Every writer needs honest feedback that helps them craft their story and reach the next draft, but not all feedback is equal. Your mom probably loved your play, because she’s mom and she loves everything you write. Your ex-fiance who you broke up with two days before the wedding probably wants to burn every copy of that horrid little play and you along with it. But it’s not just the emotional connection that you have to consider when someone gives you feedback on your work it also depends on their knowledge of theatre and story and character.
Ike Holter is a celebrated playwright whose poignant stories chronicle life in modern America with quick wit and exceptional relevance. Holter is the resident playwright of Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. He is also the 2017 winner of the Windham-Campbell Prize for drama.
These days Casting Directors often ask actors to bring in their own material to at least one night of their workshops or showcases. And, if you ‘re lucky enough to get a meeting with an agent who wants to see some work, you’ll have to be ready with material. My clients often ask me where to find material and how to choose. You want to be seen in the best light possible, right? You want to be very well-prepared and read something you’re actually right for…but how do you know what material will suit you?
Acting is much more than just memorizing your lines. You really need to live, breathe, and understand your character. There are many resources out there to get you started analyzing your character and breaking it down. Here are just a few:
Dear readers, the meat of this story is in the title. As I sit here writing this article I am only eight days away from leaving the United Kingdom and beginning a new chapter of my life in the United States. You may be aware by now that I will shortly be giving my all on stage at the Hollywood Fringe Theatre Festival in a stage play which I wrote with my American colleague, the highly talented Byron Tidwell.
