Shows
James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting the Absurd, Doubting Your Talent, and Recognizing Gifts and Weaknesses - Playwright's Spotlight with James MerollaSend a textPlaywright James Merolla streamed onto Playwright's Spotlight. We had an engaging and honest conversation about his background as a director and a theatre reviewer and how that eventually led to becoming a playwright. We discuss his struggles with rejection and doubting your talent and being a late-starting and older playwright and eventual successes. We also talk about the lack of feedback in rejection, knowing what festivals your work is appropriate for, recognizing gifts and weaknesses, and the possibility of self-producing and success in smaller markets. James has a big voice and is an intimidating f...
2025-11-181h 11James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightImplementing Twists, Writing Red Herrings, and Keeping Your Audience Engaged - Playwright's Spotlight with Stuart BrownSend a textPlaywright Stuart Brown streamed into Playwright's Spotlight for a second time after technical difficulties with sound, but I hope delved a little deeper this time around. We discuss the Connecticut Theatre Market, being a critic and a playwright and how the former affected the latter, honesty as a critic, and advice to theatre companies on getting critics in seats. We also explore how being a critic helped his writing when he began to pursue playwriting, keeping your audience engaged, implementing twists and what makes a good one, and what makes a three dimensional character...
2025-09-051h 02James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightThe Musicality of Dialogue, the Magic of Writing, the Doorway Effect, and the Trick of Eliminating Parenthiticals - Playwright's Spotlight with Lawrence ConnollySend a textPlaywright. Screenplay Writer, and Novelist Lawrence C. Connolly streamed into Playwright's Spotlight and, as always, we touched base on many topics not covered in previous episodes. It never ceases to amaze me. In this discussion, we delve into adapting a novel and the allegory of Frankenstein, staging multiple locations on stage, the process of outlining a five-act play, approaching cross-talk amongst multiple characters, and the musicality of dialogue. We also we unpack flow state. the magic writing, staging and graphics on the stage as well as letting dialogue drive the dialogue and how to...
2025-08-191h 14James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightThe Business of Playwriting, Laying Breadcrumbs, and Dramatic Truth and the Math of Human Emotion - Playwright's Spotlight with Angelica CheriSend a textAngelica Cheri swung by Playwright's Spotlight after leaving the rehearsals of her Broadway play Wanted only to jump into the rehearsals for the West Coast Premiere of her play Burta Burta. She was wiling to share her insights of the craft. We delve into the rehearsal process, approaching rewrites and the importance of dramatic truth, finding opportunities and landing an agent, changes to pieces from a thesis to premieres to publication. We also touch on the trick of raising stakes, the structure of a song in musical theatre, magical realism and laying breadcrumbs, achieving...
2025-08-061h 06James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightEpisode 100! Jersey Boys, an Egg Timer, Stage Effects, and Organizing Principles - Playwright's Spotlight with Rick EliceSend a textEpisode 100! Thanks for supporting us on this journey. We would love to hear how this podcast may have helped you with your creative endeavors.To celebrate this milestone, Rick Elice of Jersey Boys, Peter and the Star Catcher, Water for Elephants, The Addams Family, The Cher Show, and the upcoming Princess Bride Musical, was gracious enough sit in the Spotlight (TWICE) after a botched first recording. We owe this opportunity to Cameron Scott who put this entire thing into motion. Be sure to check our his episode as well.In...
2025-07-221h 14James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightMagical Realism and Heightened Language, Punctuation as Sheet Music, and Locking Opposite Characters in a Room - Playwright's Spotlight with Ashley GriffinSend a textPlaywright and performer, Ashley Griffin, swung by the studio to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight before her West Coast Premiere of her Off-Broadway play The Opposite of Love. It's a compelling conversation that tackles so many aspects of playwriting, that the title of the thumbnail became a struggle. In this discussion, we breakdown her playwriting origins, learning lessons from mentors, overcoming technical challenges, magical realism and heightened language, and achieving the goal of giving a gift to the audience. We also unpack recognizing issues, characters having objectives, knowing where you're going, and using language...
2025-07-151h 08James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightArtistic Visas, Defining Success, and Networking to Find Opportunities - Playwright's Spotlight with Joel TrinidadSend a textI invited Joel Trinidad onto the Playwright's Spotlight after reading about his journey. He streamed in while on tour for his acting performance of Romeo and Juliet as part of a fringe fest in South Dakota. In our conversation, we discussed acquiring an artist visa, producing your own work, the definition of success, the structure of a musical, and the importance of networking and finding opportunities. We also discussed using your cast to fill seats, imposter syndrome, submissions and rejections, pay-to-play, and staging a musical table read. It's a great conversation on a universal...
2025-07-0157 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlays as Living Things, Staging in Unconventional Locations, and the Definition of Being a Writer - Playwright's Spotlight with Cameron ScottSend a textBroadway marketer turned playwright Cameron Scott came onto Playwright's Spotlight after I received his submission to PLAY Noir to talk about his later-in-life start to playwriting. In this conversation, we delve into what the definition of a writer is, a play being a living thing, audio plays vs stage plays and a play's transition from audio to stage, and setting time aside and finding opportunities to write. We also discuss staging in unconventional locations, being a minimalist playwright, overnight success, and the new trend of streaming Broadway shows. It's great, energetic conversation that proves...
2025-06-171h 16James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting a Play in Real Time, Necessity Breeding Creativity, and Journey to the Hollywood Fringe - Playwright's Spotlight with Faye Widjaja and Sohani SawantSend a textReturning playwright Faye Widjaja and her cohort, Sohoni Sawant, dropped by the studio after having streamed in from her original interview just over two years ago to discuss the journey and evolution of her play A Minor Inconvenience from the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival to the Hollywood Fringe. It's an insightful journey I hope every playwright at any stage can pull a nugget of knowledge. We explore their journey from the original production and obstacles at Lenaea to the 2025 Hollywood Fringe, from where it was then and to where it is now. We d...
2025-06-0354 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightAdaptations, Archetypes, Writing Whimsy, and A Quantum Fantasia - Playwright's Spotlight with John Farmanesh-BoccaSend a textJohn Farmanesh-Bocca swung by The Playwright's Spotlight to talk about his latest Shakespeare adaptation Lear Redux: A Quantum Fantasia. Throughout this conversation we discuss his journey into becoming an adaptive playwrights of the Classics, how he breaks them down, unpacks them, and the puts them back together to serve a modern audience without losing the original story and, sometimes, the original language. We discuss how much preparation he does before moving into collaboration and the use of conversation, his use of archetypes, writing whimsy, and how his acting and dance classes helped make him...
