Archive for December, 2009
I kept searching for 2009 wrap-ups to share with you, but wasn’t thrilled with what I found.
Then I realized that I didn’t need to look further than my computer screen. Here’s a list of the top 9 things (in chronological order) that happened in 2009:
1. “Disillusioned” was accepted into the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
2. “Chrysalis” was accepted into the Strawberry Festival.
3. Completing the CTI Three Day Intensive for Producing in Commercial Theatre.
4. Two From the Aisle Productions, LLC was born.
5. Producing both shows in both festivals.
6. Having a SECOND run of “Disillusioned”, since we did so well the first time.
7. Getting reviewed for “Disillusioned.”
8. Two precious additions to our family (in the same month).
9. Finishing a new draft of “The Family’s Business” (with an entirely new Act II) on 12.31.09.
Next year seems even brighter with more on the horizon, but before I bid this year adeiu, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has given their love, support, and talents to making this year one I’ll always remember and cherish.
Thank you, dear readers, for coming along with us on this wonderful ride!
–Sue
December 31st, 2009
In Judaism, there is a tradition of leaving the front door open for a little while during Passover to welcome Elijah into a family’s home.
That idea of leaving the door open has always appealed to me, it’s like an open invitation.
In theatre, it’s nice to do something similar… instead of resolving every last issue, or every last question, it’s best to leave the door open a bit, and invite your audience to wonder what will happen after the house lights come up, and hopefully discuss it on the way home.
–Sue
December 30th, 2009
The old saying, never put all your eggs in one basket can apply to so many things in life… For me, I’ve found the benefit of having multiple muses. (It also helps that they all love and respect my work (and me).)
My lovely sister, Dina, stepped in today to workshop with me. We bounced some ideas around for a bit, and as we were talking, a scene began forming in my mind’s eye… and it just began to click.
So much writing happens before the pencil hits the page… and though it can at times be a lonely pursuit, I’m lucky to have many wonderful muses to help see me through.
–Sue
December 29th, 2009
I’m a proud Jewess… But this Christmas, I decided to give myself a nice gift… a break.
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the small things and big things that are a part of LIFE!
It’s a gift to take a step back. It’s a gift I see I surely need to give myself more often.
While wonderful to give gifts to others (and while this is the season for that), sometimes the best thing we can do for others is to care for ourselves.
–Sue
December 28th, 2009
- Melissa James Gibson, playwright, with director Daniel Aukin. Photo by Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
I’m getting hungry to get a play on its feet again… Hopefully, that will be the case with the play I’m currently re-working.
This article from the Times has whet my appetite to find a director to help bring the show to life.
Though sometimes a challenge, it’s amazing what can bloom from a beautiful partnership.
–Sue
December 23rd, 2009
- Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain
The Associated Press released a story (picked up by Crain’s) about the new Signature Center theatre complex that will be erected in the heart of NYC’s theatre district. It will house three theaters, rehearsal studios, a cafe and a bookstore.
The Signature Theatre celebrates the work of the playwright with year long celebrations of a chosen playwright.
$25 million (almost half of the $60 million to bring the project to completion) will be given by NYC… talk about supporting the arts, and putting your money where your mouth is!
As the genius behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, I’m sure the new center will be a sight to behold.
–Sue
December 22nd, 2009
I’m going back in and retooling a play I wrote a few years ago. There was a reading of the first few scenes, and it went over really well with the audience, but Act II of the show never sat well with me.
I realized last night that one choice the protagonist makes in the beginning of Act II sets the rest of the play in motion, and it’s this choice that I’m going back and rethinking. It’s almost like I’m writing a Choose Your Own Adventure book.
I’m curious to see what the outcome will be.
–Sue
December 21st, 2009
Remember when Robin Williams’ character, John Keating, in Dead Poets Society jumps on his desk and preaches to his students about the necessity of seeing things from another angle?
I love that scene… there’s so much emotion, and momentum — foreshadowing what is to come.
Well, I spent a good part of today on a ladder trying to install a light fixture. I was right next to the hole in the ceiling, and had a hard time seeing why I couldn’t screw it in… Then I went down to firm ground again and looked at it from another angle. I saw what needed to be done, and in a few shakes, we were able to take care of the problem.
Besides realizing how hard it is to screw something upwards, I was reminded that the answer could be staring you right in the face, but sometimes, you have to look at something from another perspective…
–Sue
December 18th, 2009
What boggles my mind more than anything else in going back and writing new songs for this show is that I still have songs left in me for this show.
So many songs were written and scrapped (that’s been true this time around as well)… I just didn’t know it was still there.
I’ll need to tap these reserves as the show builds momentum and gets on its feet.
–Sue
December 17th, 2009
I worked myself up into quite a lather over the finale today… I’d started last week, but it still didn’t feel right.
After reworking the original, then trying the new one, I realized both weren’t right. I wrote a new song, but it still wasn’t quite right. The fourth attempt today was the one that nailed it.
And though I was exhausted — my eyes literally burned, I had a nasty migraine, and my stomach was doing somersaults… as wacky as it sounds, it was good… Good to care about something so much that I almost pushed myself over the edge.
I felt alive; it reminded me why I’ve stuck with this show for so many years.
The fun’s just begun!
–Sue
December 16th, 2009
Previous Posts
