James Elden's Playwright's Spotlight

James Elden

Playwright Spotlight features a new playwright every episode to discuss the tools of the trade and solutions to the obstacles we face as writers in hopes of making us all better and more successful playwrights. read less
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Repertory, Residencies, and the Benefits of Previews - Playwright's Spotlight with Sunny Drake
Today
Repertory, Residencies, and the Benefits of Previews - Playwright's Spotlight with Sunny Drake
Australian born and Canadian artist, Sunny Drake, stops by Playwright's Spotlight. In this episode, we discuss developing the artist within and how to grow as a playwright without formal training, how much involvement the playwright has at a table reading, the benefits of previews, rehearsing in repertory theatre and how to submit as well as breaking down and submitting to residencies. Within the latter, we talk about "good" vs "bad" retreats, matching your work to appropriate residencies in addition to building a case as to why one's work may be more appropriate that the contrary. We also discuss the genre of the radio play, absurdity in playwriting, teaching yourself growth, and the role of humility when it comes to criticism. Sunny is a charming playwright who brings a lot of new information to the Playwright's Spotlight and provides wonderful resources for playwrights of all levels. Sunny Drake is a playwright, theatre creator, performer, and producer. His works have been translated into four languages and presented in over 60 cities across the world for a wide range of audiences. He was the first general manager of Propel Youth Arts (a youth arts development and advocacy group in Western Australia). Currently he is the Emerging Creators Unit director with, which is the world’s largest and longest running queer theater. Sunny was commissioned by the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, Playwrights Guild of Canada and ATFC to write the 2019 World Theatre Day message for Canada. He was awarded the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize 2019 for having a significant impact on performing arts in Ontario, and was a finalist for the K. M. Hunter Theatre Award in 2018. He was awarded the Playwrights Guild of Canada national comedy award in 2021 for Every Little Nookie, which had its world premiere at the Stratford Festival in 2022. His comedy Men Express Their Feelings was described by the Calgary Herald as an "instant Canadian classic" in 2020.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/je2TUS-OyPALinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - The Arctic Circle - Artist and Scientist Residency Program -https://thearcticcircle.orgBlue Mountain Center -http://www.bluemountaincenter.org/Yaddo -https://www.yaddo.orgStratford Festival (Canada) -https://www.stratfordfestival.caContact information and socials for Sunny Drake -Website -www.sunnydrake.comIG - @sunny_drakeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/sunnydrake.creationsWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Repertory, Residencies, and the Benefits of Previews - Playwright's Spotlight with Sunny Drake
Today
Repertory, Residencies, and the Benefits of Previews - Playwright's Spotlight with Sunny Drake
Australian born and Canadian artist, Sunny Drake, stops by Playwright's Spotlight. In this episode, we discuss developing the artist within and how to grow as a playwright without formal training, how much involvement the playwright has at a table reading, the benefits of previews, rehearsing in repertory theatre and how to submit as well as breaking down and submitting to residencies. Within the latter, we talk about "good" vs "bad" retreats, matching your work to appropriate residencies in addition to building a case as to why one's work may be more appropriate that the contrary. We also discuss the genre of the radio play, absurdity in playwriting, teaching yourself growth, and the role of humility when it comes to criticism. Sunny is a charming playwright who brings a lot of new information to the Playwright's Spotlight and provides wonderful resources for playwrights of all levels. Sunny Drake is a playwright, theatre creator, performer, and producer. His works have been translated into four languages and presented in over 60 cities across the world for a wide range of audiences. He was the first general manager of Propel Youth Arts (a youth arts development and advocacy group in Western Australia). Currently he is the Emerging Creators Unit director with, which is the world’s largest and longest running queer theater. Sunny was commissioned by the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, Playwrights Guild of Canada and ATFC to write the 2019 World Theatre Day message for Canada. He was awarded the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize 2019 for having a significant impact on performing arts in Ontario, and was a finalist for the K. M. Hunter Theatre Award in 2018. He was awarded the Playwrights Guild of Canada national comedy award in 2021 for Every Little Nookie, which had its world premiere at the Stratford Festival in 2022. His comedy Men Express Their Feelings was described by the Calgary Herald as an "instant Canadian classic" in 2020.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/je2TUS-OyPALinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - The Arctic Circle - Artist and Scientist Residency Program -https://thearcticcircle.orgBlue Mountain Center -http://www.bluemountaincenter.org/Yaddo -https://www.yaddo.orgStratford Festival (Canada) -https://www.stratfordfestival.caContact information and socials for Sunny Drake -Website -www.sunnydrake.comIG - @sunny_drakeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/sunnydrake.creationsWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Diligence, Perseverance, and Overcoming Adversity - Playwright's Spotlight with Faye Widjaja
