The Alpha & Omega Society

    At some point in time, I will make The Alpha & Omega Society official as a registered foundation. 

    But in the meanwhile, I continue to plan for the establishment of a Retreat Community to be part of the A&O Soc..

    There is a blog of the same name that is developing and there is a theatrical project called 

"I Am Alpha & Omega" 

that I am beginning to work on again. What will come of this is unknown.

    My game plan has been to acquire between 25 & 100 acres of land and to set up an Artist/Spiritual Retreat.  The slogan I have started to attach to the A&O Soc. is " supporting creative influx". 

    The goal is to create a living/working environment that combines some residential structures (to maintain the operation) and mostly temporary housing in the form of cabins, campsites, and RV hook-ups, these being connected to an assortment of studio spaces relative to the Arts & Crafts necessary to produce Film & Theatre. I have coined that "The Theatrical Development Centre"

    I am currently interested in this facility being in upper Bucks County, because that location is close enough to the current location of IMS that we can use the shop to construct a number of things and it is less than an hour away. Originally, I had thought somewhere in central Pennsylvania might be good and I was looking for land in Sullivan County. That thinking was determined by locating the retreat in a remote location with access off of Route 80, central to major routes and somewhat equidistant to New York, Chicago and Washington. But further evaluation of those locations brought the conclusion that access to supplies and an increase in travel & heating costs (among other considerations) made that concept less practical. After a change in thinking, I began looking at the Poconos, which I still like. We looked at more than one campground already in existence and that remains a possibility. But my current thinking is to locate in Nockimixon Township, preferably within eyeshot of the lake.

    I've always, since I was 20, wanted to build and run my own theatre. I've worked managing three separate movie theatres, two of which were multiplexes and and an assortment of live theatre stages during my career as a theatre artist/technician/Stage & House Manager/Technical Director/actor/writer/designer/filmmaker...

    So, the idea of building a theatre up around Lake Nockimixon is feeling quite good to me. It's close enough to my shop that I don't need to pull up stakes to make that happen. That is the current thinking. With enough land to create a retreat environment that is attached to a theatre, The Theatrical Development Centre (TDC) can become a larger reality.

    Initially, TDC was a concept that hinged on this concept of a Retreat Community, but since I have been setting up shop in Southampton, I have decided to make The Theatrical Development Center a sub-division of Image of the Mind Studios. Eventually, IMS may come under the purview of The Alpha & Omega Society, unless IMS becomes funded and converted to a major corporate studio operation.

    As it stands now there is a business structure that involves four separate business operations, which is in the Business Plan that is attached to The Gnomes of New Hope. I'll discuss that on IMS Producing Partners (which for now is a members only site). Anyone who wants to see that plan can discuss it with me. Initiate a dialogue via email.

    I will post more often regarding the Retreat Community. I'm beginning to reconstitute my thinking and my notes on this subject.

    Years ago, I had a pocket sized notebook that was filled with notes and designs for this community that I wanted to build. Well, let me offer some advice; don't use a pocket notebook for important information. I say this because that notebook, filed with extensive details and designs, disintegrated in the washer machine when I left it in the pocket of my shirt! When that happened I felt like I got slammed in the head with a baseball bat and has taken me over fifteen years to recover from that shock. The designs are starting to come back into my mind and I am beginning to reconstitute them. I guess part of the reason for that is that; there needs to be some degree of reality surrounding a concept before any sense if viability can come about.

    With the impending release if The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure, there seems to be the possibility of sufficient resources to look again at these ideas as if they could in fact become a reality.

    For my part, I need to begin to transfer my life's work and resources to someplace where they can be useful and remain intact, because, quite frankly, I could drop dead at any time and these thing need to be taken care of.

     I'm not so sure that these dreams are going to happen. I'm running out of time and I'm getting tired.

    I welcome dialogue via eMail, Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook though.

AG 

Business Structure

   One of the things I am beginning to seriously consider is restructuring Image of the Mind Studios to be operated under a Board of Directors, which has not been the case for all these years. 

  

  Having formed IMS in 1977, I have operated it as a Proprietorship, but the truth is that operations have outgrown that model and it is becoming difficult to keep it from growing too unmanageable without a different business model. 

   That business model will involve IMS being a Closely Held Corporation, thus allowing me to sell stock in IMS and begin to transfer ownership to a new management group. It is enivitable that this must happen, as I am advancing toward the end of my life in this world.

