Podcast
James Elden's Playwright's Spotlight
Playwright Spotlight features a new playwright every episode to discuss the tools of the trade and solutions to the obstacles we face as writers in hopes of making us all better and more successful playwrights.
- Episodes
- 141
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 5 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
141 episodes, newest first
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1 hr 3 min
Writing Beauty for the Stage, FindingYour Sandbox, and Letting Actors Dance - Playwright's Spotlight with Joy Gregory
Season 6, Episode 10
Show notes
Joy Gregory is a Peabody Award winner and three-time Humanitas nominee. She is a founding ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company Her first play, All Souls Day, was produced with Lookingglass in 1992, followed by dreaming lucia in 1994. She wrote the book and lyrics for the musical The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World, produced with Lookingglass in 2004 and later off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons, where it was nominated for a 2011 Drama Critics’ Circle Award and a Lucile Lortel Award. She co-adapted Studs Terkel’s Race: How Blacks and Whites Think & Feel About the American Obsession, with Ensemble Member David Schwimmer, for Lookingglass’ 2003 season.
For tickets to the World Premiere of Saint Megan at Rogue Machine in Los Angeles, visit - https://roguemachine.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200531238
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46 min
Symbolic Commentary, Unexpected Humor, and Executing Stage Directions - Playwright's Spotlight with Jesi Bender
Season 6, Episode 9
Show notes
Jesi Bender is playwright, novelist, and poet from Upstate New York. She is the author of the novels Child of Light and The Book of the Last Word, and the poetry collection Dangerous Women. Her plays include Kinderkrankenhaus and Crux which recently played at The Tank in New York City.
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1 hr 1 min
Honesty, Loyalty, and Writing What You're Afraid Of - Playwright's Spotlight with Robin Gerber
Season 6, Episode 8
Show notes
Robin Gerber is a playwright and best selling author. Her first play, The Shot, was selected for the 2017 Ojai Playwright’s Conference and is currently being produced around the country starring Sharon Lawrence. She served as committee staff in the House of Representatives and as a lobbyist and political director for two major international unions.
For tickets to the West Coast Premiere of her play The Best Medicine running October 10th through November 15th at The Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles, visit - https://odysseytheatre.com/tickets/?eid=197477
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1 hr 5 min
Audience Focus, The Room We Are In, and Big Maps and Little Maps - Playwright's Spotlight with Ben Steinfeld
Season 6, Episode 7
Show notes
Ben Steinfeld is a playwright, director, teacher, musician, and co-artistic director of Fiasco Theater. He wrote the family musical Twelve Kinds of Ice (book/music/lyrics) and the book for the new musical Diamond Alice and holds awards from L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle, Helen Hayes, and Lucille Lortel. He has an MFA from Brown/Trinity Rep and is a professor at Brown, NYU, and Middlebury College’s Brea and Loaf School of English, where he serves as director of the theatre program.
Twelve Kinds of Ice opens at CTC in Minneapolis on October 13th through November 22nd on the Cargill Stage. For tickets, visit - https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/twelve-kinds-of-ice/#booklover
Twelve Kinds of Ice, Seattle (27 Jan - 13 Feb), visit - https://artelize.com/event/191236-twelve-kinds-of-ice
For the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/LOZ5Uxid_9k
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Fiasco Theater - https://www.fiascotheater.com
Trinity Rep - https://www.trinityrep.com
Contacts and Social for Ben Steinfeld -
IG - @bsteinfeld1
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 40 min
Taking the Leap, Achieving Audience Expectations, and Non-Traditional Spaces - Playwright's Spotlight with Kristine Dickson and Kevin Allen Jackson
Season 6, Episode 6
Show notes
Kevin Allen Jackson and Kristine Dickson are a playwright and producing power couple. Their immersive, audience-interactive murder-mystery play A Killer Night in Studio City opened September 15th and runs through October 31st at Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City with Dinner, Drinks, and Deadly Secrets.
For tickets to A Killer Night in Studio City, September 15 through October 31st, at Vitello's restaurant in Studio City, visit - https://www.akillernightlive.com/studiocity
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1 hr 15 min
Breaking Rules, The Rhythm of Comedy, and Mastering It! - Playwright's Spotlight with Douglas Goodhart
Season 6, Episode 5
Show notes
Douglas Goodhart is an actor, comedian, musician, influencer, cofounder and writer for the sketch group - Uncle Function, and playwright. He is also the frontman for the super-soul group Douglas and the Goodharts, and his Instagram account @thedouglasg has over 55,000 subscribers.
