I'm a new playwright and I'm having the toughest time with the next step. I've got my musical written. I've submitted it to contests and festivals, and gotten some rejection letters. I've started shopping around the local theatre scene here in Atlanta, and have had two (somewhat) serious interests. One theatre wants me to find the people to audition and then find people to fill their seats, which seems like it should be their job, but apparently they're not too good at it. On the advice of a fiction-writing friend of mine, I started investigating the agent route. Then I applied for the Dramatists Guild. What else can I do? My musical has been performed a few times before. I know it's good, that people enjoy it. I'm just so overwhelmed with the business side of it, and I'm not terribly patient. Any advice out there for a fresh-faced kid trying to win a Tony?
On Writing : Starting out by Jennifer "JR" Pawley
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I am! Already got a song and a half under my belt for a new musical.
Keep promoting locally. The rest will come. It takes a lot of time to get your name out there...don't give up...and write, write, write!
Thanks for the encouragement! The constant stream of rejection letters can get old very quickly
Jennifer, I am new to this myself for the most part. The fact that you get a rejection at least shows that the theater is reading and is getting back to you. Many theaters do not get back. So...we are in this together...and we shall survive and get up there one day! (:
Hi Jennifer, wow I love your fighter spirit! Creative and any business success is about 20% talent & 80% resilience & determination! Let's focus on the positive to start - you've got a great product, 2 people are interested...seriously, you say! Would you be excited to work with either? If so, which do you get a buzz about showcasing your work, the most? So if it's the theatre that 'isn't very good at it's marketing', are you willing to commit what it takes to get your musical ON? If so, what could you do to go back to them to negotiate that they take on some of this responsibility? Perhaps they need YOUR creative thinking, to help them market YOUR show, to the right people.... Let's go on to the not quite so positive (yet)...rejections. As mentioned, the fact they've responded - fantastic! They took 10 mins of their time to write to you! Here's a tip (after coaching many creatives who get rejection letters from jobs / pitches etc)....rejection letters do not always mean you have an undesirable product, it can sometimes boil down to the way you present yourself - i.e. did you focus primarily on your needs or theirs? The recipient can ALWAYS tell if you're feeling confident, and assured that your work is valuable...I haven't seen your letter, so can't say for certain, but 9/10 letters I read, focus TOO much on the 'ME', opposed to the 'WE'. Last note, before I write an essay here, but you seem to be reaching out in many directions. Time to step back. Get back to your own centre. You know intuitively where this work needs to go. You already KNOW how you can make this happen. Don't you? (Whatever words just came up for you - are called your intuition - don't sensor them. Valuable clues to what you can do to help yourself here....). We're RIGHT behind you on the way to the awards! Marie x
I know it might sound conceited, but I know this show is good. It got a few performances in college and at a small theatre for a very successful fundraiser. Part of my frustration/problem is being relatively new to the area and unable to participate in local theatre because of my work schedule, I don't have the contacts I know I should. I decided some local exposure was better than nothing. For the theatre that "isn't good at marketing", part of our initial discussion was that I'd redesign their website as part of a services exchange. So the deal we struck was that the theatre finds me a director, audition time and performance times. If I couldn't get enough people show up to audition, the theatre can keep the website (which I made back in December) and we would call it square. If I could get enough people to audition, then we'd re-negotiate fees. Thanks for all the support and encouragement! Y'all are fantastic. And Marie, you may be right. My intro letter could be totally inappropriate. I'll get someone to review it, thanks for the tip. My ultimate goal is to win a Tony or two -- go big or go home! :)
It's not conceited at all Jennifer, to believe in yourself, and your talent! Your frustration is palpable, but what's great is you take that, and go and take action to make it change. That goal of yours is fantastic - and has all the energy to keep you motivated forwards. Happy to view an example of one of your letters, to offer objective feedback. Would that help? marie@mariemilligan.com (or via here). Have an inspired day! Marie x
For several years I participated in a local playwrights' group. We did sti-down, script-in-hand readings of works in progress, using local actors and directors. Then all the members would critique. Once a year, we would all vote on which ones were most ready for public viewing. Those chosen would be showcased in a 2 or 3 day "playwrights' festival." This time they were "on their feet"--still script in hand, but with simple costuming and sets. After each production, the writer and director would sit and listen to the comments of the audience. It was extremely helpful and encouraging, and it was also the jumping-off point for getting our names and our plays into the public eye. If you can't find a group like that around you, start one!
Unfortunately, with my work schedule, extracirricular activites are difficult for me to participate in with any regularity, but if that changes, there's a good group like the one you're talking about.
Jennifer, YOU HAVE TO make the time to network and get out there (wherever 'there' is). And definitely keep writing (that'll keep you sane). Perhaps write a smaller piece that won't take as much to produce. A few characters, not too many scenes... maybe even a One Act. IMHO, of course.
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Update! I heard back from one of the theatres in Atlanta, and arrangements are being made for late September for my musical! No solid dates yet, but it's a nibble and I'm totally stoked!
Hey Jennifer -- I'm new to Stage32, but one cool online networking group that has helped me out and is #2amt discussions on twitter. Just look up 2am Theatre. Good luck!
Way to go Jennifer... well done lass....
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Figure out what it would cost you to put the play up on a weekly basis, find a producer partner, or find the money yourself, and use GOOD actors. If your play is well received keep it going and take it on the road. I have done this three times and NEVER took it on the road. I won't make the same mistake again. A good play is a good play and theater going people will respond.
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Dramatists Guild. Would anyone mind explaining?
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Hey Jennifer! 11 years ago, Atlanta, just starting out... Where are you now on your show biz journey?