Page 8 of Finding Finn
“Lighting would be complicated. But it could be done, I guess.”
“You can be honest with me, Jim. You know the space much better than I do.”
“It can be a discussion. I suppose it would depend on what show we do.” He looked completely unenthused.
“This is a great space, Jim. I think it could be used for a lot. It’s so big. Does the theatre rent the space for weddings or parties?”
His face brightened. “Now that’s not a bad idea. Of course, the resort will open pretty soon. That might take most of that business.”
“Resort? Really?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty great, to be honest. My friend Ben is in charge of it. They have their own performance space there that will host concerts. He would love to talk to you about bringing our shows over to the resort. It could be a great way to increase our budget.”
“That’s cool. I mean, I know nothing about the town, so… I guess, I will have to rely on you and Buffy until I start to get to know the place.” I thought I was doing a great job of acting like I knew what I was saying.
“Of course.” He finally uncrossed those beautiful arms. “We’re all here for the same reason.”
“How long have you worked here?”
“I graduated from college with a degree in technical theatre, and Mister Gambin offered me a job when I came back home to figure out my next steps. I loved this place, so it was an easy choice.”
“You never wanted to go somewhere else?”
“This felt like where I needed to be. I love Foggy Basin, and this theatre has always been a special place to me.”
“You’re married?” I glanced at the ring on his finger.
“Wrong hand. No, I am not married.” He raised his left bare hand.
“Oh, right,” I smirked.
“Want to see the theatre?” I saw his eyes roll into the back of his head as he turned and led me back inside.
He showed me around the space, and for a community theater, it was quite nice. There was almost no backstage space except on the sides, but the stage was quite large and wide, if not very deep. He was proud of the theatre’s capabilities and eager to tell me about the technical specs, which sounded like he was speaking an alien language to me. I finally held up my hand.
“Jim, I understand nothing about what you’re saying. I’m mainly a performer. I’ve directed a couple of high school shows during my off time, but this is all going to be very new to me.”
“I’ve overwhelmed you?” he frowned. “I guess we’ll get used to each other. You want to go into the office and have Buffy and me explain a few things to you?”
“What would happen if I said I wanted to crawl back in my bed?” I chuckled. “I barely slept last night.”
“Jet lagged?”
“I… maybe?” I shrugged. “I’m just nervous. You’re all new to me, just as I am to you. I really want us to get off on the right foot.”
“Come on,” he walked out of the theatre and through the lobby to a blue door in the corner. “These are our offices. Well, you and Buffy have an office here. Mine’s in the tech booth.”
“Of course. Tech guys have always been an enigma to me. We get to know some of them, but most don’t seem to care very much about anything besides their jobs. You’re all a hard nut to crack.”
“Yeah, that’s probably because most of the actors find it hard to think about anyone else but themselves,” he smirked. “Of course, it’s not that way around here. You see Tom Brandy in Music Man on a Sunday matinee, and he’s changing your tires on Monday. Foggy Basin is full of people who actually like each other.”
“It’s not like that in New York. I can totally see the charm of this place.”
“I hope so. It’s in your hands now.” He opened the door.
“How was the tour? Did my brother bore you with how many gobos could be hung from the grid? He’s such a nerd.”
“This is why families should not work together,” Jim growled. “So, these are the offices.”
