The play writing workshop Gabriola Players held in September 2021 was such a success that a number of participants, all of whom had some sort of work in progress, decided to carry on with regular meetings of the First Draft Club. Over that autumn they got together, read and listened to one another’s work, and provided encouragement and help, where they could, with stumbling blocks.
Out of that venture came the three plays performed for our 2021 online Christmas show.
Another play was produced when we were finally able to get back to live on stage performances with our 2022 One-Act Play Festival.
New to play writing, Wendy Phillips had this to say after the group wrapped up in 2021:
“The First Draft Club gave me structure (oh no. it’s due tomorrow!), offered constructive feedback and created voices for my one-act play, Miracle at Elder Cedar. This positive group made it possible to try new things with confidence. I highly recommend joining, whether you’re an experienced playwright or just starting out.”
Yet another play that came out of the workshop was recently performed as one of this year’s one-acts.
We’ve decided it’s time for a second round of the First Draft Club. (We will, after all, being looking for new works by local writers to perform at next year’s One-Act Play Festival.)
Beginning next month we’ve got space reserved at the Rollo Centre on Sundays for writers to gather and share their work. The first meeting will be on September 10 from 4pm to 6pm. Meetings will continue most weeks until mid-November. (By which time we hope we will have a number of submissions for possible performance at next year’s festival!)
As before, the group will be self-funded, with a registration fee of $45 ($30 for members of Gabriola Players) to cover the cost of renting the venue.
Interested? To register send an email to gabriolaplayers@gmail.com.