Writing Theatrically, Working on the Puzzle, and the Ecosystem of Theatre - Playwright's Spotlight with Crystal Skillman

Send us Fan MailPlaywright Crystal Skillman beamed into the Playwright's Spotlight from Indianapolis for the run of her World Premiere play The Rocket Men. We discuss how one becomes a 4-time NYT's Critics' Pick playwright, what it means to be a "theatrical" writer, writing design on the page and offering solutions, trusting and listening to your audience, the concept of "magic but no magic", and learning from seeing a production of your work. We also unpack the benefits (or challenges) of directors or producers taking a piece in a different direction, American vs European theatre, stealing from and taking a musical approach to general playwriting, the process of getting your work out there and operating like a theatre company. We touch on when it's time to publish, working on the puzzle, having challenging but achievable goals, the ecosystem of theatre, struggles of becoming a working playwright, writing exercises that build, and how writing in other mediums evolve and affect the economy in one's writing. Crystal offers an amazing alternative approach that many playwrights may not have considered. I know I learned quite a bit. Enjoy!For tickets to The Rocket Men at the Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, GA through November 2nd, visit - https://synchrotheatre.com/plays-events/season/rocket-men/Crystal Skillman is an internationally award-winning and 4-time NYT Critics’ Pick playwright for her plays CUT, GEEK, KING KIRBY, and OPEN.  Other works include MARY & MAX THE MUSICAL, RAIN AND ZOE SAVE THE WORLD and THE ROCKET MEN received a National New Play Network World Premiere with Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre in Indianapolis.To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/QvVDndAVgZAResources mentioned in this video -National New Play Network - https://nnpn.orgPhoenix Theatre Cultural Centre - https://www.phoenixtheatre.orgSynchronicity Theatre - https://synchrotheatre.comAngels Theatre Company - https://angelscompany.orgWebsite and Socials for Crystal Skillman -www.crystalskillman.comIG - @crystalskillmanX - @CrystalSkillmanFB - https://www.facebook.com/crystal.skillmanWebsites 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 LACPFest - www.lacpfest.comSupport the show