Nik Robalino, a devoted reader of the ALD Toolkit, has been in contact with me for the past few months because he wanted to build himself the perfect assistant's kit based on my advice in my book. We talked through some ideas... things like what kind of containers work best, how to prepare it for travel, how to keep it organized, etc. After a few months he wrote me back, and I am just floored! Check it out! He actually built little carpet-lined compartments inside the suitcase to fit everything in the kit beautifully!!! I am so impressed!! He says, "I've managed to collect close to 90% of the items listed in your book." Quite a feat! He based his idea on a roadcase that was still suitable for checked luggage on airlines.
I also love that it looks just like an average suitcase. He and I discussed that it is common to get teased when you bring your kit into the theatre the first day. The usual joke of, "ya movin' in?!" typically comes from a stagehand or two in the time it takes for you to maneuver your suitcase from the stage door into the house. So I encouraged him (especially as a new assistant) not to make it too flashy or too overdone. I think he has achieved that perfectly. All I can say is "brava, Nik" for creating such an awesome kit! I told him he should figure out a way to sell it. God knows I would buy it! For more about Nik Robalino, visit his website. He has some assisting gigs lined up for the next few months, but with this sort of dedication I imagine his dance card is gonna get pretty full pretty fast!
3 Comments
|