They're waiting for you Gordon.... in the TEST CHAMBER

Don't know how many of you will appriciate this

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:01:14 GMT

but I've been chosen to be a judge for the "MA High School Drama Festival"... ya that's right. I think I might actually be in the Hingham High School division (the highschool I went to).

The tables have finally turned =)

Welcome Jeremy

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:56:47 GMT

Just wanted to spread the news that Jeremy William Bonner was born at 2:38pm on November 16th 2008. We finally got home on Saturday after going in and out of the hospital (nothing big and all's good).

I'll get some pictures up soon, but until then, you can search on the hospital website
http://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/ForPatientsFamilies/WebNursery
and just put in November 16th 2008

Things are going well, but Maegan and I are both extremely tired. Maegan more so seeing as she delivered in him all of 1 1/2 hours.

Against my better judgement

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:55 GMT

I'm going to post this link of myself and 4 of my co-works doing the abridged version on "Love of the Nightingale" for the students here. One of the students taped it with there cell and we had no idea. The volume is terrible, but it's all about the physical comedy.

The show is 21 scenes long (one act), about 20 characters, and we did it in about 10 minutes. I'm mostly in the pink wig.

Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZnxj19ToJ8

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:02:08 GMT

"Love of the Nightingale"

The only thing about this show is that it only runs for 4 days (High School Theater... gotta love it). Also this is the first time I've done a set design on this magnitude. I'm pretty happy with the results. I'll have more pictures up on the website soon.

ALSO.... we are on less than a 2 week count down until the baby comes... YIKES. So much to do and never enough time.

Quick Rant

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:56:27 GMT

If I hear one more person blame the current economic problems solely on the Bush administration, I'm going to scream. Please do your research.... it wasn't the Bush administration that "started" the trend of all the "NINJA" and no-doc loan practices... it was before their time that banks were FORCED to give out loans to customers who were not credit worth.

Trust me, there at MANY things about the last 8 years that were handled recklessly, but it doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of one man and one party.

Breath Jon... breath.

PS - "NINJA" stands for "No Income, No Job, No Assets"

Last Day at Hibernian Hall

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:53:37 GMT

So yesterday was my last day at the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall. It's pretty weird that I'm gone after spending about 3 1/2 years there. I'm going to miss the community, but at the hours (and budget management) I am NOT going to miss. My last day was kinna anti-climatic.

I'm now working on getting some imagery together for the First show I'll be designing at Nobles School. We are doing "Love of the Nightingale", and I'll be set designing (go figure). The director is great and has had a lot of helpful input of the process, so I'm pretty jazzed about what we might come up with.

Now I have 3 weeks off before faculty orientation at the school (I go in on August 22nd). I plan on trying to get some of the odd jobs done around the house and TRYING to relax a little.

Good time ahead.

The wait it over

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:48:52 GMT

Ok... so you've all waited so very patiently... and now's the time for the big news(es).

A- I'm going to be a father.... I know FREAKY. Me of all people. ACK. Maegan and I found out a few months ago (we are actually looking at about 4 months now). The due date is Nov 19th. I'm VERY excited (and somewhat freaked out at the same time). There is a lot that we need to get done before the arrival which brings me to my second set of news.....

B- I have a new job. I will be the director of theater production (as well as designer) for a private school, Nobles and Greenough School (www.nobles.edu) in Dedham. The theater is only 2 years old and they produce 3 shows a year. They do next to no outside rentals, I get the summers off, and it's only 80% time.

So that's my BIG News.... hopefully it was worth the wait =) I have bunch of other things going on, but I'll be sure to update my journal more (as I'll be taking most of this August off, as I'm leaving ACT Roxbury after the Roxbury Film Festival (www.roxburyfilmfestival.org).

Very exciting times.

A lot is changing

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:43:50 GMT

Just returned from my trip to Arizona (you know I'll post some pictures as soon as I find time... riiiight). The trip was unbelievable. The fact that you can go from 110 degree weather to snowing in the matter on 3 days is crazy. It was a good time all around.

