Al Zylstra

When work becomes fun!

So, this week, we had the opportunity to do some team-building. Our glorious leader – pictured with the gun – took us to an Escape Room. The scenario is simple: you are a group of people who are “locked” in a series of rooms. In order to find your way out, you need to solveContinue reading “When work becomes fun!”

A Trifecta of Shows

So, apparently, I had even more time on my hands than I could have ever imagined. My other favourite director, Don Briard managed to get me for a THIRD production in 2010: Spirit Level This was a fun show to work on. Rather than tell you the synopsis, it is so much easier to give aContinue reading “A Trifecta of Shows”

And Then There Were None!

2010 was a busy year for me in the theatre world. I had left working for IRIS in September 2009 and I was working for….. for….. gadzooks, I can’t even bring myself to say her name. Suffice to say, I went to work for someone who was such a treasure – hopefully someone will buryContinue reading “And Then There Were None!”

On my way home.

So, after another whirlwind trip to Edmonton, I am seated at the Boston pizza at YEG. I have my virgin Caesar and am waiting for my cranberry, pecan salad with roasted chicken. I am here so often that the wait staff know me. And that is a good thing. I have got about two hoursContinue reading “On my way home.”

Off to Edmonton

So, here it is on a very, very, very early Saturday morning. I am sitting in the airport waiting lounge trying not to yawn too loudly. I am about to test the newest discount airline for a quick weekend trip to see my mom. I look as exhausted as I feel. But, it is aContinue reading “Off to Edmonton”

Painting the house – by numbers

So, the ongoing saga of home ownership continues…. Last year we painted the house to remove all the chocolate brown. As you can see, there was a TON of BROWN. I hate brown. It is such a boring colour. This is the result of 4 days work last year. We managed to get rid ofContinue reading “Painting the house – by numbers”

A Nice Family Gathering – memoirs

My third production for the Metro Theatre introduced me to whole new cast and crew. I was contacted by the Theatre Manager, Les Erskine, about a new production that was looking for a Stage Manager – one who was experienced and didn’t need any training. I guess that was me. So, I discussed it withContinue reading “A Nice Family Gathering – memoirs”

Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 2 of many, many, many parts)

So, one massive job done. Numerous more to go. *sigh After many painful and anxiety-filled hours, we got the deck finished! Who would have thought that ripping up the old indoor/outdoor carpet would be the EASY part? Removing the glue that bonded the carpet to the decking along with the rubber backing of the glueContinue reading “Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 2 of many, many, many parts)”

The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 2

My next show at the Metro introduced me to another great director, Don Briard – Teacher extraordinaire. When I was approached to be his Stage Manager, we met at an event at the theatre. We seemed to hit it off right away by trading gentle, good humoured barbs at each other. Barbs? Actually, they wereContinue reading “The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 2”

Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 1 of many, many, many parts)

Here we are in the middle of one of the more uncomfortable heat waves that Metro Vancouver has experienced in a while. There are even weather advisories out telling people to stay indoors, drink lots of water, stay cool and don’t do any heavy work outside. So, what are me and Alex doing? We areContinue reading “Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 1 of many, many, many parts)”