tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38730123185106428242024-03-19T02:16:12.360-07:00ANDREW BISSThe official blog of award-winning playwright Andrew Biss, offering information on upcoming productions, new publications and other weighty matters.Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-3944477933166453892019-05-13T07:25:00.000-07:002019-05-13T07:29:35.221-07:00World Premiere of New Play ‘The Butcher’ in Hong KongTalk about a fast turnaround. I'd completed a new short play entitled ‘The Butcher’ on March 20th and somehow managed to secure agreement for its debut production on March 31st – an astounding 11 days later! This, quite simply, never happens. No matter how good or how well-received a newly written play might be, it can take months or even years for it to make it from page to stage (see aptly named production title below). Of course, there were extenuating circumstances that led to this remarkable occurrence. I’d been contacted by a theatre group in Hong Kong (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/hongkongplayers/posts/" target="_blank">The Hong Kong Players</a>) a few days earlier, inquiring about the production rights for a number of my short plays from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Plays-Andrew-Biss/dp/1523972815/" target="_blank">The Meta Plays</a> collection. When they informed me of the theme of their production, I happened to mention that I’d just completed a new play that seemed tailor-made for just such a theme and would make it available for them to read if they so desired. They did, and a couple of days later they contacted me to ask if they might be allowed to premiere it at their show in May.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4pYNaMmhmHGwOIOY3Ji3Pbd2T4cpJ7lBYCUSrbQvKGS8lVB2pvghuXubYKWBzkRTA_V69qLzbnHv2eU_S7fW_bdm9aw8iVJaCro57V9unb5AkloZPk_CSn2ng7QLS6IVJtheqlfubv4/s1600/hkp2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ten minute plays" border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4pYNaMmhmHGwOIOY3Ji3Pbd2T4cpJ7lBYCUSrbQvKGS8lVB2pvghuXubYKWBzkRTA_V69qLzbnHv2eU_S7fW_bdm9aw8iVJaCro57V9unb5AkloZPk_CSn2ng7QLS6IVJtheqlfubv4/s320/hkp2.png" title="one act plays, 10 minute plays" width="226" /></a></div>
This, then, was one of those serendipitous moments that seem to occur almost by magic, or by the mysterious, enigmatic hands of fate. Along with ‘The Butcher,’ the Hong Kong Players will also be producing four of my plays taken from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Plays-Andrew-Biss/dp/1523972815/" target="_blank">The Meta Plays</a> collection (‘A Flawed Character,’ ‘The Craft,’ ‘The Curious Art of Critique,’ and ‘Tacked-On Ending’) as well as a selection of locally written material. The production, entitled ‘From Page to Stage’ will take place at the <a href="https://hkac.org.hk/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Arts Centre</a> on Wednesday, 15 May to Friday, 17 May, 8pm; Saturday, 18 May, 3:30pm and 8pm. More details can be found on the company’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/hongkongplayers/posts/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-39308788970886384992018-09-23T15:59:00.001-07:002018-09-23T15:59:57.243-07:00‘The Craft’ Wins ‘Best of the Decade’ Honors at Minnesota Theatre Festival<span style="font-size: 12pt;">‘The Craft’ was announced the ‘Best of the
Decade’ winner on September 6th, 2018 at the Minnesota Shorts Play Festival in
Mankato, Minnesota, which restaged their best reviewed shows from the last nine
years of producing the festival. The play also garnered best actress and best
actor awards for its talented cast of Callie Sonnek and Zach Bolland. Hearty congratulations
to all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMbhUupwr9Ed_bdSdnRfICcR6RAOj9AbIWbNQTmlc5LV9pk4sPUfBsgyJTI7SqhNAg98oPw2j0hgAXy5AFoHX0c-mFJC17Eeu8Mhpz9ePhia9H1vEoylZxWwH4ThebS60sI-lsltc2vQ/s1600/The+Craft.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="960" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMbhUupwr9Ed_bdSdnRfICcR6RAOj9AbIWbNQTmlc5LV9pk4sPUfBsgyJTI7SqhNAg98oPw2j0hgAXy5AFoHX0c-mFJC17Eeu8Mhpz9ePhia9H1vEoylZxWwH4ThebS60sI-lsltc2vQ/s640/The+Craft.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Director Chad Brancamp, with Callie Sonnek and
Zach Bolland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-72470352074115430382018-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:002018-05-24T18:00:21.880-07:00'A Practical Guide to Becoming a Playwright' Now Published<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987438493" target="_blank">A Practical Guide to Becoming a Playwright</a> is officially released! It’s been a real labor of love sharing what I’ve learned over the past two decades or so and I truly hope it proves to be a valuable tool for any aspiring or early-stage playwrights who pick up a copy.<br />
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Inside you’ll find straightforward, practical guidance on honing your craft and steering your plays toward successful productions. While many playwriting books focus solely on stagecraft, this one also examines the nuts and bolts of getting your plays produced. After all, writing a play is one thing, but it won't have fulfilled its purpose until it's been brought to life on a stage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRPS-39VvpYisHtrUZTGVuHjnvcNbXoe10YSLTbhmbub1BZ-c4934GPnrG-fARDS2Uy-nixoOg6p7In2uyvOnjEkypi-Wc2YNKe8n9HC2MYqJususD3wq8r9J4rVAEkIx3R6fJUCPPHA/s1600/3D+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRPS-39VvpYisHtrUZTGVuHjnvcNbXoe10YSLTbhmbub1BZ-c4934GPnrG-fARDS2Uy-nixoOg6p7In2uyvOnjEkypi-Wc2YNKe8n9HC2MYqJususD3wq8r9J4rVAEkIx3R6fJUCPPHA/s320/3D+Book+Cover.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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Examining everything from structure, dialogue, and creating well-rounded characters, to formatting, writing synopses and preparing your plays for submission, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987438493" target="_blank">A Practical Guide to Becoming a Playwright</a> offers a comprehensive explanation of the often challenging process of writing plays and getting them into the hands of producers.<br />
