TRU Hosts Writer-Producer Speed Date 5/16

Writers often meet producers at a party, and have two minutes to interest them in their work. Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) now offers twenty-two writers a chance to practice their pitching skills with real producers who are open to and looking for new work. TRU's unique WRITER-PRODUCER SPEED DATE will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 5:30pm and 6:30pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC. Commercial Broadway producers already scheduled to listen and respond to the writer pitches include Pam Koslow (Yank!), Ken Waissman (Grease), Jean Cheever and Tom Polum (The Toxic Avenger) and Erin McMurrough of Broadway Across America.

"The producers probably won't offer options on the spot, but it's an opportunity to start developing relationships. And that's what this business is all about," said TRU president Bob Ost. Eleven producers sign on, from both the commercial and not-for-profit worlds, as well as eleven aspiring producers from TRU's mentorship program. And writers receive invaluable coaching from experts, as well. And did we mention the wine and cheese afterwards?

Over 60 aspiring playwrights have been through TRU's Speed Date, and many strong relationships have been formed, and developmental readings have resulted. Broadway producer Randall Wreghitt was intrigued enough by the work of West Virginia playwright Sean O'Leary that he went on to request and read every play that Sean has written, and they are in an ongoing communication. Paul Adams of Emerging Artists Theatre found five of the eight musicals currently being presented in his Notes from a Page Series of readings of new musicals.

"Speaking as an out-of-town playwright I have to tell you that TRU's speed date accomplished as much for me in one evening as I accomplish in a year of blind script submissions. The quality of the people participating - playwrights and producers -- was impressive and the program's format of structured four-minute sessions with each producer was a godsend for me. When you created this concept of a concentrated four minutes devoted exclusively to the play and the producer, you liberated me from all those social bonding rituals at which I'm so awful. And I came away with the sense that my plays finally got the stage I've hoped they would receive," said Sean O'Leary, writer.

"We writers spend so much in our own little think tanks and the opportunity to meet so many interesting people - not even to mention the chance of having our work read, exposing ourselves to not just one but 22 producers is just invaluable! Everyone was kind, friendly and very positive - what a great energy in that building! In short - what you've done is awesome," said Michele Aldin-Kushner, writer.

ABOUT SPEED DATING. How does it work?
Eleven writers will arrive at 5:30 and meet Grace Kiley, a professional coach who will guide the writers with their presentations. An hour later, the writers go into the Pitch Room to meet the producers - one per station. A bell is rung a bell and writers have two minutes to pitch. A second bell is rung, producers have two minutes to respond and ask questions, or give feedback. Writers are asked to bring a packet with a synopsis, bio, cast breakdown and production requirements to leave with each of the producers. If the project interests the producer, he may request a full script. Meanwhile, group two is in the Coaching Room getting coached for an hour starting at 6:30, and the second group goes into the Pitch Room at 7:30. Pitches and turnaround should take about 50 minutes total for all eleven. Afterwards, there is wine and cheese and a chance for the writers to network with the producers and well as each other.

Eleven writers pitching to eleven producers at one time? A little chaotic perhaps, but true to life.
Explains Ost, "Think of it as the 'cocktail party pitch' where you have to hold someone's interest with dozens of conversations going on around you."

Participating producers include Jacob Matsumiya & Rachel Vigier of Apples & Oranges Productions (Hair, Memphis); Jean Cheever & Tom Polum (The Toxic Avenger, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels); Pam Koslow (Jelly's Last Jam, Yank!, Jane Eyre, Captain Louie); Erin McMurrough, Associate Producer of Broadway Across America; theater owner and indie producer Richmond Shepard; Ken Waissman (Grease, Agnes of God, Torch Song Trilogy); and Shela Xoregos, artistic director of the Xoregos Performing Company. Four more producers will join the lineup, plus as many as eleven aspiring producers from TRU's Producer Mentorship program.

Applications are available at www.truonline.org/WriterSpeedDateApp.pdf, or download application as a Word document from www.truonline.org/WriterSpeedDateMay10.htm. Admission is $50 for members of TRU; $75 for non-members. To apply or to become a member of TRU, please call 212-714-7628 or e-mail TRUnltd@aol.com. This is a competitive application process, limited to 22 writers. Applications must be received by Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Email applications are preferred.

TRU is a not-for-profit service organization that provides educational and support services for the performing arts with a focus on the business side of the arts. In particular, TRU helps producers, theater companies and self-Producing Artists navigate the business of making theater in the New York area and beyond, as well as providing networking opportunities. Programs include monthly educational panels, a play and musical developmental reading series, producer mentorships, Producer Boot Camp business workshops, an annual combined audition event, free workshops for actor members and a community newsletter of services, good, opportunities, ticket discounts and more. TRU also maintains a referral database of over 7000 arts professionals.

Programs of Theater Resources Unlimited are supported in part by public funds awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as generous support from the Friar's National Foundation Association.

For more information about TRU membership, visit www.truonline.org or call 212-714-7628.