made its debut with last June’s event FOOFARAH LIVE!). The show goes up October 23-25 at Arts Court, and stars myself and the wonderful Madeleine Hall, with Jodi Morden calling the shots behind the scenes. I can say with certainty that I couldn’t be working with a more perfect bunch for this show, and anytime I catch myself wondering just what the Hell I’ve gotten myself into, remembering that I’m working with these two fantastic gals makes me breathe a lot easier.

I think this is going to be a really special show, and I’m already proud as shit of the work we’re doing. I hope you’ll like it too, and I hope you will all stick around as this blog undergoes a bit of a change over the next few months. I’ll try and sneak in a review or two when I can, and will definitely keep updating with info about new and upcoming shows. But like I say things are changing, and…and I can’t lie, I’m pretty ecstatic about it. It’s the path, gang. Come on along. Peace, love and soul,

Kevin Reid (and Winston)

PS  Anyone know where I can find a cheap STAR TREK ballcap..?