Sideshow Loves Playing with Playwrights

October 19th, 2010

Howdy Readers!

Howdy? Really. Please. What a way to start.

Here at Sideshow, we like playing around with new works. We know a lot of talented playwrights and like to lend out our actors, friends (artistic or just plain awesome), homes and beer supplies to help develop new works. I don’t think I need to remind you about how important alcohol is to the artistic process. This is kind of what it looks like when we all gather together to read a new work out loud:

That’s me, on the couch, mid beer sip. I have always found that delicious beer and guacamole help make for a damn fine play reading evening. Plus I pay better attention to things when I have food in my mouth. On the other side of the couch is Karie Miller, Sideshow’s Outreach Coordinator, giggling her ass off. We like to make work fun.

About two weeks ago a bunch of the Sideshow family, both immediate and extended, gathered at Jonathan’s house to read Calamity West’s (tis a pen name) latest draft of the now titled Other Living Things. Since it’s a work in progress, I won’t give away the entire plot, but it does involve John Wayne AND John Wayne Gacy. And a hilarious Republican couple. And a hot looking 19 year old boy. And now, I’ve said too much.

We asked a group of extremely talented actors to bring this piece to life for Miss West, and it was a delight. I’m anxiously awaiting the next draft! We had a lively, respectful and interesting discussion afterwards, and I hope our lovely playwright got as much out of it as I did.

Mr. Phillips has his eye on Heather. Or else he wants to steal that chip from her.

Sometimes with a small theater company, it’s easy to get caught up in the administrative hoopla that comes with running a theater business. Taxes, mailings, paperwork, meetings, and reports can make your brain go BLAH BLAH BLAH. And while very important to the company, it was just nice to get together, play with some cool art, and then drink and hang out. Just being able to be in the room and relax with my artsy folks made for a lovely Friday evening.

That’s Matt’s serious party face.

There you have it! Proof that Sideshow works on projects even when shows are not up and running. Does the Sideshow machine ever have down time, you ask? Oh please. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Or possibly, this Saturday.

Until next time, my dears.

Ms. Megan