Scenery:
This week we're working on completing the tree, which already has a structure as of now. We just need to expand the tree a little bit more on the top so that actors can climb onto more stuff, and the root system for the bottom of the tree is currently in progress. Cynthia is researching possible ideas for this. This week we are also working on the jungle gym structure for
the other corner of the stage, hopefully by Thursday.

We are also talking with the props pod this week about how we're going to decorate the tree. They are in the process of making paper flowers, so we are definitely going to coordinate with them to see how we can incorporate these into the tree! We're also going to talk to them about possible paper-mache ideas for the trunk material of the tree itself.

We're also be going to moving risers to their official positions, and bringing in the toy box (the official one) for
rehearsals. We're moving along slowly but surely!

We are also beginning construction of the Tunnel of the Unwanted! It will hopefully be complete by Thursday. So far we are using wood pallets and mattress springs as supportive material for the tunnel. We are hoping to at least have a safe tunnel structure done by this week! 

Discussion has also begun on set dressing, primarily for the tree. We are working with props and lighting to create a willow tree aesthetic with glass bottles and other materials. We will be discussing materials we can use and how it's going to look this week, and actually decorate it next week. So far the jungle gym is not our first priority: the tree is a centerpiece of sorts and we are treating it as such. Dressing the tree is goal number one! We are also still considering a root system for the base of the tree, but this is still in the works.

Props:
Props have built Capt. Also's Cart, Annabel's wheel, and the 2 bags for the Leaf monitor. (see pictures)

Got the bikes together to start working on the bike ran generator.

Jake has been discussing trees with a man named Charles Mason who is more than happy to donate trees for the tree planting.

Marketing:
Marketing has finished the promotion poster and also visited some community places this week.  We are making paper flowers with them and they love it!  We will be placing these flowers on the set for the run of the show.  We are also reaching out to local news stations to promote the show.  Finally, we are contacting Good Morning America and The Today Show to see if they are interested in our project.  The website is updated almost daily and Facebook has some great pictures on it.  Look for our fun facts coming from our twitter feed (@gogreenwithiris) and our facebook page (click of the fb logo at the top right corn of this page for more information.  
 
 
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we went tree climbing on sunday.

ask me how it went.

No. 

Seriously. Ask me how it went.

Ask me how tree climbing in the middle of nowhere Kentucky for a black girl from
Detroit was. 

Ask.

It was...actually a bunch of fun.


I know, right? If you would have told me ahead of time that climbing trees would be as much fun as it was, I probably would have laughed at you and told you the only place I'm climbing is back into bed. But it was surprisingly one of the best experiences I've had here at Ball State, and it was one for the books. I don't even know how to explain it. It was more than just bonding with the cast and crew; it was a test of strength and a beautiful companionship with nature. I didn't even think I could climb the 60 foot tree called Casper. I did not think my legs were strong enough, or that my arms could hold me up, or that the old tree was even sturdy enough for me. I grossly underestimated the strength of nature and what it can give back to you if you give yourself to it. As I watched all of my classmates ascend to the tops of the tree, sitting on branches, hanging in hammocks, attaching plush monkeys to the points they thought others would not reach, I honestly felt at peace.

I know it sounds cliche, but there was an energy surrounding us that I wish I could bottle and keep for the days where my inspirations are not to be found and my esteem is low. On this day, I accomplished more than I thought I would and surprised myself. I climbed three individual ropes- on the lower end of how many we could try- but it was three more than I thought I would. I began remembering how strong my legs were and how efficient my arms could be when I allowed them. There's nothing like sitting 40 feet off of the ground and realizing how small you are compared to everything around you. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever taken part in, and the fact that I was doing it all in the name of art really put some things into perspective for me.

I am so ready to do it all again, in all honesty. Not only was it easier than I thought it was going to be, it forced me to really get over myself and step outside of my comfort zone. Watching all my friends problem solve, set goals and engage in friendly competition was not only inspiring but genuine fun to watch. I watched us all support each other and laugh with each other (some of even had to pee in the woods with each other), and that's something I hope to bring not only to this production but to the rest of my work and life. Here’s to a production full of laughter and support and inspiration and change. I’m pretty excited.



 
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This week was incredible for Still Life with Iris. At the beginning of the week, we went as a team to Kentucky and climbed a tree named Casper with a company called EARTHJOY (http://www.climbtreeswithearthjoy.com/).  While it was a little chilly and we were a little sore the next day, the experience was bar none FANTASTIC.  (The picture to the left is our group photo with Casper.) 

On Monday, we moved into Strother Theatre on Ball State's campus.  The floor has tape on it to show where the scenery pieces and other design elements will be placed.  Pipes for the trees were installed for the actors to adjust to and everyone is working hard to achieve our goals.  

Other production elements that were adressed this week:  

                We found a person who will donate trees for us to plant, as our porduction continues to care for the environment.

                IUPUI and Indiana Living Green is holding an event introducing climate issues in Indiana that some members will attend.  for Further information please click here.


  

 

    Props-
    *      Props pod today found a number of medium sized boxes filled with
      different sized paper books in the dumpster behind Bracken Library. That was
    all  from us for today.

    Set/Scenery-
    *    This week Andrew brought in some official measurements and
    dimensions of  Strother and what we're going to put in the space. We also were
    able to create a  more concrete vision of what exactly we'll be making, when
    we'll be making it,  and how we are going to incorporate it into the theater
    space. We nailed down a  more solid schedule of when things will be done by. The
    major thing we wrestled  with this week is to not make the set pieces look like
    discarded items, but  rather making the set pieces OUT of the discarded items.
    While this may seem  simple, thus far it has definitely been challenging trying
    to come up with ways  to make solid structures out of wasted materials! However,
    we also came up with  a lot of great ideas after visiting the architecture
    building on Wednesday.

         After talking with the architecture professor and
    a few of his students,  we came up with a lot of really great ideas for
    incorporating structural  integrity into things made out of trash. We were
    inspired by making bricks out  of glass bottles and possibly making Iris' toy
    box out of computer pieces, which  actually proved to be really sturdy! We also
    looked at things made out of old  dumpster metal and things made out of doors.

         Another major thing we  talked about was how we were going to make the
    Tunnel of the Unwanted sturdier.  A great idea that the architecture professor
    brought up was how to "thread"  poles and pipes through materials in order to
    make it stronger and more  supportive. This concept is kind of like poking
    needles through a ball of yarn  to keep the ball of yarn together. After
    discussing this, we started coming up  with possible things we could use for
    this idea, including poles, rods, and  things that we could put these poles and
    rods through.

         After break our  first course of action will be to get the
    tree completed, which will primarily  be made of chicken wire and paper-mache.
    We're excited to finally get our hands  on some materials and start building the
    set!