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Welcome! The Workshop is a place where MU playwrights can hear their plays read, see them staged, and join in on discussions of their work. It is also a place where actors, directors, designers, and members of the MU community can come to participate in the play development process!
Playwrights
MPW meets at 7:00 PM every Monday evening at the Memorial Union Stotler Lounge. This does not mean that one must attend every Monday evening, but it is encouraged that you do your best to come regularly.
Have enough copies of your script to pass around to actors and a reader of stage directions (keep the stage directions read to a minimum). You are responsible for the casting of your play. Advance casting is fine as well. Most of the readings are "cold" readings, meaning that they are not rehearsed. You don't have to bring actors with you, but it is never a bad idea. It is usually more helpful for actors to see the script in advance, but sometimes reading a script "cold" can reveal aspects of the play that don't always show in rehearsed readings.
Often evenings will follow an "open mike" format, though a monthly schedule will be prepared on an adhoc basis. Contact David Crespy before the workshop if you want a script read. He will usually be available at 6:30 pm to take names. He will include your piece on a first come, first serve basis. However, David reserves the right to juggle material as is necessary to accomodate his playwriting classes and scripts being developed for MU productions.
Longer plays must be scheduled in advance. Contact David at (573) 882-0535 or via email at: CrespyD@missouri.edu for advance scheduling.
Playwrights can decide whether or not to have criticism of their work. If so, then be clear about what questions you have for the audience. Do not argue with the criticism you receive, simply take notes and listen. If you do not want criticism, let David know. We'll generally meet after the workshop at a local eatery to discuss the plays on a more individual basis.
Audience & Actors
Come prepared to read. Quite often audience members will be enlisted to read material cold—this is part of the fun! If you have rehearsals for an MU show or other departmental responsibilities, you should attend to them. No one expected to attend every single evening of the workshop. Come as often as you can.
The suggested rule of the evening is keep the criticism positive. While not every play read will be criticized (the playwrights may choose not to have their play discussed), it is important to frame your criticism as positively and specifically as possible. Tell the playwrights exactly what you heard and saw, don't tell them how to write their plays. Think like a director: ask them questions where you were confused or needed more information. Let the playwrights know which moments you found interesting and where the play's action lost your interest.
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