Upcoming Ohio Event – November 12

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m., the Ohio Region is hosting DIY: SELF-PRODUCTION FOR PLAYWRIGHTS, LYRICISTS AND COMPOSERS – and those who advocate for them. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Dramatists Guild of America

Event Location:

The event takes place at PlayhouseSquare, 14th Street Theatre, 2037 East 14th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115. Visit www.playhousesquare.org and click on “Plan Your Visit” for a map and directions.

The program includes:

* A two-hour “Self-Production Primer: Brass Tacks,” with Guild Director of Membership, Roland Tec. Fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling will be mapped out in simply, easy-to-digest terms by Tec, who draws on his 20-plus years of experience as a producer of independent theatre and film. It is meant as an introduction to the more hands-on, in-depth exploration of his all-day “Self Production Boot Camp,” offered every January in the Guild’s New York offices.

*David Faux, DG’s Director for Business Affairs, presents a session on “Author as a CEO.” Learn to maintain and protect your intellectual property portfolio through properly structured licensing agreements.

*David Faux also offers his “Review of the Dramatists Bill of Rights,” the distillation of the rights of all writers as set forth in the U.S. Constitution and the Copyright Act of 1976. These rights have been further defined and bolstered by case law and almost a century of industry practice. They express themselves in specific ways for dramatists. If you write for the stage, you need to know your rights. And this lecture presents them with a minimum of legalese.

About PlayhouseSquare:

PlayhouseSquare is the nation’s second largest performing arts center (after Lincoln Center). They have graciously offered to host the event, as well as conduct an optional tour of the complex following adjournment on Saturday afternoon. For a complete list of performances on the weekend of Nov. 11-13, consult www.playhousesquare.org.

This DIY workshop is offered free of charge, but registration is essential and requested by November 10th. There is ample parking in adjacent lots and free street parking (for those who arrive early enough.) Coffee and snacks will be provided; lunch will be on your own.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Faye Sholiton, DG Ohio Regional Representative at fsholiton@dramatistsguild.com.

I have found it always worthwhile to get a beer and talk with people at conferences. Last night held true when I found myself sitting beside Martha Norman as I drank a Blue Moon. We talked a bit off and on and there was nothing particularly profound or involved about our discussion–well, until we got on the subject of copyright. She, being on the DG council, is particularly interested in this subject, and strangely it is my professional career as a librarian which proved more valuable in this conversation. I pointed to a graphic novel by Duke University on copyright; and then had a tense conversation with another gentleman, Frank… I’ll find out later. Regardless, a unique experience to be sure.