The Write Stuff: A Conversation About Developing New Work episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 47 MIN

The Write Stuff: A Conversation About Developing New Work

from Theater Forward · host Jen Uphoff Gray, Julie Swenson, and Mike Fischer | Forward Theater Company

Put on your scuba gear, because this conversation goes DEEP. We sit down with Milwaukee-based dramaturg and author Deanie Vallone to talk about the "heart and the art" involved in developing new work. If you didn't know, we LOVE new plays. New plays are a celebration of the aliveness of our artform! A dramaturg plays a major role in their development, providing insight and expertise to help them evolve to the next level. We dive into the delicate balance of collaborating with directors, the pitfalls of rewrites and "workshopping to death," and the rewards of successfully moving a new play forward.  This episode is also a reminder to stay tuned for the return of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival featuring new plays and musicals.  If you like this episode, be sure to scroll through our archives and check out Episode 65, featuring an in-depth interview with dramaturg Khalid Long!

Put on your scuba gear, because this conversation goes DEEP. We sit down with Milwaukee-based dramaturg and author Deanie Vallone to talk about the "heart and the art" involved in developing new work. If you didn't know, we LOVE new plays. New plays are a celebration of the aliveness of our artform! A dramaturg plays a major role in their development, providing insight and expertise to help them evolve to the next level.We dive into the delicate balance of collaborating with directors, the pitfalls of rewrites and "workshopping to death," and the rewards of successfully moving a new play forward. This episode is also a reminder to stay tuned for the return of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival featuring new plays and musicals. If you like this episode, be sure to scroll through our archives and check out Episode 65, featuring an in-depth interview with dramaturg Khalid Long!

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The Write Stuff: A Conversation About Developing New Work

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How long is this episode of Theater Forward?

This episode is 47 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 21, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Put on your scuba gear, because this conversation goes DEEP. We sit down with Milwaukee-based dramaturg and author Deanie Vallone to talk about the "heart and the art" involved in developing new work. If you didn't know, we LOVE new plays. New plays...

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