Pictures from the November 2010 Meeting





I'd like to thank...

the actors Dan Welsh, Ellen Knolls, Kelly Brown, Charlie Sloin, Brant Jones, John Dranschak, Louie Cowan, Laura Dachenbach, and Steve Schlather. I would also like to thank Josef Matulich for sharing his work with us. There is also the extensive amount of time John Dranschak put into casting for this meeting. We wouldn't be able to have done this meeting without you. Finally, last but not least, I'd also like to thank the dedicated Megan Burkeholder for being a great video cherub and Josef's wife for ensuring that we all ate very well during the meeting. Have a great holidays. We will be taking time off to be with family and friends through the first of the year and look forward to seeing you in January. Stay inspired and keep writing.

Announcement: 29 Bells November 10 - 27

29 BELLS

Written by Michael S. Parsons
Presented by Theatre Daedalus

A new play commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the sinking of

The Edmund Fitzgerald
Starring:

Jeremy Ryan Brown
Natalie Jensen
Stefan Langer
Amy Anderson
Dale Bush
Brant Jones
Jeff Potts
Joel Cohen
Rick A. Isbell
Laila Newell

and introducing Rick H. Isbell.

Directed by L.B. "Bo" Rabby

Screenwriter Ian Carlyle receives an offer that could catapult his stalled career when he's tapped to create the next project for one of Hollywood's fastest-rising stars. Research for the film — a docudrama about the Edmund Fitzgerald — brings Ian home to Marquette, Michigan, and into familiar waters: Ian's father, a former crew member on the Fitz, died mysteriously on the same lake. As he explores the Lake Superior tragedy that claimed twenty-nine men, Ian is forced to confront the wreckage of his own past and decide what his legacy truly is.

PERFORMANCES:

November 10, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. - Special Commemorative Performance
November 12, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. - Gala Premiere
November 13, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
November 19, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
November 20, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
November 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
November 26, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
November 27, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

CREW:

Technical Director - Jaylene Henderson
Props/Asst. Stage Manager - Jim LeVally
Lighting Technician - Dave Tucker
Set Design by Corinne Porter
Costume Design by Barbara Witzman
Lighting Design by Gerry Pyle
Sound Design by Chet Miller

Location: Madlab Theatre - 227 North 3rd St. Columbus, OH 43215
Tickets: $15, $12 for seniors and students.
Purchase tickets online at: Madlab: http://madlab.net/MadLab/29bells.html
Questions: Email info (at) theatredaedalus (dot) com

ALT's Life and Death of Richard the Third

Time: Thursday, November 11 at 8:00pm - November 20 at 11:00pm



Location: Shedd Theatre - Columbus Performing Arts Center
              549 Franklin Ave.
              Columbus, OH


More Ticket Info Available Now: http://avlttix.com/

More Show Info: http://avltheatre.com/1011/r3/

Witness the climax of the Wars of the Roses and the end of the middle-ages in England. Richard himself is in control as his minions perform a glammed-up, remixed version of the tragedy that created literature's greatest villain.

Recommended If You Like: Ziggy Stardust, There Will Be Blood, Paradise Lost, Heath Ledger in Dark Knight


William Shakespeare's The Life and Death of Richard the Third


Cut, pasted, and directed by Matt Slaybaugh

Sound Design by Dave Wallingford.
Costume design by Michelle Whited.
Stage Management by Adam Humphrey


Featuring Emily Bach, Acacia Duncan, Drew Eberly, Jordan Fehr, Ben Gorman, Kayla Jackmon, Danielle Mann, Eleni Papaleonardos, Elena Perantoni, Dan Welsh, Dayton Wilson

With Ian Short as King Richard the Third.

Thursday, Nov 11 @ 8pm + TALKBACK
NO SHOW - Friday, Nov 12
Saturday, Nov 13 @ 8pm + TALKBACK
Sunday, Sept 14 @ 2pm
Thursday, Nov 18 @ 8pm + TALKBACK
Friday, Nov 19 @ 8pm + ReunIAN: http://bit.ly/reunian
Saturday, Nov 20 @ 8pm


All tickets: Pay What You Want

More info: http://avltheatre.com/1011/r3/

Tickets available now: http://avlttix.com/

Call 614-558-7408 for more info or to make reservations.

Announcement: Drama Foundry Writers' Group Meeting, Nov. 20

When: Saturday, November, 20, 2010
From 1:45pm to 4:45pm

What: Script readings, finger food, and feedback

Where: Upper Arlington Main Library, Meeting Room B
            2800 Tremont Road
            Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221


Why: To hear the dramatic writing of Joseph Matulich and Arvin Donner read.

We appreciate all of the food brought to the last meeting. It was very yummy. Though just as a reminder only the writers being read at that meeting are required to bring food. If you still want to bring something you can but it's not necessary.

Announcement: Reading of Rick Hole's new play Shakespeare's Bloody Deed

Shakespeare’s Bloody Deed
A new play by playwright and international man of mystery Rick Hole

When: Monday November 15, 8pm
Where: BalletMet Performance Space
(behind the studio at 322 Mt Vernon Ave, just west of Columbus State)  

Cast:

Cate Blair-Wilhelm
JoLayne Campbell
Lori Cannon
Amity Cauthorn
Jane Mowder
Nick Baldasare
Mark Passerrello
Mark Mann
Rich Stadler

Hanukkah, The Christmas Musical and other Holiday Classics

O.G. Productions, in association with Fake Bacon Productions, will present Hanukkah, The Christmas Musical and other Holiday Classics at 8:00, December 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, Fridays and Saturdays, opening Thursday December 2nd at MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215.   Tickets cost $10.

Show Times:

Thursday December 2 8pm
Friday December 3 8pm
Saturday December 4 8pm
Friday December 10 8pm
Saturday December 11 8pm
Friday December 17 8pm
Saturday December 18 8pm


All performances at: MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215, http://www.madlab.net/

Ticket prices are $10. Buy at http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html or call and reserve at 614-221-5418


Hanukkah, The Christmas Musical and other Holiday Classics Synopsis

From the producers of the wildly successful Cow Tipping and other Love Stories from January 2010 comes Hanukkah, The Christmas Musical and other Holiday Classics. A wide ranging collection of short plays with local comedians emceeing the evening. And as always with OGP, Chaos is Guaranteed.

Featured shows:

X O + =

Special presentation (this show will be featured every night except December 18th)

Two lovers decide to move on. In the midst of packing up their belongings, they make some discoveries. An old, personal, inside joke is presented. How will this change the decision?


Conceptualized by Hambone and Petra, the renowned Swedish iconoclasts, featuring David Thonnings and Gina Weisshaar

Thonnings and Weisshaar make their OGP debuts.


Quid Pro Quo by Josh Kessler

A bear walks into a bar. The patrons walk out wiser.

Directed by Jason Sudy
Speaker: John Kuhn

Kessler’s Cap’n Fashion was the opening piece in OGP’s Cow Tipping and other Love Stories.



Daddy Come Home by Scott Tobin

Divorces are never easy. And for Molly, Richard, and their son, a simple birthday party becomes complicated.

