Shows
James Elden's Playwright's SpotlightCapturing the Audience, Archetypes & Character Flaws, and Being Done When You're Dead - Playwright's Spotlight with Laura Annawyn ShamasSend us 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 th...
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 us 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...
2024-12-241h 39