Meetings & Other Activities

NYCPlaywrights holds weekly meetings on Tuesdays from September through June, almost every week except for holidays, etc.

Meetings are free and open to the public, but only writer members of NYCPlaywrights can have readings at our meetings. Learn about becoming a member.

The meetings are devoted to script-in-hand readings of new works. Most meetings consist of several readings - with no writer receiving more than 30 minutes per meeting, unless there's extra time available.

The purpose of NYCPlaywrights readings is to help writers create new plays. So by definition, the plays read at our meetings are not polished, perfected works. While many of our readings are entertaining, newcomers to the group should be aware that some plays will have a raw quality, and clearly in need of changes. Your tolerance is appreciated.

Although our meetings are fairly casual, there is a format we follow:

• People gather between 7 and 7:15. We never know exactly how many people will show up. The attendees are usually a mix of visitors and members. Please note that if you sit in on a meeting you may be asked to participate in a reading. We hope you will say "yes" - and don't worry - just do the best you can. A cold reading can be difficult, even for experienced actors and we understand that. Besides, you might enjoy yourself and discover hidden talents.
• At 7:15, whoever is running the meeting asks the writers who signed up for reading time on the schedule if they have a preference on whether to go first, last etc.
• Once we figure out who goes when, the first writer selects his/her actors, hands out scripts, and the actors are seated in a row of chairs at the head of the room. Usually the writer asks actors, and other audience members, to participate in the reading, but occasionally the writer will cast one or more actor(s) prior to the meeting.
• Before the reading begins, the writer is asked to tell the audience if they're going to hear a complete piece, or an excerpt of a larger work. Then the writer can share anything else with the audience he/she feels is important about the play.
• The play is read aloud by the cast.
• At the end of the reading, the writer is asked if he/she would like to receive feedback from the audience. The NYCPlaywrights philosophy is that feedback is NOT mandatory. If the writer doesn't want feedback, but rather just wanted to hear the work spoken aloud, that is perfectly fine. In fact, it is encouraged - there is no need to ask for feedback for a reading of every play fragment.
• If the writer wishes feedback, he/she is asked if there are any specific questions for the audience. The feedback period is usually limited to ten minutes. Feedback is one of the most controversial aspects of our meetings. Some items to consider about our approach to feedback, if you are considering a writer membership:
• The philosophy of NYCPlaywrights is that main purpose of a reading is for the playwright to hear the work spoken aloud by actors ~ verbal feedback from the audience afterwards is secondary and not at all necessary.
• Feedback is not monitored for content. Anybody in the audience can say whatever they wish about your play (but ONLY the play - no personal remarks are allowed), and you may hear things you don't want to hear. Therefore those who ask for feedback do so at their own risk.
• The point of the readings is to find out what's not working. If you ask for feedback, you should welcome the audience telling you if something is not working for them. If your play is already perfect it doesn't need a reading, it needs to be sent to producers.
• The most important feedback is body language ~ you'll learn more about what the audience really thinks of your play, rather than asking them what they thought - people are often not honest, especially in a public forum. And some people will try to instruct you on how to write a play, which is not what you asked for. If you want to know what the audience really thinks, watch them during the reading.
• Don't argue with people when you ask them to give you feedback. You asked for their opinion - they are giving it to you. Even if you think they are dead wrong, don't argue.
• If your work is produced, the critics and the audience will not spare your feelings (especially the critics) and so you might as well get used to that ~ NYCPlaywrights feedback will help you get a thicker skin.
• For more on feedback, read this article by playwright/teacher Jeff Sweet
• Further reading: On "Constructive" Feedback
• About half-way through the meeting (usually around 8:30) we take a ten minute break.
• Once all the writers on the schedule have had a reading, other members of NYCPlaywrights will be given the chance to have readings of their work, if time permits.
• Once all work has been read, the meeting is over. Normally the meeting will end between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, but we have occasionally ended earlier.

Fundraisers

NYCPlaywrights holds fundraisers several times a year. Writer members of NYCPlaywrights submit scripts and actor members (sometimes joined by non-members) of NYCPlaywrights perform rehearsed script-in-hand readings. In addition to raising money towards defraying the cost of renting meeting space (very expensive in Manhattan), these readings are a chance for writers to see their work performed in a rehearsed, somewhat more formal environment from the usual meetings.

You can see a list of past fundraisers here.

Monologues

NYCPlaywrights presents recordings of monologues by members and by non-members who submitted work to the Monologue Project

History

NYCPlaywrights was founded in Manhattan in November 2000 by Nancy McClernan and Jonathan Flagg. The group has met weekly since then, except for holidays and summer hiatuses. Only one meeting was ever cancelled - the meeting on September 12, 2001.