For tickets to Master It! The Musical, The Class, The Hair at The Green Room 42 and Live Stream, September 18th at 7pm EDT, visit - https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/showdetails/peoPnwXxHxQvC74bHx3Z/S4LPsgibANhohQYw2LMw
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/CEJUB1TNCQ4
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
The Green Room 42 - https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com
Socials for Douglas Goodhart -
Uncle Function - https://www.unclefunction.com
Douglas and The Goodharts - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XLQHv25ryS0j8nYUMGE7mIG - @thedouglasg
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/douglas.goodhart
TikTok - @thedouglasg
YouTube - @thedouglasgWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 9 min
Breaking Down the Story, Finding Your Path, and Non-Traditional Casting - Playwright's Spotlight with Janine Nabers
Season 6, Episode 4
Show notes
Janine Nabers is a playwright, Emmy-nominated writer, show runner, and producer. She first made her mark as a playwright, becoming the first Black woman to win the Yale Drama Series Prize for her play Serial Black Face. Her plays have been produced across the United States and internationally. She is a graduate of the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwriting Fellowship at Juilliard.
For tickets to The Peterson Show at the Echo Theatre in Los Angeles, visit - https://www.echotheatercompany.com
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/DCmzaSwkVHQ
Links of sites and resources mentioned in the episode -
Echo Theater Company - https://www.echotheatercompany.com
Socials for Janine Nabers -
IG - @janinenabers
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
48 min
Linguistics, Sam and Frodo, and Lessons in Storytelling - Spotlight with Greg Banks
Season 6, Episode 3
Show notes
Greg Banks is a playwright, actor, and director.
For tickets to Pinocchio at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, visit - https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/pinocchio/#book
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlFor tickets to Pinocchio at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, visit - https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/pinocchio/#bookWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
52 min
Readings and Funding, Serial Stage Plays, and Weaving in Outside Influences - Playwright's Spotlight with Keith Szarabajka
Season 6, Episode 2
Show notes
Keith Szarabajka is a playwright who on stage, in audio books, video games, film, radio and TV. Keith’s one act dark comedy, The Second Coming was produced at EST-LA's One Act Festival in 2018, and was subsequently made into a short film in 2020, which is currently garnering awards at film festivals around the world. Keith conceived, co-wrote, co-directed and co-produced EST/LA’s space soap opera spoof, In Search of doG. From 2015-2022, Keith was Ensemble Studio Theatre / The Los Angeles Project’s co-artistic director overseeing the creation, development and production of new American plays. His most recent project SLAVA UKRAINI! (or Waiting for Elon), was a semi-finalist at the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference.
For tickets to SLAVA UKRAINI! running at the Atwater Village Theater through August 31st (with a possible extension) visit -https://afewthoughtstheatercompany.org/
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1 hr 18 min
Finding the Arc, Unconventional Stage Directions, and Successful Marketing and Pitches - Playwright's Spotlight with Cameron Scott (Part 2 - In Person)
Season 6, Episode 1
Show notes
Cameron Scott has worked with Broadway’s top producers to create brand campaigns for well over 100 productions including 17 Tony Award-winning Best Plays, Best Musicals, and Best Revivals. He has recently turned to writing plays of his own. Since the fall of 2022, he has had plays produced from the coasts of California to Connecticut, among them a Best in Festival winner at Wilmington Drama League and the winning play from Delaware at ESTAFest 2023. He has had work published in multiple anthologies including an excerpt from his play Uphill which was published in The Best Men’s Stage Monologues 2023 by Smith & Kraus. His audio drama West PalmReaders appeared internationally on the Apple Podcasts Charts in 49 countries last summer, including multiple #1's in Drama and thirteen Top 10's in Drama, including in the USA. He has worked with professional and amateur theater companies alike such as Legacy Theatre in Connecticut, The Road Theatre Company in North Hollywood and Rhode Island Stage Ensemble. Other plays include Forty Years Kings; Happ’s Last Tape; and That Day is Coming, Everyday is Coming.
