"Pale for Weariness", Balancing Life vs Art, and Why Today's the Day -Playwright's Spotlight with Andy Batt

Send us Fan MailAfter an enthusiastic recommendation from former guest, Cameron Scott, Andy Batt streamed into a late night EDT interview of Playwright's Spotlight, and, as always, what an insightful and inspirational conversation it was. In this interview, we discuss the origins and evolution of Andy's own playwriting and how it influenced the development of the MadLab theatre company and venue. We breakdown MadLab's themes and schedule, premises and rhythms as well as the market of Columbus, Ohio. We also  discuss the the draw of original works, submission requirements, mistakes, details, process, and rejections, the importance of format (or lack there of) in addition to physical and dramatic action. We wrap our conversation with criticisms or love of the classics and absurdists, simplicity vs complexity, and advice for taking that "leap".Andy Batt started in theatre in 1997 with no experience, training, and have never even thought about doing a play before, and after a couple years of the acting bug, his best friend and mentor brought him over to MadLab, a non-profit organization where they started producing original work together. Now, almost 30 years later, he has done almost every job there is to do in theatre - from acting, directing, and playwriting.  In 2009, he was able to shepherd MadLab through the process of buying its own space in downtown Columbus, OH. Each year they produce five to seven original productions including "Theatre Roulette", the longest-running shorts festival in Ohio.For tickets to MadLab's 2026 Theatre Roulette season visit - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35811To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below - https://youtu.be/g65kmGtSrI0Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - MadLab - https://www.madlab.net/index.htmlLenaea High School Theatre Festival - https://www.lenaea.org/Play Submissions Helper - https://playsubmissionshelper.com/Websites and socials for Andy Batt and MadLab Theatre -www.madlab.netFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/andy.batt.18IG - https://www.instagram.com/andypbatt/Websites 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