DC Cathro author of "Reason for Return"
Can you tell us about your beginnings as a playwright?
Well, I've been an actor and director for many years, and a friend of mine, a well-established playwright, suggested that I try it out by taking a workshop. I'd done a Fringe Festival show with him, and we'd discussed an idea I had for a Fringe production, so we took this workshop on writing a solo performance piece together. The Fringe show never happened (perhaps I should say hasn't happened yet) but he inspired me to submit to a call for entries. In fact, the first two submissions I sent out were both pieces I created for a specific call for entry, and both were accepted. I know that's pretty rare, so I kept writing and pursuing more opportunities to submit my works.
What's something unique or fun about your process that you would be willing to share with us?
I don't know how unique or fun this is, but I do all of my writing on my iPad. I have playwriting software installed on it and both my desktop and laptop, but the iPad just feels best for me, creatively. Plus, I usually have it handy, so when inspiration hits I can jot down a note or two. I probably have eight or ten works started, as well as notes on a half dozen more that I want to develop. There just aren't enough hours in the day!
What is your experience with play writing workshops like METLab either with this piece or another?
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend the William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas. It featured classes and workshops with playwrights such as Lee Blessing and David Henry Hwang, as well as performances and readings. One of my short pieces was read, and then I flew directly to Chicago for a reading of the same piece with a different company. It was really fantastic that I could see two takes on it in a short time. As for METLab, I was a participant last year as well, and it was a great experience. The option to rework your play and get a second reading a week later is relatively unique in my experience. I re-tooled and streamlined some dialogue, and the director completely staged it for the second weekend, so it really showcased the piece in a way closer to a production than a reading. In fact, the MET will be producing that piece in their upcoming season, in the holiday slot, based on the METLab response.i couldn't be more thrilled. It's just fantastic, working with other creators and getting inspiration and feedback. I hope to participate in many more.
How did this specific play come about?
Honestly, I'm not really sure. I think it was from something I heard on NPR. I usually listen on my way to work, and snippets or quotes are all it takes to get an idea to bloom in my head. I really don't recall specifically what got this piece going in my brain, but that's my hypothesis. Unfortunately, it's still rather topical. Without giving anything away, "Reason for Return" deals with a few social issues that sadly fill the news on an almost daily basis. It's a far cry from my submission last year, "Family Holiday." That was a farce.
What are you hoping to gain from this process and working with METLab's Plays in Progress Festival?
I'm really confident that I will get what I hope for out of this festival; a better understanding of my piece and the world that my characters inhabit, insightful audience feedback, ideas and inspiration from my fellow playwrights, actors and creators, and a great time. Im sure it will be even better than last year. I've already met with my director and he is in the process of casting so rehearsals can begin, and I can't wait! you tell us about your beginnings as a playwright?
Well, I've been an actor and director for many years, and a friend of mine, a well-established playwright, suggested that I try it out by taking a workshop. I'd done a Fringe Festival show with him, and we'd discussed an idea I had for a Fringe production, so we took this workshop on writing a solo performance piece together. The Fringe show never happened (perhaps I should say hasn't happened yet) but he inspired me to submit to a call for entries. In fact, the first two submissions I sent out were both pieces I created for a specific call for entry, and both were accepted. I know that's pretty rare, so I kept writing and pursuing more opportunities to submit my works.
What's something unique or fun about your process that you would be willing to share with us?
I don't know how unique or fun this is, but I do all of my writing on my iPad. I have playwriting software installed on it and both my desktop and laptop, but the iPad just feels best for me, creatively. Plus, I usually have it handy, so when inspiration hits I can jot down a note or two. I probably have eight or ten works started, as well as notes on a half dozen more that I want to develop. There just aren't enough hours in the day!
What is your experience with play writing workshops like METLab either with this piece or another?
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend the William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas. It featured classes and workshops with playwrights such as Lee Blessing and David Henry Hwang, as well as performances and readings. One of my short pieces was read, and then I flew directly to Chicago for a reading of the same piece with a different company. It was really fantastic that I could see two takes on it in a short time. As for METLab, I was a participant last year as well, and it was a great experience. The option to rework your play and get a second reading a week later is relatively unique in my experience. I re-tooled and streamlined some dialogue, and the director completely staged it for the second weekend, so it really showcased the piece in a way closer to a production than a reading. In fact, the MET will be producing that piece in their upcoming season, in the holiday slot, based on the METLab response.i couldn't be more thrilled. It's just fantastic, working with other creators and getting inspiration and feedback. I hope to participate in many more.
How did this specific play come about?
Honestly, I'm not really sure. I think it was from something I heard on NPR. I usually listen on my way to work, and snippets or quotes are all it takes to get an idea to bloom in my head. I really don't recall specifically what got this piece going in my brain, but that's my hypothesis. Unfortunately, it's still rather topical. Without giving anything away, "Reason for Return" deals with a few social issues that sadly fill the news on an almost daily basis. It's a far cry from my submission last year, "Family Holiday." That was a farce.
What are you hoping to gain from this process and working with METLab's Plays in Progress Festival?
I'm really confident that I will get what I hope for out of this festival; a better understanding of my piece and the world that my characters inhabit, insightful audience feedback, ideas and inspiration from my fellow playwrights, actors and creators, and a great time. Im sure it will be even better than last year. I've already met with my director and he is in the process of casting so rehearsals can begin, and I can't wait!