In August I attended the Philadelphia Dramatist Center (PDC) held a bake off but of course in this world of pivoting it came with a twist. The theatre world has been rocked to its core. How can they offer shows to audiences if the audience can’t convene?
72 Hour Bake Off
The Play-Writing Bake off is allowing playwrights the ability to write a brand new fresh play with a 72 hour time frame. This isn’t easily done. From the creativity that has to flow to sheer wit, this challenge is anything but easy! They are given a list of ingredients to use. This could be words, scenarios etc. The plays were about 10 minutes each. I was blown away by the fact that there were so many entries that even with the 2 hour production it wasn’t enough time to get everyone’s play to be seen.
Laid Back Environment Full of Welcomed Energy
What I enjoyed outside of seeing these plays that were done was the fact that the environment is welcoming for every last person! Every person was allowed to take space. That’s refreshing. Oh and I know like many you may be zoomed out. They do a lot of their shows On Facebook live. This is to me a better way to feel as if you’re on an online show without that work feeling of Zoom.
Bake-Off On Brand
Do you remember when I went to my first Philadelphia Dramatist Center production of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate? Their core mission which in my opinion sets them apart from other theatre is all about development. The Bake Off was so on brand. They are keeping the writers and actors/actresses skills sharp. Creativity never dies. Creators are always finding ways to stay connected. One way is to always make sure that you do what you love. I’ve been around theatre my whole life Philadelphia Dramatist Center is by far ahead of themselves. Where others offers only conferences to sharpen skills their whole mantra is about developing playmaking skills.
Happy Hour
Remember what life was like to go to a happy hour? Yeah I do too! Happy hours are all about connecting with others outside of your normal gathering. Philadelphia Dramatist have always been the leaders of ongoing Happy Hours. It’s their way to have board members and members alike come and unite! Their next one will be held on Monday November 9 at 7pm! They are always free. To attend hit the link. This is a great way to connect and network. One thing about the Philly Theatre community they are tight knit. If you’re in-you’re family!
What’s coming up with PDC?
Tonight they are having PDC’s Witching Hour! This will be 6 shows being acted out! The show starts at 7 but doors open at 6:30! You can register for the show here! I won’t be able to attend but I will be reviewing it and coming back to report to you! The show is free and will be very ghostly fun!
Keep Theatre Alive: PDC Giving
We all need to be able to lean in and on one another. If you want to donate to Philadelphia Dramatist Center please consider donating here through their PayPal!
Thank you Philadelphia Dramatist Center for having me and thinking of me to review your amazing productions! I look toward to reviewing the Witching Hour!!