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What I share in this book is everything that I’ve learned - not from teaching or hypothesizing, but from actually doing.<br />
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And it made its Amazon debut at #1 in New Releases in Playwriting, so it’s off to a fantastic start.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-3793831537691201172018-01-28T10:56:00.000-08:002018-01-28T10:56:23.130-08:00No. 1 in Australia! <div class="MsoNormal">
I was very excited and more than a little proud to see that “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They’llRemember You By</a>” had become the number one bestselling book in Theater Acting
& Auditioning in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B074S7XTVN" target="_blank">Amazon.com.au</a> Kindle Store today. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTYUU8OXhlCVXvqYf6r-lBYPNRpGPe4bB6ZNRhFFMdNTSQESFxJyoIgjzZrzWdXGiAm8TInr5RHw3b_nmGuN9-6eK8DJiuhScx68hzM_kL17va4YhSfX7PkPwJAlCMBUjuE2bx5I6qd4/s1600/Amazon+Australia+No.+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="897" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTYUU8OXhlCVXvqYf6r-lBYPNRpGPe4bB6ZNRhFFMdNTSQESFxJyoIgjzZrzWdXGiAm8TInr5RHw3b_nmGuN9-6eK8DJiuhScx68hzM_kL17va4YhSfX7PkPwJAlCMBUjuE2bx5I6qd4/s320/Amazon+Australia+No.+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In truth, I’ve been astonished, overjoyed and rather humbled
by the tremendous reception the book has enjoyed since its release. It’s been
selling extremely well in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> and has also proven to be a popular seller in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region>, and Continental Europe.</div>
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So a great big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s purchased
a copy so far, and more than that, I hope it helps land you all of the roles
you’re chasing after – for me to know that my words have helped you achieve your
goals would be the ultimate reward.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And to my friends Down Under, all I can say is…good on
you, mates!</span>Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-39892129095752817532018-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:002018-01-03T16:58:19.743-08:00'Ten-Minute Plays: The Comedy Collection' is Out Now!<br />
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It suddenly struck me as I was writing the last blog post
that I had neglected to make any announcement on here of the recent publication
of my short play anthology, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978322283" target="_blank">Ten-Minute Plays: The Comedy Collection</a>.” It seems
rather astounding in a way, but I can only put it down to the fact that almost
immediately upon its release I embarked upon a stretch of foreign travel, and
upon my return I was dealing with a rather nasty case of dengue fever (a
souvenir from the aforementioned foreign travel).</div>
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So allow me to attempt a little rectification. As the title
suggests (or more accurately, makes patently clear), this is a collection of
ten-minute plays, all of which fall into the comedy genre in one way or
another. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd9zw09xDyfaQEsAKLdgSflyXSXmh1YcGMx8Gu33lQyTidPUZCC4Espmdpu8HCWky5-MdqHv4Vs6dDJWEq7xi0C1FIhZifDiCa6b3h_KskCJhpVSMFeueKX3u5Zom8wXirI7jJAcWc34/s1600/3D+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ten minute play book" border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd9zw09xDyfaQEsAKLdgSflyXSXmh1YcGMx8Gu33lQyTidPUZCC4Espmdpu8HCWky5-MdqHv4Vs6dDJWEq7xi0C1FIhZifDiCa6b3h_KskCJhpVSMFeueKX3u5Zom8wXirI7jJAcWc34/s320/3D+Cover.jpg" title="ten minute plays" width="233" /></a></div>
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It seemed to be a good idea to put together a collection comprised
solely of comedies, as these are often the favored genre in ten-minute play
festivals and so would provide a great resource for any theatre practitioners
looking for just that.</div>
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The volume contains 15 short comedic plays, some of which
have their roots in realism, while others willfully and wantonly upend
theatrical customs and conventions. Some are playful and lighthearted, while
others hew closer to the realm of dark comedy. But whatever their milieu, they
all share one common goal: to entertain and amuse.</div>
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With minimal staging requirements and a broad range of
characters, these plays offer a wealth of production opportunities as well as
providing an invaluable resource of scenes for acting class.</div>
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And I’m happy to report that upon its release, it proved to
be very popular, hitting the #1 spot for hot new releases in Drama and Play
Anthologies on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978322283" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</div>
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So if you know anyone looking to put on a short comedy or two,
you know exactly where to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978322283" target="_blank">send them</a>; or if you’re just in the mood for a
rollicking fun read, this might be just the ticket!</div>
Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-3396623553168308782018-01-03T16:22:00.000-08:002018-01-03T16:22:18.157-08:00A New Year, A New Book<div class="MsoNormal">
Firstly, I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! 2017
was a very important year for me, as it saw the publication of my monologue
book “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They’ll Remember You By</a>,” which I’m happy to report has so far