Mar 7 2023
Diligence, Perseverance, and Overcoming Adversity - Playwright's Spotlight with Faye Widjaja
Without a doubt the most important episode of Playwright's Spotlight to date. If in the past you've never made it through an episode in it's entirety, this is the one to sit through until the end. A story of diligence, perseverance, over coming adversity, Faye Widjaja tells the story of her high school drama club staging a production when it seemed the universe was against them. We discuss breaking down and writing a performance art piece, the timing and structure of a play set in real time, rehearsing and making the most out of the worst situations, and celebrating the old adage "necessity breeds creativity." Faye's is a story of inspiration and motivation fighting against all odds. I hope this episode makes you all remember why we fell in love with theatre in the first place and what keeps drawing us back. Enjoy!!!Faye Widjaja is a writer, composer, director, designer, actress, and senior at Mission San Jose High School as well as the president of the school's student-run theatre program. Her play "A Lost Soul's Guide to Being Not Alive" received an Honorable Mention from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and her most recent piece "A Minor Inconvenience" received gold in the Student Written One-Act category at the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival in Sacramento, California.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/zeWhuUfhCRULinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/Lenaea High School Theatre Festival -Lenaea.orgStanding Ovation Grant -https://broadwaylicensing.com/broadway-licensing-announces-standing-ovation-grant-for-educational-theater-programs/Harris Center for the Performing Arts -https://www.harriscenter.netUniversal Performers -https://www.msjpups.orgHollywood Fringe -https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/Support Theatre for Mission San Jose -https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-theatre-at-mission-san-jose?qid=508cd5a3222f056e8d829d9679b9168aScholastic Art and Writing Awards -https://www.artandwriting.orgContact and Socials for Universal Performers -https://www.facebook.com/groups/30332416579/Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Discovery, Deliberation, Decision, and Driving Action - Playwright's Spotlight with Matt Williams
Feb 21 2023
Discovery, Deliberation, Decision, and Driving Action - Playwright's Spotlight with Matt Williams
90 minutes of brilliant insight. The amount of real estate this episode with Matt Williams covers couldn't be covered in a set of Time Life books. Matt provides so much knowledge, it was hard to know when to stop and move on to the next question. In this chat we cover learning playwriting from dramaturgical books opposed to those focused on actual playwriting, driving action vs inciting incidents, achieving simplicity through elimination, embodying character through action, bad feedback and notes, the trap of directing your own work, and when to pull the plug when someone else is in the driver's seat. We also discuss how to make your play director proof, developing a writing routine, trusting actors and directors, putting vibrance on the page, the point of view character and the protagonist, beginning and ending a scene and so much more. I'd be hard-pressed to believe any playwright won't walk away with a treasure trove of goodness from what Matt brings to the table. As always, ENJOY!Matt Williams has worked in theater, film and television as a writer, director, and producer. In pursuit of his passion to see children succeed, Williams recently formed the Laughing Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children around the world by creating stories that celebrate the human spirit. He also serves on the board at the Cherry Lane Theatre, a resident non-profit theatre founded by his wife, Angelina Fiordellisi. Playwriting credits include Fear, Actually, We’re F*cked, Bruce Lee Is Dead and I’m Not Feeling Too Good Either, Jason and the Nun, and Between Daylight and Boonville.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/6xwnYokPgV0Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/users/37356/matt-williamsSamuel French -https://www.concordtheatricals.com/a/4946/matt-williamsCherry Lane Theatre -https://www.cherrylanetheatre.orgWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Psychology, Vulnerability, and the Romance of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with John Mabey
Feb 7 2023
Psychology, Vulnerability, and the Romance of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with John Mabey
What a wonderful and intoxicating exchange and perhaps a little serendipitous. I discovered John had started following the podcast and what followed was nothing short of a high energy conversation about the craft. In this episode with John Mabey, we discuss the romance and preciousness of playwriting as well as the psychology of the craft and the necessity of getting out of our own way. We also talk about the vulnerability of the playwright, trusting other playwrights, letting go of our work, expressing silences and beats, writing a play for production, getting commissioned, structure, success, revealing truth through character, and cliffhangers opposed to leaving your audience "confused." All said, it's another episode where I could have talked for hours. What was your favorite moment? John Mabey is a writer and storyteller whose plays have been produced on stage in 7 countries and throughout the United States. Recent awards for full-length plays include the ‘2021 Panowski Playwriting Award,’ the ‘2022 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award,’ and the ‘2022 Getchell New Play Award.’ In 2021 and 2022 he also had plays published in Smith & Kraus’ 'Best 10-Minute Plays,' 'Best Women’s Monologues,' and 'Best Men’s Monologues.' In 2023, John will have multiple monologues published in a volume for gender minority characters as well. His plays include – A Complicated Hope, Misfits and Mustangs, B is for Bullshit, and Reflections of a Daydream.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/ZIuXvquyi-wContact info and socials for John Mabey -Website -www.mabeyplays.comNew Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/users/40570/john-mabeyIG - @jmabeyFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnemabeyWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the showSupport the show
