Monday Night Critique Sessions (MNCS)

This is our core play-development program. On the first and third Mondays of each month, members meet to hear works in progress. Affiliate Playwrights may bring in a short work, or an excerpt of a longer work. The piece will be read aloud and receive professionally-moderated feedback. WTP obtains professional actors for each Monday evening session. The work is then eligible for the On Demand Reading Series (ODR).

On Demand Reading Series(ODR)

When an affiliate has a full draft of a full-length play, a long one-act, or a series of related shorter plays developed through MNCS, the affiliate can request a reading of the entire work. An ODR is an open, unrehearsed reading by professional actors, followed by a feedback session, led by a WTP Moderator. The Moderator will also be on hand early to help the playwright talk through any questions or concerns the actors have about the script being read.

Ethel Woolsen Lab (EWL)

The Ethel Woolson Lab (EWL) is named after a deceased benefactor and supporter of the arts. EWL provides up to four readings of competitively selected plays written by affiliate playwrights. Each chosen play/playwright will be given a 15- to 30-hour developmental workshop through the course of one week, culminating in a rehearsed, staged reading for the public. Each selected playwright will work with WTP’s current dramaturg-in-residence for the EWL. Each workshop is lead by a WTP director-in-residence.

Dramaturgy Services

As an Affiliate benefit, WTP maintains a roster of professional dramaturges who are available for intensive one-on-one dramaturgy. This service is provided at a significantly-reduced rate. The dramaturge reads the play and provides the Playwright with in-depth written and verbal comments.

Public Outreach Programs

WTP public outreach is focused primarily on providing educational opportunities to the organization and the community at large. In the past, WTP has provided such programs and workshops as:

• • The Kick-Ass Playwriting Workshops: A Gonzo Approach to Playwriting – developed and taught by Pamela Turner, PhD
• • Playwrights Playground, developed by Hank Kimmel
• • Based On True Stories: Creating Drama Inspired by True Life Events, with Topher Nixon Payne

New programming is planned annually, based on the needs of our affiliates and the availability of qualified instructors.

Because WTP believes that there is more to being a playwright than just writing the play, the organization presents seminars and other programs related to professional development, including the following:

• • What professional theatres look for when considering scripts
• • How new work is viewed by literary managers
• • The relationship between the director and the playwright
• • The business of playwriting, such as marketing, networking, and collaborating

Annual and Special Events

To maintain a solid community presence, raise funds, and acknowledge its affiliates, WTP also presents the following annual events:

• • Affiliate Holiday Party
• • 24-Hour Plays
• • Playwright Slam

WTP is open to producing new and different events, as they pertain to the creation of new plays and the enhancement of our members' profiles in the community. In October 2011, we will present as part of the Year of Tennessee Williams a selection of brand new short plays written by WTP affiliates and Atlanta area playwrights.