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What makes a strong play?
At least two of the following, usually all three: compelling
characters, strong structure, poetic language and/or action.
What
types of characters do you like to write?
I like to write characters in a state of becoming, which
leads me to teen characters who are smart, funny, caring, and driven but have
doubts, (in)experiences, and relationships that challenge them.
What
do you look for when choosing a play to work on?
As a director, I look for a play that fascinates and rewards
me, and by extension, the audience. Sometimes the reward is big laughs,
sometimes it's important, unresolved questions. I'll always gravitate more
towards the play that gives me both those things.
Please
describe the best experience that you had working on a play.
I directed an ensemble in Shakespeare's As You Like It, and
it was wonderful because of how clearly complicated things become and the fact
that each actor had an integral role to play in all those comic complications.
In terms of structure, Shakespeare is the ultimate to borrow from.
Please
describe the worst experience that you had working on a play.
As a Kangaroo in Peter Pan, I was completely
expendable. To paraphrase Jose Rivera, write parts that actors want to play.
What
advice would you give to a young playwright currently working on a new play?
Ask yourself where the Fear and Love are in your play and
your characters' lives. If you have one without the other, there's no conflict.
Drama is created when these two dance.
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