Adaptation, Development, and Breaking Down the Story - Playwright's Spotlight with Barry Kornhauser
Jan 23 2023
Adaptation, Development, and Breaking Down the Story - Playwright's Spotlight with Barry Kornhauser
In this episode I have a inspirational conversation with playwright Barry Kornhauser about the commissioning and adapting plays from children's books, development, creative freedom and licensing, and breaking down and building a story around stage directions and minimal dialogue. We also discuss working with underprivileged as well as individuals with disabilities, writing for age appropriate casting, and relating to younger audiences in your work. In addition, we cover what can be learned about playwriting from the technical aspects of theatre, the opportunities in children's theatre, advice in that arena, and whether or not playwriting can be taught and if there is such thing as bad play when it comes to writing. There's a lot of subjective material in this episode that I'd love to hear where you all stand, so be sure to share your thoughts, and as always... Enjoy!!!Barry Kornhauser’s have been commissioned and produced by Tony Award-winning stages such as the Children’s Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse, the Shakespeare Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His honors include the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America’s Orlin Corey Medallion, Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Play, Bonderman Playwriting Prize, and three AATE Distinguished Play Awards. In 2017, he was named Artist of the Year from Pennsylvania Governor's Awards and his youth theatre program for teens living with disabilities and other life challenges was honored at the White House as one of the nation's top arts-education initiatives. He served for over 30 years as Playwright-In-Residence, TYA Director, and other positions at the National Historic Landmark - Fulton Theatre and currently works for the Millersville University Office of Visual & Performing Arts. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/PJ_cYyderGQLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Children's Theatre Company (CTC) -https://childrenstheatre.orgPlays for New Audiences -https://playsfornewaudiences.orgTherapeutic Living Centers for the Blind -https://tlc4blind.orgNa Laga'at -https://aicf.orgNational Endowments for the Arts -https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects/theaterThe Blank Theatre -https://www.theblank.com/Lenaea High School Theatre Festival -https://lenaea.orgTo contact Barry, you can email him at - barry.kornhauser@millersville.eduWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Workshops, Styles, Tropes, and Politics Preventing Art - Playwright's Spotlight with Trey Nichols
Jan 10 2023
Workshops, Styles, Tropes, and Politics Preventing Art - Playwright's Spotlight with Trey Nichols
In this episode of Playwright's Spotlight I speak to Los Angeles based playwright and actor Trey Nichols. In addition to playwriting, Trey runs a series of playwriting workshops throughout the year. Our conversation touches on various aspects of the craft including - learning through acting, one's inspirations, and playwriting classes as well as using the past for exposition versus achieving an objection. We also touch upon violence under language, the benefits of breathing space in a piece, the wounded villain vs the anti-hero, economics in playwriting, soul changing, struggles as a beginning playwright, one note scenes, workshops, reworking the same pages, creating art from life, and the controversy of politics preventing art. It's certainly a broad topic episode that's sure to be enlightening. Enjoy!Trey Nichols is a playwright, actor, and script consultant based in Los Angeles, California. He is a longtime member of Moving Arts, an award-winning Los Angeles-based theatre dedicated to the development and production of new plays.  For twelve years, he served as the theatre's Literary Director, moderating the company's Playreading Series and playing a vital role in the development of new plays.  He has also served as a dramaturg for the the company's signature new play development program, MADLab. He is also a literary consultant for playwriting and screenwriting contests and fellowships.  He is on board of the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights (ALAP) and produces the annual In Our Own Voices Playreading Series. His plays include Find Brother, A Lesson in Proper Bow-fluffing Technique, and The Meadows.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/Y75LUunnPv4Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Moving Arts & MADLab -www.movingarts.orgAlliance of Los Angeles Playwrights -https://www.laplaywrights.orgWicked Lit -https://unboundproductions.orgContact information for Trey Nichols -Website -www.treynichols.netTwitter - @treynicholsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/treynichIG - @therealtreynicholsWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the showSupport the show
Rhythm, Dance, Space in Beats, and Being a Lazy Writer - Playwright's Spotlight with Dagney Kerr
Dec 27 2022
Rhythm, Dance, Space in Beats, and Being a Lazy Writer - Playwright's Spotlight with Dagney Kerr