We went to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Route 66, Flagstaff... all over the place. Again, I'll get some photos together and post them.

There is also a lot changing too. Nick is leaving for his new job down south soon (even though I only see you once in awhile, it's always a good time). I'm also on the move... don't want to jinx it yet, so I'll send some more info when things get a little firmer. And there is also some other news that I'll be sharing soon.

Needless to say, there is a lot going on and this post is suppose to a tease... well, for those of you who actually read my posts =) Keep checking back.

We'll Miss you Stella

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:11:41 GMT

For those of you who don't know, we were fostering a dog from the QAC for the past 6 months. Her name was Stella, and she had cancer and just needed a place to stay for the last few weeks fo her life. Well, we didn't think that those few weeks were going to turn into 6 months. Needless to say she stole our hearts.

However, the cancer finally caught up with her and we had to put her down on Friday. It had to be one of the most painful things ever. She put up a HUGE fight with this disease though and was pretty healthy and happy until the last few days.

We'll miss you Stella.

Need.... Day... Off

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:34:48 GMT

So I was doing the math and it looks like I've had about 3 full days off since I came back from vacation.... 1 1/2 months ago. Needless to say, this is getting old.

There is another job in the pipelines. It's a boarding school looking for a Technical Director/Designer. Figure I might as well give a shot. 2 weeks ago I had a meeting with Scott Wilson from Wilson/Butler. For those of you who don't know, they do a lot of cruise ship theater design work as well as working hand-in-hand with Fisher/Dachs Associates. It was a very enlighting conversation... it's nice to be put in your place sometimes. However, he did offer to see if I could meet up with Joshua Dachs... who knows. We'll see what happens.

Oh yes.... the Central Square Theater position didn't pan out either. It came down to money. I wasn't willing to take a drastic pay cut for the job. i think I could have had the job if I wanted it.

Maegan is away visiting her sister in Elmira this weekend, so I'm home all alone. However, I do need to work till 2AM (that's right kiddies... 2AM... not PM... AM)... but monday is Patriots day (a day off... thank you).

"Singin' In the Rain" April 4th - 19th

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:42:43 GMT

So Singin' In The Rain opened this friday and it looks killer

Check out the pictures on my website:

www.jonbonnerdesigns.com

I'm proud of this show. It couldn't have looked more than how I wanted it too. Enyoy

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 02:20:15 GMT

this has to be the coolest thing I've ever gotten. It's a I-touch. Not only can you store a ridiculous amount of music on it but you can also surf the web, go on you tube, get direction and do so much other other neat stuff (yes I said neat). The key pad feature can be a little frustrating but I'm getting more used to it. I would say the this thing is a definate must have.

Btw go to my website to see some more 'ZOoman and the Sign' picture.

Zooman and the sign

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:12:05 GMT

So the 8th Annaul African American Theater Festival has opened (finally). I got a few keeper photos from the feature show "Zooman and the Sign". I should have them up on my website (www.jonbonnerdesigns.com) in a few days.

So here is some exciting new. Maegan's mom was on "Wheel of Fortune" yesterday and woe 4 grand and a trip to France. Very exciting. She didn't make it to the bonus round, but heck, you can't beat the prizes she won. MAegan when to LA with a few other of her family to see the taping live. It's going to air on Saint Patrick's Day, so you can get out the booze and watch the wheel spni (that might make you sick though).

Merry Christmas to all

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:54:48 GMT

We'll I've been ad at the live journal thing as of late... and I know that you have all been like "where's Jon and his crazy antics?". I'll try to be better in the upcoming year (better than one post ever month).

So the Bonner/Murphy Christmas party was last night... pretty uneventful. During the Yankee Swap my cousin brought in a white cooler. We all thought it was going to be beer, or perhaps a human lung. But it turned out to be 2 live lobsters. I'm kinna glad I didn't pick it. Also Maegan won 500.00 one a scratch off ticket. This right after I told my uncle (the one who bought them for everyone) that I hate giving scratch tickets to people, becuase i know I would be livid if someone ended up winning alot.... opps.

