TLWM: The Hate Experience

\XLVI/ Computer Blue

Proposal: build an annex building on the property just for you. It'll be much smaller. Two studios (because I know you like to record then have someone mix it while you jump to another studio to record something else) (your brain is a beast), a live room (to jam? Record live with the band?), a soundstage approximately 3,500 square feet (intimate impromptu performances; rehearsals; film?), and an office with a bed. A small kitchen and restroom as well.

This space will be yours and yours only, and only if you choose you can offer it to "special" friends (Patti? Whitney? Rosie?) when the main studios are booked (& they will be). My initial image was that this building was separate from the main, but I think it'll also be cool if we build an above-ground tunnel (& yes, this is a recycled idea from when I thought it'd be cool to build a detached vault on the property).

In conclusion, on top of giving you the upmost privacy (I've seen you detour your route to avoid humans), this hub will fix the booking problem we're having right now. And I know you preach "money don't matter" but reality is that you live a very exuberate lifestyle. I'd like to help keep the money overflowing (we got kids and we both have a shoe problem). We can name it something cool, like The Purple Annex or The Crystal Ball Annex. Okay, you name it.

Idea #2 – Playwright program

Goal: to nurture the Wizzo that will always be in me. If I'm not doing something for the kids, I'm being socially irresponsible.

Proposal: Create a playwright program for local schools. I'd say middle school English classes. It'll be an 8-12 week program that involves the kids visiting a theater once/twice a week during school hours to write a play. The class will break into groups of 2-4 and write the play then work with professional actors who will perform their play. At the end of the program, a production will be showcased for the kid's families and friends.

I think it'd be cool if a "Hollywood" actor/actress could meet the kids as well. Or a director. I'm sure you can easily make that happen. They could work with the kids one of the days at the theater and share their story, answer any questions and maybe even help with some of the scripts.

I'd like to start this program here at home first. Then if the concept works, expand to other cities. And that brings me to the next (ambitious) idea.

Idea #3 – Paisley Park Theater

I want the program to be held exclusively at Paisley Park Theater, which is a theater I'm proposing to be built (you said don't worry about costs when I'm dreaming). Paisley Park Studios has the soundstage but that is a haven for film and television and your occasional concerts. The Theater will be for theatrical performances. Our own little "Broadway".

Goal: expand your brand. I think the Theater should be a replica of the exterior of the Studios with the white aluminum checkers and the glass pyramid above the entrance. Only one auditorium with at least 5,000 seats will be ideal. I know there's more we can do inside the building but my imagination hasn't gone that far yet. I just know it'll be a reflection of you. Maybe a movie theater? No. I don't know. But last and definitely not least...

Idea #4 – Live Albums

Goal: to reimagine your albums. To allow the world to experience your albums in a new way.

Proposal: Create a live stage production featuring the music of Prince. Let's use Graffiti Bridge as an example. On film, the message didn't come across to the audience as you intended. However, if you were to present it visually as a live stage production, I strongly believe it can work.

Understand, I'm not talking about a play. The show will literally be the album coming to life on stage. The music will be the record, exactly how the audience knows it. And the record will play in sequential order (a theatrical rock performance). However, I think it'll be cool to add in some gems from the vault (it's insane what you're hiding in there).