been a great success, finding its way into the hands of actors across the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region>, the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region> and Continental
Europe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E391L0gjX2BDjP3l6kCOfTp5i0tc-1087b2B-lWTBGXfjuJzK9nbJsmIS2GsOU4w9Ue94_oI97nQYjX8rHQ1KcDX8m2HMDs3ZZMAZxmnIWkMWIKPDKYf21u28LmP-M8MkoiHBNAhIis/s1600/theatre-96714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E391L0gjX2BDjP3l6kCOfTp5i0tc-1087b2B-lWTBGXfjuJzK9nbJsmIS2GsOU4w9Ue94_oI97nQYjX8rHQ1KcDX8m2HMDs3ZZMAZxmnIWkMWIKPDKYf21u28LmP-M8MkoiHBNAhIis/s320/theatre-96714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It also saw the publication of my anthology of comedic short
plays, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978322283" target="_blank">Ten-Minute Plays: The Comedy Collection</a>,” which is also proving to be very
popular, hitting the #1 spot for hot new releases on Amazon upon its release.</div>
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And 2018 promises to be another big year, as I’m currently
working on a brand new book which I hope to finish in the coming months. This
one’s a little different for me, as it will not be a book of my playwriting work
but a book about playwriting itself. It’s still in its formative stage, but
essentially I will be sharing insights and experience from my journey as a
playwright, offering advice, tips, and all manner of useful information I’ve
gleaned over the years – some of it hard-won – for the benefit of anyone who
might be interested in becoming a playwright but who finds the whole world of dramatic
writing and play production/marketing all rather daunting. </div>
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Less, then, a book about the writing of plays themselves (though
there will be plenty of information on that, too), and more a book about navigating
the world of the playwright from the perspective of someone who’s been in the
trenches for quite some time now.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So stay tuned for regular updates on that, along with
any and all other news of import. In the meantime, have a very fruitful and
productive 2018! </span>Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-66226766239927205882017-09-17T11:22:00.000-07:002017-09-17T11:22:46.992-07:00#1 Hot New Release!<div style="text-align: left;">
I was delighted to see today that "Monologues They'll Remember You By" got off to a roaring start on Amazon, hitting the #1 spot on Hot New Releases for Acting and Auditioning!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcabWdx-1okpCU4OsrZBJwZuGWqgtCn5nW_Z4jeBxZkUxk2YQWWwNFL_fAQOrTjvPGrkLfOXUoCMK2sXDC3KmX4wYl412vE_N6EhT8ll1r2P7krIAfnEY_YrDk2pFY_Sp68nsX0GRhC4/s1600/Number+One+New+Release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monologue books" border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="831" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcabWdx-1okpCU4OsrZBJwZuGWqgtCn5nW_Z4jeBxZkUxk2YQWWwNFL_fAQOrTjvPGrkLfOXUoCMK2sXDC3KmX4wYl412vE_N6EhT8ll1r2P7krIAfnEY_YrDk2pFY_Sp68nsX0GRhC4/s320/Number+One+New+Release.jpg" title="Monologues They'll Remember You By" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a very gratifying result, especially after all of the effort that went into putting together a book that I could truly feel confident in and stand behind 100%.</div>
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But of course, writing a book and marketing a book go hand in hand, and no matter how good the product you're offering is, if your target audience don't know about it, it isn't going to sell many copies. </div>
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So even though the hard work put into creating the book is over, the hard - and in some ways <i>harder</i> - work that goes into promoting it has only just begun. But with an auspicious start like this, I'm more than motivated to roll up my sleeves and start spreading the word! </div>
Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-12598056657386108452017-09-14T17:40:00.000-07:002017-09-17T11:23:04.858-07:00It's Out! 'Monologues They'll Remember You By' is Officially Released!Yes, the day has finally arrived: ‘<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They’ll Remember You By</a>’ is officially released!<br />
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It’s been a long journey, I have to say: The search to compile the best monologues within my body of work; the task of selecting what to include and what to omit; creating introductions to each piece, defining the setting, tone and character; and writing the introduction to the book itself, along with other supporting materials. But it was all worth it in the end, and I’m proud and confident to put this book before the buying public, safe in the knowledge that what I’m offering is a truly valuable and unique resource for any actor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBE6ageFLXsuZyxSKGjKh4YC98d_wZ9fRrn9faXpL-suVcukeixBDpYLmQBGjBBm_TTDZfy-ZbhexnFBOMVADRRPB4f-BrM0MbRE96258MisCeRNn64HKpU31AonFddYwYikTeoRD2i4/s1600/Thin-Book-3D-TemplateReverse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monologue Book" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBE6ageFLXsuZyxSKGjKh4YC98d_wZ9fRrn9faXpL-suVcukeixBDpYLmQBGjBBm_TTDZfy-ZbhexnFBOMVADRRPB4f-BrM0MbRE96258MisCeRNn64HKpU31AonFddYwYikTeoRD2i4/s320/Thin-Book-3D-TemplateReverse1.jpg" title="Monologues They'll Remember You By" width="233" /></a></div>
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One of the things that really sets this book apart is that not only does it contain a large array of monologues you won’t find anywhere else, it also provides a guide on how to approach your monologue search from an entirely new perspective.<br />
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Though the monologues included are separated into male and female monologues (40 male, 40 female) of varying age ranges, the book explains how to look beyond the gender and age of many of them and make them work for you, whether or not your age or gender matches the original character as written.<br />