Directed by Stephen Woosley

Molly: Vicki Andronis
Richard: Travis Horseman
Mary: Erin Prosser
Erin: Mary Sink
Chris: Player to be named later.

Scott Tobin contributes another dramatic family piece to follow up An Afternoon While In The Easy Chair, part of Cow Tipping and Other Love Stories.



Why I Don’t Eat Pie by Amanda Bauer

Todd just wants Sarah to try pie for the first time. Yeah, pie. Sarah is willing, ready and able but trying new foods is never easy. Sometimes it’s downright ridiculous.

Directed by Amanda Bauer
Cast: The OGP All-Stars

Bauer writes and directs this piece that is in the OGP spirit of food, chaos, and odd wait staff.


Quiet By Patrick Gabridge

Elisa and Zelda just wanted a little peace and quiet. Sometimes that’s not enough.

Directed by Stephen Woosley and Tay Lane
Elisa: Mary Sink
Zelda: Amanda Bauer

One of two previously produced plays, this published piece from Massachusetts writer Patrick Gabridge features OGP co-founder Amanda Bauer making her OGP stage debut. Co-director Tay Lane is fresh off directing Woosley as well as Fake Bacon member Jason Sudy in All The Answers, part of MadLab’s Theatre Roulette 2010. Answers was nominated for Best New Work by the Central Ohio Theater Critics Circle.


Hanukkah, The Christmas Musical by Philip Hickman

Can a hamster and a nurse find love during the Festival of Lights? Can a plumber and his boyfriend still celebrate Christmas in a hospital emergency room? Could this be more wrong yet more full of the holiday(s) spirit?

Directed by Mary Sink
Suzanne: Suzanne Camilli
Joshua: Josh Kessler
Gregory: Greg McGill
Steven: Stephen Woosley
Musical accompaniment provided by Becky Horseman.

Previously produced as part of MadLab Theatre’s XMAS24 II: Reloaded in December 2007, Hanukkah is remounted with the original cast returning for the run.

CREATING COMPLETENESS


CREATING: to cause to come into being
COMPLETENESS: wholeness, integrity, circularity

New Encaustics by
Megan Burkholder

Exhibition: November 1-28th, 2010

Clayspace/Gallery 831

831 South Front Street, Brewery District
gallery hours T-F 3-9, Sat & Sun 1-6

Reception: November 12th, 6-9 pm
with live music by national acclaimed singer/songwriter Lydia Brownfield


CREATING COMPLETENESS is a series of encaustic wax works of art inspired by the uniquely human desire for self-awareness and completeness. Through stream-of-consciousness painting, Burkholder elicits a subconscious repeated pattern of abstract circles. In belief systems, the circle symbolizes completion; the embodiment of spiritual energy; eternity; a mirror in which everything is contained and revealed.

GCAC's OPPArt (Opportunities for Artists) presents Gathering of Playwrights, roundtable discussion

GCAC's OPPArt (Opportunities for Artists) presents Gathering of Playwrights, roundtable discussion


Presented by Greater Columbus Arts Council

Join local playwrights, theatre representatives, technical artists, performers and others interested in "new work" production for a lunch-time discussion that aims to continue the dialogue between playwrights and the community. Space is limited. RSVP by Nov 16 to attend this event.

This event is on November 18, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

OPPArt (Opportunities for Artists) is a monthly series aimed toward helping individual artists connect with each other and further themselves and their work. The series will include professional development workshops, roundtable discussions, social events and more. Most events will be free, and all events will be open to artists of any genre or level.

Price:

FREE!

Order & Box Office Information

Venue:

Greater Columbus Arts Council
100 E. Broad St.
Ste. 2250
Columbus, OH 43215

http://gcac.org/

I'd like to thank...

Therese Nolan, Rich Stadler, Megan Burkeholder, and Judyth Guyer-Nobles for donating their time to read. I also would like to thank Michelle LaRowe and Dan O'Reilly for sharing their scripts with us and Jon Dranschak for helping to cast and Megan Burkeholder for helping to tape the reading. Stay tuned for next months meeting and keep writing.

Enjoyment

I have received some requests over the past year to set some quality standards on the work I permit to be read at our meetings. The intentions behind these requests I believe largely stem from the desire to experience enjoyment from being witness to the dramatic and comedic complications we all expect when we go to a movie or theatrical event. This is understandable. However, it is also inconsistent with the mission of The Drama Foundry. Our mission is to provide opportunities for dramatic writers to hone their craft and forge new work.

We are not a production organization. Showing up to a meeting that has a script being read that has an intricately developed plot and is witty, challenging, provocative, goofy or funny is well,... enjoyable -and entertaining. However, that's not the reason we meet. We meet to help all writers whether they are writing their first piece or they are putting the final touches on their 1000th play being sent out to be produced.The enjoyment we seek to cultivate comes from knowing that we helped educate a writer by helping them help themselves develop their work and offer them a discerning perspective on the piece(s) they share with the group. Everything else is gravy.

There are only a few cases where a writer will be denied an opportunity to read. One is if they have resubmitted a revised script they have had read at a past meeting which does not seem to have benefited from our previous feedback and we do not think the meetings are benefiting the writer or their work. Another is if their work is blatantly intolerant or discriminatory of others. The last one falls under what I call the "doesn't-play-nice-with-others" clause. Basically, if a writer is difficult to deal with or they don't contribute to the group then they can be barred from reading. All these instances impede from the enjoyment that comes from working as group to aid a writer to construct their dramatic or comedic narrative.

If it is theatrical enjoyment you are looking for Columbus, Ohio is known for having a high concentration of local live theater and local film makers and they are always looking for new audiences. My hope is that The Drama Foundry can help provide these local theaters and film makers with new material for productions of local work and help foster a literate and creative public. I am always looking for ways to improve though so I ask, what are some ways that we can improve the enjoyment of helping writers develop new dramatic works?

Announcement: SEND ME AN ANGEL Columbus Children's Theatre Benefit

SEE SPOT RUN presents the SEND ME AN ANGEL Benefit for the Columbus Children's Theatre on Friday, October 22 at Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit Street.


Join us for a night of fun, fast and friendly competition-style improv with Special Improv Guests: FAKE BACON, THE SHIMMY SHAKE PROJECT, PARLOR TRICKS and more!

Special Guest Judges include:

...* Soft Rock 93.3 Midday Host AMY DONOVAN

* Sunny 95's DINO TRIPODIS

* JEFF GAGE, alumni of Midwest Comedy Tool and Die.

All proceeds benefit CCT's Angel Fund, which provides financial aid to children who wish to take creative drama and theatre classes but would not be able to otherwise because of financial restrictions.

A Silent Auction and a 50/50 Raffle ($1/ticket) will also be held. Light refreshments will be available. ** BYOB **

Doors open at 7:30pm, and the Benefit Show starts at 8:00pm.

Admission is FREE but Pay What You Can Donations are gratefully accepted.

Come out and share in big improv laughs while supporting a worthy cause! :)

To learn more about the Columbus Children's Theatre, visit http://www.colschildrenstheatre.org/

Announcement: Feed Your Soul with Available Light Theater

Enjoy an evening with Available Light Theatre!


When: Saturday, October 16, 2010, 6-9:30 p.m. (That's this evening!!!)

Where: McConnell Arts Center
777 Evening Street
Worthington, OH 43085


6 p.m. - Hors d’oeuvres & Silent Auction

7:30 p.m. - Performance Buffet

Featuring unique performances by company members and friends

Hosted by Ruth Milligan, TedX Columbus

8:30 p.m. Live Auction – featuring auctioneer Artie Isaac
9 p.m. Dessert and coffee

Tickets: $40 per person in advance (cash bar); $45 day of event

To purchase tickets: http://www.showclix.com/event/13275/

To view a list of auction items: http://bit.ly/feedyoursoul10

Questions? Contact Melissa L. Weber, melwriter78 (at) yahoo (dot) com or 614.327.6024

Announcement: Tales from the Crypt

When: Saturday, October 30 · 6:30pm - 10:00pm


Where: The Greenlawn Abbey Mausoleum
            700 Greenlawn Ave
            Columbus, OH
Hosted By: Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association
Two Show Times are available: 6:30pm and 8:15pm

Cost is $20 per person
This event sells out fast, so do not be disappointed. Purchase your tickets early.

Tickets are now available via our online store.

Announcement: Action Columbus II - Has been Canceled

This event has been canceled. Please contact Cinema Lexzikon for details.


A day long seminar devoted to the art and business independent film making and practical guide on how to pursue the dream outside of the Hollywood system.

Want real, solid knowledge and information about the indie film industry? Come prepared to get your “hands dirty” in the “soil” of film making. BE THERE!

This day long event features seminars, screenings, and hands on sessions:

• An Action centered performing workshop to sharpen your acting technique!
• Learn the secrets behind on screen action scenes, and how to look like a professional fighter without having to become one!
• AND AN AFTERNOON SESSION DEVOTED to the business of indie film FROM real INDIE PROFESSIONALS!
• YOU'LL GET Tips, NETWORKING AND CONNECTIONS from REAL professionals on how to make your mark in independent film.

Guests scheduled to appear include:

• Karl Rose-Founder and owner of the National ATTAIN acting work shop 
• Pam Theodotu- Film Industry professional, founder owner of TS Consulting Group Ltd advising clients in the entertainment, club, restaurant, fashion and sports industries .
• Bo Buckley-Film producer/Writer/Production Manager for Fear makers Productions of North Carolina. Screen credits include Dismal, Size Seven Red and Death of The Dead.
• David Zacker-Black Belt martial arts expert and fight choreographer for the film “Death of the Dead”.
• William Lee-President/CEO of Cinema Lexzikon Productions LLC producer on internationally released feature films including Code: Black and Dark Target. 

WHERE: Studio 35 ( 3055 Indianola Avenue Columbus, Ohio)

WHEN: OCTOBER 30, 2010 from 9:00-4:00

Two sessions:

Morning: The art of independent film making: PRACTICAL seminars in acting techniques and fight choreography. Come dressed to work out!

Afternoon: The business of independent film making. Real advice and tips on making this “art” your business!

  

Price: $80 for the whole day or $40 for one session

Send checks or money orders made payable to CINEMA LEXZIKON PRODUCTIONS LLC to:

Cinema Lexzikon Productions

PO BOX 360413

Columbus, Ohio 43219

DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Please contact us at (614)899-2387 or at harlowk (at) cinemalexzikon (dot) com for more information!

The Drama Foundry Writers' Group Meeting Announcement: Saturday, Oct. 23

When: Saturday October, 23, 2010            1:45pm to 4:45pm

What: Script readings, finger food, and feedback

Where: Upper Arlington Main Library, Meeting Room B
            2800 Tremont Road
            Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Why: To hear Dan O'Reilly's and Michelle LaRowe's work read.

Michelle LaRowe will have one of her short works read while Dan O'Reilly have part of a full-length script read. We look forward to seeing you all.

GCAC's Community Arts Partnership Awards

GCAC's Community Arts Partnership Awards


Presented by Greater Columbus Arts Council

10/14/2010

The Greater Columbus Arts Council's Community Arts Partnership awards, now in their 27th year, recognize the community's crucial contributions to the arts including financial support, non-cash contributions, volunteer involvement and board participation. Strong partnerships between businesses, community members and the arts stimulate economic growth, promote the city's revitalization, encourage tourism and enhance Columbus' cultural image. The arts give life to the city. Help us celebrate those who give life to the arts.

Price

$75.00 - $100.00

Order & Box Office Information

http://www.griptechnology.com/secure/gcac/cap/register.php

Venue:

COSI
333 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

I'd like to thank: September 25, 2010 Meeting

I'd like to thank the writers Frank Gorman and Leslie Robinson for sharing their work at the September 25 meeting. I'd also like to express gratitude to the actors: Adrian Helser, Scott Risner, Therese Nolan, Jane Mowder, Robin Starr, and Mary Jo Apisa. Thank you for your participation. Last and definitely not least, I would like to thank Mark Phillips Schwamberger for his assistance in casting and reading, and John Dranschak for helping to run the feedback sessions. Until next meeting, keep writing. 

Cabfare for the Common Man: MadLab Theater

MadLab will present Cabfare for the Common Man at 8:00pm, September 30th- October 23rd, Fridays and Saturdays, opening Thursday September 30th at MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus.   Tickets cost $12, $8 Students/Seniors, $6 Members.   Call 614-221-5418 or visit http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html
MadLab presents Cabfare for the Common Man:

Thursday September 30 8pm
Friday October 1 8pm
Saturday October 2 8pm
Friday October 8 8pm
Saturday October 9 8pm
Friday October 15 8pm
Saturday October 16 8pm
Friday October 22 8pm
Saturday October 23 8pm

All performances at: MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215, http://www.madlab.net/

Ticket prices are $12, $8 Students/Seniors, $6 Members
For reservations call 614.221.5418 or send to publicity (at) madlab (dot) net

Cast and Crew

Stephen Woosley as Simon/Others
Christina Duryea as Elaine/Others
Chris Youngblood as Peter/Others
Nikki Smith as Whitney/Others
Jeremiah Campana as Harold/Others
Vicki Andronis as Sonya/Others
Josh Kessler as Paul/Others
Tricia Jones as Isabel/Others
Brian Spangler Campbell as Dennis/Others
Jill Ceneskie as Allison
Brendan Michna as Leonard/Others
Mary Sink as Rachel/Others

Directed by Andy Batt
Assisted by Sarah Brunet

Cabfare for the Common Man Synopsis

Cabfare for the Common Man is a journey through seven stories featuring ordinary people in extraordinary situations all from the mind of Mark Harvey Levine.

The GCAC, The Columbus Foundation and the OAC support MadLab throughout the year.


What others have to say about Cabfare:

“Mark Harvey Levine’s one-acts reveal a light touch, a wicked sense of humor and a knack for using paranormal events to cast new light on normal ones...These wacky, seemingly simple short pieces are hilarious on the surface, but full of subtler nuances.”

-- Neal Weaver, LA Weekly

“The plays are fun, intelligent, warm, witty and funny.  They tell stories.  Like chance scenes glimpsed from the back of a speeding cab, each captures momentary insights of life and love, each sparkling like a little jewel...”

-- Nick Crews, Indianapolis Star

“Smartly written...one fun ride”

-- Lisa Gauthier, Nuvo (Indianapolis)

“Mark Harvey Levine’s ‘Cabfare for the Common Man’ is a refreshingly charming and hilarious series of one-acts about relationships and the power of love.”

--John Belden, Daily Reporter (Indianapolis)

STOP SIGN LANGUAGE: 2 Shows Left

Actor, Writer and Director Eleni Papaleonardos' one woman show Stop Sign Language has two shows left:

Friday, Sept 24 @ 8pm + TALKBACK
Saturday, Sept 25 @ 8pm

The show is directed by the infamous John Dranschak who recently directed the Columbus' acclaimed musical event of the year Merrily We Roll Along. Go here to reserve your tickets.

Stop Sign [language] trailer from Available Light on Vimeo.

Announcement: Drama Foundry Writers' Group Meeting September 25, 2010

When: Saturday September, 25, 2010             1:45pm to 4:45pm

What: Script readings, finger food, and feedback

Where: Upper Arlington Main Library, Meeting Room B
              2800 Tremont Road
              Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Why: To hear the works of writers Frank Gorman and Leslie Robinson read.

Please join us to hear Frank Gorman have two "half-adsurdist" one act plays and Leslie Robinson have her short screenplay read. We look forward to seeing you. We are honored to have theater directer, playwright, and actor Marc Schwamberger filling in as the casting director for this meeting.

Steve Schlather

Steve Schlather, a playwright that has had his work read at our meetings, is currently starring as the desperate salesman Shelley Levene in Springfield Stageworks production of Glengarry Glen Ross.

Time September 2  - September 11

The State Theatre
19 S. Fountain Ave.
Springfield, OH

Springfield StageWorks presents David Mamet's award winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross, September 2-4 & 9-11, 2010 at the historic State Theatre in downtown Springfield.

Curtain is 8:00pm each night.
Tickets are $10.00 at the door.

...This scalding comedy took Broadway and London by storm and won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize. Here is Mamet at his very best, writing about small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen trying to grind out a living by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers in a never-ending scramble for their share of the American dream. Revived on Broadway in 2006 this masterpiece of American drama became a celebrated film which starred Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin and Alan Arkin.

CAST:

Shelley Levene: Steve Schlather
Ricky Roma: Patrick Bolton
John Williamson: Tony Engle
Dave Moss: Nick Bauer
George Aaronow: Jim Copes
James Lingk: Tom Stafford
Detective Baylen: Michael McDonald

Directed by Josh Katawick.

www.springfieldstageworks.org

I'd Like To Thank...

the writers Lynne Roth and Sheldon Gleisser for allowing us to hear their work on August 28th. I'd also like to thank the actors Pat Doherty, Amy Talbott, Megan Burkholder, Zack Starr, Will Lee, Louie Cowan, and Mark Passerrello for giving their time and talent in helping to breath life into the written word. Finally, kudos go to Louie and Megan for being great casting and video recording cherubs. Until next meeting, keep writing.

Announcement: Television Audition Opportunity

Well-Visioned Productions &Joyful Productions


Television Auditions

Cousin Ed’s Front Porch, a televised children’s program, is casting children between the ages 5-17 who live in and around Columbus, Ohio. We are in need of non-white children to add to the diversity of our wholesome television program. Our program includes live actors and puppetry. The diversity we want includes children of Asian, African, Indian, Latino/Hispanic, Islander, Mixed-Race, Middle Eastern, Native American, Caucasian and other descents. All children are welcomed to apply to this fun, casual audition.

Also, we are casting grown-up actors (18+), all ethnicities, on the same day. We especially want more non-white, grown-up actors for our program.

Audition Information:

Location:
Friends Theater
(Inside the Upper Arlington Main Library Basement)
2800 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Arrive anytime between 11am-4pm
Date: Saturday September 4th , 2010
Time: 11:30- 3pm

Preparation for Grown Up Actors

1. One song (32 bars). Please bring recorded music or sing a capella. The song may be either theatrical, rock/pop or a popular 'child friendly' song. There will be no pianist. No belting/no loud, stage singing is permitted.

2. One monologue: Theatrical, contemporary, and acceptable for youth as young as five years of age.

3. Script: We will provide a short script for you to perform.


Preparation for Youth Actors

1. One short song (32 bars). Please bring recorded music or sing a capella. The song may be either theatrical, rock/pop, or a popular 'child friendly' song. There will be no pianist. No belting/no loud, stage singing is permitted.

2. One theatrical monologue or one memorized nursery rhyme (for children who don't read)

3. Script: We will provide a short scenario for you to perform

Audition will be recorded and kept under consideration for six months.

Questions? Contact: Becca 'Goodfuture' Brudzynski 614.537.1072 rGoodfuture (at) gmail (dot) com

Announcement: Megan Burkholder Art Show @ the CS Gallery August 21

This month's Show is going to be so hot it is fitting that it's happening in the dog days of summer!! We have three amazing artists working in three different media and it is going to be one amazing show!

Megan Burkholder is showcasing her new work with the most seductive encaustic paintings.

Timothy Lachcik creates the most mind-blowing and intricate wood installations you have ever seen.

Bijan Sharifi is showcasing his very complex abstracts for your enjoyment.

Keep reading for the special featured fashion event!!

 

The Special Featured Event this month is wicked fun!!

 

Heyman Talent Agency is hosting "For Play" an interactive fashion experience.It is called for play because the models will be "for play". We will have models on roller skates wearing high fashion type clothes with hair and makeup. The models are moved around the gallery by the audience or by each other and then put in tasteful poses. Photographers will be taking photos of the poses and the art. 

 

Special musical guest is going to be Seiron Stone - A side project formed by the sax and bass player for the infamous Foley - This group is insane - the jazz, funk, and beats are going to blow you away!!!

 

Catering as always is provided by Taste of the Best Catering, and there is much, much more that you are going to have to come and see!!

 

This event is always free, the art is always hot, and the entertainment is always happening. SEE YOU THERE!!!

2010 Yellow Springs Corner Cone 10 - minute Play Festival: Participants and Winners

Four contributors to past Drama Foundry writers' meetings recently participated in the Corner Cone 10-Minute Play Festival over in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The participants included Steven Woosley a veteran with MadLab Theater who acted and help direct two of Henry Meyerson's plays, The Comfort of Cole-Haans and Me and Shirley.

The other Drama Foundry contributors included playwright Chris Shaw Swanson whose play, People Like Us, won Best Drama in the festival and actors Kristina Kopf and Jane Mowder who won Excellence in Cast for their roles in People Like Us. (Chris also had the play read at our meeting.)

I want to extend my appreciation to all the TDF contributors who participated in the festival. I'm grateful that I get an opportunity to be inspired by and learn from such talented artists. My only regret is that I got to the festival after they had canceled the second show in the afternoon  due to the rain but Jane Mowder bought me a chili dog and fries and that made it all better. Hopefully I can participate next year.

2010 48HFP Screenplay Writing Tips: Plot

These questions come from the list we ask Drama Foundry writers' group meeting participants during a script reading. One of the most fundamental issues with any script is the plot. Here are 4 questions to consider when you are putting together your script for your team this weekend.

1. Is the plot well developed? Does it have a beginning, middle and end? Do you introduce the characters and the major conflict (beginning)? Are there actions and obstacles (middle)? Do you have a resolution (end)?

2. Is the plot logical. Do the things that happen in the story seem realistic for the world in which the story takes place? Does the plot fit within the framework of the suspension of disbelief you present to your audience?

3. Does the plot constantly move forward even if the time structure is not linear (i.e.,flashbacks)? A simple question to ask with regards to each inciting incident in a script is, "So what?".

4. Is your ending appropriate? Is the movie's ending appropriate within the context of the previous events presented to your audience, or have you employed some unmentioned, unforeshadowed event or character transformation?

There is more where this came from. If you enjoy writing for the 48HFP imagine what you can do with a community of other writers and actors, some feedback, and more time to develop your ideas? Our next meeting is August 28. Good luck 48hfp teams and may the best team win!

Drama Foundry Writers' Group Meeting Announcement

When: Saturday August 28, 2010           1:45pm to 4:45pm

What: Script readings, finger food, and feedback

Where: Upper Arlington Main Library, Meeting Room B
            2800 Tremont Road
            Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Why: To hear the work of playwright Lynne Roth, screenwriter and cinematographer Sheldon Gleisser, and also possibly something from playwright and screenwriter Arvin Donner too. All parts are being precast. If you have any questions, let us know.

The Last Year and the Coming Year

 So we lasted a year.Whew!... We ended up helping out 14 writers -15 if you want to include me. We had plays, comedy sketches, screenplays, and even some radio plays presented. There were internationally-produced, awarding-winning dramatic writers who were read and dramatic writers who had just written their first piece and had never been produced, and everything in between. We had our first workshop on screenwriting and a talk given by a Kennedy center award-winning playwright. We had some good food to eat and last but not least we got to collaborate with some amazing actors. There are a lot of them and it's too late right now for me to go and count them all.

The most festive picture I can find of myself with my clothes on ;-)

I also learned and grew a boat load this year. I have been reaffirmed in my ability to do something really amazing when I just put my mind to it and focus. I have learned more than I would ever had if I had gone to school and given my money away to some MFA program. I have made some really great friends and I have been a really great student to 14 other writers and a whole countless number of actors. I'm really excited to see what happens in the coming year.

I would like to get some input from folks on how the last year went. I would like to know what's working for you and what you think needs some tweaking. You can send me an email at the The Drama Foundry's yahoo account address: thedramafoundry . I plan on making some changes in the coming months. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on August 28th.

Merrily We Roll Along Opens Aug.19th

When: August 19 at 8:00pm - September 4 at 11:00pm

Where: Studio One - Vern Riffe Building
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH

More Info Reserve tickets now: http://merrilywerollalong.com/


MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by George Furth

Directed by John Dranschak

Musical Direction by Pam Welsh-Huggins

Choreography by Leigh Lotocki

The cult-classic musical (and a Columbus premiere) about a young group of friends who vow to change the world by making great art together. Sondheim & Furth's tale of dreams and disillusionment, old friends and new, and the real meaning of 'making it' will lift your spirits and break your heart.

Recommended If You LIke: Glee, Into the Woods, Ben Folds, 500 Days of Summer

FEATURING
Ian Short, Nick Lingnofski, Heather Carvel, Michelle Schroeder, Kim Garrison Hopcraft, Scott Wilson, Ryan Kay, Christopher Storer, Nancy Skaggs, Hillary Billups, John Schlabach, Don Knoblauch, Kate Gersing, Jenna Petardi, John Brunner, Elena Perantoni, Michelle Whited, Bart Smith, Julie Russell


PRODUCTION TEAM
Allison Walker, Darin Keesing, Dave Wallingford, Robin Savage, Erika Prizzi, Vinnie Cirivello, Acacia Duncan, Matt Slaybaugh

More info: http://merrilywerollalong.com/

Raconteur Theatre Accepting New Scripts for their Upcoming Season

Raconteur is seeking scripts for its upcoming season. They are seeking full length, one act, and short scripts.

Send scripts to: scripts(at)raconteurtheatre(dot)com

Include the following information to allow us to contact you if interested:

• Full Name of Playwright
• Complete Mailing Address
• Email Address
• The font should be easily readable and 10-14pt.in size.
• Your script must contain page numbers.
• Include a list of characters. Keep it brief but be sure to include any important details such as gender, age and race if applicable.
• Any script submitted must be the sole work of the playwright(s) and must not include any material you do not have permission to use. 
• All scripts must be in English.

Raconteur is a small company with under 20 members. We typically perform scripts which allow us to be as minimal as possible or include only one or two locations. We read a lot of scripts to find the ones we feel fit us best. The following are a few suggestions to help you to have the best possible opportunity:

• We accept scripts of all lengths. We do not accept screenplays. 
• Providing a cover page including the title, playwright name, contact information, a little background on the playwright, cast size, genre, approximate run time, and a brief synopsis is helpful.
• Electronic submissions are strongly preferred. 
• Including a production and publication history if applicable is strongly preferred.
• Proofread to be certain there are no serious grammatical errors.
• Consider audiences when choosing a title, think about how it will look on a poster or in a press release. It should compel audiences to come see the show.
• Try not to include stage directions or costume design unless they are imperative to tell your story.
• We suggest limiting your cast of characters to no more than 8 and your list of settings to no more than 2.
• Special interest is given to writers from the Central Ohio area.  

Keep up with Raconteur Theatre Company at www.raconteurtheatre.com!

 

MadLab Theatre and Gallery announces The Jinn by Kirk Lynn

MadLab will present The Jinn By Kirk Lynn at 8:00, August 5th-28th, Fridays and Saturdays, opening Thursday August 5th at MadLab Theatre
and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus. Tickets cost $15, $10
Students/Seniors, $8 Members. Call 614-221-5418 or visit

http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html

MadLab presents The Jinn by Kirk Lynn

Thursday August 5 8pm
Friday August 6 8pm
Saturday August 7 8pm
Friday August 13 8pm
Saturday August 14 8pm
Friday August 20 8pm
Saturday August 21 8pm
Friday August 27 8pm
Saturday August 28 8pm


All performances at: MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St.,
Columbus, OH 43215, http://www.madlab.net/
Ticket prices are $12, $8 Students/Seniors, $6 Members
For reservations call 614.221.5418 or send to publicity (at) madlab (dot) net
Order tickets at: http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html

THE PLAYERS

Jennifer Feather Youngblood as The Jinn
Jennifer Barlup as Jen
Andy Batt as Jim
Tay Lane as Jenny
Jim Azelvandre as Jimmy
Michelle Weiser as Jennifer
Travis Horseman as James
Mary Sink as Minion
Pam Sanchez as Minion
Joyce Patrone as Minion

Directed by Michelle Batt and Amanda Bauer
Written by Kirk Lynn

Media Contacts:


Michelle Batt, Co-Director, michelleb (at) madlab (dot) net, 614-226-7273
Amanda Bauer, Co-Director, amandab (at) madlab (dot) net 614-306-2962

The Drama Foundry's First Anniversary has Much A Do About Nothing

Join us at Schiller Park on Saturday, July 31 to see the last performance of Actors Theatre current production of Much Ado About Nothing. Some of the cast are members of Available Light Theater too. The Show starts at 8pm. Arvin will be there between 6:30 - 7pm or earlier to get a good spot. If you plan on attending, let us know.

This will be a potluck picnic so bring some thing to share. There will be a list of general dishes to bring ( like a protein, vegetable, fruit, grain, beverage or a dessert sort of thingy. No guacamole cookies!) We will also try to stimulate conversation about the production, Shakespeare, and his writing. If there are any (armchair) Shakespeare or theater scholars out there we would love to have you attend. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the last year and talk about the upcoming year.
Much Ado About Nothing is Shakespeare's sparkling comedy in which the apparent destruction of one marriage helps to bring about another.

Saturday July 31 at 8 PM

Directed by John S. Kuhn

Schiller Park in German Village

Corner of Jaeger Street and E. Deshler Avenue

Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Johnny (Dranschak) gone?...

Oh Where, Oh where can he be? Click here for a clue. John has taken a sabbatical from helping with casting for an amazing directing opportunity. We look forward to his return and his continued success with his present and future endeavors.

Voltility @ Madlab: July 17th, 2010

MadLab will present Volatility at 3:00, Saturday July 17th. 
@ MadLab Theatre and Gallery 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus Tickets cost $5 for all.
Call 614-221-5418 or visit
www.madlab.net

This year marks MadLab's ninth year of Volatility and first in its new
space at 227 N. 3rd St. In the past we have raised money to pay for our heating & cooling, electrical system, new ceilings and several other renovations that made our former facility such a success and allowed us to purchase our new space. Now, we need help with the finishing touches on the renovations of our new place. So please come support the only completely original, alternative arts space in Columbus and see a slew of great bands and entertainers in the process.

Did we mention that Volatility will be held JULY 17th at MadLab, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215?
Here is the rundown again:

www.madlab.net
Admission is $5 for all. Doors open at 3p. The last band will go

on-stage at midnight
Food * Booze * Bands * Improv * Theatre * Silent Art Auction

Bands Scheduled to AppearGhost Shirt http://www.reverbnation.com/ghostshirt
Low Men http://www.myspace.com/lowmenmusic

Poophouse Reilly http://www.myspace.com/poophousereilly

Woosley Band http://www.myspace.com/woosleyband

Bush League Allstars http://www.myspace.com/bushleagueallstars

Bookmobile http://www.myspace.com/bookmobileohio

http://www.facebook.com/#!/OHBookmobile?ref=ts --This will be BM's

last performance as a band.

EARWIG -- www.lizardfamily.com

Speed Governor http://www.facebook.com/speedgovernor?v=info

Silo The Huskie www.myspace.com/silothehuskie

http://www.facebook.com/speedgovernor?v=info#!/pages/Silo-The-Huskie/118050524904446?ref=sgm


Improv

Full Frontal Nudity http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Improv.html

Fake Bacon http://fakebaconimprov.blogspot.com/

The Shimmy Shake Project http://shimmyshakeproject.com/
Parlor Tricks http://parlortricksimprov.com/


Theatre

All the Answers by Mark Cornell (best in show from 2010’s Theatre Roulette)

Volatility has been instrumental in MadLab's ongoing survival and
space improvements. To date, we have raised over $20,000 from this
fundraiser and have made improvements that include, but are not
limited to our heating and cooling system, electrical upgrades,
ceiling replacement, a new projector and much more. Volatility
continues to be our largest single event of our year and we thank all
those that volunteer and attend each and every year, especially all of
our wonderful bands and performers.

For questions call 614.221.5418 or email melissab (at) madlab (dot) net


The GCAC, OAC and The Columbus Foundation support MadLab throughout the year.

MadLab Theatre submission deadlines are fast approaching!

Time is running out! This Thursday July 1, 2010 is the last day to submit your full-length plays to MadLab so they can consider them for production during their 2011 season.  MadLab Theater is expanding their horizons and looking for new full-length work to produce in 2011 (long one-acts, two-acts, and three-act plays).  You can view the 2011 MadLab Season submission guidelines here.

Also, MadLab is now accepting submissions to their infamously famous Theatre Roulette play festival. The deadline for Theater Roulette is November 1, 2010.  You can view the 2011 Theatre Roulette submission guidelines here. Please do exactly what they say in the guidelines for both these play submissions. (MadLab got 1000 submissions for last years Roulette.) Good luck.

I'd like to thank....

playwright Scott Tobin and screenwriter Sheldon Gleisser for letting us hear their work. I'd also like to thank Amy Talbott, Louie Cowan, Scott Summit, John Calig, Yury Khidekel, Rick Napoli, Mary Jo Apisa, Ellie Anderson, and Stephan Woosly. Finally, the June 19 meeting could not have happened without the help of Louie Cowan (casting cherub), Megan Burkeholder (video cherub) , and Dan O'Reilly (stage direction cherub). Don't miss our next meeting on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Until next time, keep writing.

Be Aware of the Man Eating Chicken: 4 Shows Left

http://www.evolutiontheatre.org/


"Think The Honeymooners meets Little Shop of Horrors...fans of theatre, even vegetarians, should make a hearty meal of this superlative evening...headlong romp...edgy absurdity and laugh-out-loud humor"

Beware The Man Eating Chicken
by Henry Meyerson
directed by C. Austin Hill

Set and Lighting design by Jason Banks
with Leslie Robinson, Kathy Sturm, David Johnson, Joe Dallacqua, Erin Fisher and Mark Hale Jr.
production Stage Manager: AmandaLynn Anderson

June 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 8 PM & June 13 2 PM
STUDIO ONE THEATRE
Vern Riffe Center
77 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio


Tickets $20 Adult $16 Seniors and Students
CAPA Ticket Office 614-469-0939
Ticketmaster 1-800- 745-3000
ticketmaster.com

Still time to buy a Flexible Summer Season Subscription and save

Buy a flexible subscription and SAVE OVER 25% off the single ticket price!

See all three shows for only $48.00!

Artist Exibition: Cheryl Lyons "Roaming Through Life"

Cheryl Lyons is interested in bringing together artists from different groups to her shows and more specifically writers and actors. I always try to promote opportunities for artists of different disciplines to meet and socialize whenever possible.