  Additionally, The Gnomes of New Hope needs to be managed under a Joint Venture structure, which I am legally establishing, now that the Illustrated Storybooks are almost ready to publish and bind.

   The photo above shows the Music Score, which needs to be redressed. Working on the music was put aside so that the focus of attention could be solely on finishing the Illustrated Storybook Collection and it is almost time to shift over to refining the Score. Once the book layout is finished this can happen.

   Years ago I was working on the score, doing time & key signatures, but also creating the divisi necessary for the assorted quartet scenarios. Unfortunately, a hard disc failure caused me to loose six months worth of work on that,  along with years of work on the book layout, which all had to be done over again. That event delayed the work for ten years. A VERY distressing situation. I never got back to the music, but this is something that needs to be done.

   I have a production line set up for publishing the books, albeit a rough idea of a proper production line, just to do time studies and produce prototype materials. I am looking at putting a printing press in the studio, but it rather depends on what happens with sales. Here again is a reason for a Board of Directors and departmentalizing operations.

   In addition, as I mentioned previously, there is the possibility of purchasing a machine shop, which is lingering in the immediate future. So this needs to be taken into consideration, even though machining operations have not been part of IMS, in terms of modus operandi. Even so, this might be integrated in terms of animatronics, which is a consideration as part of the overall picture.

   In any event, a reorganization must be considered as essential, no matter what direction the focus of attention needs to be. The truth is that there are so many aspects of this operation that departmentization is enivitable if Image of the Mind Studios is to survive me.

  More on this later. AG 🎭🎶🎬

Bryn Athyn Orchestra ∞ Digital Playbill Program

 Here is the Playbill Program for 

Bryn Athyn Orchestra's upcoming Concert on March 9th 2025

Winter Concert ∞ Playbill Program 2025

Theatre

   Circumstances being what they are, I am looking for a Legit Theatre, around 1200 seats is probably best. Not too small and not too large.  I need a decent shop space upstage, or remote from the house, but part of the compound. At the very least, it needs to be nearby. It really should be connected to and level with the stage, to avoid hauling supplies. It needs a loading dock.

   It a tough situation, but I don't want a space that has to be active to survive. I want it for development purposes, not for a full schedule. I really don't want to manage an active theatre schedule at this point. I am too involved in Design, Development and Production of New material to be distracted by theatre management. Although, we could add that at some point under a General Manager, other than myself.

    I don't mind a space that needs some restoration, but not to decrepit, as to be unusable without a complete overhaul. It cannot have any environmental or tax issues. The foundation, roof and services must be sound and not in need of major repairs or replacement to be functional. Upgrading will be necessary, but I want equipment that is functional. I need a functional fly space and if it is hemp, I don't want rotted ropes.

    A historically significant space, worthy of restoration, but currently dark, could work, so long as the stage and shop space are fuctional, or could be made so without too much work. However, it cannot be under any Historical Commission regulations or interference, either local, state, or federal.

   The space needs to be in conformity, in terms of size, and equipment with industry standards and it must not be under union contracts. It must be able to operate and support both union and non-union activity.  I get that it any dark space available will likely need equipment upgrades to bring it up to spec, but I would prefer a functional booth that is wired to the stage that has sound wiring for dimmer banks. I need a full compliment of battens and side pipes that are functional and preferably has electrics. Newer system have dimmers in the instruments, so that situation is changing anyway, still a booth that is wired to the stage is rather essential, at least for presentation. For development we can run that from the house and set that up.

   I could see it becoming a Road House eventually, or supporting some touring, or rental activity as a secondary purpose. The main activity being development of New Works. A theatre that is in reasonable proximity to educational institutions is probably best, as we could then engage in apprenticeship programs and support learning opportunities in theatre.

   I have gotten to the point where studio activity would be better served by securing such a space and continuing on in that environment. The existing space is no longer serving my needs and setting up again seems enivitable. So the best approach is to set up in a location that has a functional theatre as a main part of the scenario, or at least a shop space connected to a theatre that can be developed and utilized to some degree.

    I have multiple shows which are under development and it would be best to continue bringing them closer to presentation in a space where all we need to do is open the doors for the audience, while at the same time managing the affairs to continue on beyond my lifetime, which now will conclude in twenty years or less. I would prefer to take my resources and set them up in a space where they can be most useful for future generations.

