This past weekend I was able to attend the Thoughts Seminar in Michigan led by the fertile minds of Rick Maue and Patrick Redford. As one might expect it was insightful, educational and just plain fun.

Saturday was an all day affair that began with lectures by Rick Maue and Patrick Redford and culminated in a talk by Ron Bauer. Bauer's presentation focused on how to stop thinking about a routine as a collection of effects and start thinking in terms of theatrical presentation. After a short break there was an open-to-the-public show which started around 8PM. Very nice to see the guys at work.

Following the show a small group of us hung out in Rick's hotel room and found out that he can tell some hilarious jokes and some... well, let's just say less hilarious. ("What is that...corn?") Right now, somewhere 6 guys are cracking up.

Sunday was an all-morning small session where Rick and Patrick got into the real nuts-and-bolts of whatever effects/thoughts that we wanted to discuss. Very illuminating. "Prevaricator" co-creator Ben Blau also offered some unpublished thoughts on the routine. It was a lot of fun picking his brain as well.

A very nice time was had by all. And speaking as someone who doesn't attend these types of functions often, it was worth the trip. Especially considering that as Maue is winding down, this was one of the last opportunities to hear him speak. Very glad I got the opportunity.

Living in the Detroit area, I was upset I wasn't able to attend this local event, but the timing was not right for me. One week later (this weekend) would have been perfect.

It's ok though, because I still plan on attending Richard Osterlind's Detroit area lecture later this month.




David

Sorry we missed you, David. Hopefully we'll do it again next year!

-Ben Blau

While I'm not sure we'll be doing it again next year (certainly not with the same line-up) it was a great time. The feedback I've been getting has been overwhelmingly positive and I'm very happy to have been able to spend the time with everyone who came out.

Thanks again, everyone.