2025-05-291h 22James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightVomit, Unwritten Dialogue, Hip Hop Theatre, and the Delusions of Learning the Craft - Playwright's Spotlight with Rickerby HindsSend a textRickerby Hinds swung by the Playwright's Spotlight prior to the premiere of his "last' play. We unpack various topics including Hip Hop Theatre, being a self-taught playwright, writing without arrogance, earning your audience, and the use of poetry, spoken word, rap, and movement and dance. We also discuss lessons in editing, metaphors and similes, achieving layers, character introductions, unwritten dialogue, and what choreography on the page looks like. We wrap it up with his venue and purpose at Riverside Studios, commissioning a play, the rehearsal process, and his approach to developing characters. Similarities in...
2025-04-291h 23James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPainting a Room, Masterclasses vs Academia, and the Perils of Liking Your Own Writing - Playwright's Spotlight with June Thomson MorrisSend a textJust over the week before the World Premiere of her first play celebrating the Centennial celebration of Coral Gables, Florida, multiple Emmy-winning journalist June Thomson Morris beamed into the Playwright's Spotlight. In this interview, we discuss attempting one's first play, overcoming obstacles, and experiencing your work come to life for the first time. We also explore how journalism nurtures playwriting, learning from Masterclass vs Academia, narrowing framing and foregoing storylines, June's family story and its influence of her play, transitioning form a screenplay to a stage play, and character description and providing intention. It's...
2025-04-2255 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightVoices, Overwriting, Stage Directions in Dialogue, and Infusing Your Writing with Heart - Playwright's Spotlight with Lisa Rosenbaum and Ronda SpinakSend a textPlaywrights Lisa Rosenbaum and Ronda Spinak sat in the Playwright's Spotlight to discuss the evolution of their play The Violin Maker from its Sydney, Australia production to its US premiere from its origin from The Violins of Hope through its process up to rehearsals. We delve into the styles of salons, approaching flashbacks and overwriting, respect and valuing while collaborating, getting to the emotion and infusing your writing with heart, stage directions as road maps and using stage directions in dialogue, and the elements of a good director. They offer great insight the playwrights...
2025-04-151h 02James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightLondon, N.Y., and L.A. Markets, Great Hooks and Good Stories, and Stealing from the Greats - Playwright's Spotlight with Stephen LaughtonSend a textBritish L.A.-based playwright Stephen Laughton came sat in-house in the Playwright's Spotlight before the West Coast Premiere of his play One Jewish Boy. In this interview, we discuss the differences in the London, New York, and Los Angeles markets, London gatekeepers and the draw of the London Fringe and its difference to the Edinburgh Fringe, taking advantage of Covid, and the responsibilities and how playwriting applies to the Astrophysics Team at the American Museum of Natural History. Mid conversation we accept a call from Stephen's director and give a live, on-air response...
2025-04-011h 10James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDeadlines, Storytelling Through Post-Its, and Working with Sensitive Subject Matter - Playwright's Spotlight with Judson JonesSend a textBefore the World Premiere of his very first play, Judson Jones streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight. We discussed his background in theatre, film, and television and his journey to writing his first play and any challenges he overcame. We dove into hitting the flow state, introducing new ideas, the appreciation of new works, storytelling through Post-It notes, working with deadlines, collaborating with designers and the benefits of simplicity and justification as well as eliminating and having an outside eye. We wrap with delving into devices vs dialogue, working with sensitive subject matter, writing out o...
2025-03-251h 01James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTwo Ideas That Collide, Having a Wise, Magical Woman, and Selling Widgets and Building a Market - Playwright's Spotlight with Megan GogertySend a textPlaywright Megan Gogerty streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight right before the opening of her one-woman show and reimagining of the story of Beowulf. It's a fascinating episode with tons of wisdom to take in, unpack, and apply. We discuss one-person adaptations and letting the play be itself, the importance of intuition, the use of two ideas that collide, and knowing what the question is. We delve into the structure of a one-person vs multi-actor piece, the structure of a one-person show, the audience as another character, smaller markets and selling widgets, who you vs...
2025-03-181h 11James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightHypnotic Language, the Rules of the Card Game, and Asking Big Questions - Playwright's Spotlight with Audrey CefalySend a textAudrey Cefaly streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight after I had the pleasure of seeing the production of her play Alabaster at The Fountain Theatre in Los Angles. This is first time I've had the opportunity to talk to the playwright after seeing their work. We discuss asking big questions, making changes throughout the play's evolution, how much design is on the page, knowing the rules of the card game, and refraining from hardwiring stage directions to allow creative freedom. We also delve into stripping the work down to its core, the use of hashtags...
2025-03-041h 16James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightCollaborating with Your Characters, Resting Your Cards, and the Structure of Bernard Gerbanier - Playwright's Spotlight with Carolyn GageSend a textBefore the World Premiere of her play, Georgia and the Butch, playwright Carolyn Gage streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight. As happens with most episodes lately we explore something new about the craft and delve into the documentary play, in this case the relationship between Georgia O'Keefe and Maria Chabot. We discuss framing and censorship, theatre critics, creative license. We also chat about her experience approaching musicals and adaptations, the purpose and rules of a song, her journey into playwriting, the lessons of structure from Bernard Gerbanier, satisfying your audience, the benefits of complex dialogue...
2025-02-0457 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightJulliard, Monologues as a Marketing Tool, and the Math of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with Adam SzymkowiczSend a textThis interview is a long time coming. I am extremely grateful for Adam taking the time to come on to share his knowledge. I'm sure if time allotted, we could easily could've had a three hour conversation, and I promise we will do at least one more episode. In this talk, we discuss his decision to write a book about playwriting from a letter-writing perspective, common questions he is asked, marketing and approaching theaters, dealing with rejection, finding opportunities, and negotiating compensation. We also discuss applying to Julliard, structure, considering your audience, the Math...