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Too often, monologue books are rigidly defined by both of those factors. They will, for instance, present a monologue by a character named “John” who is in his early 20s – and that’s it, that’s who it’s for: a young male in his early 20s. But the fact of the matter is, if nothing in the text of the monologue defines the character as male or young, what on earth should stop a woman in her 40s from performing it? Change the name to “Jane” and what’s the difference?<br />
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As I point out in the book, casting directors are not looking for strict adherence to the original character’s ethnicity, age or gender. All they want to see is you walk onto that stage and bowl them over with a performance that shows them you have what they’re looking for. Period.<br />
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Obviously this doesn’t work with every monologue, as some <i>do</i> contain age or gender related information. But even then, I encourage the reader to look beyond that where possible and make slight alterations to the text to adapt it to fit their needs where practicable.<br />
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In approaching the book in this way, I’m enabling the actor to open up a whole range of alternative performance options that at first glance might not have appeared possible. <br />
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So there it is – it’s finally out there and I couldn’t be happier with it. But my biggest reward will be in knowing these monologues will have helped actors get the parts that they’d set their hearts on. As a former actor myself and knowing how that feels, I can imagine nothing more gratifying.<br />
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If you're interested in finding out more, you can take a look at '<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They'll Remember You By</a>' on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, as well as on its <a href="https://auditionmonologues.wixsite.com/monologue-book" target="_blank">dedicated website</a>. <br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-80208787820436577132017-08-18T17:06:00.000-07:002017-08-18T17:06:19.318-07:00'Monologues They'll Remember You By' debuts at #1 on AmazonI’m happy to report that 'Monologues They'll Remember You By' debuted at the number one spot on Amazon in new releases in Acting & Auditioning when it first went “live”, providing an auspicious start to the book’s release into the market.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ga1TmEOm-owRhHZKutK_8v09DB5jDUPqmBLwtU-ldzVsDR_KY63F3vSiTPzp1R_8vM0bfOWZGM1BGQgq1zYUkNo_ujhzUMNs9ClbHRxfFrtYDefyHlK7nBKzUB-4mV-IntjAD47f0UI/s1600/No.+1+New+Release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monologue book on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1536" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ga1TmEOm-owRhHZKutK_8v09DB5jDUPqmBLwtU-ldzVsDR_KY63F3vSiTPzp1R_8vM0bfOWZGM1BGQgq1zYUkNo_ujhzUMNs9ClbHRxfFrtYDefyHlK7nBKzUB-4mV-IntjAD47f0UI/s320/No.+1+New+Release.jpg" title="Monologues They'll Remember You By" width="320" /></a></div>
Though the official release date is still a few weeks away (September 14th), it’s available for pre-order in both paperback and e-book editions on Amazon, so if you’d like to be one of the first to receive a copy when it hits the presses, so to speak, get your order in now by clicking <a href="https://auditionmonologues.wixsite.com/monologue-book" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-64444289853205105862017-08-14T16:47:00.000-07:002017-08-18T16:59:14.176-07:00Monologues They’ll Remember You By<br />
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At long last I have a new book coming out. This particular book, however, is quite different to anything I’ve released in the past as it’s a <a href="http://amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">text book</a>. I’ve been working for some time now on assembling a book of monologues for actors of all levels taken exclusively from my back catalogue of plays, and I’m pleased to report that the official launch date is now within sight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DLYlfTxIYuQHTVcuPQ7tJZILmQJR2i8kOPs0Ezx_DwLmfaZ25KFPT94W83a1raiLlbjE6R1m1-Ye3-UvHVkJosQzkqYKz8egZLByT1rLakoJ4lK-q41GXlpTz6rGp8EVPBJdhc8iuNQ/s1600/Monologues+They%2527ll+Remember+You+By+450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monologue books" border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DLYlfTxIYuQHTVcuPQ7tJZILmQJR2i8kOPs0Ezx_DwLmfaZ25KFPT94W83a1raiLlbjE6R1m1-Ye3-UvHVkJosQzkqYKz8egZLByT1rLakoJ4lK-q41GXlpTz6rGp8EVPBJdhc8iuNQ/s320/Monologues+They%2527ll+Remember+You+By+450.jpg" title="Monologues They'll Remember You By" width="207" /></a></div>
Since I already had numerous monologues of mine published in various trade publications (with another one on the way), the idea to create a book of my own seemed like a logical move. The only hesitation I had about embarking on such a project was the sheer size of the task ahead of me.</div>
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But, never having been one to shy away from a challenge, earlier in the year I began the lengthy process of reading through all of my plays and selecting what I considered to be the best contenders for inclusion in the book. When I’d whittled the list down I found I was left with a substantial total of 80 comedic, dramatic and seriocomic monologues that in my opinion warranted a place in the collection. Most of these come in with a running time of approximately two minutes and the vast majority of them are active voice monologues.</div>
