12:00 PM   |  Workshop

“Just the Facts, Man”: A Docudrama Playwriting Workshop

With instructor Christopher Johnston

As playwrights, we usually draw from real-life stories to create narrative plays. However, we can also do extensive research and interviews with people on which to build purely documentary theater pieces about dynamic individuals or particular groups of people, say veterans or victims of domestic violence. We have the option to create characters based on those interviewees or use a subject’s exact words from an interview transcript verbatim. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the techniques necessary to research a topic and get comprehensive interviews from which to draw material or language for a play. We’ll also develop a short piece that can stand on its own or be developed into a one-act or full-length play.

Presented with Literary Cleveland & The Dramatists Guild – Ohio Region 

2:00 PM   |  Craft Talk

“Getting Off on the Right Foot: Strategies on Beginnings”

With George Brant, hosted by Les Hunter

George Brant’s Grounded was a NY Times Critic’s Pick for its production at The Public Theater, which was directed by Julie Taymor and performed by Anne Hathaway. Join this acclaimed playwright as he discusses some basic tips and strategies picked directly from his own toolbox. A Q-and-A with Les Hunter, the Dramatist Guild’s Regional Rep for Ohio, will follow.

Presented with Literary Cleveland & The Dramatists Guild – Ohio Region 

3:30 PM  |  Young Playwrights Collective Showcase

Riot and Dishonor

Written and directed by Luke Brett

Embark on a journey of self-debauchery as Jack Falstaff (age 15) slams into adolescence. After being expelled from his studies at the abbey, young Jack brags and bluffs his way into accidentally inspiring a rebellion in England. Drinking, fights, mistaken identity and the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 rage across a backdrop of wayward wenches and reprobates!

Presented with Young Playwrights Collective

5:00 PM  |  Special Session

NEOMFA Writing Program Showcase

New short works from playwrights including Justin Lazor, Oana Leuca, and Ralph Myers.

Presented with NEOMFA Writing Program

6:30 PM   | Live Radio Play

Every Play is a Radio Play When You’re Blind

Written by Meghan Louise Wagner

Directed by Constance Thackaberry

Layers of privilege collide when a naïve bridesmaid meets a semi-famous blind artist on a public bus. It’s Julia’s first time on the RTA and Jason offers to guide her across town. On the way, the unlikely pair discovers an unusual connection that is central to Jason’s art and career, making Julia the perfect subject for his next book.

Presented with Radio on the Lake Theatre

7:30 PM   |  Staged Reading

Islanded

Written by Adam Benjamin

Directed by Tyson Douglas Rand

Three complete strangers arrive on a remote island. Survival is secondhand to Maddox, an idealistic young photographer; Delhi is contented with a continuous inundation of social interaction; Robin is only seeking respite from his bombastic family life. Issues–hunger, shelter, food, a mysteriously languid passage of time–are pushed aside as these three strangers strive to live in islandic harmony.

Presented with The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

9:00 PM   |  Staged Readings

Newcomers’ Session: Six 10-Minute Plays by Writers New to Playwrights Local

Newbodies: Written by Carol Dolan and directed by Julia Rosa Sosa

That’s It: Written by Charles Ellenbogen and directed by Savanna Higginbottom

The Last God of Viola Wilmington: Written by Cat Kenney and directed by Chris D’Amico

The Inside Story: Written by Michael S. Merritt and directed by Colin Anderson

The Modern Theatre Critic: Written by Robert Thomas Noll & Pamela V. Noll and directed by Chris Courtenay

Seven Veils: Written by Elias Richard Stimac and directed by Christopher Johnston