More First Thoughts from NYIT Winners

We’ve heard from some more winners of the New York Innovative Theatre Awards.  Here are their answers to the three questions we posed: (1)What was the absolute first thought you had when you heard them call your name? (2)Who was the first person you called/emailed to tell that you won? (3)What does this award signify or mean to you personally?

CORMAC BLUESTONE – Outstanding Original Music
The Caucasian Chalk Circle

First Thought:  Oh my god, why didn’t I prepare to speak?!

First Called: I called my Mom. She knew why I was calling when she heard the phone ring.

Award Means: I’ve been fortunate to work off off broadway for years with many different hats.  While it is always rewarding, sometimes it’s hard to feel like you’re moving forward.  I’ve been nominated by the IT Awards for music before, and receiving this honor and win this year makes me feel that yes, I am indeed moving forward.

JOEY RIZZOLO – Outstanding Performance Art Production
Locker #4173b

First Thought: I thought, “Is that the title we settled on?” And once that ridiculousness passed, I realized, after years of attending these ceremonies, that the real elation of receiving an award is the honor of being recognized by so many artists I respect.

First Called: I got a flood of text messages, all from New York Neo-Futurists who weren’t able to attend the ceremony. Clearly they were following on Twitter or watching the stream online, because they all bombarded us at once with congratulations. I don’t think we were even off the stage when it started.

Award Means: In any given year, there are shows with which I’m familiar that are not recipients in their nominated category, but are so, so deserving all the same. That the recipients themselves are no less deserving contributes to an ever-growing shaking of the head wherein I think, “Damn, they may as well just pick the recipient out of a hat.” In this regard, I am reminded that OOB is truly where the important work is being done, and that the people nominated for these awards really are making enormous artistic strides. To be chosen as a representative example of those strides – largely by a community of artists – is humbling and wonderful. It is also, I think, something of an initiation – one that only prepares us for a more  difficult challenge.

DUANE PAGANO – Outstanding Lighting Design
The Navigator

First Thought:  ”wait, what, that was my name….that’s not right, is it?”

First Called: Actually, it was a mass email and facebook announcement.

Award Means: That you like me, that you really, really, like me. or that, because this show was in such a small space, with very limited budget and equipment, that the quality of the work is what counts, and not always the “spectacles”.