It's always a treat when playwrights can record in house. This week local playwright Dagney Kerr stopped by to discuss her playwriting journey from college to relocating to Los Angeles as well as her process from workshops to worldwide productions. We also discuss letting go of your work and standing your ground. In addition, we tackle working with bad directors, adjusting your work, writing rhythmically and tactically, perfecting pieces before submitting them, self-representation and unauthorized productions, support and accountability in a writers group, finding one's voice and style as well as relatability in success. It's certainly a well rounded discussion that encompasses a wide range of topics I think all writers will benefit from. Enjoy!Dagney Kerr is a Los Angeles-based writer and actor. Her play, Stay, won Best Play and the Sherman C Ward Jr. Award for Excellence in Playwriting at the Eastern States One Act Play Festival; Outstanding Play, Maryland One-Act Festival; Pick of the Vine, The Little Fish Theater in San Pedro; and Best Script, Best Play, and Audience Favorite awards in several other festivals around the country. Her play, "Dalton," was chosen for the ABC Discovers: New York Talent Showcase, INKFEST Playwright Festival in Hollywood, and an official selection of the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. She recently received the Playwrights Initiative Award from Ivoryton Playhouse in CT for her play, Deanna and Paul. She has also written and starred in the critically-acclaimed one-woman shows, Deep Sea Dagney and Hitchhiking to Mars and is also the creator of the Christmas show, Holiday Fever, which ran in Los Angeles for ten sold-out seasons.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/bHQr9ZJdrAgLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Playwrights Center -https://pwcenter.orgDramatists Guild - https://www.dramatistsguild.comNew Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.orgContact information and socials for Dagney Kerr -Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DagneyKerrOfficialIG - @dagneykerrNew Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/users/18919/dagney-kerrWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Twists, Turns, Intent, and Creating Your Own Opportunities - Playwright's Spotlight with Paul Surace
Dec 13 2022
Twists, Turns, Intent, and Creating Your Own Opportunities - Playwright's Spotlight with Paul Surace
In this episode, Los Angeles based playwright Paul Surace swings by Playwright's Spotlight to talk about his upcoming compilation Hearing More Voices the followup to his first collection Hearing Voices. We discuss poignancy in playwriting, writing with intent, characters with a history vs characters that are strangers, and being directed as a playwright. We also touch on bad direction and pulling the plug on a production, creating your own opportunities, discipline while working a full time job, and perhaps finally cracking the mystery of how to write subtext. Paul's New York charm exudes in this conversation along with his decades of playwriting experience. I'm sure you'll walk away with a new perspective that will assist in your own playwriting. Be sure to let us know how it helped. Enjoy!Paul Surace is a playwright, producer, actor, screenwriter, Walt Disney Company Fellowship winner, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He’s written over 30 short plays, some of which have been produced in New York City and Hollywood. His book of short plays Hearing Voices has received rave reviews, and he is currently working on another collection due to be released in 2023. His full length plays include Homecoming and NYC Nativity.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/A0OIgilmkBgLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -Hearing Voices -https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Voices-Short-Plays-Psychotherapist-ebook/dp/B07JGRQ8WG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hearing+voices+paul+surace&qid=1670909807&sr=8-1Paul Surace's YouTube Plays -https://www.youtube.com/@paulsurace4907Paul Surace's Website and Socials -Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/psuracePaul Surace's Website -https://candlelightplays.comWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Action in Dialogue, Inspiring Designers, and the Seeds of Conflict - Playwright's Spotlight with Cyndy A. Marion
Nov 29 2022
Action in Dialogue, Inspiring Designers, and the Seeds of Conflict - Playwright's Spotlight with Cyndy A. Marion
Fresh in the middle of her trip from New York for the West Coast Premiere of her new play Broken Story, playwright Cyndy A. Marion stopped by a Playwright's Spotlight for an in-house interview. In this episode, we discuss transitioning from director to playwright, learning structure, taking creative license when writing about real life events, honesty in marketing, and what makes theatrical staging. We also talk about complex sets and inspiring designers as well as adding action to dialogue, musicality in a monologue, writing surprises, repping yourself, and making the work. This discussion is a great resource for playwrights who may be considering a bicoastal production as well as the usual approach to the craft. I hope you enjoy this episode.Cyndy A. Marion is the Producing Artistic Director of The White Horse Theater Company for which she recently directed the world-premiere production of her play YOU ARE PERFECT. She is a Board Member of The Players, Co-Founder of the Producers Circle and a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society as well of the The Dramatists Guild. Her new play, BROKEN STORY, is currently running its West Coast Premiere at The Sherry theater in the North Hollywood Arts District.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/64yZmoZuzh0Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Emily Owens Press Agent -http://www.emilyowenspr.comWhite Horse Theater Company -https://www.whitehorsetheater.com/The Sherry Theater -https://www.thesherry.org/New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/Dramatists Play Service -https://www.dramatists.comThe Players -https://theplayersnyc.org/Socials for Cyndy A. Marion -Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cymarionTwitter - @cymarionIG - @cyndy.marionWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Etudes, Texture, and Driving a Different Route - Playwright's Spotlight with Michael Wright
Nov 15 2022
Etudes, Texture, and Driving a Different Route - Playwright's Spotlight with Michael Wright
Wow wow wow. This episode is chock full of information, education, and insight, I could've gone on for another hour and a half. Michael Wright shares so much information throughout our chat. The plethora of topics we cover is immense and his knowledge is never ending. His exercises, or as he calls them "etudes", will help any playwright or writer struggling or weak in any particular playwriting element from technique, character, plot, structure, collaboration, and writer's block. We also cover the "jobs" of the playwright, adding texture and layers, sensory elements in writing, creating solid dialogue, getting to know your characters, and making the audience a "partner." The information in this discussion is so extensive, any writer will benefit form the first minute to the last. Listen or watch, and then get to writing. I'm sure you'll be inspired. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/KxVSWpVqyagLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - National Endowment for the Arts -arts.govOriginal Works Publishing - https://www.originalworksonline.comContact information, website, and socials for Michael Wright -Email - mmichaelwright@gmail.comWebsite - www.michaelplaywright.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/michael.p.wright.165IG - @michael_play_wrightWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions, and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Artistic Statements, Achieving Dimension, and the Great Elevator Play - Playwright's Spotlight with Gary Garrison
Nov 1 2022
Artistic Statements, Achieving Dimension, and the Great Elevator Play - Playwright's Spotlight with Gary Garrison
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1. Author of The Playwright's Survival Guide and Perfect Ten and ten-minute playwright virtuoso, Gary Garrison swings by Playwright's Spotlight. In this discussion, we discuss progressing as a playwright, structuring a ten minute play, the differences between a sketch and a ten-minute play, and developing characters. We also touch on the necessity of artistic statements, what should be included in character descriptions as well as submission letters. And that's just the start. We cover a wide range of terrain that any playwright will find beneficial. As with each episode from Season 1, I hope you enjoy this conversation. Gary Garrison served as the Executive Director of the Dramatists Guild of America for the past decade. Prior to his work at the Guild, he filled the posts of Artistic Director, Producer and full-time faculty member in the Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he produced more than 45 different festivals of new work, collaborating with hundreds of playwrights, directors and actors. He is on the Tony Administration Committee for the Tony Awards and the program director for the Summer Playwriting Intensive for the Kennedy Center. He is the author of the critically acclaimed The Playwright’s Survival Guide: Keeping the Drama in Your Work and Out of Your Life, Perfect Ten: Writing and Producing the Ten Minute Play, A More Perfect Ten, and two volumes of Monologues for Men by Men. His plays include Too Quick to Pick, Ties That Bind, Skirting the Issue, Caught Without Candy, Game On, Verticals and Horizontals, Padding The Wagon, Rug Store Cowboy, Oh Messiah Me, The Big Fat Naked Truth, Scream With Laughter, Smoothness With Cool, and When A Diva Dreams. The video format of this episode can be watched at the link below -https://youtu.be/5tk2GYoug4MWebsites and socials for Gary Garrison -www.garygarrison.comFacebook - www.facebook.com/gary.garrison.56Twitter - @playatwritingIG - @playatwritingWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Steven Dietz
Oct 18 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Steven Dietz
Passionate and Inspirational, Steven Dietz visits Playwright's Spotlight to discuss the musicality of dialogue, kairos moments throughout a play, and what he calls The Living  Play, in which he unpacks his technique of using motion, status, and time opposed to action and conflict. We also discuss taboo topics, writing out of uncertainty, overlapping dialogue, intricacy and layers,  the mythology of playwriting as well as his time at Playwrights' Center and working with some of the greats. Probably one of the most educational discussions of the craft I've had so far. I hope you enjoy it.Steven Diezt’s thirty-plus plays and adaptations have been seen at over one hundred regional theaters, as well as Off-Broadway and has International productions in over twenty countries. In 2019, he was once again named one of the 20 Most-Produced Playwrights in America by American Theatre Magazine. He was awarded the American Theatre Critics Association's Steinberg New Play Citation for his play Bloomsday; the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award for both –Fiction and Still Life with Iris; the PEN USA Award in Drama for Lonely Planet; and the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Sherlock Homes: The Final Adventure. Other plays include Becky's New Car, This Random World, Last of the Boys, Rancho Mirage, Shooting Star, Yankee Tavern, Inventing van Gogh, Private Eyes, Rocket Man, God's Country, and The Nina Variations. He taught in the MFA Playwriting and Directing program at UT/Austin for twelve years and currently serves as a Dramatists Guild "Traveling Master"—teaching workshops in playwriting, story-making, and collaboration across the U.S.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/CnS8-gegiUcLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Playwrights' Center -https://pwcenter.orgBroadway Licensing/Dramatists Play Services -https://www.dramatists.comConcord Publishing/Samuel French -https://www.concordtheatricals.comNational New Play Network -https://nnpn.orgWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Mark Harvey Levine
