Wednesday, March 2, 2011

LIGHTS, CAMERAS AND LOTS OF ACTION...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

TOBY here...
Hello there every-furry-buddy!

Today was a really exciting day for all of us!
  Maxmom took me to visit the main theatre where I will be taking part in a musical production in  May this year.  The theatre is a beautiful, 436 seated, state-of-the-art facility at the University of Johannesburg, on Kingsway campus.


After taking me for a walk around campus and getting me accustomed to all the sounds, smells and the people, Ms Shannon and Maxmom took me to meet the Theatre Director, at the Arts Centre of the University.
Mr "JC" is a very nice man, who has a good understanding of animals, and he has decided to give me my own personal dressing room on the nights of the production. 

It is a secluded room with lots of space and I will be able to chill-out between scenes. 
Ms Shannon and Maxmom are very pleased with this arrangement, and I know that I will be very comfortable too.

Thank you, Mr "JC" for making this possible!

Mr "JC", the Director, took me to see a few more rooms in the theatre. First, he let me explore one of the rehearsal rooms:

Then he took me to find out what it is like to be 'under' the stage. I had to walk down a steep flight of stairs into a very dark place. 
Check out my tail...

There is a room 'under the stage', where a lot of the stage equipment it stored.


I was allowed to be off-lead there and to explore.
The hollow sounds of walking feet above my head didn't bother me at all.


Then we went 'upstairs' onto the main stage
(again...please excuse the blur):

I got to practice my "AWAY!" command amidst all the distractions of the lights.

Again, Ms Shannon and Maxmom were very happy with me.
They think my progress is going very well indeed.

Unfortunately we didn't get to practice with the really strong 'spotlights' today, but I am sure we will get to practice it at another time.
 I was very comfortable with the setting and all the activity around me.

But dogs also have to do what dogs have to do...
namely 'Doggie-do's!'
...so Maxmom took me outside to find 'my' spot...

Once back inside the theatre, I got an opportunity to check out the seating for the audience.

Yes, all's good to roll:
ONLY 82 DAYS LEFT!
...before the curtain rises on
"ANNIE"
Time to relax:

Sending lotsalicks to all my buddies -
especially my buddies who are sick and ailing!
...

21 comments:

MySpecialDoggies said...

Hi Toby
Can we have your paw-tograph please? You are becoming a star!

Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)

How Sam Sees It said...

How neat! We can't wait for opening night!

Sam

Maggie Mae and Max said...

How excitin' fur you Toby! I am sure you will be da bestest Sandy ever!

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Kasha The Dainty Great Dane said...

Hi Toby,

You are such a good dog going to the theater and behaving yourself the entire time. I can't wait to say I knew him when...you're gonna be famous Toby!! Way to go!

AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane

WFT Nobby said...

Hey Toby,
Your very own dressing room! And outdoor 'facilities'. I am now truly impressed. I bet the other actors are jealous already...
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
PS Thanks to you (and your Mom) for your fine contribution to my climate change database. You really are a most excellent pupil Toby.

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

OMD, that last picture is awesome!

Looks like you will be having lots of fun, keep up the amazing work!!

Rudy

kks said...

how exciting for you and Toby! he is such a handsome young guy and i'm sure he'll be great on stage!
xoxo

Golden Samantha said...

Finally back from our itsy blogcation and had to check in to see how the rehearsals are coming along!!! YOU are going to steal the show, Toby!!! What a star you're becoming!!! Truly impressive - we hope your Mom gets a movie of all your scenes and posts it so we can all see you when they call, "Action!"
Big Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie, AValon and Ozzie

Angus said...

Toby , that is mega cool !

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my goodness Toby this is so exciting. The theatre is huge. The pawparrazi was be following you home now
Benny & Lily

Suka said...

hey Toby,

That looks like so much fun! I bet you are so excited! The theater is beautiful! And so big. I am glad you were able to walk around be get comfortable there, and that the lights and action on stage did not upset you. I think you are going to rock!

And how very cool that you have your very own dressing room! A star in the making!

Suka

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

You are doing so well and I can see by your face that you are enjoying it all. Cant wait for opening night.. Hugs GJ xx

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Goodness Toby! What a grand time you are having! We are really enjoying seeing your training process to become a star!!!!! Too bad we couldn't be there to actually watch you when the curtain comes up!

TwoSpecialWires said...

We can't think of a better pup for the part. You are going to be amazing. We're sure.

xxoo
Jake and Fergi

Mrs. JP said...

With all this training show day will be just like any other day. Smart thinking. I'm just so very proud of you both. Sweet dressing room,,,it will be good to have that place to chill between sets.

Amy Wood said...

That is an impressive theatre. And your very own dressing room! Awesome! Cute pics by the pool. After a hard day of work, it's the perfect place to relax.

houndstooth said...

It sounds like you are taking to this star business like a natural!

Bunny

The Life of Riley said...

What fun being in Annie is! Loved the last photo with the water tail.

Sending love and woofs,

Riley, him mum and the little barky one!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh ToBY
Every time I see you... you are just getting more and more beautifuls.
And it looks to me like you are having fun.
You are a real star,, and we thank your MAXMOM for showing us some details of what you get to do..
I love you
tweedles

Molly the Airedale said...

Look at you surrounded by lights, Toby! You are going to be a superstar one day soon! We can feel it!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Unknown said...

What a great idea to get you used to the place - your human thinks of everything, Toby! And your own dressing room too - wow! YOu lucky pup! :-)

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane