In previous posts, I explained how creative writing can help improve your business writing and told you that a 10-minute play I’d submitted to the 2018 Rockford New Play Festival was one of the plays chosen to be read at the event.
Organized by The West Side Show Room, the festival was held August 23 at the Discovery Center Museum Theater in Rockford, Illinois. It’s a good thing they streamed it live on their Facebook page, since the theater was so packed that a couple extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the overflow. Streaming the event also allowed out-of-state playwrights to feel part of the festivities. An edited video is now archived so friends and family can watch it whenever they like. I’ve embedded a link for your convenience.
My play, Near Mint, was the first one read, but I encourage you to watch the rest of the plays as well. The event included an eclectic and inspiring collection of works by some very talented writers. I’m honored to have had my play read alongside theirs.
The best part of the evening? While it was amazing seeing how the actors interpreted certain lines, it was especially cool hearing people say what they took away from my play. On the surface it’s a comedy, but I wanted it to be more than that. It was thrilling to have several people comment on the layers of meaning they gleaned from those 10 short minutes.
That’s when you know your message isn’t lost in the laughter.
Thank you so much to all of the organizers, actors, and volunteers involved in The Rockford New Play Festival, including emcee Vickie Lynn. And special thanks to the cast who brought my characters to life. Left-to-right in the video: Imogen Brady (Child), Rosemary Million (Grandma), Kahla Conley (Stage Directions), Yazmin Jones (Barbie #2), Erin Brady (Barbie #1).
The theme of the night may have been “A Dream Explodes,” but all of you made one of my dreams come true.
https://www.facebook.com/thewestsideshowroom/videos/2066904723625764/