Oct 4 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Mark Harvey Levine
In this episode of Playwright's Spotlight, I speak to the master of the 10-minute play - Mark Harvey Levine. With over 1900 productions of his work around the world, Mark offers a plethora of information when it comes this short-form content - from the challenges to the opportunities that come along with it. We discuss structure from exposition to the inciting incident to resolution. We also touch on comedy, plots, and struggles in playwriting and how to build one's confidence as well as payment vs production and his issue with submission fees.  His tidbits on surprising your audience and being specific in the little details is also wonderful advice. As with past interviews, I learned something new. I hope you do the same. Enjoy.  Mark Harvey Levine has over 100 entries on New Play Exchange and has had over 1900 productions of his short plays nationally and internationally. His plays have won over 45 awards and been produced in more than ten languages. His work has been published in over two dozen anthologies by Applause, Smith & Kraus, Routledge, and Vintage. Full evenings of his ten-minute plays, such as "Cabfare For The Common Man," “Didn’t See That Coming,” and “A Very Special Holiday Special” have been shown around the world, including at the Edinburgh Fringe and in a multi-year tour of Brazil. A Spanish-language film of “The Kiss” (“El Beso”) premiered at Cannes and aired on HBO and DTV (Japan). Two of his plays were adapted for Brazilian television. Other plays include – The Interview, Save Hamlet, Oh, Tannenbaum, Scripted,  and Making It Up as We Go Along. He has taught workshops sponsored by Cary Playwrights’ Forum and teaches playwriting at the Indiana Writer’s Center.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/8epDLbmzC3sLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Gi60 (Gone in 60) - The One Minute Theatre Festival -http://gi60.blogspot.comMisfortune (Play) and New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/plays/1214714/misfortune-ten-minute-playIndy Fringe Festival -https://indyfringe.orgPhoenix Theatre (Indianapolis) -https://www.phoenixtheatre.orgTalkwalker -https://www.talkwalker.comContact information and socials for Mark Harvey Levine -Mark Harvey Levine New Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/users/1748/mark-harvey-levineFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/markharveylevineTwitter - @markle9IG - @markle9Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Nina Mansfield
Sep 20 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Nina Mansfield
The quirky and energetic playwright Nina Mansfield stopped by Playwright's Spotlight, and while she's far from high strung, I can't help but think the female characters she sticks in unusual situations are all a faction of her. It's hard to pinpoint the exact areas of playwriting we cover in this episode, because we cover so many subjects - teaching subtext, building backstory, timing, character development by letting them tell YOU who they are, the 10-minute structure, and revisiting old works that didn't work. We also touch on approaching premise, training later in one's career, and most importantly - having fun writing. Nina's energy comes off strong right from the start, so I hope it inspires and motivates you to hit the pages running. Enjoy the episode.Nina Mansfield is a Connecticut based playwright, fiction writer, and educator. Her ten minute and one-act plays have had over 100 productions having been produced professionally, at colleges, community theaters and high schools as well as throughout the world. He work has appeared at a number of festivals, including - the New York International Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Boston Theatre Marathon, Vital Theatre's New Works Festival, 20% Theatre Twin Cities, the Six Women Playwriting Festival, Little Fish Theatre's Pick of the Vine Festival, and multiple 8-Minute Madness Festivals in New York. Nina's short plays have been anthologized in Smith and Kraus' The Best Ten-Minute Plays, the Boston Theater Marathon XI, 2009 Anthology, and YouthPlays' Middle Schoolin' It, amongst other publications. She is a member of the The Dramatists Guild, Mystery Writers of America, The Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Sisters in Crime. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/S3d5GCmw-moLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - New Dramatists -https://newdramatists.orgSmith and Kraus -https://www.smithandkraus.comKennedy Center Playwriting -https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/pre-professional-artist-training/kcactf/kcplaywritingint/Stage Partners -https://www.yourstagepartners.comPlaywright's Binge -https://groups.io/g/playwrightbingeContact info and website for Nina Mansfield -www.ninamansfield.comIG - @ninamansfieldTwitter - @ninajmansfield Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Dean Farell Bruggeman
Sep 6 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Dean Farell Bruggeman