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Next came the somewhat daunting task of writing introductions to each of them, providing a sense of setting, tone and character as well as providing any additional information that might be pertinent or helpful in performance. After that I was left to write a formal introduction to the book, along with several pages of information on how to make the most of the monologues included, offering tips and advice on such matters as age, gender, accents, etc., in order to give the actor the broadest possible range of options.</div>
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And now that <i><a href="http://amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They'll Remember You By</a></i> is almost ready for publication, I think I’ve produced a book of monologues that would be a valuable resource for any actor – professional, amateur or student – providing them with a host of fresh, compelling monologues that will make them stand out from the crowd.</div>
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I’m very excited to see this project finally come to fruition, and as the release date nears, I’ll update this blog with any news or developments of note. In the meantime, pre-orders for both the paperback and e-book editions of <i><a href="http://amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Monologues They'll Remember You By</a></i> are now available in the <a href="http://amazon.com/dp/1974174859" target="_blank">Amazon</a> store in the U.S. (coming soon to the U.K.) should you wish to obtain a copy as soon as it’s released, either for yourself or for that talented thespian friend or family member.<br />
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You can also check out the book's webpage <a href="https://auditionmonologues.wixsite.com/monologue-book" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-30677776176145975502017-06-21T15:45:00.000-07:002017-06-21T16:03:46.321-07:00'The Craft' at Theatre503'The Craft' will receive another London staging when <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BiggerFishTheatre/" target="_blank">Bigger Fish Theatre's</a> SHORTSTUFF2 production is reprised at the acclaimed <a href="https://theatre503.com/" target="_blank">Theatre503</a> on July 5th, 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJwE6Qs21aArpWNXQ5165L97NJy3ii8v0zwMwonOwyJ5ctXCBP2IPZuQjsRR5VgMqqe2tc1ee4osdR8JwyHHO9XgxAyDZgCyX28WWvuAqnQD7nwnqdVG-lqGRQfZsjJYTfMVtDOuj1JA/s1600/ofh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJwE6Qs21aArpWNXQ5165L97NJy3ii8v0zwMwonOwyJ5ctXCBP2IPZuQjsRR5VgMqqe2tc1ee4osdR8JwyHHO9XgxAyDZgCyX28WWvuAqnQD7nwnqdVG-lqGRQfZsjJYTfMVtDOuj1JA/s320/ofh2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The theatre is renowned for presenting groundbreaking new plays, winning an Olivier Award in 2010 for its production of Katori Hall's 'The Mountaintop.'<br />
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And don't forget that the initial production of SHORTSTUFF2 will be taking place at the <a href="http://whitebeartheatre.co.uk/#/all" target="_blank">White Bear Theatre</a> in Kennington, London, on June 26th, 2017. Tickets for that event are available <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2997107" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Tickets for the Theatre503 production are available at the theatre's website <a href="https://theatre503.com/whats-on/shortstuff2/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I wish the casts and crews of all the plays involved in SHORTSTUFF2 all the very best, and of course to my fellow playwrights in the show, Fran Bushe, Janice Hallett, Barbara Lindsay, Alasdair Melrose, Micah Smith, and Ruby Thomas.Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-28156968515808171332017-05-18T12:30:00.000-07:002017-05-18T12:30:16.881-07:00‘The Craft’ in a New London Production<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m very happy to report that <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BiggerFishTheatre/" target="_blank">Bigger Fish Theatre</a> will be
producing ‘The Craft’ as part of its SHORTSTUFF2 production at the <a href="http://whitebeartheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank">White BearTheatre</a> on 26 June, 2017. </div>
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This will mark the 15<sup>th</sup> production of the play to
date and this production in particular promises to be an excellent one. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">That said, I should point out that neither Jude
Law nor Charles Boyer will be in the cast lineup, or any inhabitants of London
Zoo for that matter. </span></div>
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Bigger
Fish Theatre was formed in 2017 by Charlie Burt, Michal Horowicz and Alasdair
Melrose with the aim to produce original drama and music theatre. All three met
at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and are clearly blessed with frighteningly
high levels of taste and discernment having chosen to produce The Craft⸮</div>
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I only wish I could be there in person to see it, but instead
I’ll just wish the cast and crew and everyone involved in the production to
break a leg! </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Details on purchasing tickets will be available on the
company’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BiggerFishTheatre/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/biggerfish_" target="_blank">Twitter</a> sites soon.</span>Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-21541761786737070832017-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:002017-05-18T11:36:07.611-07:00‘Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar’ to be Produced in Bangalore, India<div class="MsoNormal">
My short play ‘Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar’ will be
produced this coming weekend as part of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Tortilla-Entertainment-Company-179321222127990/" target="_blank">Tortilla Entertainment Company’s</a> new
short play festival Tortilla Twister 2017. The event runs May 19, 20, and 21, and
takes place at the Alliance Francaise, <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city>.
