Hello writers and friends!
Y’know that live-theater tradition of out-of-town try-outs, when the play or musical is in endless rewrite and everything’s in chaos? The producer is constantly on the writer’s back, demanding changes that’ll up the chance of success. The stars want more lines and stage-time to enhance their public image even more. And all the other big figures in the production ...oh, god...
With every twist in this plot the aforementioned folk cause, there are set builders, grips, gaffers, riggers, acousticals, musicians, props crew, costumers and make-up team all despairing as their budgets burn through, right before their eyes.
Meanwhile, actors and dancers in secondary roles or worse —walk-ons, spear carriers, redshirts— they despair even more. Over losing lines, losing a role, maybe losing even that tiny apartment back in the Big Apple, and —horrors!— having to go home to Peoria if things go south here in Philly or Baltimo’.
Theater! I love it! Magical. :)
As you’ll have gathered, tonight’s WriteOn is another entry in our recent ongoing theme of “my manuscript is being mean to me.” :(
<big><big>For tonight’s challenge,</big></big> put yourself in the position of The Playwright, and think of your WIP characters as actors in roles you created. (Or the roles of the usual suspects.) Ready?
Write a scene of any 2 or more in the cast &/or crew privately ”discussing” the fraught situation as they do whatever they need to in the moment, not realizing you’re listening in! :D Take notes! Share!
<small>ALTERNATE CHALLENGE</small> — or something for your own deskwork: sit down and “talk” with your manuscript in a friendly way, ms as character, you as you, take notes. No need to demand or force any solutions, just communicate a little bit. :)
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