Circo Del Mar

One of the joys of not working is that we have the opportunity (i.e., time) to get involved in Sadie's school. Sometimes very involved.

The month of April was dedicated to producing the world's greatest kids talent show ever. Also known as Circo Del Mar. Ian was the first one to get pulled in ("I hear you have experience in theater. How about you direct this year's talent show"?), followed quickly by me ("hon, you're gonna have to join me"). This year it was decided that the talent show should be in the form of a circus, Cirque du Soleil style, and we had a fabulous group of teachers, administrators, staff and parents dedicated to pulling it all off.

And boy, did we need it. A circus format on the school's basketball court presents a unique set of, um, challenges. Audience on all sides, no backstage, a stage, sound, lights .... But our crew was up to the challenge and determined to pull off a fabulous show where the kids could really display their talents. With a water conservation message, no less.

Audience on all sides? No problem, the kids all rose to the challenge and choreographed their dances, skits, and songs in such a way as to make sure no one was looking at their backs for any length of time. No backstage? Fine, all the kids will be in costume and watch the show and quickly and quietly get up to get ready for their routines. In addition, we had "hosts" - mother nature and a Nosara tourist - to smooth over all transitions. A stage? Hauled the one the school had onto the basketball court, painted it, and draped it with blue cloth. Lights? Bought four floodlights from the hardware store, and witnessed a very impressive (albeit a bit unnerving) afternoon of wiring. Sound? Half the schools and half rented from a local band. Then Ian with two Macs and some editing software created and ran an hour's worth of music and sound effects.

Four floodlights hung on two trees and two basketball hoops

Yes, it's safe. Really

The on/off switch for the lights - 15 feet up

I hope I didn't make that all sound easy, because it wasn't. Challenging and fun, but not easy. One thing we quickly realized that this sort of heat is no problem when you are lounging around in a hammock reading, but quite a different thing when you are actually in it and working for hours on end. How did we ever work all day long? How do people actually work here?? We have a new found appreciation of those who have to make a living in this weather.

Ian and the Stagehands

Me and Melania, the Stage Managers (aka, kid wranglers)

But in the end, of course, it was fabulous. The crowd was great, the technical aspects were smooth, and, most importantly, the kids were absolutely fantastic. We had a real clown who happened to be visiting and agreed to help out, we had popcorn sellers roaming the crowd, we had folks wrangling the kids, we had great sound and lights, and we had an amazing group of performers.

Preshow snack

Sadie showing off her famous hulaneck move


Thank you everyone for a wonderful experience and a fantastic show!

Here are a few videos for your enjoyment.

Del Mar Academy Talent Show 2011 Highlights from projectgfs on Vimeo.