Full details are available <a href="http://bangalore.afindia.org/events/tortilla-twister-2017-the-big-theatre-festival-weekend/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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The five-minute version of the play is now available in the
anthologies <a href="https://www.amazon.com/105-Five-Minute-Plays-Study-Performance/dp/1575259109/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1495131605&sr=1-2&keywords=five+minute+plays" target="_blank">105 Five-Minute Plays for Study and Performance</a> from Smith &
Kraus Publishers and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/5-Minute-Applause-Acting-Lawrence-Harbison/dp/1495069249/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1495069249&pd_rd_r=S0MGTSHATQVZ5NKWC4R7&pd_rd_w=qCPrV&pd_rd_wg=Y8a8k&psc=1&refRID=S0MGTSHATQVZ5NKWC4R7" target="_blank">5-Minute Plays (Applause Acting)</a> from Applause Theatre & Cinema
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This marks the first time I’ll have had a play
produced on the continent of <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> and I’m very
grateful to Anita Mithra at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Tortilla-Entertainment-Company-179321222127990/" target="_blank">Tortilla Entertainment Company</a> for making this possible.</span>Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-49111516472419365082017-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:002017-04-22T09:24:20.496-07:00‘Cocktail Conversation’ in Ireland<div class="MsoNormal">
If the title of this post brings to mind images of intimate,
candlelit gatherings of <st1:city w:st="on">Dublin</st1:city>’s
polite society making small talk while sipping on Negronis and Pink Ladies,
allow me to clarify.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr8KM-ezzIS2bIPomHhlN1HvUfj4VejDQjCev_HId__LosYQp4LoHgKD5aRPBIbb-6bo5w1bxxiE9RpUhps6VF8bPKLf1ZUR_F1Z7RxhmMMXFcyFyseph3KtryMfOhnEL1mooAh3dF6E/s1600/hisgirlfriday02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr8KM-ezzIS2bIPomHhlN1HvUfj4VejDQjCev_HId__LosYQp4LoHgKD5aRPBIbb-6bo5w1bxxiE9RpUhps6VF8bPKLf1ZUR_F1Z7RxhmMMXFcyFyseph3KtryMfOhnEL1mooAh3dF6E/s400/hisgirlfriday02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
‘Cocktail Conversation’ is a one-act play I wrote some years ago now – in 2002 to be precise – but which is sadly <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2015/12/hiv-aids-cdc-report-diagnosis-gay-black-latino" target="_blank">just as relevant today</a> as it
was back then. It was written in response to a dispiriting news article I’d
read which attributed a new rise in HIV infections among young people to advances
in antiretroviral drug therapy (commonly referred to as “drug cocktails”). The
perception had begun to form among the younger demographic of the gay community
that HIV infection wasn’t really such a big deal anymore since these drug
cocktails essentially allowed you to <i>live forever</i> – or at least to a close
approximation of a normal lifespan.</div>
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The play is written as a comedy, but is subtly underpinned by
a sobering reality in the lives of its two protagonists. It’s centered around
two young gay men sitting in a bar, making catty remarks about their many past
sexual conquests that come and go before them throughout the evening. As their
zingers, barbs and one-liners fly, they periodically – and without mention
until the very end – reach into their shirt pockets to pop another pill from
their prescribed “cocktail.” </div>
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The goal was to write a play that was first and foremost
entertaining, but that also managed to slip in something of a wake-up call amid
the hilarity. After all, and as we all know, a great big spoonful of sugar
always helps the medicine go down.</div>
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And yet here we are now, in 2017, and regrettably those
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2015/12/hiv-aids-cdc-report-diagnosis-gay-black-latino" target="_blank">alarming rates of infection</a> remain disproportionately high among LGBT+ youth.</div>
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What better time, then, for ‘Cocktail Conversation’ to make
a reappearance, because quite frankly even if just one person who saw the show
was moved to think twice and perhaps reassess their behavior patterns, it will
have been worth it.</div>
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Already this year the play has received a production at
Blackburn College in Illinois, and I was just recently informed that it's
been selected for production by the wonderfully named <a href="http://therabbitsriotthea.wixsite.com/rabbitsriottc" target="_blank">Rabbit’s Riot Theatre Company</a> of Sligo,
Ireland, as part its upcoming <i>Where We Are Now</i> festival – Sligo’s first ever
LGBT+ theatre festival – taking place this June. </div>
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It will also be the first ever production of a
play of mine in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
making it doubly gratifying on a personal level.</div>
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<i>Done!</i></div>
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-39932843429272950852017-03-07T14:58:00.000-08:002017-04-21T16:50:25.862-07:00‘What’s the Meta?’ at SUNY Jefferson‘What’s the Meta?’ is to be produced at <a href="http://www.sunyjefferson.edu/" target="_blank">SUNY Jefferson</a> in Watertown, NY, as part of an evening of 8 ten-minute plays taking place on April 7, 2017.<br />
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Interestingly, while ‘What’s the Meta?’ may not be my most <i>produced</i> play – ‘The Craft’ recently earned that distinction after finally beating out ‘Indigenous Peoples’ – it is almost certainly my most <i>read</i> play.<br />
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First published in the Smith & Kraus anthology ‘<a href="https://www.amazon.com/2009-10-Minute-Actors-Contemporary-Playwrights/dp/1575257599/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488849694&sr=1-2&keywords=best+10+minute+plays+2009" target="_blank">The Best Ten-Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors, 2009</a>,’ it was subsequently picked up for a second publishing deal by the noted literary scholar Michael Meyers for the Bedford/St. Martin’s tome ‘<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bedford-Introduction-Literature-Reading-Thinking/dp/1457608278/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E7SGWBW21CQ2K0XEHMVS" target="_blank">The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing (10th Edition)</a>.’<br />
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That weighty, best-selling textbook is still studied at colleges and universities all across the country, arguably giving that little play the largest audience of any of my works to date.<br />
