Defining Spectacle, Writing More to Get Better, and Bringing Humor to Serious Situations - Playwright's Spotlight with Erik Patterson

Send us Fan MailErik 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=200519152For tickets to Faggots in Love at Theater of Note, visit - https://theatreofnote.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200534559Erik 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-XRfC0tuz8Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Echo Theater Company - https://www.echotheatercompany.comTheatre of Note - https://www.theatreofnote.comActors' Gang - https://theactorsgang.com/Socials for Erik Patterson -IG - @erikrosspattersonTikTok - @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 SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show