2025-01-211h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightCapturing the Audience, Archetypes & Character Flaws, and Being Done When You're Dead - Playwright's Spotlight with Laura Annawyn ShamasSend a textHappy New Year! It's amazing how things come full circle. After having Steven Dietz' wife, Allison Gregory, on last episode, we were privileged enough to have Laura Annawyn Shamas on Playwright's Spotlight, who happened to work them both in Minneapolis at The Playwright's Center. In this episode, Laura and I discuss a playwright's involvement in a piece, tech and costume "covers" (a term I just learned), "fourth" grade playwriting, inspirations, what makes a great director, and structure and staging. We also delve into approaching character and the symbology of names, virtual theatre vs...
2025-01-071h 00James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightStealing from the Best, Letting the Story Find You, and the Approach of "When Are We?" - Playwright's Spotlight with Allison GregorySend a textThis week I had the pleasure of having a fascinating conversation with Allison Gregory on this recent episode of Playwright's Spotlight and her approach of writing about historical and mythological characters and exploring outside their known stories. We delved into the philosophy of "when we are", letting the story find us, the power of the #2 pencil and writing longhand, stealing from the best, obtaining the rights to other's works and public domain. We also discuss commissioning adaptations, tried and true material, embracing constructs, and knowing the audience of children's theatre. It's a wonderful chat...
2024-12-241h 39James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPrize Money vs Publication, Avoiding Scams, and the Effects of Changing Location - Playwright's Spotlight with Nick AmatuzioSend a textBefore I get in to the breakdown of this episode, I have to correct a few things that are bit embarrassing for one hosting a playwriting podcast. 1) Black Comedy was written by Peter Schaefer (Black Comedy, Equis, Amadeus). 2) After "Matisse" is actually After Magritte and was indeed written by Tom Stoppard that was attributer to Black Comedy in this episode. I'm still trying to find the title of the one-act about the burning building. Update to come. Playwright Nick Amatuzio beamed into Playwright's Spotlight after a last minute cancellation. Nick is a fo...
2024-11-261h 02James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightSelf Publishing, Offending Your Audience, Unconventional Marketing, and One Truth a Day - Playwright's Spotlight with Sharisse ZeroonianSend a textPlaywright and filmmaker Sharisse Zeroonian streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight this week. Forgive a few moments of choppy audio on my end, but Sharisse's audio is clear, and she gives some great insight into taking your fate as a creative into one's own hands. We discuss her evolution as a writer through academia, offending your audience, self-publishing, unconventional marketing, what influences character names, avoiding expository dialogue, and character wants and obstacles. We also delve into discovering plot holes, writing in the present not in the past, the Playwrights' Center as a resource, the Playwrights...
2024-11-121h 16James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightFrom Lawyer to Playwright, Finding the Engine, and Working Backwards to Move Forward - Playwright's Spotlight with June CarrylSend a textA MUST LISTEN! This in far from a dismissal of past guests and interviews. This is a personal and human conversation that is insightful and inspiring from struggle to achievement and perhaps a pathway to the later. June and I had a mishap in schedule that, had it not happened, I don't think we would have had the conversation that we came away with. Her background of going from lawyer to playwright is enough to inspire anyone question their passion into the arts to take the leap. We follow with the lessons of writing...
2024-10-291h 20James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTaking the Leap, Intention, and the Play is the Thing - Playwright's Spotlight with Ethan Crystal and Garrett PoladianSend a textBonus episode between our usual schedule! In order to align our guest's upcoming shows with their interview, we're sneaking an additional episode during what would normally be a break. However, we skipped an week earlier in the season, so we hope this makes up for it.Ethan Crystal and Garrett Poladian streamed in to the Playwright's Spotlight to talk about their world premiere musical Golem Owned a Tropical Smoothie, the first writing endeavor for the two. We talk about the origin of the idea and the dedication and steps to get it...
2024-10-221h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightLiving Voices, Loving Language, Pushing Boundaries, and Earning the Moment - Playwright's Spotlight with Jennie WebbSend a textAfter high praise from Ellen Geer a few episodes, we were able to get Jennie Webb to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight and share her experiences as a playwright, dramaturg, and overseer of workshops. We explored her transition from acting into playwriting, her assistance in developing new works from "living voices", the benefits of asking questions, knowing the origin of a moment and earning it as pushing boundaries and whether or not there is a formula for playwriting. We also touch on her love of language, her process, submitting to outside markets especially oversees...
2024-10-151h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightOvercoming Imposter Syndrome, the Deadline Draft, and Learning from Classic Greek Playwrights - Playwright's Spotlight with Michi BarallSend a textMichi Barall streamed into Playwright's Spotlight this week days before her new play Drawing Lessons leaps into rehearsal at Children's Theatre Company. Conceptually complex, Michi shares the concept of translating a graphic novel for the stage, the concept of live drawing on stage and simultaneously performing, putting the concept on the page, the process of casting, and her struggles breaking down virtual art. We also discuss the impact of the New York and Minneapolis markets and organizations on the play and the changes from each as well as collaborating with multiple artists and the...
2024-10-011h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDeveloping Premise, Breaking a Story, and Assembling the Team - Playwright's Spotlight with Ben Edlin and Deborah AquilaSend a textBen Edlin and Deborah Aquila came by the studio to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight before the World Premiere of the collaborative play -TH*IR*DS. In this interview, we discussed the long process of developing this play over the course of seven years, the changes made, the possibility of it becoming a pilot but returning the concept to the stage, their process and procedure, and breaking a story. We also touch obstacles in collaboration, Ben's need to "enter the cave", choosing words and punctuation, assembling the team, and the changes that occur during...
2024-09-1758 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightLying and Hiding, Writing Distinct Voices, and An Actual Formula to Success - Playwright's Spotlight with Nicholas PilapilSend a textIf there was a formula that could tell you how to become a successful playwright, this episode is it. Nicholas Pilapil dropped into the Playwright's Spotlight for an insightful approach to becoming a working playwright. His approach to workshops lays out a pathway of motivation and accountability. We discuss confidence versus hubris, his approach to selecting playwrights for his workshop, the benefits of seeing theatre, telling the story, character description, set, and beats, as well as how to creating distinct voices. This was such a motivating chat that I believe lays out a foolproof...
2024-09-031h 20James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightConfidence, Gatekeepers, Theatricum Botanicum, and Life on the Blacklist - Playwright's Spotlight with Ellen GeerSend a textActor, director, producer, playwright, and artistic director since 1978 of the famous Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, Ellen Geer stopped by to talk about the history of the Theatricum, growing up in a blacklisted family, and how playwriting helps heal societal wounds. Ellen shares her transition into playwriting, her approach to revising Shakespeare to the female characters' point of view and how it changes the story, the learning curve of a self-taught playwright, and the importance of ending a days work of writing on a high note. She also delves into the important lessons of playwriting...
