The Writing (Friday September 28th, 2007, 7PM-~3AM)

We began the evening with some warm-up and ensemble-building exercises. Then we divided the performers into three groups by drawing names out of a hat. Each group of performers would work with one writer / director to come up with a 15-minute play.

We employed a three-step process to generate content for the writers:

1) Each group met for thirty minutes. We learned the strengths and talents of the writers and performers. The performers improvised some scenes. The goal was learn how to work together and to develop scenes, locales, characters, relationships, etc. We hoped to be able to draw on this material to write a play.

“I loved the joint process of creating the script together through the improv games.”
- Nicolette (Writer / Director)

2) After half an hour, we convened as an ensemble to draw one line of neutral text from a hat. This line was to begin each play. The line we chose that night was, "It was obvious to everybody else". We divided into our groups again, and continued to develop material.

3) After another half-hour, we convened to draw another line of neutral text from the hat. This line was to end each play. The line we chose that night was, "Thank G-d for furniture, that's what I say". We divided into groups again, and the writers spent another hour with their actors. The goal was to develop an outline from which the writers could work.

Around 10PM, we broke for dinner. The writers didn't have much time to enjoy it, though: they were responsible for crafting a 15-minute play. And it had to be ready for the performers by 8AM the next morning.