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May 10, 2009

Well, that was a bit of a surprise.

The Nakai 24-hour Playwriting Competition Cabaret was last night. A talented local actor, a first-time actor, and myself (also a first-time actor), performed one of the scenes from my play, "Defenders of Fieldston: The Origin of Crimefighting Guy". I was really pleased with it! To be honest, I think it was acted better than I wrote it.

I was pleasantly surprised when the actor said he'd like to do the whole play. I was also pleasantly surprised (read "shocked") when they announced the winners of the competition and I found out that my play - out of the twenty-ish plays that were written during the competition - won third place!

The prize is $100, compliments of the Yukon News, so not only was I surprised that the actor wants to do the whole play, and not only was I shocked that I won third place, but I was flabbergasted that I made money by writing a play! Admittedly, the rate of pay works out to $4.17/hr, but I'm not complaining at all. That's more than most playwrights make, right?!?

If it sounds like I'm bragging, it's because I am.

But the surprises didn't end there. The competition's dramaturge (who was also one of the judges) suggested that I consider having my play produced for the Nakai Theatre's Homegrown Festival. I had never thought that my play might be good enough to make it to the stage - I just wanted to see if I could write one.

Well, I'm thinking about it now...

13 comments:

dogsled_stacie said...

Oh wow, out of over 20 plays!!? VERY cool! You should totally aim to have it at the festival!!!!

Nemmy said...

Congrats, Mike!! :D

YF said...

good job!

Marian said...

Great job. We've always known you're a great writer. Why do you think so many people read your blog. Now you can reach another audience.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, when Hollywood comes to call, point one or two in my directions okay?

And get it produced, let a wider audience find what you've been writing.

Good on you.

APF said...

Hey, that's great! I hope we get a chance to see it.

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Michael, that is awesome:) Congratulations! That's definitely more than most playwrights make(lol)

Not only that, but most playwrights don't ever get the opportunity to have their "first" play produced by a theatre. Don't just think about, Do It!! (Watch out Neil Simon)

You need to go back and rub it in the consignment lady's face when you become a famous playwright!

P.S. Your face has "thawed" out I see. And, I hope you remember all us little folks when you do become famous!

Meandering Michael said...

Ha ha, I didn't write the play to become famous - I wrote it to see if I could do it. If becoming a "big" person means forgetting the "little" people, I'd rather stay a "little" person, thank you very much!

Meandering Michael said...

Oh, I got my first critical review today! Here's one of the reviewer's comments: "Calvin and Hobbes meets Sin City"

Lindsay said...

Way to go Michael! I wish we could see it!

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Just stopping by to say hello to my "favorite" family in the Yukon territory!

And, sucking up in case you do become a famous playwrite:)

Meandering Michael said...

Ha ha, playwright? Yes. Famous? Not likely.

Jennoit said...

Congratulations!! That's a very cool thing!