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And there’s nothing the matter with that!<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-42583597388065006872017-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:002017-01-21T17:00:52.865-08:00'The Craft' in Vermont‘The Craft’ has been selected for production by the <a href="http://www.parishplayers.org/" target="_blank">Parish Players</a> of Thetford Hill, Vermont, for their 11th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival this February. Based at the <a href="http://www.parishplayers.org/eclipse.shtml" target="_blank">Eclipse Grange Theatre</a>, the Parish Players have been bringing the classics, musical comedy, contemporary drama, and original works to their community for over 50 years.<br />
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Produced by Leah Romano & Duncan Nichols, this year’s festival will take place at the following dates and times:<br />
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Thursday, February 9, 16 at 7:30pm | Friday - Saturday, February 10-11, 17-18 at 7:30pm | Sunday Matinées February 12, 19 at 3:00pm<br />
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The Parish Players is an incorporated not-for-profit organization staffed and run entirely by group of admirable volunteers.Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-5942985465205029182017-01-17T12:41:00.000-08:002017-01-17T12:41:12.557-08:00Monologues from ‘The Craft’ to be Published in New AnthologyMonologues from ‘The Craft’ to be Published in New Anthology<br />
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Two monologues from ‘The Craft’ are to be included in a new anthology from theatrical trade publisher <a href="http://smithandkraus.com/sk/" target="_blank">Smith & Kraus, Inc.</a>, entitled ‘222 More Comedy Monologues, 2 Minutes And Under,’ edited by John Capecci and Irene Ziegler. Publication expected early 2017.<br />
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It’s been an astonishing 12 years since I had monologues from ‘Cuthbert's Last Stand’ and ‘Kitchen Sink Drama’ published in this forthcoming book’s predecessor, ‘<a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Ultimate-Audition-Book-Monologues/dp/1575254204" target="_blank">222 Comedy Monologues 2 Minutes and Under, Volume 4</a>,’ so I find it somewhat remarkable that after all these years we’re both still going strong.<br />
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One of the things I like most about these collections is that they’re specifically focused on comedy monologues. Comedic writing is all too often made to take a backseat to its dramatic counterpart, and that’s both unfair and unfounded. It’s as if, in the process of making someone laugh, a work of comedy becomes viewed as something frivolous and trifling, and consequently the skill involved in its creation is frequently perceived as being equally lightweight. As a writer of both comedy and drama, I find each comes with its own specific challenges and certainly neither presents itself as an easier option. And as an audience member, I’d rather sit through a bad drama than a bad comedy any day of the week. The former is likely to be merely tedious, but the latter can make you die a little inside as each painful attempt at humor falls flat. In short, comedy is no laughing matter…just like that pun.<br />
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So hats off to Irene Ziegler and John Capecci for bringing out this new collection of comedic monologues for discerning actors everywhere, none of whom, I’m sure, need reminding that the fastest way to a casting director’s heart is through his funny bone.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-10309113425071774152017-01-16T10:56:00.000-08:002017-01-16T10:56:24.345-08:00“The Craft” in Philadelphia‘The Craft’ will be making its Philadelphia premiere next month when the University of Pennsylvania’s <a href="http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/pac/tace.php" target="_blank">Theatre Arts Council</a> will be producing the play as part of its annual One Acts Festival.<br />
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A total of four plays will be staged during the event, which takes place on February 3rd and 4th, 2017. More details will be available on the Theatre Arts Council’s <a href="http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/pac/tace.php" target="_blank">website</a> in the coming days.<br />
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While ‘The Craft’ has been produced in several different countries and many states across the U.S., this latest production will mark the play’s official hometown debut.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-24552779546561120732016-11-29T12:46:00.000-08:002017-04-21T16:46:57.220-07:00Monologue to be Published in New Smith & Kraus AnthologyTheatrical trade publisher Smith & Kraus has selected a monologue from “Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar” for inclusion in its forthcoming anthology THE BEST MEN’S STAGE MONOLOGUES OF 2017, edited by Lawrence Harbison. Tentative publication date: 12/2017.<br />
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In the play “Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar,” Leslie’s decided to give love another try. But in a world of shameless self-promotion, prepackaged personalities, and artificial body parts, can someone still be loved simply for who they are, or do happy endings only exist in massage parlors?<br />
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Smith and Kraus Publishers, founded in 1990, is the premier US publisher of contemporary trade theater books and associated digital resources. The publisher’s books enrich the theater experience for theatre students, theater professionals, and theater audiences alike.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-80203290665753133762016-09-14T16:49:00.000-07:002017-04-17T17:54:28.609-07:00“The Craft” Wins 'Best of the Fest' at Minnesota Shorts FestivalI’m happy to report that ‘The Craft’ swept the awards at this year’s Minnesota Shorts Festival, in Mankato MN this weekend.<br />
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As well as the play taking the award for ‘Best of the Fest,’ actors Travis Carpenter and Noelle Lawton were voted Best Actor and Best Actress. And in helming ‘The Craft’ to the top spot, this also marks director Maggie Maes' fourth year in a row of directing the winning play.<br />
