ROUND 2 of our New Play-Reading Festival KICKS OFF this weekend (May 21-23) and we wanted to introduce you to our 4 finalists. Let’s meet playwright of Georgia Mae James Unplugs America, Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder of Tennessee.
When did you know you wanted to be a playwright?
The first time I heard an audience respond to my words, I knew I wanted to be a playwright. I had never experienced anything like it.
What was the 1st play you wrote?
I had always loved writing scenes and monologues, but I never realized that as a young writer I could write a whole play. Then I saw the Young Playwrights’ Festival at The Public Theatre, and all the writers were my age. Wendy Wasserstein was there that day and after the show, I went up to her and spewed forth all sorts of youthful introspection. She told me I should go home and write a play, so I did. I was 17.
Why should audiences attend the New Play-Reading Festival?
One of the most exciting things about being part of a New Play-Reading Festival is the chance to see new work be born and evolve. You get to be a part of the process.
What do you hope audiences get from attending your play reading?
I hope that audiences laugh, are entertained, and perhaps leave thinking about our relationship with technology.
What’s it been like working with The Growing Stage team?
The positive energy and encouragement that comes from The Growing Stage team has been so motivating!
About Georgia Mae James Unplugs America:
Sometimes in order to feel connected, you have to unplug. When Georgia Mae is left home alone with her two older siblings while her parents take the train into the city, she comes up with big plans for the night. However, Georgia Mae finds herself disappointed when Imogene and Henry are too invested in the electronic devices to play with her. So Georgia Mae decides to shut down the power grid so they won’t have any distractions. However, when they realize their parents are now stranded in the city and can’t get home, the three set off on an adventure to restore power. Along the way they meet a variety of people who help them on their journey, and ultimately, they learn about the simple pleasures of being together — and unplugged.
