Jason Alexander Actor or Arist

Actor or Artist

Interview  with

Jason Alexander

There is so much of value in this interview and essay to inspire our actors and point them in the right direction in today’s world of artistry.  Coincidentally both pieces fit exactly with what Penny has had our Acting lions focusing on this summer in her Master Class.  These two pieces embody Penny Templeton and her mission.

*Thank you to Acting Lion, Juan Szilagy for sending us the video from the Archive of American Television

Save 10 Years in 10 Minutes   Kevin Davenport – Producer

In today’s theatrical world, it can take ten years to develop a musical. Never mind getting it produced! Look at me . . . Gettin’ The Band Back Together came to me in a “shower moment” in 2008. It was on Broadway 10 years later! Whew! When it takes that long to develop a show (Hamilton was 8 years, Rent was well over 5, etc.), you want to make sure you’ve got an idea that’ll work. Because how many shows can you develop in one lifetime with those kinds of gestation periods, right? That’s why I founded Theater Makers Studio . . . to help you create something great . . . and to help you create it faster than you could on your own. Because wouldn’t it be more awesome to accomplish your goals quicker? On the podcast I did with Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt, Tom revealed that Next to Normal started out as a 10-minute musical in the BMI workshop. And THAT’S when he knew it would work. Because he could see the whole arc of that show in that mini-musical . . . and yep, you guessed it, it didn’t take him 10 years to write those 10 minutes.  So, to save you years off your developmental life, you should try the same exercise on any idea you have for a play or a musical . . . before you sink your limited time into it.    I’s simple.                                                                                                1. Get an idea.            2. Write a 10-minute version          3. Do a reading of the 10-minute version                                                    It’s the best way to give you an instant temperature read on your show. It will show you “proof of concept,” to use a business word, and give you data on whether or not it’s worth pursuing.  It won’t always be accurate of course. And there are times you’ll just want to go with your gut and your passion no matter what. At the end of the day, create what you want to create. But this tool could help you focus your energy on ideas that have a much better chance of getting you to your goals . . . and fast.  Your challenge this week?                                                                                                                                         Write a 10 Minute Play or Musical. —  You have until next Monday.  Want a tip to make sure you accomplish this goal?   Go to the TheaterMakers Facebook Group right now and announce to the group that YOU WILL WRITE (NAME OF 10 MINUTE PLAY OR MUSICAL) BY NEXT MONDAY. (Public announcements of goals are more often achieved.   Ready, set . . .Go get ’em!  —  Ken Davenport

Thank you to Acting Lion, Juan Szilagy for sending us the video from the Archive of American Television