The wait list
Today I politely told four more people that my eight-week playwriting workshop, Words That Speak, is sold out. I take only 10 playwrights at a time, and then only five times a year (for a total of 40 weeks); the only time someone new gets in is when someone doesn’t renew. In the course of a year, five slots might open up.
I don’t enjoy turning people down. I really don’t. But I haven’t had extra room in this workshop for quite some time now, and I’m not going to add another workshop because that will cut into my own writing time. If someone doesn’t get in, I offer to put him or her onto the wait list; after which, if there is an opening at some point, I read sample pages and do a phone interview.
But in all the years (21 of them) that I’ve been leading this workshop, I’ve never gotten an entreaty like this one, which I got tonight in an email from someone I don’t know:
Dear Lee,
I want to get information on your play writing workshops. I am working on my first play and it means a lot to me since it has to do with my daughter’s suicide. I really have to make it happen.
Thank You so much.
My heart sank when I saw this; I can’t imagine the despair behind it. As politely as possible, I emailed back, and offered a slot on the wait list.
February 21st, 2014 at 1:25 am
Sad on many levels. Often our most passionate projects are the least successful precisely because we put so much passion into them. The writer could have learned a lot….
February 24th, 2014 at 3:37 pm
I too didn’t jump fast enough when the opening was announced, and someday perhaps I’ll be able to take your workshop. Until then, I have signed up for another class. Perhaps Lee, you can mention this workshop to this playwright who is writing a first play and feels the dire need to take a class immediately. East West Players David Henry Hwang Institute (DHHWI) offers a 10- week class which also takes place on Saturdays– from 10- 2 pm downtown–lead by Playwright Dorie Baizley who also teaches playwriting at Loyola Marymount. It starts March 15.
This workshop focuses on new projects. Participants are asked to bring new ideas and the workshop will be about the development into a new play. So it might be just the thing for that playwright. Can find more info on the East West Players website.
P.S. Though the East West Players focus is on Asian American theater, and most of the participants in the DHHWI are of Asian heritage, it’s not a requirement. I was the only middle- aged white lady in the group and I got so much out of it. Just a suggestion ….