The process of shipping / getting our equipment through customs was a bit absurd. The preparation, packaging, inventory, creating commodities list was no easy task. Each step of the way, there was always one bit of information missing that held up the process. Need weight for each package, need cost of EACH item (including Jamie's neckties), etc. At last word came that the equipment was in Japan BUT customs needed pictures of the goods. Hmmmm. would have been helpful had I known this when I was packing. The company had arrived a few days in advance to begin set up. They were down to 48 hours before show day and equipment wasn't being released. Every morning I awoke to find another email about more information they needed to get it through customs. It was the first test for all of us. And fortunately, on Oct. 31st, the equipement arrived. The group was given 24 hours to set up and get it together.
On the show end, the days leading up were spent in a lot of negotiating meetings as the park wanted significantly more from them for walk around / solo shows than anticipated.
October 31, 2012 2:03am from Abigail
We are back at the apartments for a dinner break right now. Today was much more enjoyable. The cultural differences between us and the Japanese are being enjoyed by both parties. Kind of getting a lay of the land. We have a translator with us and are having a good time learning a little japanese. "Sakusu mitaina ichinichi wo" means "may all your days be circus days" (sakusu = circus).
Spent the morning going over sound cues for our walkaround sets as well as the "Circus Bella Performer Grand Prix". For the GP they we are announced individually and then go to our designated spot. When the bugle sounds we each start doing circus tricks "AT THE SAME TIME" !!!! It is very funny. Fae and Jamie also both did a great job miming their stage shows to our producer "Spikey". So far they are very happy with us.
We are really going to be working our butts off. We are looking at 8-9 hour days with very little down time. We are all going to be very skinny when we get home :) The good news is that people are excited and ready to start performing.
Unfortunately we are still hoping that our stuff makes it through customs. We will know by 6pm tonight. If it does, we will set up the show tonight so that we can start our performances tomorrow. Going to be a long 24 hours.
Going to grab a quick bite at our cafeteria and then try to put my feet up a bit.
October 31, 2012 10:14am from Abigail
Stuff arrived. Just got home from set up. Looks good. Exhausted. Hold up had nothing to do with packing in SF. Wini's stuff was just as held up as ours.
Only have internet in room and days are long.
To bed.....first show is at 11am tomorrow and we are still not quite set up.
