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SEVEN DEVILS PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE

THE BODY'S MIDNIGHT
by Tira Palmquist

to learn more about all the artists,
visit our 2021 Company Page

Virtual set designs (above) by Julia Hayes Welch.

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We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers’ Unions:
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS
​AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS, SAG-AFTRA
through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.

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DISCUSSING THE PLAY - HERE IS HOW WE DO IT!

This year we will be working to translate our usual talkback process into the Zoom format using the “Raise Hand” feature, which we will review at the top of the talkback. When we call on you, we will also allow you to unmute so you can speak.

Like all events at the Conference, the post-reading discussion is for the playwright. ​With that in mind, we ask that the playwright not respond to questions or comments. We do this so the playwright can listen fully, without worrying about having to come up with the right answer or feeling like they need to defend themselves or their choices. ​

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• ​We want to talk about the play (what the characters said and did) – not about the playwright.
• We want to respond to the play as we experienced it today. It is not our job to fix, solve or suggest what the playwright might do differently.
• We know that these actors are amazing, and the fact that we’re able to pull any of this off on Zoom is remarkable, so we don’t need to discuss those things.  

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SO WHAT DO WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT?

• How did the play, and its characters, make you feel?
• What did the play, and its characters, make you think about?
• What sparked your interest?
• What moved you?
• What was clear? What was confusing?
• What questions are you asking yourself?
• What questions do you have for the play? (questions can be very useful for playwrights, even if they can’t answer them!)

​The director and dramaturg will start off our discussion by letting us know a bit more about the work they’ve been doing with the playwright and actors – just to give us a sense of what they’ve been up to, what they’ve been focusing on, and any particular things they’re interested in talking about. Then we’ll open the floor to all of you.

PLEASE KNOW: Your participation is much more important than perfect phrasing! We’ve included a few examples of how these guidelines work on the following page, and if you aren’t sure how to express what you want to say, just raise your hand and let us know - we’ll figure it out together.
 
Thank you for participating in the development process! 

HERE ARE A FEW PRACTICE COMMENTS

“I didn’t like it when you said Bob was dressed like a gnat.”
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• Remember, it wasn’t the playwright that said Bob was dressed like a gnat, it was one of the characters.
• “I didn’t like it,” is an opportunity to ask yourself: Why? Maybe you didn’t believe Bob would dress like a gnat. Maybe you didn’t believe that character would tell Bob he was dressed like a gnat. Maybe the metaphor confused you. Thinking about these things allows us to give the playwright more specific, constructive feedback.

 
How might we say that differently?
“I was confused when Amanda said Bob was dressed like a gnat because I don’t know what a gnat would wear so I wasn’t sure what she was trying to convey.”

“I didn’t like your dialogue. It wasn’t real.”
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• Again, we don’t want to put the character’s words into the playwright’s mouth.
• Why didn’t you “like” it? What does “unreal” mean?

 
So how might we say it differently?
“I didn’t believe a sea lion would know what Pokémon was, and when he started cursing I kept having to ask myself if a sea lion would really use that kind of language in front of a child, so I was distracted.”

“I liked the inflatable ducks, they remind me of my mother. What did they mean?”
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• Okay, trick example. We love knowing what the play evoked for you, and love questions, but we might need a bit more to help the playwright understand why this question feels important to you.

 
So how might we say it differently?
“I liked the inflatable ducks, they remind me of my mother because she loves anything yellow, but I’m not really sure what they have to do with Bob’s fear of insects.

Seven Devils recognizes and celebrates the generosity and support of our partners,
​benefactors & sponsors in McCall, Idaho.

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With you in spirit, until we can be with you in person