What I Learned at the TRU Writer-Director Communications Lab, and Why You Should Go Next Time

I spent most of my Saturday on the third floor of the Players Theatre attending the TRU Writer-Director Communications Lab, and I have to say I enjoyed every minute of it. I think the lab is a “must” for anyone who wants to understand the writer-director dynamic better.The day started out with short presentations from Broadway producers Ken Waissman (“GREASE”, “AGNES OF GOD”, “TORCH SONG TRILOGY”, etc.) and David Garfinkle (“SPIDERMAN”, “GHOST”). The two spoke about their experiences working with directors and writers. They also explained how producers are often called upon to mediate disputes between directors and writers, and how they go about choosing the right directors for their projects.TRU Executive Director Bob Ost then spoke about different personality types and communications styles. I’m still not sure if I’m a Relater or an Analytical communicator, but Bob gave me a lot to think about.But the meat of the Lab was nine conversations between directors and writers who were considering working together. The writers and directors would talk for about ten minutes, and then Ken and David would give feedback about how well they communicated. Basically, Ken and David were saying whether or not, as producers, the conversations indicated good matches or bad matches. And then there was feedback from the other writers and directors in the room. And from me, who Bob Ost was kind enough to allow in as an auditor.Some writers learned they came of as defensive, some as passive. Some directors learned that they needed to show more leadership in their communication styles in order for writers to trust them. Some directors learned they needed to pull back because they were a bit overwhelming. But it’s safe to say that everyone in the room learned a lot about how writers and directors communicate.Perhaps most exciting part for me is that I learned about two upcoming projects I have to see. The first is Chris Savery’s “MARILYN.” Yes, we’re all SMASHED out on Marilyn. But this is a play in verse presenting Marilyn as a tragic heroine in the classical mold. It sounds extremely interesting to me, and is part of the 2013 Midtown International Theatre Festival. You can get information on this production at http://www.midtownfestival.org/.Next is “JACK LONDON: SEX, LOVE AND REVOLUTION,” which is part of this year’s NYC Fringe Festival. This show is directed by my new bestie Kimberly Loren Eaton, and aside from the fact that Jack London is one of my favorite writers I’m really interested to see Kimberly’s work. You can find information about this play at www.fringenyc.org.So why should you go to the next Writer-Director Communication Lab? Because the writer-director relationship is the core on which all theatrical projects are built, and anyone working in theatre could benefit from a better understanding this relationship and its unique characteristics. So start bugging Bob Ost about when TRU will present the next Lab.