Had a wonderful time reconnecting with Dean Farell Bruggeman, discussing playwriting and launching a career without any formal training. We discuss overcoming the obstacles without an academic start, the necessities of a successful scene, achieving truth and following your heart, muses and self projection as well as inspiration and unearthing plays buried in the "underwear drawer." Dean's quite inspirational with lovely energy. A mistake I make within our talk is about a piece correctly titled "American Pie" written by Rebecca Katz. I mistakenly label it as a play without "story" while I intended to say "plot." It is a beautiful piece from the Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival Volume 1 that you can find a link to in our show notes. It's a wonderful example of a play based on characters and relationships, that you will also find woven within Dean's plays as well. We hope you enjoy the episode. Dean Farell Bruggeman is a Los Angeles based playwright whose plays have been seen thought the city at - Theatre Unleashed, Group Repertory, The Knighsbridge, Company of Angels, The Hudson, Road Theatre Company, Actors Company, The Three of Clubs, and Eclectic Company Theatre. His play "Memory Grove" was a 2012 semifinalist for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Playwrights Conference and a 2013 finalist in the New Works @ The Works Playwriting Competition at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis. His other plays include - Only the Moon Howls, Pearson Design, Beautifully Broken Things,  Hollywood Perfume, Untitled Perfusion #3,  and The Blur. He is a graduate of the University of Florid and a longtime member of the Dramatists and Screen Actors Guild. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/Xx8ORtFylJwLinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Lonny Chapman Theater -https://thegrouprep.comThe Road Theatre Company - https://roadtheatre.orgContact information for Dean Farell Bruggeman -https://www.deanfarellbruggeman.comWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Stephen Kaplan
Aug 23 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Stephen Kaplan
Playwright Stephen Kaplan stops by in person in the episode of Playwright's Spotlight. This discussion is about as well-rounded as it gets, touching on a plethora of aspects go playwriting, including - avoiding directing on the page and the minimal use of stage directions and action, common habits and the pitfalls of a beginning playwright as well as the playwright's toolbox, teaching subtext, and the structure of playwriting vs screenwriting. We also go into detail about Aristotle's Poetics, Deus ex Machina in theatre, rules in playwriting, editing as you write, and standing up for yourself in production. This is only a small amount of topics we discuss in this episode. It's definitely worth listening to the end. We hope you enjoy it.Stephen Kaplan is an award-winning playwright with productions off-broadway and in regional theaters nationally. His productions include the world premieres of Tracy Jones at Williamston Theatre, Michigan and CenterStage, Rochester, and the world premiere of Branwell (and other Brontës): An Autobiography Edited by Charlotte Brontë at Loft Ensemble, Los Angeles. His play Tracy Jones is currently a finalist for B Street Theater's New Comedies Festival in Sacramento, CA, and was a finalist for the ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest and the Trustus Playwrights Festival. He is a 2021 Individual Artist Fellowship winner in playwriting from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He earned his BFA from NYU – Playwrights Horizons Theatre School and his MFA from Point Park University. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and serves as Northeastern Regional Representative on the DG National Council.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/L6q3otHLbEMLinks to site and resources mentioned in this episode - Loft Ensemble -https://www.loftensemble.orgScreenCraft -https://screencraft.org/NYU - Playwrights Horizon -https://tisch.nyu.edu/drama/about/studios/playwrights-horizons-theater-schoolThe Blank Theatre -https://www.theblank.com/livingroomseries/Website and contact information for Stephen Kaplan -Stephen Kaplan -www.bystephenkaplan.comThe New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/users/255/stephen-kaplanWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Jonathan Cook
Aug 8 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Jonathan Cook
In this episode of Playwright's Spotlight, I speak to playwright Jonathan Cook about festivals, submission fees, and dealing with rejection. We also discuss the pathway to playwriting with no formal training and learning from reading bad material. Jonathan shares his experience with getting published and his extensive knowledge in creating and producing audio versions of plays as a podcast. Jonathan supplies a lot of great resources in this episode, all which can be found in the show notes. Be sure to take advantage of it all.Jonathan Cook is a playwright, actor, and filmmaker based in Georgia. Many of his short plays have been produced in theaters around the world, and most notably, he was a semi-finalist in the 37th annual Samual French Off-Broadway Festival in New York with his post-apocalyptic play LOBSTER MAN. His play INSURGENTS  was also a semi-finalist in the 2020 ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest. He is  a five-time recipient of the Porter Fleming Literary Award in the playwriting category and some of his works have been published in anthologies by Smith & Kraus. He is also the host and producer of GATHER BY THE GHOSTLIGHT, a collection of plays adapted to an audio only format.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/0MUIOE8QvVILinks to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Short + Sweet Festival -https://shortandsweet.orgNew Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.orgLe Chat Noir -http://www.lcnaugusta.comPlaywright's Binge Blog -https://groups.io/g/playwrightbingeNYC Playwrights -https://www.nycplaywrights.org/Playwrights Center -https://www.nycplaywrights.org/ScreenCraft -https://screencraft.org/Pittsburgh New Works Festival - https://pittsburghnewworks.org/Smith & Kraus -https://www.smithandkraus.com/annualsGather by the Ghostlight -https://gatherbytheghostlight.podbean.comPorter Fleming Literary Competition -https://www.themorris.org/porter-fleming-literary-competition/Contact information for Jonathan Cook and Gather by the Ghostlight -www.jonathanrcook.comgatherbytheghostlight@gmail.comWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Brian Gene White