Tonight we are off to 6:00 Christmas Eve service, and then off to my sisters house for Christmas Eve dinner. Then tomorrow it's my house for breakfast and then back to my parents for dinner.... Love my family, but I need some down time =)

On the job front. I'm hoping to get the call from the Centeral Square Theater sometime next week to sent up a formal interview. Also my Uncle works for BC High and they just build a brand new theatre, which it sounds like they need some help with. A lot of things floating around out there for work, we'll just see what sticks. And the African American Theater Festival is coming at the end of January as well, so I have that to look forward to (it's in a much smaller space this year as well, the 120 seat BCA Theater instead of the 300 seat Robert's Studio Theater).

Alright, time to call it an early day from work. Merry Christmas to all, and happy new years =)

Could it be another "Jon Bonner Theater"?????

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:50:43 GMT

So I got a phone call from someone with the new Central Square Theater... I been chasing them down for an information talk for awhile, and finally got it. Sounds like my kind of deal. A newly built theater (it's still in the construction phase). They are going to need someoen to come in as production manager/TD. But they need someone to come in and price, design and purchase they system as well. My type of gig.

Wish me luck, I'll keep ya posted.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

All The Kings Men

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:55:49 GMT

So I just finished up with the Theater Offensives "Out on the Edge Theater Festival", working with them as there lighting designer and master electrician. I was more of the rep plot designer as the groups that worked in the festival brought there own designers. But I was lucky enough to be hired as the lighting designer for one of the groups "All the Kings Men". For the sake of a better description, they are a Drag King Performance Group. I have to say, it was a great design experience (a little hectic at times). The show turned out AWESOME and they are hoping to do it again sometime in the near future:

Here are some pics, enjoy:

Let the building begin

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:17 GMT

FYI, I would never hire myself as to put on an addition... however (with that said), we have been moving pretty nicely on the addition to the back of our house. A few months ago Magan and I decided to tear down the existing (and scary) 3 season porch on the back of our house, rebuilding and put an addition on. That also being said, my dad was very gung-ho about helping out. So we decided about 3 weeks ago that we would embark on the epic journey of...

THE BONNER HOUSE ADDITION

As always, pictures speak louder than words... here is a visual account of the antics. Comments are below each picture

This is what we started with. Doesn't look that bad, but there was a LOT of wood rout.

Let the DEMO Begin.... As always Dunkin Dounuts was helping a hand.

Keep tearing it down.....

We though we were going to be able to save the foundation... we were sadly mistaken. Nothing like a foundation sitting on top of cinder blocks....

Just walk away.... Later we found out that the foundation posts had to be 48" under ground, not 24".... those tubes had to come out.

We at least were able to save the roof.

Breathing in fiberglass insolation is EVER a good idea...

Oour personal favorite... the roof was 6 inches to low. So what better way to solve that problem tahn to buy some hydro jacks from Wlamart and rig a "roof-pusher-upper". Don't try this at home... oh wait.

Pretty much where we are right now.

So that has been the last few weekends. We are calling in re-enforements thsi weekend and we are hopeing to get the whole thing enclosed by Sunday.... heres hoping.

Ohhh Reformat

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:23:13 GMT

Oh my... I've forgotten how nice a new computer can be. This computer is 5 years olf (has 512 megs of ram and a 1.8MHz processor) but it runs liek a DREAM. I should have reformated months ago. It was almost to the point of unusable. I has tried every trick in the book to try and clean it out, but nothing.... this HAD to be done.

Now I'm cruzing around on the internet.... nice a quick like, with nothing running in the background to slow me down.

Of course, this probably never would have happened with a MAC... no I will not convert.

Roxbury Film Festival

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:31:52 GMT

Every year I say it... thank goodness it's over. There were definately some interesting films this year.. My favor (and also voted best film) "I'm through with Whire Girls".... yup, exactly how it sounds =)

I'm waiting here now, tyring to figure out hos to get to South Station so that I can pick Maegan up at the train at 11:45. I've been there before, but not by car. It's always different when you drive =)

Anyone have any good websites to visit to pass the time... I'd take anything.

