In 2000 I was introduced to a theatre company called
The Drilling Company which at that time produced new one-acts in themed evenings. They've since branched out into full-lengths, play development and even Shakespeare in the Parking Lot on the Lower East Side.
I can't think of many plays I've written in the past 14 years which have not been in some way inspired or nurtured by The Drilling Company, which is helmed by my friend, Artistic Director, Hamilton Clancy.
In part 1 of this two part interview, Hamilton and I talk about the history of the company as they begin their 16th season.
Don't forget that Drilling Company is now running The Norwegians by C. Denby Swanson. Go to the website for more info: www.drillingcompany.org.
Topics covered in the interview:
- Welcome Hamilton and audience (1:49)
- How the company began, and the first show (7:00)
- Second show Neighbors and how I met Drilling Company (12:59)
- Company member Scott Baker's Kringled (15:15)
- The one-act evenings and the themes (18:58)
- The Drilling Company Theater space on 78th Street (22:12)
- Why is the company called The Drilling Company (25:08)
- Political theatre, George Bush years (27:53)
- A man of many hats, including writer (31:27)
- Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, crap on the moon (37:33)
- Dave Marantz's story about the sword/knife fight in the parking lot (45:53)
- In the Car stories, the birth of the read-aloud (49:48)
As usual my buddy Sal Clemente (of Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra) who wrote the podcast theme song, "Here We Go Again," plays us out.