In just over a month, Theater Fusion went from the germ of an idea to reserving a site for its first production and meeting with Keller officials about eventually opening a theater there. Co-founder Todd Haberkorn has been keeping track of developments and e-mailing updates. Here are some excerpts:

Sept. 9: After months of dreaming of what a theater company would be like, I decided it might be time to explore the idea. ... Working into the night, I came up [with a mission statement that begins:] "By blending the ever-advancing technology of today with the rich tradition of stage, we hope to strengthen the impact of live performance in the community." ... I called Elizabeth (co-founder Elizabeth Van Winkle) at 2 a.m. and she signed on immediately.

Sept. 10: Liz and I get together to discuss our various roles with the potential company. She starts contacting businesses for sponsorship. I get on finding a space. Some of the annual rents were about $160,000 to $500,000. A tad rich for this company ...

Sept. 12: The first show is decided: Turn of the Screw. Liz and I will star. Now, where to perform it and who will direct? Our first company meeting with several board members is set.

Sept. 15: Calling the Center for Non-Profit Organization management gave me a lead: SMU will be the home of our legal aid to achieve our nonprofit status. ... Elizabeth locked in the Stone Cottage [in Addison] for our first production, February 2006.

Sept. 16: I sat down with all the IRS paperwork involved in getting our nonprofit status. There's many pages and many application fees. Feeling overwhelmed, we assigned the paperwork to our business manager.

Sept. 17: I contacted a Web master. We're getting our Web design for a very good deal. ... Started working on a budget.

Sept. 18: After crunching a few hours' worth of numbers, there are some expenses that I didn't account for. I expected this, but I didn't know box-office software ran upward of $2,700.

Sept. 20 (Ms. Van Winkle's entry): You know the game Whac-A-Mole? That's what this feels like! A million things need to be taken care of, and every time a task is finished, 10 more pop up. ... Todd picked up our new logo today, along with letterhead, and our Web site is up, although still "under construction." ... I received an e-mail today from the mayor of Keller. She said she was interested in our project and looks forward to meeting with us.

Sept. 25: Two friends that signed on a few weeks ago with such enthusiasm seem to have faded away. The assignments they offered to do are not finished.

Sept. 27: I have a new soundtrack to listen to on my way to work: accent CDs that I'll use for Turn of the Screw. With 20 different accents to choose from, I go a little exotic with Hampshire and Yorkshire. We'll see how it goes. ... The two individuals that I've had my doubts about confirmed my fears: They are pulling out. Reason? They're in "a dark place," they say.

Sept. 28: Board meeting. Today. There's still items that need to be printed and I still have to create a budget. I design a lesson plan for the day that will keep the kids engrossed in group work as I put the touches needed on our budget. I'm pushing school policy a bit, but it's necessary. Liz gets together an agenda so we have a road map for tonight. ... The 2 ½ -hour board meeting ends with tons of suggestions jotted down ...

Sept. 29: I get Liz to drive us to work because I'm writing the articles of incorporation as we travel. I have my nonprofit guidebook on my left knee and the forms on the right. ... Wite Out will be needed ...

Oct. 2: Carl Savering called as we were driving on one of our endless errands. He needs Liz to fill in [in Theater Quorum's production of Honour]. The show opens in two weeks. She accepted the role (we both saw this as an opportunity to barter on his directing fee for our show – more on that later). ... The stress is starting to get to us. We're snappy with each other and are rather critical at times. However, we cool down and things go back to normal. ... I've been contacting my Web master to see if he'll produce anything for our Web site anytime this millennium ... he said maybe.

Oct. 3: I got our Web site up and running. It took me seven straight hours, but I think we're in a good place. At least people have info about the company.

Oct. 4: Our city councilman contacted me and is ready to set up a meeting for next week! He and the mayor will meet with us together to discuss our project.

Oct. 9: Liz is getting more and more stressed as her show's opening approaches. Her involvement with Fusion will be minimal for a while. However, she is still working hard on the PowerPoint for the big meeting with the city.

Oct. 10: No word on a time for the city meeting. When I call I mention our PowerPoint and he says it's probably better if we just bring a hard copy. Well, there goes Liz's weeks of work on sound and animation ...

Oct. 11: In the mayor's boardroom, our board president, vice president of production, treasurer, managing director and artistic director make our presentation to the mayor, the city manager and city financial adviser. ... The city has a great poker face. ... Overall, the meeting was a success.