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/e5uPPs0qm_Q
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
The Road Theatre Annual Summer Playwrights Festival -https://roadtheatre.org/event/spf/
GI60 - http://gi60.blogspot.com/
New York City Playwrights - https://www.nycplaywrights.org/
Campfire Radio Theatre - https://campfireradiotheater.podbean.com/
Gather by the Ghost Light - https://www.gatherbytheghostlight.com/
New Jersey Web Festival - https://www.newjerseywebfest.com/
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 5 min
Writing to be Produced, Pulling Back and Going Too Far, and The Revolving Dessert Tray - Playwright's Spotlight with Drew Larimore
Season 5, Episode 26
Show notes
Drew Larimore a Brooklyn-based playwright, screenwriter and librettist who’s been produced in the U.S. and internationally. His plays have been developed and presented with Asolo Repertory’s Unplugged New Works Festival, The Barrow Group, Denizen Theatre’s New Play Development Series, ANDTheatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Short & Sweet New Play Festival (Sydney & Melbourne). He’s been a finalist for the Heidman Award, Lark Playwrights’ Week and P73 Playwriting Fellowship.
His play, SMITHTOWN was featured in River Styx’s 2025 “Posthuman” edition and his play UPSTATE, initially commissioned by Denizen Theatre was presented in the FIRST LOOK series at the Studios of Key West in 2024.
Drew made his Off-Broadway debut in 2012 at Walker Space with OUT OF ICELAND. Other plays include TOUCH and THE ANNIVERSARY which is published in Vintage Press’ anthology of new work, Shorter, Faster, Funnier.
Drew wrote the book and was co-lyricist for the musical The New Peggy as well as the book and co-lyrics for the satirical holiday show THE BESTEST OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY EVER
Residencies include Djerassi, Key West Literary Seminar, Studios of Key West, Telluride Playwright’s Festival, Dairy Hollow, and Hawthornden Castle in Scotland.For tickets to The Cannibals of McGower County playing at TheaterWorks Hartford in Connecticut opening August 6th through August 30th, visit -https://theaterworkshartford.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SUg000000ik0jMAA
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/CTUSeDhrRXo
Resources mentioned in this episode -
TheaterWorks Hartford - https://twhartford.org
Websites and socials for Drew Larimore -
www.drewlarimore.com
Substack - https://drewlarimore.substack.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/bklynobserved/Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 16 min
Do It To Be Good, Echo and Rhyme, and the David Inside the Statue - Playwright's Spotlight with Ann Noble
Season 5, Episode 25
Show notes
Ann Noble is a playwright/new media writer, director, teacher, and private coach. She trained at Northwestern University and at the British American Drama Academy via Yale School of Drama, and co-founded the Irish Theatre of Chicago (formally Seanachai). Plays include, Little Parts Hunts a Baby Daddy, A Bella Incarceration, 52 Pick Up, And Neither Have I Wings to Fly and 90262 Lynwood, Blue Like You. Her Play Dead Man played at the Hollywood Fringe and has an extension at Echo Theater Company at the Atwater Village Theater.
For tickets to Dead Man for July 28th and August 4th, visit - https://echotheatercompany.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200537897
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1 hr 8 min
High Floors, Slips, and Theatre of the Absurd - Playwright's Spotlight with Brian Brijbag
Season 5, Episode 24
Show notes
Brian S. Brijbag is an award-winning playwright, author, and actor whose work has been produced across New York City, Florida, and beyond.
His plays — among them Love, Lysol, and Other Delusions, On the Likelihood of Elephants, Fireflies & Fault Lines, and Funeral of god — are written in his signature Elegant Anarchy style and have been staged at festivals from the Players Theatre and Broadway Bound in NYC to Stage West and the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival.
To watch the video format of this episode visit - https://youtu.be/FVic-udNa2Q
For tickets for Funeral of god, July 30th through August 2nd with The Broadway Bound Theatre Fest at the AMT Theater in New York City visit -
https://broadwayboundtheatrefestival.ludus.com/index.phpFor tickets to One Seat Over with the 2026 New Works Festival at Stage West Playhouse in Spring Hill, Florida, visit - https://events.ticketleap.com/events/stage-west-playhouse
To purchase copies of books by Brian Brijbag, visit -
https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ABrian%2BS.%2BBrijbag&s=relevancerank&text=Brian+S.+Brijbag&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1Websites and socials for Brian Brijbag -
https://brianbrijbagauthor.com
https://chaosandcraft.com/about/
IG - @brianbrijbag
Twitter/X - @brianbrigbag
TikTok - @brianbrijbag
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/brianbrijbag.bsky.social
New Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/users/99428/brian-brijbagWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 20 min
Hiding Secrets, Embracing Overwriting, Submission Hoops, and the End of Art(?) - Playwright's Spotlight with Amanda Stamm
Season 5, Episode 23
Show notes
Amanda Stamm is a playwright and actress. She is an alumnus of Atlantic Acting School, the Summer Program at Stella Adler, and has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She a founding member of Bluebird Theatre Company and currently serves as Director of Finance.