2024-08-201h 17James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightCliffhangers, Stage Magic, Relationships and Landing Productions - Playwright's Spotlight with Tom JacobsonSend a textTom Jacobson swung into the Playwright's Spotlight in the midst of his coinciding plays The Bauhaus Project and Crevasse to discuss the correlation to both of the pieces and the subject matter of fascism and anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. While discussing the historical influence of the Bauhaus, we explore previews and changes within coinciding pieces, writing trilogies and their process and presentation, standalones within trilogies, jumping timelines in historical works, balancing historic events and relationships, and taking creative license. We also discuss research, outlining, and when to start writing, breaking down structure, layering characters...
2024-08-061h 29James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDramatic Questions, Shaping Your Play, and What Every Playwright Should Be Doing - Playwright's Spotlight with Catherine FillouxSend a textCatherine Filloux dropped into the Playwright's Spotlight before the New York Premiere of her new play How to Eat an Orange. We spoke about her development and involvement in Theatre Without Borders and transitioning from an actor to playwright which would later push her into becoming a librettist for operas. She explained the structure of a libretto, the purpose of arias, developing characters and writing for range. We also touched on the dramatic question, theatrical perspectives, framing and shaping your play, and whether or not there is one thing that all playwrights should be...
2024-07-231h 21James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightLibraries, Confidence, the Process of Revision, and Saving Your Darlings - Playwright's Spotlight with Olivia SawatzkiSend a textOlivia Sawatzki came by Playwright's Spotlight after the West Coast Premiere of her play Being Alive (& other big jokes) at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood.We discuss seeing your work onstage, writing strategies, evolving as a playwright, being influenced and deconstructing playwrights' works, the process of revision, writing tricks and rituals as well as breaking habits. We also talk about confidence, finding motivation, character descriptions, detailed stage directions, and living an artists life. As an emerging playwright, Olivia has some wonderful information that any playwright at whatever stage in the career can...
2024-07-101h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTechnology, the Dangers of Missing Deadlines, and Making Musicals Look Simple - Playwright's Spotlight with Ian KimSend a textRecent Harvard-Westlake graduate Ian Kim swung by the studio to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight after the successful production of his second musical - Bakery of Love as part of HW's Playwright's Festival. We talk about making it look simple, the dangers of missing deadlines, musician collaboration and singer coordination as well as the meaning and benefits of safeties in a musical and writing for ranges. We also discuss transitioning from traditional playwriting to musicals and the process of the latter, commons songs types found in musicals, and terminology such as the bridge of...
2024-06-251h 06James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightSet Up, Adaptation, Compensation, and Writing Good Suspense - Playwright's Spotlight with Barry M. Putt, Jr.Send a textBarry M. Putt, Jr. beamed into the Playwright's Spotlight from New Jersey to discuss the medium of the audio drama, a throwback and homage to radio plays of the 30s and 40s. We breakdown the differences in elements of traditional playwriting vs the audio drama, i.e., setting up the scene, dialogue, sound effects, music, etc. We also talk about converting plays from stage to audio drama, the process of writing them as well as compensation and the opportunities in that market. We also touch on length, episodic vs feature, beats and silences in...
2024-06-111h 15James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting in Threads, Finding Momentum, and "Bad Pages Are No Pages" - Playwright's Spotlight with Boni B. AlvarezSend a textPlaywright Boni B. Alvarez stopped by Playwright's Spotlight during the run of his historic play Mix-Mix: The Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy. In such, we discuss approaching historical figures and events and flashbacks on stage. We also discuss his approach to writing "in threads," being married to material, finding momentum, and addressing and giving feedback. We also explore Julliard, his start in playwriting, lessons in playwriting and having a style. We also touch on what is craft, finding an arc, and writing and finding a good antagonist. It's a fascinating e...
2024-05-291h 26James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDevelopmental Struggles, Embracing Rejection, and "Overnight" Success - Playwright's Spotlight with David Johann KimSend a textDavid Johann Kim stopped by Playwright's Spotlight to discuss his two new simultaneous running plays and the process in which they were developed, their similarities surrounding the same historical event, and the collaborative process working with two different troupes and directors and his "overnight" success. We also discuss the value of workshops, recording notes opposed to writing them, fighting with structure, the Joint-Stock Method, discoveries from table work, writing rituals, and embracing rejection letters. It's a fascinating conversation about a unique situation. I hope you enjoy the talk.David Johann Kim is...
2024-05-141h 15James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting Transitions, Cracking the Story, and "Wait! What?" Moments - Playwright's Spotlight with Michelle Kholos BrooksSend a textMichelle Kholos Brooks sat in the Playwright's Spotlight for a wonderful conversation about her approach to the craft. We talked about the rehearsal process with the return of her play Hitler's Tasters in which we touch on writing transitions, the effects of Covid on this particular piece and the different renditions prior to publication as well as working with different casts. We also discuss inspiration to write historical events, playing in different markets, her trajectory into playwriting from journalism, overcoming struggles, writing exposition well, using and implementing prompts, editing, motivation, and detailing or suggesting...
2024-04-301h 23James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightOpera, Wit, Interruptions, and Reframing Your Story - Playwright's Spotlight with Oliver MayerSend a textPlaywright Oliver Mayer joined us before the premiere of his new play Ghost Waltz. Oliver shares his experience writing operas, the medium's influence on his playwriting and the musicality of English as well as the intimacy of theatre and creative control, the after affects of "crashing into the wall. We also explore writing rituals, interruptions, reframing your story, breaking bad habits and the dangers of wit, where to start a scene and "when the mask falls," and wrap things up with dialogue and stage directions, the rules of twos and threes, the use of...
2024-04-161h 26James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightOpening Up the Text, Playfulness in Language, and "Saving As." - Playwright's Spotlight with Tira PalmquistSend a textPlaywright Tira Palmquist sat in the Playwright's Spotlight while rehearsing her latest play The Body's Midnight. We had a wonderful conversation discussing the benefits of table work, entering the flow state and making discoveries later in the process, the role of the playwright in rehearsals, cutting characters, time between drafts, and the tool of "saving as." We also touch on the different development processes, rookie mistakes, teaching subtext and fixing your flaws, finding your voice, poetry in playwriting as well as her take on "pay to play" and finding opportunities. It was another interview...