Jul 26 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Brian Gene White
In this episode, I chat with playwright Brian Gene White about about the process of developing a play from start to world premiere using his recent piece Future Tripping as an example. We also discuss the accessibility of producing,  the benefits of a technical director, gathering a "crew" and surrounding yourself with good people. Brian also informs me of the newest (or at least for me) crowdfunding platform for the arts - Fractured Atlas. As with all my episodes, I walk away with new information and insight. I hope you learn a thing or two as well.Brian Gene White is a playwright, director, and actor based out of Los Angeles. He received his BFA at the conservatory at Webster University and is a company member at both the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Minnesota and the Ensemble Shakespeare Theatre in Pasadena, California. His play Future Tripping received its world premiere this year at the LOFT Ensemble in Los Angeles. His play Is Not That Strange? was a finalist in Screen Craft's 2020 stage play competition. Other plays included One Way Trip and Pilgrim.To view the video format of this episode, follow the link below -https://youtu.be/rphRRJTBllgSites and resources mentioned in this episode -Loft Ensemble -https://www.loftensemble.orgGreat River Shakespeare Festival -https://www.grsf.orgFractured Atlas -https://www.fracturedatlas.orgBetter Lemons - https://www.better-lemons.comSargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts -https://www.webster.edu/conservatory/index.phpBackroom Shakespeare Project -https://www.backroomshakespeare.comContact info and website for Brian Gene White - Website - www.briangenewhite.comEmail -briangenewrite@gmail.comTwitter -@briangenewritesFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/briangenewhite/IG -@briangenewhiteWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Paul Braverman
Jul 12 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Paul Braverman
In this episode, I speak to playwright Paul Braverman about developing your own local playwrights' guild, obstacles in playwriting, and how detailed one should go when writing stage directions. We also discuss the use of parentheticals, using long-form improve to write short plays and how it can also benefit full length pieces, the tricks of rereading pdf formats of your work, and the process of creating characters and developing plot. I learned a lot myself from this interview, and I hope you walk away with just as much if not more.Paul Braverman is a Bay Area playwright whose plays have received dozens of readings and productions, both nationally and internationally. He has been a wildcard finalist three times at Short & Sweet in Sydney, Australia and is a past finalist for the Heideman Award. Paul's one-act play Sins Borne was presented at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska. Other plays include Captive Audition, Stuck in the Middle, The Alpha Bindleman, and the Frankie Payne noir trilogy. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and is a co-founding member of the Pear Theatre Playwrights Guild.To watch the video version of this interview, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/arkON7IEnA4Links and resources discussed in this episode -Pear Playwrights Guild -https://www.thepear.org/guildBay Area Theatre Sports -https://www.improv.orgCity Theatre Miami -https://www.citytheatre.comThe Last Frontier Theatre Conference -http://www.theatreconference.orgNew Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.orgContact Info for Paul Braverman -pabraver@yahoo.comWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Playwright's Spotlight with Steven Young
Jun 28 2022
Playwright's Spotlight with Steven Young
In this episode, I speak with playwright Steven Young to discuss the anatomy of a monologue, scene, 10 minute play, one-act play, three-act play and even touch on the more uncommon four-act structure. We also discuss the necessities of a scene and where to start them. We also discuss achieving production feats in playwriting, beginners' mistakes, good and bad writing habits and building a routine as well as what makes a good story, and whether or not you can teach subtext. This is an episode oozing with information and knowledge.  Steven Young is an actor, director, and playwright. His full-length plays include The King's Face, The Night We Bombed Lincoln Towing, The Soothsayer, The Wal*Martians, The Resurrectionists, Cheddar Heads, The Night Witches, and Obscenity. Steven also teaches playwriting at Texas Women's University. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/NllMEOZAgJILinks to site and resources mentioned in this episode - Perfect 10 by Gary Garrison -https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-10-Writing-Producing-10-Minute/dp/0325003122A More Perfect Ten by Gary Garrison -https://www.amazon.com/More-Perfect-Ten-Producing-Ten-Minute/dp/1585103276Playwrights' Center - https://pwcenter.org/The New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.orgOfficial Playwrights of Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OfficialPlaywrightsNashville Shakespeare Festival -https://www.nashvilleshakes.org/Contact information for Steven Young -Facbook -https://www.facebook.com/steven.young.3701Email -lepest50@googlemail.comWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show