For tickets to Significant Contacts at The Maker's Space in Brooklyn, New York from July 13th through July 16th, visit - https://makersensemble.org/the-makers-space
For links and resources mentioned in this episode -
Blue Bird Theatre Co - https://www.bluebirdtheatre.org
The Maker's Ensemble - https://makersensemble.org/home
Website and socials for Amanda Stamm -
https://www.amandamaestamm.com
IG - @amandamaestamm
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@amandastamm2Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 9 min
Defining Spectacle, Writing More to Get Better, and Bringing Humor to Serious Situations - Playwright's Spotlight with Erik Patterson
Season 5, Episode 22
Show notes
Erik Patterson dropped into Playwright's Spotlight before the opening of his upcoming play - Fucking Strangers. In this discussion, Erik shares his start into playwriting, what makes a bad play, the definition of "spectacle", achieving reversal, and pushing forward as a playwright. We also unpack developing ideas, using prompts, expectations from feedback, the disdain for "The Play That Goes Bad" series, what can be learned from student playwrights, the remedy for never-ending dialogue, and when it's time for a monologue. We wrap our talk up with trying new things, how to bring humor into serious situations, his steps after graduating, the benefits of volunteering and networking, avoiding coming off desperate, waiting for permission, and finessing one's work during rehearsals. Erik offers a lot of insightful information that playwrights from every level can take something from. Enjoy!
For tickets to Fucking Strangers at The Echo Theater Company July 18th through August 24th, visit - https://echotheatercompany.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200519152
For tickets to Faggots in Love at Theater of Note, visit - https://theatreofnote.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200534559
Erik Patterson is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose plays One of the Nice Ones (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Playwriting) and Handjob were previously produced by The Echo Theater Company. Patterson’s work has been produced/developed by such theaters as Playwrights' Arena, the LATC, The Actors' Gang, Naked Angels, Mark Taper Forum, Provincetown Theater Company, and New Group, and have been nominated for Ovation, Stage Raw, LA Weekly, and GLAAD Media awards.
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/7-XRfC0tuz8
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Echo Theater Company - https://www.echotheatercompany.com
Theatre of Note - https://www.theatreofnote.com
Actors' Gang - https://theactorsgang.com/
Socials for Erik Patterson -
IG - @erikrosspatterson
TikTok - @yourdailywritingprompt
YouTube - @YourDailyWritingPrompt
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/erikpatterson?utm_source=search Amazon -https://www.amazon.com/stores/Erik-Patterson/author/B09H561S9X?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1783401980&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=45cc4248-c6e8-4f99-8415-9a8e48f0fd4eWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 4 min
Katherine Hepburn, Avoiding Success, and the Fascinating Story of a Playwriting Actor - Playwright's Spotlight with Marc Mantell
Season 5, Episode 21
Show notes
Playwright Marc Mantell stopped by Playwright's Spotlight after directing the production of Dr. Freud, I Presume written by recent Spotlight guest - Donna Scarantino. Marc's playwriting journey is nothing short of fascinating, and this discussion is unlike anything any past interview or any episode down the road. While I tried to unpack Marc's process, I was met with stories of a journey ill-remembered, as if the Muses were always at his beck and call and each play appeared on the page. We open with the history of his first play Nobody's Home from it Katherine Hepburn's letter in 1984 to its winning Best Play at the Road Theater in 2014. We delve into his journey into playwriting, how the age of his characters in Nobody's Home prevented future productions, his continual ability to "avoid" success, and what happens after a break in playwriting as well as pushing forward to "what's next". We talk about his success without Rae Allen, writing in an age without technology, writing musicals, his experience in Bogota, Columbia, how his playwriting influences his directing, and moving away from past projects. Marc is a charming personality and enigma whose story is captivating and well worth listening to. Enjoy!