2024-04-021h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightEtiquette, Letting Go of Perfection, and Writing From a Slice of Life - Playwright's Spotlight with Becky WahlstromSend a textJoan of Arcadia's Becky Wahlstrom stopped by Playwright's Spotlight while in town from Nashville to help wrap up the rehearsal process for the premiere of her new play A Froggy Becomes. Becky discusses how she started out writing plays after a successful stint in Hollywood. We touch a bit on censorship from theaters, the pros and cons of writing for small budgets, and having a network circle and how it can help, the experience of coming into rehearsals late in the process, feedback in Nashville vs Chicago as well as the Nashville market and...
2024-03-191h 16James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting Natural Dialogue, Getting Back to Our Roots, and Why Theatre? - Playwright's Spotlight with Steve FifeSend a textThis week playwright Steve Fife sat in-studio in the Playwright's Spotlight. It was a reflective conversation of his experience in New York and on Broadway in the seventies, his dislike of eighties, and the joyous return in the nineties. We discuss rewriting and updating past works, getting back to theatre's roots, directing your own work (of course) and The Greats, the current acceptance of dark subject matter, and audience feedback at staged readings. We also touch on theatre in L.A., cast conflicts and obligations, Playwrights vs Directors interpretation, lessons from workshop participation vs...
2024-03-051h 51James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightReflecting Life on Stage, The New York City Hustle, and Putting Away the Constraints - Playwright's Spotlight with Catya McMullenSend a textCatya McMullen stopped by Playwright's Spotlight during the run of her new play Arrowhead which runs through March 4, 2024. In this episode, we talk about surviving lockdowns as an artist, what makes a good writer, reflecting life on stage, stage plays as love letters. We also discuss what comes after the initial idea, writing from a personal place and putting away the constraints, laughing your way into a deeper conversation and, a new term from me, the New York City Hustle and the benefits of becoming more generous in your theatre community. In addition, Catya...
2024-02-211h 15James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPurging Emotions, Deus Ex Machina, and Making the Case to Study Playwriting in Academia - Playwright's Spotlight with Luke YankeeSend a textHad the pleasure of chatting with playwright and son of actress Eileen Heckart (Bus Stop), Luke Yankee, about growing up in the world of Hollywood and his journey to be coming a playwright. It's a wonderful interview that touches on his relationships with not only the Hollywood greats but also the pioneers of the theatre (including Steven Schwartz, Beth Henley, David Lindsay-Abaire, and David Henry Hwang) and how they affected his growth as an artist and craft of playwriting. We touch on his delving into playwriting, winning The Stanley Award, his inspirations and writing...
2024-02-061h 24James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPutting in the Time, Owning Your Home Town, and a Path to Success - Playwright's Spotlight with Donna HokeSend a textDonna Hoke sat in the Playwright's Spotlight to discuss her journey into playwriting. In this interview we touch on her involvement in the Official Playwrights of Facebook, her start as playwright from a journalism background and learning on the fly, working in a smaller market and "owning your home town" as well as building relationships and putting in the time. We also talk about being commissioned, finding that "flow," finding opportunities, playwriting struggles, the use of character backstories, using exercises as standalone pieces, the structure and trends of ten-minute plays, and what constitutes success...
2024-01-231h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightSegues, Dry Spells, & Branding, Confidence & Commitment, and What's Too Soon? - Playwright's Spotlight with Henry PhillipsSend a textIn this episode of Playwright's Spotlight, long time friend and standup Henry Phillips stopped by to discuss another aspect of writing for the stage - Standup Comedy. Henry shares his origins into the craft and business of standup, his approach to comedy and knowing when you've got the right joke, the use of Twitter as a testing ground, and how to segue into the next joke. We also talk about voice vs character, the ideal length of a joke, having jokes stolen, testing material and drawing from life, dry spells and branding as well...
2024-01-091h 35James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightSweating the Joke, Surprising Your Audience, and Fighting For Your Convictions - Playwright's Spotlight with Paul GreenbergSend a textThis was an absolute treat and a dream come true. Paul Greenberg from the sketch comedy troop The Vacant Lot honored me with ninety minutes of his time to come and talk shop. We discuss his pathway to success while performing onstage and then being cancelled in Canada as well as auditioning for SNL. We touch on what makes a good idea, how something always has to go wrong, and how a sketch must have a good ending. We also talk about the structure of sketch, the Canadien Dream, the history of Second City...
2023-12-261h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTranslation, Culture, and Non-Traditional Theatre - An American Playwright in Norway - Playwright's Spotlight with Ren PowellSend a textWe're back after a brief hiatus due to a guest cancelling, the holidays, and me feeling a bit under the weather, but our third season is still off with a bang. If there was a fascinating episode to drop after being away, this is IT. International playwright Ren Powell visited remotely with an aspect of playwriting and theatre I couldn't have been prepared for. We discuss going international, cultural differences, and the task of tackling translating from a cultural perspective as well as playwriting and also as an approach to learning a language. We...
2023-12-111h 32James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTruth and Trust, Compromise in Collaboration, and the Healing Process of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with Stan MayerSend a textSeason 3, Episode 1. - If someone told me how powerful of a conversation I'd have been in store for prior to sitting down with Stan Mayer, I'm not sure I would've believed them, nor could I have prepared myself for the conversation we would have, and certainly not from a playwriting perspective. What proceeds is an in-depth and personal insight into war and how it translates to the stage where most would place it in a cinematic medium. However, Stan breaks it down beautifully and makes a strong case why war stories belong on the...
2023-11-141h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting From Experience, the Music of Language, and the Fate of Theatre - Playwright's Spotlight with Richard VetereSend a textFINAL EPISODE OF SEASON 2! We made it another year. In this season ending episode, we spend time speaking with Richard Vetere. Richard reached out to me on Instagram and voiced interest in being on an episode of Playwright's Spotlight. After looking over his credentials, Richard certainly had insight to offer, and as always, I learned something new. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of grants, the current state and the fate of theatre, what makes a good director, what's necessary in stage directions, obtaining flow in playwriting, his personal process when it comes...
