GIG #1: During Lent, I write 3-5 plays that are 15-30 minutes for St. Andrew's Episcopal in the Heights. They have a yearly Wednesday night Lenten Soup Supper series where they serve soup & perform a short play that is Lent related. They are regular folks, not trained actors, but they have a jolly time performing the shows and truly do a great job. I try to keep the plays on the comic side, though with a specific message that will lead to discussion. This is the last week (5th) of the season, so tonight is the last performance. Whew! (NOTE: This is a non-paying gig, but has given me great exposure and lots of practice & feedback from actual audience members!)
GIG #2: Another playwriting gig I've had for 10 years (this summer will be my 11th year!) is at a Summer Camp for kids. Esperanza School in Houston has a wonderful Summer Camp and I was able to jump on board with them. Over a decade ago I approached them about offering a summertime ancillary: Theatre! They agreed and the rest is history! During June, I teach the 3-5th graders acting, improv, make-up, voice/diction. This gives me time to assess their individual talent, dedication and strengths. Then July comes around and, based on the summer theme for that year, I write an hour play with roles for every child that wants to perform. The kids do a remarkable job and take their roles quite seriously. It has always come out fantastic and the parents are always thrilled to see, even the shyest child, up there with a fully established character, lines memorized, walking, talking, PERFORMING! (NOTE: This is a PAYING GIG that has given me TONS of exposure and feedback from actual audience members!)
Now - if you're not getting your plays produced yet, create your own gig! What communities are you involved with that may be interested in you writing something specific for them to perform? Make sure that when people you meet ask you what you do, proudly say that you are a PLAYWRIGHT, or WRITER...whatever it is, say it proudly! You just never know where a gig will pop up! What's your current WRITING GIG and how did you get it?
Ciao for Niao, Texas Playwright Chick
2 COMMENTS HERE:
I would love to have those opportunities, especially with the kids. I do a drama camp kind of thing, too, when it works. I'm calling it "Backyard Drama." Also, still hoping to see my coffee shop play done at a local coffee shop, soon.
I don't write plays, but both these ideas sound like great gigs! I recently wrote a guest blog for a travel blog (unpaid but good exposure), and I'm also writing a couple of book reviews. As with you, although I don't get paid for these, I do get good exposure. A great post!
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