Wendy Goldman, Artistic Director of the O'Neill, gave a great talk during her stay (NWF).
A few of the things said, worth remembering
THINGS SHE EXPECTS FROM A PLAYWRIGHT who comes to develop a play at a place like the O'NEILL:
1) That the playwright will harness the time she has, and zero in on how best to use that time.
2) That the playwright will know what is and isn't working, what he wants to investigate.
3) The playwright will know his goals and the play's central questions and will GUARD those things.
4) That the playwright will remember why she wrote the play in the first place.
5) That the playwright will remember there is a difference between a play or play reading "looking good" and a reading where the playwright learns what she needs to about the play.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY:
1) Why are you going to the development experience? To meet somebody you want to meet? To answer specific questions on a specific play? To move a play to the next step? Because you want it to get produced?
2) Are the artistic leaders of the development experience being clear about what they want for you and from you, for your play and from your play?
3) Who do you want to meet? What are the artistic relationships you're hoping to build?
4) Who's good to have a cup of coffee with?
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU'RE COURTING COLLABORATORS:
1) Does it feel like what you're saying is being heard?
2) If a first conversation isn't good, it isn't good...on the other hand, there's something to be said with getting past a first impression...it's always a balance. How many bad dates do you go on before you move on?
3) Always be willing to ask "how much do I need this" ... and "how much am I willing to put up with."
4) You're trying to "make marriages that make sense."
5) Are you trying to defend your play or define your play?
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