BURNED

As I'm the only one who ever looks at this bolg, I'm sure this will come as no shock....

Renovatio has been put on hold. Why you ask? Well, It might have something to do with a couple of things....ONE: No one really read it. Everyone just heard what I told them it was about, and thought it was good based on that. No one took the time to get to know the material and feel it, get into it, or believe that it had any potential. SECOND: Stage is not as glamorous as film. If I was casting for a film people would be there in a heartbeat. But the pure fact that it was a stage production, and the fact no one wanted to put their time and energy into the project, it failed.

Am I mad?

No, not really. I'm more disappointed that no one would give it the chance it deserved. I spent six years writing it. Poured my blood sweat and tears into the project and no one even cared. Well, maybe one person cared about it for a few minutes. But other than that, no one did.

For those who didn't know, the play was written to help others with those who had the same challenges in the story. But I dedicated it to my best friend, and brother Michael Pratt. The man who's life was tore from him due in part to a little girl that did whatever she wanted to make her life better. Michael Pratt gave up his life for his family, for his children so they wouldn't suffer any longer without him in the future. The Michael in the play is almost a mirror projection of the real one. Which makes this even more upsetting at the fact that I cannot put this play on.

I've said my peace, should someone would take the time and interest in the show I would be most grateful, but in the time being, it will be in the background, the shadows.

Back to the Drawing Board!

So, we had a rehearsal last few weeks ago, and I discover something..... I need to really fix this script. It was a good awakening because I noticed that I was really repetitive, and a little too redundant when it came to my dialogue. So most of the first act has been reworked and shortened. Nice sweet, and to the point. With the second act soon to follow.

I wrote the first act over the past few years and my writing style has evolved. I've learned that I have come a long way. As my second act which was written in the last year was a lot better. Having people read my work was a very good test bed for the script.

Play practice should resume in the next week or two. Look here and on Facebook for our updates!

Henry Ballesteros

The Start of A New Year!

With the NEW YEAR, Renovatio is in full swing. After our meeting on Sunday we have plans to workshop, and make sure the show is up and running by March. By which time we hope to find a perfect venue to showcase our talent.

Renovatio has been on hold due in part to the holiday, and everyone's hectic schedules. But now that Christmas is over and the new year has begun we have decided to make sure that Renovatio is a sure thing.

During the course of the next few weeks we will work out the story, the dialogue, and to make sure that the casting is where we want it to be. Already we have a few cast members that are sure to bring a powerful voice to the show. We are also looking at potential venues to put the show. One option we are exploring are any surrounding high schools.

Renovatio is a message piece and is designed to help those who struggle with the topics that are in the show. It shows those who have these issues that you are not alone, that there is help, and you do not have to do it by yourself. People who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions are prone to keep it to themselves, and we aim to explore the pain they go through. Why they do or chose the drug they chose to numb themselves to the world and their problems.

I'm reminded of my favorite quote from Victor Hugo's masterpiece: Les Miserables. "The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved." There are days when we want to throw it all away, get wasted, or find some outlet to our problems that may not be healthy for our bodies and our soul. If we can truly find the love in ourselves, and from family and friends...we are sure the find the strength that will help us get through anything.

Drugs are not the answer, and in almost all cases they cause a bigger problem. If you or a loved one suffers from drug and or alcohol addiction please get help for yourself or for the ones you love.

Henry D.