News From Playwrights Project

25-line Play Contest Play a part in the 25th Anniversary Celebration by contributing your own 25-line play! The Contest is open to all ages.  Writers may choose any topic they desire; however, the play is restricted to 2 characters and a maximum of 25 "speaking lines" with specific words counts per line.  A template for submissions, based on an exercise from Playwrights Project's teaching programs, is available below. Play Template: Click Here Deadline: October 15

Play by Play: Cultivating Emerging Playwrights Playwrights Project is calling for submissions for the next round of Play by Play, a play development program for local emerging playwrights between the ages of 19 and 29.  The program offers playwrights the opportunity to hear their plays read by actors, engage in discussion with a select audience, and work one-on-one with a theatre expert to further develop their plays.  The program culminates in a community reading of the revised scripts. Please submit a writing sample (full or partial plays accepted) and the completed submission form to Chelsea Whitmore at cwhitmore@playwrightsproject.org. Submission Form: Click Here  Deadline: October 15 Eligibility Requirements: applicants must be a San Diego resident, between the ages of 19 and 29, and not currently enrolled in a playwrighting program. If you are outside of the age range and interested in participating in this program, please let us know so we can assess the need to expand the age range. Contact Chelsea Whitmore at cwhitmore@playwrightsproject.org.

Theatre Teacher Happy Hour

Last blog I mentioned getting together on September 30th for a happy hour at El Torito.  That was before I knew about the ETC Oktoberfest on the same day.  So how about this?  Let's still have our happy hour, but at the ETC event - that means free beer and brats and some take home SWAG!  

I'll be there at 4:30, come and  join me!  Check out what's new in lighting.  Get to know Chris Rynn, the local ETC rep and lighting designer extraordinaire.  See the beautiful Balboa Theatre up close.  The focus this year is “Success, Safety, and Sustainability for School Performing Arts Venues."  

The long term goal is to get current technology in your theaters and classrooms so that your students are current and ready to work upon graduation.  Feel free to bring an administrator or booster club parent!

When:  September 30th

Where:  Balboa Theatre

RSVP:  rsvp@ocsltg.com

Speaking of Lighting Design... 

The new edition of the Richard Pilbrow book, Stage Lighting Design is now available.  This is the go to book for advanced lighting design concepts and a must have on your bookshelf!  Check it out:  http://tinyurl.com/pilbrow

3rd Annual Honor Theatre Project

I am very pleased to announce that we will have another Honor Theatre Project this year!  Funding (as always) is tight, but VAPA Director, Karen Childress-Evans, is committed to making this project happen.

This year University City High School, Belinda Brown and her theatre students, will be hosting the event.  The fabulous Dennis Hollenbeck with direct.  We will again work with professional designers.  It should be an outstanding production!  We have just selected the play.  It is a wacky, romantic comedy from the 1930's, "Shooting for the Stars."  I will get scripts out to the high schools ASAP.

High school teachers - please keep this project in mind as you finalize your calendars.  The production dates are March 16 - 19.  Auditions will be in early December and rehearsals will begin in January.  

Again, this project is not designed to take students away from your program.  It is intended to provide an opportunity for theatre students across the district to come together and develop a greater sense of community.  In the long run this makes your program stronger as these kids then continue to stay in touch, see each others shows and keeps them excited about theatre!

I'll be coming out to schools in November to recruit students.  If you would like me to offer a workshop at the same time, just let me know!  More info and forms to follow.

How to Market Your Production

Here is a good article from the publisher Theatrefolk with great ideas for marketing your play.  Consider assigning this as a project to a group of students and really put them to work this year with the goal of increasing audience attendance. 

What do you do to get more "butts in seats?"  Consider giving each English teacher a comp ticket for each period they teach.  Have them give them to star students.  Make sure it is only for opening night.  This will help to generate a buzz and get more people there the rest of the run.

Share your ideas in the comment section of this blog

See a Show!  Support a Program!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Patrick Henry High School
Directed by Chris Carr
September 21 - 24 at 6pm
September 24 at 3pm
September 25 at 2pm.
For more info email Chris at ccarr1@sandi.net

Email me your show dates! 

Best-

m.