2023-10-311h 35James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWriting From Grief, Hearing the Truth, and the Need for Validation - Playwright's Spotlight with Brynn ThayerSend a textWe've dug into the vaults of Playwright's Spotlight for this episode. Originally recorded on February 8th, 2023, I interviewed playwright Brynn Thayer a few weeks before the world premiere of Let Me In. Unfortunately due to a software update, the audio was unusable and the pod-recorder used for backup was not started on time. Brynn and I tried to find a time to rerecord but were unable to due to schedule conflicts, so I've decided to release the episode without the first six minutes, which I'm glad I decided to do. I think Brynn has...
2023-10-121h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywriting Mechanics, Playing with Timelines, and Obtaining Representation - Playwright's Spotlight with Anna Ouyang MoenchSend a textAnother episode touching on aspects not featured in past episodes. Today playwright Anna Ouyang Moench sits in the Playwright's Spotlight and, thankfully, after botching her name twice, she was nice enough to stick around. In this interview, we discuss the benefits of writers groups, the pursuit of playwriting, and developing a play during rehearsal through a nontraditional writing approach. We also discuss the techniques of structure, working under time constraints and the the practicality and theatricality of producing, transferring from larger markets to smaller markets as well as building your network as you grow...
2023-10-031h 18James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightParody, Writing the Fool Proof Play, and Writing for Young Performers and Audiences - Playwright's Spotlight with Dean O'CarrollSend a textPlaywright and parodist, Dean O'Carroll, sat in the Playwright's Spotlight this week. We discuss his origins as a playwright and the knowledge gained from a Bachelor's Degree in theatre to an MFA in playwriting and the differences from learning from lecture opposed to the practicalities of writing and the challenges he overcame including pushing through doubt. We touch on the process of writing farce and parody and the benefits of drawing from popular works, the risks of publishing before production, and whether or not it's possible to write a fool (actor) proof play. We...
2023-09-191h 38James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlagiarizing Yourself, Writing Layered Characters, and Making Scripted Dialogue Sound Spontaneous - Playwright's Spotlight with Garry Michael KlugerSend a textPlaywright Garry Michael Kluger stopped by to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight to talk about all things playwriting and also touched on its from film and television. Having been a three-time semi-finalist, we discuss the process of and when to submit for the O'neill's and whether it's ever okay to pay to submit your work. We also touch on how playwrights one has never met can serve as a mentor, conversation being spontaneous while dialogue being scripted, and how one's characters dictate the verbiage as well as the difference between humor and comedy, learning...
2023-09-051h 31James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightCollaboration and Control, Freud on Cocaine, and Getting Your Play Realized - Playwright's Spotlight with Howard SkoraSend a textPlaywright Howard Skora stopped by Playwright's Spotlight, and what a fascinating interview he delivered. What I thought would be another insightful look into the craft of playwriting, turned into an unsuspecting history lesson about the psychologist Sigmund Freud and quite a few unknown stories about his life. Not only does Howie educate me about the all things Freud, we delve into the stakes in comedy and playing against opposites, taking creative license with historical characters and stories, the research that goes into said people and events and what gets sifted out, and whether or...
2023-08-221h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightMoving Forward, Developing Relationships, and Writing a la Mode - Playwright's Spotlight with Wendy GrafSend a textWhat a fascinating discussion. Playwright Wendy Graf sat in the Playwright's Spotlight and shared her experiences throughout her career including the effects of Covid, plays vs screenplays and how the translation of the latter can to stop the action on stage, the "secret" of success in playwriting, the concept of small vs large markets, and how to approach requested rewrites as a beginning and established playwright. We also discuss the audience's response to controversial subject matter, good and realistic dialogue, the benefits of overwriting, and the future of theatre and how the current political...
2023-08-081h 29James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightStorytelling, Playing with Structure, and the Pipe Burst of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with John Patrick BraySend a textWe are back!!! Sorry for missing a week, folks. Had some audio issues with this episode and needed a little time to figure out the best approach. 99% of the audio glitches were on my end, and my guest offers some amazing insights that I didn't want to risk losing by reshooting the episode or losing context by editing out the question. All said, John Patrick Bray and I delve into some great topics and themes including - storytelling and playing with structure, the process of playwriting, the exercise of "negotiating over an object", and...
2023-07-251h 37James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightHitting the Flow State, Locking Yourself Away, and Staying in the Sh*t - Playwright's Spotlight with Bernardo CubriaSend a textI always find something to learn in an episode of Playwright's Spotlight. However, Bernardo Cubria's insight to playwriting was nonstop. Every minute turned another corner of knowledge. His approach and insight to playwriting was intimidating that I'm not sure I could keep up - from a naivety to submitting plays that could lead to success to paying for opportunities to extracting knowledge from workshops. Bernardo shares his steps from completing the first draft, what consists of smart, intelligent feedback, Liz Lerman's critical approach to feedback, and hitting the flow state of creativity. We also...
2023-06-271h 28James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightAssets and Flaws, Zodiac Signs, and Being an Economic Writer - Playwright's Spotlight with Vanessa SterwartSend a textVanessa Stewart graces this episode of Playwright's Spotlight. Taking a biopic musical approach to her playwriting, Vanessa features historical figures in most of her pieces, delving into depths of research and focusing on the minute nuances of their lives, starting off with the jazz couple Louis and Keely, and silent film legend Buster Keaton. In our discussion, her writing compulsion and choice of taking the musical route with these characters. We talk about how she sifts through information and, in turn, what to include, being an economic writer, expressing action vs projecting intent, how...
2023-06-131h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightHandling Exposition, Arming Your Characters, and the Tension of Opposites - Playwright's Spotlight with Jonathan DorfSend a textPlaywright and publisher Jonathan Dorf sits in the Playwright's Spotlight and shines a light on the publishing aspect of playwriting with his experience as co-founder of YouthPLAYS touching on some of the criteria they look for as publishers of plays for younger audiences. We also touch on what makes powerful writing, in-depth characters through the tension of opposites, and the difference between internal and external conflict. Jonathan shares his insight into handling exposition, emotional summarizing, the purpose and timing of monologues, how best to support playwrights, his opinion on submission fees, high context relationships, t...
2023-05-301h 44James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightSetups and Payoffs, First Draft Dialogue, and Letting Go of Logistics - Playwright's Spotlight with Bob DeRosaSend a textThe charming Bob DeRosa swings by Playwright's Spotlight fresh off the relaunch of his play - Gifted. Bob shares his experiences with starting in sketch writing, its benefits in learning to write quickly and the basic rules of structure, writing dialogue that's easy vs dialogue that's bad, and stories as transformation machines for the character. We also touch upon the depth of playwriting, finding your community, the benefits and process of developmental workshops, recognizing failure and dealing with criticism, playing your audience's emotions, and the thrill of the setup and the payoff. It's a...
