I had the opportunity to read from an excerpt of my play, On the 8’s, this week with some fabulous actors. As a reading, some of the comic potential of staging wasn’t there. But it was still fun to hear it and watch it become embodied by a new cast. And these actors were such pros, finding so many great moments, even behind music stands.
It reminds me again of why I do theatre – theatre people are so much fun and full of energy. I think it was Madeline George who described a playwright as a poet who got lonely. I agree! Sometimes my motivation for writing plays boils down to creating an excuse to hang out with these people. It's as valid a reason as any.
In real life, I’m such an introvert. And I love that part of my process will eventually force me to be in community.
For this reading, I read the stage directions, which I hate doing -- I was so nervous! But I found myself getting caught up in what the actors were doing. They cracked me up. And after a few minutes, I was able to forget my insecurities.
Two of the actors in this reading are folks that I've gotten to work with often. Kim and James have acted as spouses in several of my plays. At rehearsal for this latest reading, they requested I write something in which they get divorced. They were joking, but I thought it was an interesting perspective. These actors have worked with me over a long period of time and have come to know a range of my work. And they have suggestions about what they want me to work on! So, I'll be mulling over how to split them up in the next one...
Thanks Kim Jackson, James Williams, Serena Wright, and Justin Waggoner for collaborating with me. Can’t wait to work on something new with you all in the near future.
Kim Jackson and James Williams
Serena Wright and me
Serena Wright and Justin Waggoner