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The
Playwright's FAQ
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The Playwright's FAQBy Lynne Harvey, writer-in-residence at the Drayton Court TheatreQ. Which play do I send to which theatre? A. First try locally. Find out which theatres in your county or region are producing houses and would look at new work. Get on their mailing list, so that even if you can't see many productions there, you'll build up a good picture of what they put on. If you're interested in theatre at all you should have a good idea what the theatres in your locale are up to. Some theatres have a writers' group that you could join which could be a good sounding board and source of local theatre news, festivals etc., they might also have a studio theatre that puts on new work. It may come as a surprise, but most theatres really do want to put on something more adventurous than the yearly (or twice yearly in some cases) Shakespeare, Aykbourne, summer farce and winter panto. It's just that there's usually someone on a committee blocking it. Yes, I hear you say, "but these get rears on seats". Fine. But how about a new winter play for children? Or do we all want Dick Whittington every year with a soap star chucked in? If you have a winter play that's exciting and magical, then start getting people interested: we need you! Brave are those who want to try something different and bring in a new audience. Brave and heroic. If you have short themed pieces, how about one of the many arts or drama festivals? Also if your play isn't prop mad and effect crazy, why not try sending it to one of the touring theatre companies? Many of these are excellent. Touring theatres tend to have their own agendas and policies. Ring up your local arts board and ask for a list of local theatre companies, there should be a few lines on the sheets you receive saying what the theatre companies are about. There are also playwrighting competitions, probably the most well known being run by The Donmar in London. As far as a full length straight drama, you have to dig a little deeper. There are lists of theatres in 'The Writers and Artists Yearbook' that look at new work, and one at least will be near to you. Write first, outlining the play and put in an approximate running time. There are also some good amateur theatre companies who would look at something new. Go and see a typical production (not their panto) to see if they would be right for you and you would be right for them. It can be very exciting if you're a new writer and someone accepts your play - which is a feat in itself - but be careful, don't just jump in for the sake of hearing your words and story worked on. It is so very very tempting to take the first offer, but ask the questions: what exactly will happen to your play? Will these people do a good job of it? Is this really the right place for your play? Will it get mangled? Lost as a one night only? Misinterpreted? Not publicised? It's a leap of faith for someone to take on a new play. Blessed are those that do, but it's always worth asking; 'Why do you like this play?' and 'Why do you think it will work?' and 'How do you see it?' Amazing how many people don't. It's here you may find that the full Russian chorus you wrote in will be represented by one man playing a harmonica. Or your big speech is delivered by someone juggling on a unicycle (concept, darling, concept!) Be warned...
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