2023-05-161h 28James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightGoing into Hiding, the Catharsis of Playwriting, and Playing with Fundamentals - Playwright's Spotlight with Kathryn KeatsSend a textPlaywright Kathryn Keats visited Playwright's Spotlight to talk about her solo beat musical, The Hummingbird, and the tragic events that led her into going into hiding, coming out on the other side, and the development of the piece, and the catharsis of playwriting. We also discuss the importance of knowing your material, structure in performance art and what it looks like on the page, the difficulty in defining beat poetry, piecing together your play, adding missing elements, the wonderful world of writing and playing with its elements. She also shares how being an acting...
2023-05-021h 18James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightAdaptation, the Death of Theatre, and Always Get the Story Right First - Playwright's Spotlight with Itamar MosesSend a textTony Award Winning Playwright Itamar Moses stopped by Playwright's Spotlight. Chock full of humorous moments, Itamar shares his experience adapting the cherished animated film An American Tale for the stage, children's ability to suspend disbelief, and avoiding dumbing down the material for a younger audience. We also discuss when it's time for a table read and recognizing when the pace is slowing down during the developmental process. In addition, we talk about the impact of Tony Kushner's Angels in America in Itamar's playwriting career, his journey through NYU and pathway to the Tony's, craft...
2023-04-181h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightNarrative Pacing, Pushing Discomfort, and Being a Jazz Playwright - Playwright's Spotlight with Roger Q. MasonSend a textAnother insightful episode in the bag. This week playwright Roger Q Mason stops by and unpacks the queer perspective of playwriting discussing how performance compliments writing (and vice versa), embracing and pushing discomfort as well as thematic layering and poetic expressionism. We also delve into the definition of being a "jazz playwright", writing from the root, transferring curiosity to the page, the process of getting your work out, writing interior life, and how to find a mentor. This, of course, is just a smattering of what you'll find within this interview, so listen to...
2023-04-041h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightRepertory, Residencies, and the Benefits of Previews - Playwright's Spotlight with Sunny DrakeSend a textAustralian 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...
2023-03-211h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDiligence, Perseverance, and Overcoming Adversity - Playwright's Spotlight with Faye WidjajaSend a textWithout 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...
2023-03-0748 minJames Elden's Playwright's SpotlightDiscovery, Deliberation, Decision, and Driving Action - Playwright's Spotlight with Matt WilliamsSend a text90 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...
2023-02-211h 28James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPsychology, Vulnerability, and the Romance of Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with John MabeySend a textWhat 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...
2023-02-071h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightAdaptation, Development, and Breaking Down the Story - Playwright's Spotlight with Barry KornhauserSend a textIn 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...
2023-01-231h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightWorkshops, Styles, Tropes, and Politics Preventing Art - Playwright's Spotlight with Trey NicholsSend a textIn 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...
2023-01-101h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightRhythm, Dance, Space in Beats, and Being a Lazy Writer - Playwright's Spotlight with Dagney KerrSend a textIt'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...
2022-12-271h 33James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightTwists, Turns, Intent, and Creating Your Own Opportunities - Playwright's Spotlight with Paul SuraceSend a textIn 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...
2022-12-131h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightAction in Dialogue, Inspiring Designers, and the Seeds of Conflict - Playwright's Spotlight with Cyndy A. MarionSend a textFresh 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...
2022-11-291h 26James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightEtudes, Texture, and Driving a Different Route - Playwright's Spotlight with Michael WrightSend a textWow 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...
2022-11-151h 37James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightArtistic Statements, Achieving Dimension, and the Great Elevator Play - Playwright's Spotlight with Gary GarrisonSend a textWelcome 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...
2022-11-011h 13James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Steven DietzSend a textPassionate 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...
2022-10-181h 32James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Mark Harvey LevineSend a textIn 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 s...
2022-10-041h 34James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Nina MansfieldSend a textThe 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...
2022-09-201h 29James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Dean Farell BruggemanSend a textHad 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...
2022-09-061h 21James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Stephen KaplanSend a textPlaywright 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...
2022-08-231h 41James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Jonathan CookSend a textIn 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...
2022-08-081h 29James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Brian Gene WhiteSend a textIn 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 t...
2022-07-261h 27James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Paul BravermanSend a textIn 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...
2022-07-121h 25James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Steven YoungSend a textIn 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 a...
2022-06-281h 18James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Joe JanesSend a textIn this episode, I speak with playwright Joe Janes about the craft of sketch and stand-up comedy. We cover a lot of turf including academia in playwriting, character and the four basic human wants, improvisation and playwriting, the rules of sketch, lacking humor in sketch and whether sketches have to be funny. We also touch base finding opportunities and self-producing (a common theme lately), letting go of the reins, bad habits and the benefits of reading your work out loud. There's so much we cover in this episode, it might behoove you to listen...
2022-06-141h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Michael Gordon ShapiroSend a textIn this episode, I speak to musical theatre composer and lyricist Michael Gordon Shapiro. Michael's insight into the genre is expansive. We discuss the method and elements of a musical, what functions songs play, and the traps to avoid. We also delve into compensation, publishing, and finding opportunities in the realm of musical theatre. I very much enjoyed recording this episode and hope you find it as informative as I did. Michael Shapiro is an active composer for musical theatre. His children's show Super Sidekick: The Musical is published by Samuel French...
2022-05-311h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Charles RobertsonSend a textIn this episode, I speak to playwright Charles Robertson. We discuss writing a one-person show for someone else, self-producing, and the benefits of self-publishing. We also discuss how working in different positions in theatre can help with playwriting. It was my second time speaking with Charles as my audio in our first interview was absolutely horrendous. I hope you walk away with some insightful information from this episode.Charles Robertson is a playwright and director based in Kinston, Ontario. He has written a number of plays for young people, including Pretty Pieces...
2022-05-171h 19James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Kimberly Faye GreenbergSend a textIn this episode, I talk with Kimberly Faye Greenberg about developing, staging, and marketing a one-person biographical show around an historical celebrity figure - Fanny Brice. We also touch on adjusting a script from audience response, making a one-person show stand out, loopholes to stage musicals on a budget, vanity shows, and press kits to help promote your show. We had a great time catching up, and anyone considering a one-person show will benefit a lot from what Kimberly has to offer. I hope you enjoy this episode.Kimberly Faye Greenberg is...
