Taking the stage: Berkeley Rep Playwriting Program

• Post By: Meghan Maugeri
• Date: August 30, 2016
• Category: Theater, Uncategorized

Have  I mentioned that I’ve been participating in the Berkeley Rep Summer Playwriting Program these past 6 weeks? If not, that is what I have been up to. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend the program which is led by Gary Graves, the Artistic Director of the Central Works Theater. Having a completed full-length play was the end goal of the program, so it really helped me focus on one project and improve it. The experience culminates this week with 8 readings over 5 days at the Central Works Theater in Berkeley. I’ve chosen to have a very informal reading because my project, though completed, is still in its infancy. The tough part: Berkeley is over an hour away from where I live. It will be a busy week!

My project: A futuristic drama called Keep. The play explores themes of addiction, technoethics, and the interplay between fantasy and reality. More info (and maybe even the script) to come later… In the meantime, if you’d like to read it, please send me a message!

I know what you are thinking, guys: Sci-fi?! Meghan?! It was a surprise for me, too, especially because I have been really enjoying writing comedy as of late. The concept originated as a short film I wrote (and hopefully will  still bring to life with a few friends…you know who you are). I found experimenting with science fiction really fascinating because it allowed me to address topics of today in an imaginative way (hopefully!). You all can be the judge! Based on feedback on the play this weekend, I will decide to either make more revisions or possibly start sending it out to be considered for other developmental opportunities.

Things I’ve learned about myself and the writing process:

• Feedback and listening to feedback is key
• Focusing on one project instead of trying to work on several at once is a necessary evil.
• Surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives makes a world of difference.
• Freedom scares me! – Playwriting, in some ways, provides the writer with more freedom than film in terms of scene length, structure, etc. While that freedom can be invigorating, it also poses challenges.
• I would like to continue to be involved in developing projects in a workshop setting over the next year.