Episode 012 – Tori and Mabelle round out their 12-episode season with a cornucopia of topics including: upcoming writing projects; the joy of smooth writing utensils; dislodging constipated gel pens; a seasonal asking for a friend; and an invitation to journey with them on their “The 90-Day Play” adventure by Linda Walsh Jenkins. This week’s writing prompt invites you to peek back at the past (from the future!). Go to show notes.
Episode 011 – Tori and Mabelle talk with one of their artist idols: Sarah Greenman. A storyteller, visual artist and Woo-woo catalyst, Sarah discusses the evolution of her Creative Alchemy Oracle Deck, playwrighting, motherhood and the importance of choosing this life every day. Her upcoming projects, as well as her acclaimed play, Leni, based on the life of Leni Riefenstahl, is also discussed. Sarah poses the question: Is it possible to separate the art from the artist? Sarah offers two prompts inspired by Maggie Smith’s poem, “Good Bones.” Go to show notes.
Episode 010 – Tori and Mabelle talk with theatremaker, film aficionado and podcaster, Tom Steward. Tom digs into the details of dissecting film sequels, starting with dialogue to create compelling stories, holding onto your writing drafts AND the importance of self-advocating. He also shares which horror movie he’d choose to be trapped in. He gives a potentially haunting (but not necessarily) prompt to jumpstart your writing. Go to show notes.
Episode 009 – Tori and Mabelle host the first Hey Playwright festival — 5-Minute Frights. Listen to the whole show of spooky short plays. Though there is no prompt for this episode, we hope it’ll inspire you to write something spooky. Go to show notes.
Episode 008 – Tori and Mabelle talk with Penguin Random House inspirational speaker and creative disruptor, Tania Katan. Tania shares insights about the two Cs of creativity, her life as a best-selling author and Curator of Shenanigans, and how she found her “in” as a public speaker. Tori and Mabelle receive new job titles: Motivational Grader and Storytelling Reporter. She drops two writing prompts, including one from her award-winning book, Creative Trespassing: How To Put The Spark And Joy Back Into Your Work And Life. Go to show notes.
Episode 007 – Tori and Mabelle drop helpful tips on prepping for contest submissions (hint: Don’t be like Johnny Smartypants), including resources for finding opportunities. Everyone’s a winner with a contest-inspired writing prompt. The controversial topics loading toilet paper and loading dishwashers are also discussed. Go to show notes.
Episode 006 – Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright and high school senior, Izzy Ster who shares her thoughts about distance learning, the magic of theatre, her current online curriculum project, and the importance of doing what makes you happy. Izzy won the 2019 California Young Playwrights Contest with her play, Like Father, Like Daughter. Her play, Thorazine, garnered Honorable Mention in Theatremania’s Young Playwrights Festival 2020. Go to show notes.
Episode 005 – Tori and Mabelle talk with one of their favorite actors and an overall good guy, Albert Park, about his artistic journey, before and during the pandemic. He provides a sensory exercise to kickstart your writing. Go to show notes.
Episode 004 – Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright, teaching artist, and calming presence Thelma Virata de Castro. She provides a marvelous prompt and talks about her work as a playwright and a standardized patient. Go to show notes.
Episode 003 – Tori and Mabelle discuss where their inspiration comes from, the magic of eavesdropping, and nice smells. There’s an exercise to try the next time you go grocery shopping and a writing prompt to get you going. Go to show notes.
Episode 002 – Tori and Mabelle talk with Maria Patrice Amon, founder and executive producer of the Latinx New Play Festival at the San Diego Repertory Theatre. Go to show notes.
Episode 001 – Tori and Mabelle introduce themselves to the world, talk about virtual theatre during the pandemic, and compare game faces (or lack thereof). A writing prompt pushing the limits of creative constraints concludes the episode. Go to show notes.