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Congratulations and thanks to all three of them for their talent and hard work in putting together a show that the audience very clearly took to their hearts (and funny bones).<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-35263229173588976612016-08-17T15:12:00.000-07:002017-04-21T16:43:56.645-07:00“Suburban Redux” Monologue Published in New AnthologyI’m happy to report that a monologue from my play “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-Redux-Full-Length-Andrew-Biss/dp/1497444160/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471471622&sr=1-2&keywords=suburban+redux" target="_blank">Suburban Redux</a>” has just been published in the new anthology “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audition-Monologues-Young-Men-Contemporary/dp/1566082080/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471470259&sr=1-1&keywords=audition+monologues+for+young+men" target="_blank">Audition Monologues for Young Men: Selections from Contemporary Works</a>.” The monologue is taken from the character of Tristram, a rather shy, awkward young fellow who’s struggling with feelings of self-worth.<br />
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Published by <a href="https://www.pioneerdrama.com/SearchDetail.asp?pc=AUDITIONME&id=0" target="_blank">Pioneer Drama Service</a>, one of the largest play publishers in the United States, the collection is edited by Gerald Lee Ratliff and Patrick Rainville Dorn. This marks the fourth collection of Mr. Ratliff’s that I’ve had the honor of having my work included in, and my first with Pioneer Drama Service.<br />
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The collection is an ideal tool for auditions, workshops, and acting classes, and includes a detailed guide on how to choose a monologue, develop the character, and audition with confidence<br />
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It’s available now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audition-Monologues-Young-Men-Contemporary/dp/1566082080/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471470259&sr=1-1&keywords=audition+monologues+for+young+men" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/audition-monologues-for-young-men-gerald-lee-ratliff/1123717682?ean=9781566082082" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/audition-monologues-for-young-men/gerald-lee-ratliff/patrick-rainville-dorn/9781566082082" target="_blank">Waterstones</a>, <a href="https://www.pioneerdrama.com/SearchDetail.asp?pc=AUDITIONME&id=0" target="_blank">Pioneer Drama Service</a> and other fine retailers.<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-28488732709869627312016-06-14T16:42:00.000-07:002017-04-21T16:42:04.226-07:00“Strange Tales of the Curiously Uncommon” Audio Book Now Available!<div class="MsoNormal">
My short story collection “Strange Tales of the Curiously Uncommon” has now been released in audio book format and is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes and the Audible website.</div>
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The book is narrated by the jaw-droppingly talented Jonathan Trueman, who has brought this collection of darkly humorous tales to life in a ways that I could never have imagined. Every quirky character is given a voice and personality all their own, creating a unique and yet still somehow very real world in which the listener can immerse themselves.</div>
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Jonathan truly is an exceptional talent. Each story is so perfectly narrated and characterized, and as the author I simply could not be happier with the results. I do hope you’ll see (listen) for yourself.</div>
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-16032603860758849992016-06-14T16:09:00.000-07:002017-04-21T16:37:04.733-07:00“Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar” Receives Second Publishing Deal<br />
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In addition to its recent selection for publication by <a href="http://smithandkraus.com/sk/" target="_blank">Smith & Kraus, Inc.</a>, ‘Carbon-Based Life Form Seeks Similar’ has also been chosen for publication by <a href="http://www.halleonardbooks.com/index.jsp?subsiteid=166" target="_blank">ApplauseTheatre & Cinema Books</a> for its forthcoming anthology Best 5-Minute Plays, edited by Lawrence Harbison. Tentative date of publication: January, 2017.<br />
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This short comedy explores the perils of the dating scene in the new romantic era of Snapchat and Selfie Sticks.Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-32888709816042369022016-06-14T15:43:00.002-07:002016-06-14T15:58:33.128-07:00“The Craft” in MinnesotaI’m pleased to report that <a href="http://www.merelyplayers.com/" target="_blank">The Merely Players Theatre Company</a> of Mankato, MN has selected ‘The Craft’ to be part of its upcoming production Minnesota Shorts: A Festival of Short Plays.<br />
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Performances take place on September 8th and 9th 2016. More information will be available on their <a href="http://www.mnshorts.com/" target="_blank">website</a> closer to production.Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3873012318510642824.post-38343339904710581382016-04-28T08:07:00.000-07:002016-04-28T08:07:36.406-07:00“Suburban Redux” Audio Book Now Released!The novella adaptation of my play “Suburban Redux” has now been released as an audio book and is available for purchase on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suburban-Redux-A-Novella/dp/B01ETQQDJ2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/suburban-redux-novella-unabridged/id1108196538" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and the <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Suburban-Redux-Audiobook/B01ERWWVSA" target="_blank">Audible</a> website.<br />
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The book is narrated by the wonderful Mill Scott, who has brought her exceptional talents to this rollicking yet poignant tale about love, truth, and acceptance. She captures the essence of each character perfectly and brings just the right amount sly wit and emotional honesty to make this romantic comedy for the modern family a joy to listen to.<br />
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“Suburban Redux” is a witty satire set in the South of England and centers around a bored housewife, her presumed gay son, and supporting characters with secrets of their own!<br />
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<b>Reviews for the stage version of the book:</b><br />
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<i>"A witty drawing-room comedy à la Oscar Wilde...Shocking admissions, tearful recriminations and several jolly good laughs...Highly entertaining"</i> --The Montreal Mirror<br />
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<i>"A stylish Wildean comedy...The writing is finely tuned...Consistently entertaining"</i> --The Soho Theatre & Writers' Centre, London<br />
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Andrew Bisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610804295762690969noreply@blogger.com0