On the nature of 'Boo-hooing'

from the mind of Kato McNickle


Who hasn't heard this story?

I can't get my plays done because I don't have a resume.

I can't get my plays done because I'm unconnected.

I can't get my plays done because no one will read them.

I can't get my plays done because of where I live.

I can't get my plays done because no one is producing new work.

And on and on and on.

Boo hoo for playwrights. No one wants to do your plays, or even look at them, or even give you a fair chance or even... you get the idea.

You are a playwright. You are writing works for the theater. So? Get a space (like a church basement, or a rec center, or a gallery, or a room at your library, or your back yard) find some actors (audition or invite them) make some copies, and produce your play.

It can be performed as a staged reading with blocking but no props; as a concert reading while standing at music stands; or as a production, either with minimal production values or with sets and costumes and the works.

Be a maker of theater.

Stop with the excuses and with the boo-hooing and get to work!