"Patience of Nantucket" Photos

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:28:22 GMT

I am extremely proud of the work I did on this project (All things considered). For only having a day and a half to tech, and working with a 2 scene preset manual board, with only 16 out of 24 channels working, and one of the scariest electrical systems I've seen in a LONG time... we did awesome. As long as the board op does the cues right (and not blaming her, becuase she is also the Stage Manager and only ran the show once)... it should be good:

Anyway, enjoy:

There will be more on www.jonbonnerdesigns.com soon.

We'll miss you Lucky

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:00:16 GMT

We had to put Lucky down last night. I came home from work and she was lieing on the couch just staring off into space. I called the vet to see if we could bring her in to have her looked at. They were very nice, and said that she could have a turmor interfering with her nervious system, and that if they tryied to do anything it would just be temperary. Maegan and I stayed when she went down, it was very peaceful... she looked happy.

We'll miss you Lucky and we love you.

Website Update

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:11:29 GMT

So I'm thinking about tearing my website appart and building it completely new again... does anyone have any good portfolio websites that I can steal some ideas from?????

The the annual 4th of July party is this coming weekend. It'll be a vegitarian nightmare again.... there is a lot of MEAT on the menu:

- 16 lbs. Smoked Turkey
- 4 lbs Smoked Pork Loin
- 16 Smoked Chicken Wings
- BBQ Ribs
- Assortment of Burgers and Hotdogs

Needless to say I'll have 3... count them 3 grills fired up for this on. the bird is going to take about 8 hours to cook so it's going to be an early morning this Saturday.

After the BBQ it's off to Nantucket to put the performance of "Patients of Nantucket" together. I'll be lighting designer / master electrician for this one. I'll be headed out on July 1st and stayong over till July 4th. Should be an interesting time.

We'll see what happens.

"A Raisin in the Sun" wins best production at EMACT

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:38:52 GMT

I love it when a plan comes together. The Footlight Clubs Priduction of "A Raisin in the Sun" won the EMACT theater festivals ward of "Best Production".

We also won a ton of other awards (I was nominated for Best Lighting Design, but didn't win..... there is only so much you can do with a rep plot in 50 miuntes, when you are doing a straight show with all interior scenes).

Our wins were:

Special Adjudicators Award - Notable Excellence for Performance Values
A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

Paul J. Reale Outstanding Production Award
A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

John J. Goodwill Best Director Award
Heather Fry, A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

The Philip Basset Ensemble Award
A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

Best Actor
Steven M. Key, Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

Best Actress
Dosha Beard, Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

Best Supporting Actress
W. Yvonne Murphy, Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, The Footlight Club

We did good (pretty much a sweep). There is actually the chance that we will go on and win a bunch of other awards for the actual show that we did at the theater in Janaury. I could win something for the actual lighting design as apposed to the knock off that I did at the festival.

Go Footlight Club.

http://www.emact.org/index.asp

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:14:44 GMT

Finally over.... the 12 week program that I teach came to a close last Thursday. I couldn't wait for it to be over, but now that it's completed... I kinna miss it. The same thing happened last tiem too though. You would think I'd learn =)

Of course the final presentation was "Lighting a Song", an idea that I've stolen from Mike Dempsey on more than one occasion =) Gatta love it. Expect, I spent WAY too much time program these songs (one of them had about 75 cues).

Enjoy:

Off too Long Island this weekend to see Maegan's Family.

FYI

JBonner@JonBonnerDesigns.com — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:57:21 GMT

When using a hazer..... make sure that you bag ALL fire alarms in the room. Explaining that haze is not smoke to fire firers isn't always that easy. That was what I learned last week for the Design/Tech Education Program final presentations.

I'll have some pictures posted soon.

Also, my finger has healed. There is definately a scar, and the feeling is a little weird, but it's still there.