Thanks to our amazing helpers/friends

Small Appliance Puppet Theater would like to send a big, public THANK YOU out to the folks who helped us with our preview performance on Sunday. First of all there was the multi-talented, multi-tasking LISA SCHNEIDER who was our house manager. She made the lobby (which looked like a storage facility) into a welcoming and comfortable space, and she took care of all our guests, keeping everybody happy -- no small feat, especially in the merciless heat. Her husband ERIC VORMELKER had no official title, but he was there all day, too, running errands, climbing ladders, ushing -- basically whatever needed doing. CASSIDY CROWN was visiting from Dallas and jumped into the fray with joy and enthusiasm, lending a helping hand wherever one was needed. CINDY ZIMMERMAN provided ALL of our concession stand needs -- from the Condoleezza Rice Krispy Treats to the Coalition Cookies to the big sign that said "Support our Troupes!" Cindy was assisted by JOHN, whose last name I did not get but who worked hard nonetheless. SILAS BRYAN ran sound for us and did a damn fine job, and the light board was operated by former Small Appliance puppeteer DANIEL NORTON whom we all love and adore forever and ever.

It was a wonderful opportunity to get the show on its feet and play it to an audience (two large audiences, actually). Feedback has been positive and constructive, and we continue to sand the rough edges so that we can be at the absolute top of our game when we get to New York. So thank you, Austin, for watching our preview, for laughing at our jokes, and for offering your support. This is a scary thing we're doing, but it feels really good to have the home folks out there cheering us on.