I’m thrilled to announce that The Honorable Herbert Peabody will return to the stage, with a newly revised and expanded script and full production. There are just 4 performances, coinciding with the APAP Conference, January 12-15th on The Chain Theatre Mainstage! Tickets will go on sale mid-December. Can’t wait to see you there!
Keynote speaker, playwright and screenwriter Amy Herzog.
Producing The Writers Lab's 4-day Screenwriting Retreat
What a thrill to produce The Writers Lab’s 2021 U.S. Lab this past week!
Supported by Meryl, Oprah and Nicole (no last names needed!) TWL is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women-identifying writers over 40. The ongoing uncertainty of Covid meant this year’s retreat was virtual, but that fact allowed TWL to select 17 writers (versus the usual 12) to participate. Juggling 17 writers, 17 mentors, 22 industry guests, and 40 alumni writers was no small feat, but a great producing team (on 2 continents!) pulled it off without a hitch.
2021 Lab participants
And check out just a few of this year’s incredible mentors and guests!
Priya Amritraj - VP of Television and Film, Hyde Park Entertainement
Michael Arndt - writer, Little MIss Sunshine, Star Wars VII, Toy Story 3
Amy Herzog - writer, HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, Obie winning plays Mary Jane and 4000 Miles
Rita Hsiao - writer, Mulan, Toy Story 2
Riva Marker - producer, Beasts of No Nation, The Kids are Alright
Michelle Satter - founder, Sundance Institute Feature Film Program
Tracy Scott WIlson - writer, Respect, Fosse/Verdon, The Morning Show)
Mary Jane Skalski - producer, The Station Agent, The Visitor
Frida Torresblanco - producer, Pan’s Labyrinth, Rudo y Cursi
You can see the full list of 2021 Lab Participants and scripts—as well as Finalists and semifinalists (selected from over 1,000 submissions!)— HERE
The Lab is presented by co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, with New York Women in Film & Television, and in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East, with in-kind support from The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales, Filmarket Hub, Final Draft, and Roadmap Writers.
Advising Directing students in the U.K.
If you watch as much British TV as I do, you know that “A Levels” refers to a 2-year, pre-university program for students looking for an “Advanced Level” of experience and focus in a particular subject. One of the requirements for A levels is that schools make 'meaningful links' with careers contexts for their students, and I’m excited to have been asked to be “Linked Director” for the A Level Drama & Theatre program at Hereford Sixth Form College.
Today, via the magic of Zoom, Head of Drama Cheri Whitehouse and I had a conversation about my background and career path, and my process and perspective as a director. Going forward I’ll act as a guest advisor as each student prepares their own approach to a staging of Marlowe’s DOCTOR FAUSTUS, using the techniques of renowned British theatre company Punchdrunk. I can’t wait to see what these young artists come up with, and hopefully spark and inspire them as so many teachers and mentors have done for me!
Join the Honorable Herbert Peabody's (IndieGoGo) Campaign!
After successful runs at three different festivals over the past several years, THE HONORABLE HERBERT PEABODY has gotten a seed grant, and a chance to return to the stage in NYC (...and maybe even beyond)! We've got big plans for early 2022, and just need a little help to see them through. It’s been almost three years since writer/Performer Kirk McGee and I began working on this very funny solo show—one that also asks very important questions about the systems of abuse that gave rise to the #MeToo movement, and how we can work together to make a safer and more equitable world.
Help us spread the humor and the heart of this fantastic play—check out the IndieGoGo campaign, and chip in a few bucks if you can!
Leading a panel for The Playwrights Realm
I’m really jazzed to be moderating this panel for The Playwrights Realm! (Register for free HERE) Every artist has a horror story about getting notes—and hopefully also stories about how the right question or thought was an important ‘AHA!’ moment. So what’s the difference between feedback being an ‘AHA!” and an “OH NO!’ …? I’m looking forward to diving into that and more, with the fantastic panelists below. I hope you’ll join us!
Naysan Mojgani, Associate Artist for Literary & New Plays at Round House Theatre
Anne G. Morgan, Programs Director for the National New Play Network
Brandon Webster, Composer, Dramaturg, Storyteller