#1 Daughter Snapped This Photo of Bob Dolan Getting Ready to Tell the Audience to NOT Take Photos
Ever dream of writing a smash Broadway hit! Now you can–by going to the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in Partnership with UCF’s PlayFest held from April 2 to 11, 2010 at the Orlando Shakes in downtown Orlando.
Well, sort of…
You see, PlayFest is a ten-day theatre event packed with dynamic new plays and new play programming for anyone who loves great theatre. There are Readings, Workshops, special events, a Play-in-a-Day and even a world premiere!
So how does this help you write that new smash hit?
Well, here’s what I found out.
Number One Daughter’s Montessori School went to see “All’s Well That Ends Well” at Orlando Shakes a few weeks ago. Afterwards Patrick Flick, the director of New Play Development and PR for the Orlando Shakes, was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to speak with the students.
Patrick Flick and the Montessori Classroom
He explained that the PlayFest provides Workshops and Readings from both accomplished and novice playwrights. At each of these events, the audience, actors and writers have a “talkback.” These informal sessions are an opportunity for everyone to discuss and critique the work with professional and amateur theatre lovers of all ages.
Who knows, you might provide the feedback that helps the playwright further enhance the work. You might be the difference between obscurity and a Tony Award!
At the very least, these workshops and readings will inspire and delight you. Perhaps you’ll become motivated to begin a treatment of that story you always knew would make a fantastic piece of theatre. Perhaps you’ll decide to get some friends together and extemporize over some scenes you’ve had mulling around your head. Maybe you’ll discover that it’s much harder to write a play than you’ve ever imagined. You’ll wonder if you’re up for the challenge that is faced by the playwrights who contribute to PlayFest.
One thing is certain–you will have a memorable theatre experience unlike any other. For no one does theatre better than our friends at Orlando Shakes.
When I asked Patrick about the high caliber of theatre at Orlando Shakes, I’ll never forget his response. Because of the major Theme Parks, the Orlando area attracts all kinds of performers. Ambitious artists who want an opportunity to be more than just “2nd Princess on the right,” explained Patrick, “take their vacation and come to work at the Orlando Shakes.”
For a schedule of PlayFest Workshops and Readings just click on this link. The Workshop is only $10 and Readings just $5. Some special events are free. And there is the much beloved annual tradition of the Play-in-a-Day. Also don’t miss this year’s special guest, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, at 7:30 on April 10. Tickets for this “Inside the Actor’s Studio” style interview with Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger range from $25 to $100.
If you love the theatre, you do not want to miss this event. For the lucky readers of my blog who are planning a trip to Orlando, the new play festival combined with the Florida Film Festival makes this the perfect time to come and discover so much “more than a mouse”™
For more information:
Orlando Shakespeare Theater In Partnership with UCF
PlayFest! April 2-11, 2010
The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays
812 E. Rollins Street
Orlando, FL 32803
407.447.1701
Email: Info@OrlandoShakes.org
Web: www.OrlandoShakes.org
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