   So, with all this being said, I invite commentary and participation in this process. I am open to hear about any theatre space that will meet the criteria I have described. 

   In part, this endeavor depends on the success of publishing and distributing the Illustrated Storybooks of

The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventures 

and it is part of developing the stage show that these Storybooks are based on.

   Send me an email or dialogue using Messenger.

AG 🎭🎬🎨🎶🇺🇲

Incorporation

 

   I'm of the mind-set to restructure IMS, so that I am in a position to sell stock shares to industry professionals who may like to end up taking over the operation when I am too old to continue in the work. I'm getting there more quickly than I expected to, but I will be turning over the majority of my assets to the restructured operation, as part of my exit plan. 

    This will be in conjunction with the Elder Gnomes Joint Venture and the Business Plan for the Gnomes of New Hope. There is  business structure that involves four organizations; Image of the Mind Studios (for Design & Development), IMS Management (for Business Finance & Logistics), 

A Performing Arts Centre

UPDATE:

   This plan, or rather imagining, has for the most part fallen by the wayside. I have been too busy with other matters to even consider being distracted with this concept. As it stands now, the property is under development for a medical office complex. I have no idea how that is progressing. If it ever becomes available again and I have the resources to pursue this concept effectively, I will consider it. But the truth be told, I am more interested in finding a dark theatre that is already built which can meet my needs to develop some of the projects on the boards. I'll get into that with another post at another time.  For now, I think I need to concentrate on restructuring the IMS Business Plan and implementing parts of that plan.

ARCHIVE:

OK, to start right off, this is a concept that would require substantial Financing and the Establishment of a Board of Directors.  So this is my thinking on the subject, not something I am currently pursuing, but I do think about it a lot. I will pursue it if financing becomes available, but I'm not soliciting for financing other than to post this and maybe start another blog on the subject.  I am willing to discuss this as a concept on that basis.  Theses pages are taken from a Business Plan that I crafted for "The Gnomes of New Hope" project, where I took into account a fuller scope of what IMS could be.  I would love for this to be the headquarters of Image of the Mind Studios, but not unless I have the funds t construct and maintain the operation for twenty years.  After that, I'll be dead. I'm 70.  But right now it's a pipe dream. But if I sell Image of the Mind Studios, this could be part of that. If we pursue this concept.  I'm posting this... just because...

Sandy Signs

 Bumper Stickers

Here you see one of the bumper stickers we produced 
back in the days when we were publishing 

"Sandy Signs"

I came across this in my files and decided to make them available.

They are available as an adhesive sticker or as a magnet.  

Price is contingent upon quantity. 

If anyone wants some of these contact me at;

Arthur Greisiger

Image of the Mind Studios

1325 Industrial Boulevard

Building Three

Southampton, PA 18966

image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com

Below is a  flyer for another Bumper Sticker we were producing.

It will be updated as necessary. This flyer may be out of date.

The pricing shown here was for the magnets. 

Hence, the above saying may be the same price as shown here.

The United Nations wanted to buy these with their logo instead of the peace sign,

but at the time I said no. I may pursue that now.

You may print this order form out and use that to order either sticker.

Do not send any money until I confirm the price with you.

Please attach a cover letter or purchase order outlining which sticker 

and the quantity you may like. I will get back to you with a price.

The pricing in the flyer below is for the magnetic version of the bumper sticker.

These were old prices and it probably cost more to make now.

But I will reprice them for a minimum of 500 units.

I may publish them if I receive enough inquiries

and post updates here.

AG

Telephone communications

A 1908 Buick Speedster
Just for fun. I'd love to have one of these.
I'll trade my 1931 Model A Roadster for one.

     I have been deluged by solicitations. Therefore, I do not answer any calls that do not have a familiar called ID. If you are wanting to contact me via my cell phone, you will need to text me first. Be specific; identify yourself and the reason for contacting me. If it is legitimate business, I will get back to you. I do not answer cold solicitations. If I answer and do not get a response, the number will be blocked. If I use call screening and there is no response or a hang-up, the number will be blocked. 

     My email is likewise deluged. If it is legitimate business, I will respond. If the communique is a solicitation, I may look at it or not.

   I'm sorry it has come to this.

AG