Marc Mantell is playwright, director, and screenwriter and holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from New York University. He has written lyrics and libretto for several musicals including “Quadroon” (music/lyrics: Joe Sample and Jonathan Brooke) which premiered in Houston, Texas, and “Por Siempre Navidad” (music: Maria Isabel Murillo) which played two consecutive seasons in Bogota, Columbia. His play "Nobody's Home" WINNER of the ROAD THEATRE COMPANY: BEST PLAY...SUMMER PLAYWRIGHT'S FESTIVAL 2014. Other plays include Apartments, Duck Dancing, Identical Twins From Baltimore, and Madly in Love.
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Contact information and socials for Marc Mantell -
FB - https://www.facebook.com/marc.mantell
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 10 min
Immersive Theatre, Trust, Chaos, and Catching the Vibe - Playwright's Spotlight with Hank Jacobs
Season 5, Episode 20
Show notes
Playwright Hank Jacobs sat in the Playwright's Spotlight to unpack the concept of Immersive Theatre. In this conversation, we discuss the its definition, the development of his immersive piece The Great Clown Bank Show, what immersive theatre looks like on the page, the release of ego towards the audience, the covid and lockdowns affected theatre as well as how AI may affect it in the future. We also talk about the job of the audience and their interaction in immersive theatre, designing it, how it compares to traditional theatre, and the use of gimmicks and devices. We wrap the episode up with the submission process of The Great Clown Bank Show and whether or not immersive theatre can be published or repeated. It's another great conversation that explores stepping outside the boundaries of theatre can be, and Hank's experience encourages taking a leap beyond theatrical norms. Enjoy!
Hank Jacobs is a Los Angeles-based writer, director, producer, editor, actor, and voice actor who has a particular passion for circus. In New York City at the turn of the 21st century, he co-created and ran a circus called Delicious Vaudeville that ran for two years.
For tickets to The Great Clown Bank Show running from June 27th through August 1st at the Atwater Village Theatre, visit - www.greatclownbank.com
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/1nK-Vq_d154
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Moving Arts - https://movingarts.org/
Socials and Website for Hank Jacobs -
www.thehankjacobs.com
IG - @circus_alchemikus
IG - @openfisttheatrecompanyWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
59 min
Building the Scene, Leaning on Exposition, and 99 Years of Theatre Americana - Playwright's Spotlight with Donna Scarantino
Season 5, Episode 19
Show notes
Two weeks before the opening of her latest piece in the Bellevue Escapades, Donna Scarantino took the time to come sit in the Playwright's Spotlight. We discuss the origins of the Bellevue series and its evolution over the years, her involvement and eventual takeover of Theatre Americana and how playwrights can submit their work, or how actors can become involved in the theatre company. We delve into her growth as a playwright, having a director change your ending, removing oneself from the performance when in one's own piece, her approach to comedy and what farce looks like on the page, leaning too much on exposition, learning to build the scene, and the use of unnecessary language. We wrap things up with Theatre Americana's expectations for submissions, the concept of a play being only as good as its actors, discipline in writing and the first steps after an idea is hatched, playing with structure, the benefits of table reads, and Donna's refraining to submitting to outside entities. It's a lovely conversation that includes a not-so-well known historic opportunity that playwrights may not be aware of. I hope to hear that many of you decided to submit to Theatre Americana after listening to this episode. Enjoy!
For tickets to Dr. Freud, I Presume June 5th through June 7th at the Pasadena New Thought Center, visit - https://tickets.evvnt.com/events/dr-freud-i-presume-6-7-2026
Donna Scarantino is a playwright, director, costumer, and set designer with over 25 years of experience in the theatre. In 1992, she formed Show of Support Theater Company, Prescott AZ and in 2008 took ownership of Theatre Americana one of California’s oldest independent production companies, established in 1935 to present original plays by American playwrights, expanding and evolving over the years to combine old traditions with new ones. She has written 10 plays in the Bellevue Escapades, and her play Dr. Freud, I Presume is the ninth sequel in the series.
