After a brief closure to remove the drop ceiling, the Photo Studio is back open and available to reserve for credentialed members! Come check out the newly renovated space. We have two paths to access available: full studio including cameras, and studio space only. If you’re interested in gaining credentials, come see us and we’ll get you started!
The Central Florida Improv Community Town Hall is a networking and resource event. We invite improvisors of all skill levels to join us for this Town Hall on which has been created to encourage growth, provide training, and receive insight into producing opportunities for our art form. The Town Hall will extend past library open hours on January 23rd from 6p.m. – 9p.m. Attendees must arrive before 7 PM in order to join.
Attendees will be provided headshots on a first come first serve basis.
Coaching Sessions – Improv troupes interested in a feedback coaching session must email Marko Torres at torres.marko@ocls.info to register their troupe up to the day before the Town Hall event.
Games Session – A breakout jam session consisting of short form games. Lead by Andrew Bond & Mallory Ertel
Femprov – A workshop on creating a respectful and inclusive environment for women to thrive in improv comedy. Presented by Halley Spencer & Emily Broker
Panelist discussion & Q&A Session – Central Florida show producers speak on the creation of their shows, obstacles and successes. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and open discussions.
We want to give special thanks to all of our exhibitors for the 2017 Melrose Creative Expo. We’ve heard from a few of that you’re interested in being exhibitors next year…we would LOVE that. Each exhibitor had something special to offer, and we appreciate you taking the time to come spend a few hours with us on a Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye out for our announcement for an open call for exhibitors in late Fall this year!
If it will help to keep the memory alive, here’s a little video:
Video Link: 2017 Melrose Creative Expo
On Saturday, February 11, members of the community gathered to celebrate the Melrose Creative Expo, which kicked off with recognizing top projects created by Melrose members from the past year in the 2017 Melrose Awards. This marks the third year recognizing members’ efforts, and each passing year has shown growth–not just in the number of entries or votes, but also the range of subject matter. We’re so proud of the work our members have created and are pleased to share the work of this year’s semi-finalists:
| Dale Bauer |
| Daniel Beran |
| Christopher Beverly |
| Brett Clark |
| Stephen Jay |
| Joshua Johnson |
| James Ketant |
| Rupert Meghnot |
| Joseph Rodriguez |
| Kevin Watts |
| Ashley Zehel |
And now, it is with great pleasure that we present the category winners and grand prize winner:
Congratulations to the winners!
You know, if you think you have what it takes to take home a prize, be sure to start working on your project and keep an eye out for the opening of the submission period for next year’s Melrose Awards. We’ll celebrate the next Melrose Awards at the 2018 Melrose Creative Expo on February 17.
Tis the Season for Gift Giving!
It’s the time of year when you’re making a list of gifts to shop for, and you’re probably already scoping out Black Friday deals. Before you spend your dough, check your list twice! If you’ve got a techie on your list who is hard to shop for, let our staff help you out!
Winny’s Top 5 Must Give List for Photographers
1. A Selfie Remote (like the Muku Shuttr) – So the photographer can be in the photos too!
2. Camera Lens Mug – Photographers need coffee on the run.
3. Bokeh kit – For those special lighting effects
4. Digital Photo frame – Every photographer needs somewhere to share all those special photos.
5. Instant film camera (like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic) – Get those special moments on film instantly!
Jennifer’s Fab Five Gift List
1. Microprocessors (like Rasperberry Pi or Arduino) – Pick up a kit when you are first starting up to allow you to experiment and play.
2. A good set of hand tools (including pliers, assorted screwdrivers, and wire cutters) – You might already have these around the house, but they are the foundation of most maker projects.
3. Soldering Iron – If you are doing electronics, look for one that has a range of 25-30 watts. Also, pick up solder, solder wick (we all make mistakes!), and a holder.
4. Assorted electronic components (including resistors, LEDs, capacitors and transistors and lengths of copper wire) – You never know when inspiration will strike, and it’s always best to have the fundamentals on hand.
5. Sewing Machine and conductive thread – because sometimes you need the flexibility that fabric and thread can bring.
The Melrose Audio Engineers’ Must Haves
1. Lighting – Studio Lighting (like the Phillips Hue Lighting System) can go a long way to set the mood for your creativity and keep you productive in your home studio. Candles and cool lights and lamps can keep you comfortable and productive.
2. Furniture – Furniture can make you workflow easier and make a comfortable and ergonomic studio. Simple things like a good chair go a long way, since you will most likely be sitting in that chair for a number of hours. Try Argosy Console Desks.
3. Computer Accessories – Enhancing your computer workflow can save time. Improve your computer displays, maybe add a television as a computer monitor. Purchase an editor mouse or if you spend a majority of the time in one DAW, buy an editor keyboard and get comfortable with some of quick keys.
4. Improve Playback – Improve your listening environment with acoustic treatment, or if you mix on headphones, invest in some high quality headphones to make your mix perfect. Also, improve your D/A conversion to have more accurate listening from your DAW.
5. Black Friday Plugin Sales – There are always great sales for software and gear during the holiday season. You can always find a good Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials from your favorite retailers. So if you have been eyeing some key plugins all year, the Holiday shopping season is a great time to get them.
Leisy’s Must Give List
1. Dash and Dot Robots – are great fun for kids who won’t even realize they’re learning to how to code!
2. Robot Turtles – Another great toy/system that disguises learning for fun!
3. littleBits and Ozobots – These toys can help with learning the basics and are as fun for adults as they are for kids & teens.
4. Responsive Web Design UI Sketch pads – These can help you visualize how your site will look on mobile devices.
5. Website UX card decks – These are great for mapping out your site.
We hope that these suggestions help narrow down the choices for the techie in your life! Now go find some great Black Friday deals on these items…GOOD LUCK!
