58. INTERVIEW: Shaun Leisher

Hello, listeners! In this episode, we chat with dramaturg, new play doula, and an incredible supporter of Beckett's Babies-- SHAUN LEISHER! He shares his journey into dramaturgy, what he loves about new plays, and how we can best support new work. It was an incredible joy to speak with Shaun. We could all learn a thing or two from his passion to support and advocate for new work. Check it out! Shaun Leisher (pronouns: he/him/his) is a dramaturg and new play doula based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. As a dramaturg, he has worked on productions at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA and a workshop production of RAW PASTA by Maya Macdonald at the 2019 Ice Factory Festival at the New Ohio in NYC. In his local theatre community, Shaun is a co-founder and the Literary Manager of Emerge Theatre Company, co-created the Allentown Public Theatre's play reading series, Theatre Cafe, and has produced various readings and new play festivals throughout the region. He is also proud to be a reader/nominator r for a number of organizations dedicated to the advocacy and development of new work including: The Kilroys, Normal Ave, 50 Playwrights Project, and Play Penn. His dream is to one day run a theatre dedicated to bold new plays somewhere remote like Montana. To follow what Shaun's up to, be sure to follow him on instagram: www.instagram.com/shaunaturgy/ To read Shan's incredible play recommendations, be sure to check out his New Play Exchange: newplayexchange.org/users/1297/shaun-leisher GLISTENS: Sarah - Jack Johnson’s Kokua Festival Live from Home + Nik’s Happy Birthday Sam - Kamala Harris and Mark Warner Instagram Live: The art of a tuna sandwich: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgZjFjJPnVI Shaun - Theater communities creating despite the limitations + ESPN's "The Last Dance" ________________________ Please support Beckett's Babies by reviewing, sharing an episode to your friends, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @beckettsbabies And as always, we would love to hear from you! Send us your questions or thoughts on playwriting and we might discuss it in our next episode. Email: [email protected] For more info, visit our website: www.beckettsbabies.com