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/oP72ajfBTtI
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Theatre Americana - https://theatreamericana.com
New Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/get-started
To submit a play to Theatre Americana, email Donna Scarantino at - donna8465@sbcglobal.net
Socials for Donna Scarantino and Theatre Americana -
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009227001624
IG - https://www.instagram.com/scarantinodonna/Theatre Americana -
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066419812534
IG - https://www.instagram.com/theatreamericana/Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr 10 min
Taking Leaps, Wearing Many Hats, and the Development of The Playwright's Desk App - Playwright's Spotlight with William Smith
Season 5, Episode 18
Show notes
Playwright William A. Smith streamed into Playwright's Spotlight to talk about the recent release of his app The Playwright's Desk and its features to assist in the management of the playwriting business. It's a fascinating resource that will help playwrights of all levels looking to track their submissions as well as streamline the process. We also discuss his other apps The Literary Desk, designed for theatre companies, and The Drama Desk, designed for drama teachers in the K-12 education system. We delve into the journey of his playwriting and how it evolved while building a theatre company from the ground up, taking leaps, and wearing many hats. We discuss the lessons in under and overwriting as a novice, overcoming a gap in playwriting and writing disappointing ending, and the point he began submitting his work to outside entities. We discuss the importance of building a support system, unnecessary requests when submitting, finding opportunities, and working with long time collaborators. This is a very heartwarming, inspirational, and motivating conversation, and Bill's charm shines through the entire interview. Enjoy.
William A. Smith is an award-winning American playwright whose work spans, comedy, drama, musicals, political theatre, and intimate character studies. An alumnus of American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he brings over forty years of professional experience as a writer, actor, director, and producer. He recently created apps and platforms for dramatists of all sorts, including The Playwright’s Desk, The Literary Desk, and The Drama Desk. Plays include A Room Without Windows, The Regulars, The Divide, Layover, Layunder, Lie Down and Weep, The Last Table Diner, The Cabinet, and Lox and Loaded.
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/3v-Av3Sn8ac
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
The Playwright's Desk - https://theplaywrightsdesk.com
The Literary Desk - https://theliterarydesk.com
The Drama Desk - https://thedramadesk.com
Play Submissions Helper - https://playsubmissionshelper.com
New Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/get-started
Smith and Kraus - https://smithandkraus.com
Website and Socials for William A Smith and his apps -
www.williamasmithplaywright.com
FB - https://www.facebook.com/WASmithPlaywright
IG - @WASmithPlaywrightThe Playwright's Desk - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579411259265
The Drama Desk - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574286990671Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html -
1 hr
Making Characters Sound Natural, Having Control of One's Work, and Beginning a Career in Playwriting Later in Life - Playwright's Spotlight with Paul Webb
Season 5, Episode 17
Show notes
Playwright and screenwriter Paul Webb streamed onto Playwright's Spotlight all the way from outside London just a week away rehearsal were about to end for his play Warsaw. Paul is a charming Brit with a background in writing that makes everything sound so easy. That's not to say we don't discuss obstacles and struggles, especially considering entering playwriting at a late stage in life. In a addition, we discuss his shift from poetry into playwriting and being self-taught, drawing from History and his development of The Four Knights in Knaresborough and the following evolution of his play Warsaw and its struggles. We also breakdown the balance and transformation of different stages of life, making characters sound natural, having control of your work (or lack there of) in the mediums of film and television vs stage, being in a completely different country during the rehearsal process, and whether or not there are any secrets to rewrites. Paul's is an inspirational and motivating story for any one hesitant to take any leap into the realm of creativity. Enjoy!
Paul Webb wrote his first play, Four Knights in Knaresborough, at the age of 50. It was produced in London, had a national tour and drew the attention of the film industry. He was subsequently commissioned by Stephen Spielberg, Michael Mann and Ridley Scott, working closely with all three over a number of years. He wrote Selma, the 2014 film about the voting rights campaign in Alabama, led by Dr Martin Luther King. Shortly after, Paul turned once again to the theater. His play Hold On! premiered at the St. Louis Black Rep in January 2024. Paul recently completed Six Easy Steps, an intimate history of the marriage between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the defining influence of their confidante, Louis Howe. Paul is currently working on a play about the epochal summit meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in Iceland in 1986.
For tickets for his play Warsaw playing May 1st through May 17th at the International City Theatre in Long Beach, CA, visit - https://internationalcitytheatre.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=841
To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/doV2ng0uwME
Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode -
Theatrical Rights Worldwide - https://www.theatricalrights.com
Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight
Punk Monkey Productions -
www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir -
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoirla
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
- @playnoir_laFB - fb.com/playnoir
- fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod
IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival
www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html
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