The Drama Foundry Writers' Group Meeting Announcement: June 19, 2010

When:
Saturday June 19, 2010
1:45pm to 4:45pm

What:
Script readings, finger food, and feedback

Where:
Upper Arlington Main Library, Meeting Room B
2800 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Why:
To hear works read by screenwriter and filmmaker Sheldon Gleisser, playwright and actor Scott Tobin and playwright and screenwriter Arvin Donner. All parts are being precast for this meeting. There will be no open casting.

Screenwriting Workshop: The Business and Practice of the Craft

Eric R. Williams
(School of Media Arts & Studies; Ohio University)

Date:

July 8, 2010 from 6:00p – 9:00p

Location:
GCAC Large Conference Room
100 E. Broad St., Suite 2250,
Columbus, Ohio 43215

RSVP:
By July 6 through emailing Ruby Classen or call 614.221.8406
Walk-ins will be accepted.


Admission:
$5 cash or check at the door.
PayPal or Credit Card by calling 614.221.8406  or emailing Ruby Classen.



For those hoping to break into “the industry” by writing a spec screenplay, this program will be broken into two halves: The first 75 minutes will discuss standard and alternative screenplay structure and various approaches to writing dialogue. The second 75 minutes will explain how to safeguard your work, how to find agents/managers, and how to get your script read (and noticed) by industry professionals.

Eric Williams sold his first script (Columbo and the Curse of Sorcery Circus) to Peter Falk at Universal Studios in 1997. Since then, Williams has created the TV series Don’t Try This at Home for American Movie Classics, received “Best New Work” honors from the Writers Guild of America for his script Crystal Messiah and has had his work selected to participate in the prestigious Film Independent Producers Lab in Los Angeles. In addition to the fourteen original feature film scripts and adaptations that he has written, Williams is currently co-writing the script Legendary with director Alfredo DeVilla. Williams received his MFA from Columbia University and currently teaches at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University.


Presented by:

                                                                                                                        

Q4NYYT9KAJ6S - Technorati Claim Token Code

Test: This is the Technorati token claim status code: Q4NYYT9KAJ6S


In laymen's speak that means we're going global baby!

Overview of the GCAC May 13th Gathering of Playwrights

I went to the "Gathering of Playwrights" meeting organized by Ruby Classen, Grants and Services Manager for The Greater Columbus Arts Council, held at the Urban Spirit Loft Gallery above the Urban Spirit coffee shop. The coffee shop and gallery are located in the historic Alpha Building, the site of the first African American hospital in the United States and is next to the newly renovated Lincoln Theater. Jazz memorabilia cover the walls of the gallery.

The May 13 meeting was the third meeting so far in this series and the second I have attended. The "gatherings" are held every 3 months. The purpose is get playwrights and other theater professionals in the same room to talk shop. The meetings and discussions are generally participant directed. What made this meeting delicious is that Ruby got us some catering.

As can be expected, attendees were some of the usual suspects involved in Columbus theater. The focus of the meeting was on answering the question of, "How could we help each other to get produced?" Several playwrights shared ideas. Here are some of the more memorable conversations.
 
Rick Hole started out by mentioning that he would like to see a local theater join the The New Play Network. I shared ideas on using playwright marketing groups like the Playwrights Binge  and The Loop.

April Olt with the King Avenue Players discussed how she successfully marketed the King Avenue Players production of Six Voices as a fundraiser in order to get work produced.

Scott Tobin talked about his successes getting work produced from answering ads on Craiglist's L.A., NYC, and Chicago writing opportunities section and also from following the New York Playwrights website for opportunities.
 
Kevin Lottus explained his rather resourceful efforts at self-publishing. He started his own publishing company. He advertises online and sells his plays.

Theater directors Mark Schwamberger (ETC) and Andy Batts (Madlab) talked about working with local playwrights in producing new work and described some of the initiatives (Theatre Roulette, Madlab's Submission Guidelines, ECT Call for Scripts) their theater companies have for getting new work produced.

At the end of the meeting Ruby suggested that we start a showcase reading series for new work and invite artistic directors, producers and members of regional community arts organizations to attend. She also asked meeting participants to submit links to her of submission opportunities. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming "Gathering of Playwrights" meeting please contact Ruby Classen: rclassen (at) gcac (dot) org

Tips for Artistic Directors #1: Don’t Work With Assholes

Written by Slay (Matt Slaybaugh)
Originally Posted at Theatreforte on 05/21/2010

This is the first in what I hope will be a series of short, fast, useful tips for people thinking about how to be better Artistic Directors.

Tip #1: Don’t work with assholes.

No matter how good s/he is at what s/he does, it will never make up for the frustration of spending a month or more working with someone who is not cool. No one in your company is getting paid enough to justify the particular hell of spending time with someone who sucks all the joy out of the room. Just don’t do it.


Blogger's note: This advice also applies to people running writer meet up groups. 

Drama Foundry May 22: Pictures

I'd like to thank...

John Calig and Ellie Anderson for sharing their work with us. Also, if you feel so inspired take a short moment and offer some applause in front of your computer screen to the actors who read: Mary Jo Apisa, John Calig, Louie Cowan, Diana Daily, Sheldon Gleisser, Yury Khidekel, Natalie Lloyd, Amber Mikesell, John Newkirk, Angela Palazzolo , Dan O'Reilly, Leslie Robinson, and Steve Schlather.

Finally, there would be no digitalization of the live readings into video without our video cherub Megan Burkholder. See you all next month at our June meeting.

Actor Shout out: May 22 for Ellie Anderson

Here is the list of characters that Ellie Anderson is opening up for actors who want to read her short film script on Saturday. These characters typically have about 1 to 3 lines each.

Clergyman (M/F)
Jim Hayes (M)
Policeman (M/F)
Young Woman (F) - 20s
Mourner (M/F)
Family Member (M/F)


The second screenplay Ellie is working on (as we speak) will have 2 men and 3 women. These characters would ideally just be of office working years. If you are interested drop us a line. As usual, depending on interest, casting will be done at random using poker chips and a hat.

Actor Shout out: May 22 Meeting

John Calig has three pieces he is opening up for actors to read at the May 22 Meeting. He has asked that we try to keep the casting in line with the age and gender of the characters.


Eddie - Male: Cafe owner
Prince Kistopher - Male: Deposed rightful ruler of Somalia
Lucas - Male: Director of prize distribution for the National Lottery of Belarus
Jules - Female: Personal Assistant to Paris Hilton

Sniffy - Male: Squirrel
Chewy - Female: Squirrel
Scratchy-Male: Squirrel
Winston - Male: Deer

Sam - Male: late 20's
Harry - Male: mid 20's

If you are an actor interested in readling drop us a line [ thedramafoundry (at) yahoo (dot) com ] and we'll send you a copy of the scripts to review for the meeting. Depending on demand, casting will be done at random using poker chips and a hat. Stay tuned for another possible announcement for Ellie Anderson's casting needs.