2022-05-031h 14James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Gregory CraftsSend a textIf there's a Playwright's Spotlight episode that encompasses all aspects of theatre that not only playwrights could benefit from but also actors, directors, and producer, this interview with Gregory Crafts is it. The amount of information Gregory offers is abundant and inspirational. We discuss bringing "the" human to dialogue, recognizing one's weaknesses, the dangers of not acquiring the rights to plays, ego in theatre and entitlement in playwriting, festivals, finding a tribe, how to successfully stream theatre, and the conflicts of interest while producing and performing within the confines of Actors Equity. It's a...
2022-04-192h 01James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Laura KingSend a textIn this episode, I speak to playwright Laura King about the benefits of a dramaturge and taking the MFA path to becoming a playwright. We also discuss how to approach teen and young adult theatre, the elements of bravery and honesty when applied to playwriting, the pros and cons of directing your own work, and the importance of production versus publication. Laura is very insightful and offers a lot of resources that many playwrights will find quite useful. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.Laura...
2022-04-051h 16James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Nicky SilverSend a textIn this episode, I speak with Broadway playwright Nicky Silver about the joy of making something, finding success after 30, and the hindrances of trigger warnings. Nicky also shares his influences and his desire to be in the theatre. This is a deeply insightful and personal conversation teetering at times between heartbreak and hilarity. It was an honor to spend two hours with a man possessing charm and wit and who is so open and willing to share . I hope you enjoy this episode and encourage you to seek out Nicky Silver's work if you...
2022-03-222h 05James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Dramatists Guild's Emmanuel WilsonSend a textIn this episode, James speaks with Executive Director for Creative Affairs and Membership of the Dramatists Guild - Emmanuel Wilson. They discuss the benefits and resources provided by the Guild as well as recommendations for protecting your work through copyright. They also cover reasons for joining the guild, being ready for Broadway, avoiding being taken advantage of, and the common pitfalls of the industry.Emmanuel Wilson is a playwright. producer and lifelong resident of New York City. He founded the Blue Rose Stage Company at age 18, serving as its artistic director for s...
2022-03-081h 26James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Arthur M. JollySend a textIn this episode, James speaks to playwright Arthur M. Jolly about the five basic elements of drama and human relationships as well as the benefits of being a member of the New Play Exchange and his experience participating in The Last Frontier theatre conference in Valdez, AK. James loosens up about his pet peeve of using "perhaps" and maybe" in stage directions, and Arthur tells us why "we're all writers" and suggests "when in doubt, set the car on fire."Arthur M. Jolly is a former stunt performer and coordinator as well...
2022-02-221h 30James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight with Christopher FlowersSend a textIn this episode of Playwright's Spotlight, James interviews playwright Christopher Flowers. Chris discusses the accountability that comes with having a co-playwright and the benefits of being given good "clay." They also discuss storylines and subplots, writing and rewriting during the rehearsal process, networking, and finding inspiration from trinkets. We also discover that James has a beef with Dramatists Play Services. Christopher Flowers is an actor, director, producer, playwright and co-founder of Big Sandwich Theatre Company. He is co-author of the two full-length plays Change the Station and All Inclusive. His third play...
2022-02-081h 18James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight featuring Susan GoodellSend a textIn this episode, James Elden talks to playwright Susan Goodell about learning from the rehearsal process, exercises in playwriting, trusting the process, finding opportunities on the net, being a resident playwright, getting published, and strategies on how to keep your work from being stolen in the modern era. Susan Goodell is the author of the full length plays Heels Over Head and Hope Throws Her Heart Away and numerous one-acts all of which of played across the U.S. She's been commissioned by the Steppenwolf Theatre and was a Djerassi Resident Artist...
2022-01-251h 26James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight featuring Hope ThompsonSend a textHope Thompson is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre's Feature Writing Program and UBC's Creative Writing MFA program. She writes for stage, film, and television and her work explores the queer experience through history and genre. She's written on two seasons of CBC's Baroness Von Sketch Show, teaches screenwriting and co-hosts the crime fiction reading series Noir @ The Bar.In this episode of Playwright's Spotlight Hope and I discuss gender roles within genres, finding representation, if acting can help writing, creating conflict, and what's missing in modern theatre. To w...
2022-01-111h 13James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight featuring Adam Hunter HowardSend a textAdam Hunter Howard is a playwright, mentor, guest director and dean at Harvard-Westlake Upper School in North Hollywood, California. We have worked together as costars in our the first two full-length plays produced by Punk Monkey Productions, Steven Dietz' Private Eyes and The Maiden Prayer by Nicky Silver, whose poster can be seen in the background of Adam's shots.In this episode, we discuss working with young/beginning playwrights, structure, privilege, Aristotle's Poetics, success, joining the Playwright's Guild, practical effects versus implied effects and action, conflict and unveiling nuance through actors and...
2021-12-281h 18James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight featuring Jeff PearceSend a textJeff Pearce is a journalist, novelist, non-fiction, and erotica writer who later transitioned into playwriting. In this episode, we discuss how each form benefits the other in the creative world, the obstacles of both crafts to achieve longevity, and how life imitated art with the tragic shooting by Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust.To watch the video format of this podcast visit -https://youtu.be/rn_yCHXCpf8Links and websites mentioned in this episode –Jeff Pearce -Twitter – @jeffpropulsionBooks by Jeff...
2021-12-141h 29James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight featuring Daniel GuytonSend a textPlaywright Daniel Guyton stops by to discuss competitions, publishing and dead bodies. In this episode, we also span the spectrum of playwriting including - compensation, dialogue, feedback and criticism, the future of remote productions, and the pitfalls of cinematic fashion in the playwriting medium.Daniel Guyton has been a playwright for well over 20 years having won many awards, nationally and internationally, and also teaches playwriting at Georgia State University.To view the video version of this podcast, please visit YouTube at the link below - https://youtu.be...
2021-11-301h 10
James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightPlaywright's Spotlight Introductory EpisodeSend a textActor, Director, Producer, Writer, and Host James Elden talks about his origins into the realm of live theatre and his path forward as well as his visions of the Playwrights' Spotlight.For more information about James Elden and his production company, festivals, and playwriting services, please visit the following websites -www.punkmonkeyproductions.comwww.lacpfest.comSupport the show
2021-10-2617 min