Fluffiness, panic, and death: My Adventures at the CSCC 2010 Writer's Conference

To the left is a picture of Alex Winfield, a gentleman I met at the conference who, besides having a stupendously fluffy head of hair, is a very enthusiastic writer of graphic novels. He came up to me out of the blue during lunch and started talking to me about novel writing, Japanese mythology and world development. I think he may have been more interested in my friend Steve's NaNoWriMo t-shirt than me.

Alex, like the majority of writers there, were not dramatic writers per se. Most of the conference attendees ,I gathered, were novelists of one genre or another, poets, songwriters, non-fiction writers, freelance writers, sports writers, and nature writers. However, there were some things of interest for dramatic writers, and some things I want to share with you all about the conference.

First, I need to gripe. If I were going to have a conference and have a wifi network setup in the conference facility, I wouldn't make it inaccessible to the attendees. I would be concerned that might piss off the bloggers who were attending my conference and deny the conference a bunch of free real-time publicity. Even if it's bad publicity, I would be thinking it's still publicity. Also, I would make sure there were no other events, like let's say a marathon, taking place during the beginning of my conference that would create a traffic jam and keep attendees from arriving on time. For some reason, I guess, the conference organizers haven't gotten their mind-reading licenses renewed so I'll have to manage my expectations better for next year.

The only workshops at this year's conference dealing directly with dramatic writing, in this case television writing, were the ones put on by Eric Williams, an Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University. His work shops, “Tools of the Trade” and “Working in the Guild” put my note-taking skills to the limit.

In the “Tools” workshop Eric discussed the rules and structure of television writing and a concept called the “ Triangle of Knowledge”. The name of the game in television writing as Eric put it is to create tension and enjoyment for the audience. That's where the Triangle of Knowledge comes in. In the T.O.K. you have 3 parties: the audience, the protagonist(s), and the other characters. To create tension and enjoyment in a story a writer must keep essential knowledge from one of those parties. He provided several examples of how this is done from playing excerpts of television shows and discussing the plot twists from Gilligan's Island. I learned that Gilligan's Island and Lost are basically the same show and that I am too old school right now to be writing for modern T.V. I hadn't seen any of the shows he used as examples, (Desperate Housewives and Breaking Bad).

The second workshop, “Working in the Guild” was on the business of television writing. In this workshop he discussed how to get into the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) and their point system for earning membership, basics of giving a pitch, how to network in the business, schmoozing at film and script festivals, the differences between a manager and an agent, how much money you can make from writing a script, the difference between a solicited and unsolicited script, and the dynamics of what working in the television industry is all about. What I really appreciated about Eric was that after the second workshop he sat down with a group of us and continued the workshop. I realized I better get started writing my clever spec script and mass mailing query letters to all the addresses in the Hollywood Creative Directory after I get done with this blog post...

Overall my general sense when first arriving to the conference is if you already have an English Literature degree (like myself) or a creative writing degree then some of these classes may be a review. If not, then the conference is only $60 and will be a good investment. I went to the workshop titled, “Is it Fantasy If There Is No Magic?” led by author James Barnes in the first bracket of time slots for the day. I did not get to hear the beginning (I was late because of all those damn joggers) . However, I got the impression that this workshop was presented for people just learning to distinguish the different types of fantasy. (i.e., science fiction, high fantasy, magical realism, mythical fantasy, surrealist fiction.) This is something I could probably brush up on since my college days but I can look it up on Wikipedia if I want to try and remember why I paid so much money to learn it in college when I could have just gone to the workshop in the first place. Needless to say, I wasn't interested and left.

Other workshops of note were the “Using Social Media to do Business” put on by Andrew Miller and “The Five Senses and Characterization” led by Vivian Lermond. I only caught maybe the last 20 minutes of Andrew's workshop after leaving the Fantasy workshop. Andrew was able to answer all my questions about managing my online presence for The Drama Foundry and he was nice enough to give me the power point slides for his presentation afterwards. In regards to Vivian, her writing exercises were challenging for me and the material she covered was a good reminder that I need to work on showing more and telling less. I think if you like Emily Bronte or writing mystery or romance novels you would find her fantastic. I had a hard time connecting with her. I was also disappointed that Vivian didn't offer any workshops on playwriting like she did in the past. That would have been a nice balance to Eric's workshop.

Besides the workshops, another reason writers came to the CSCC writers conference is to network and talk shop... which there was plenty of. And eat food... The food was pretty good. Not 5-star, but definitely better than a continental breakfast at a hotel. That still doesn't sound right, does it? Well... it was good enough.

The other major attraction was keynote speaker, humor writer David Rakoff. A contemporary of David Sedaris, and in fact Rakoff was discovered by Sedaris. Rakoff has been a contributer to the NPR show This American Life, The New York Times Magazine, a correspondent for Outside Magazine and Writer – at – Large for GQ. He has two New York Times bestselling books Fraud and Don't Get Too Comfortable, and the soon to be released new book of essays Half Empty. I had the opportunity to ask him during the talk how he went from being a writer who didn't finish his work to a writer who did. I asked this question right after he had made a sardonic commentary on the musical Rent about the lack of creativity expressed by the characters. He replied, “ Panic. Shear panic.

I thought if I didn't take the time and try and fail at writing properly then I would regret it for the rest of my life. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life being just the funniest guy in the office.”  During the talk someone asked him if there was something that he would like to do but had not done yet. He said he wanted to write a play but didn't think he would because he was too scared. After the talk I, being me (snicker) came up to him and offered to have him come read his play at one of our meetings if he ever got it done. He said politely that my offer was very charming. I don't think he took me very seriously... I'm too amused at my own obnoxiousness to be embarrassed.

David's despair struck home with me. I know that panic.  – Oh, the horror... I knew I wasn't getting any younger and I did not want to be on my death bed regretting not pursuing my creative dreams. At the very least, I wanted to fail perfectly. In starting our meet-up group The Drama Foundry, part of my intention has been to be action oriented. There are other meet-up groups in Columbus that do not seem to do this. When you show up to a TDF meeting, besides hearing me talk a bit at the beginning, you are there to read and give feedback. Consequently, I asked two or three writers at the conference what is the difference between a successful writer and an unsuccessful writer - they finish something. Everyone I asked would blink their eyes while restraining their impulse in giving some heady response because I imagine they realized the answer was much simpler than anything their jet-turbine minds could spit out.

“ You can suck a mile of cock but that won't make you Oscar Wilde.” David espoused when commenting that none of the characters in Rent who claimed to be “creative” and “artistic” really were. (I haven't seen Rent yet.) “ You can be gay. You can be HIV positive. You can live in New York City. You can hang out with your friends. You can make Super 8 movies of you hanging out with your friends. That doesn't make you an artist.” As he stated later, what makes you an artist is the work that you do.

For me, if I'm going to overcome my own panic of dying mundanely without completing any work I'll keep writing; keep showing up to conferences; keep having TDF meetings; keep surrounding myself with like-minded folks; keep surrounding myself with successful writers; keep helping others get their stories heard; keep working to send out scripts, and maybe, just maybe... I will grow enough hair to become as fluffy as Alex Winfield and die leaving an exquisite corpse. Until next year, may you complete all the stories you intend to tell.