First Steps for Writing a Play
Make it Sparkle Video with John Cariani
Actor and Playwright
3:26 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
In this candid chat titled "First Steps in Writing a Play," seasoned actor and playwright John Cariani shares with Mitch Stark the turbulent yet rewarding journey of transforming an idea into a script. The pair delve into the areas of self-critique, enjoying the process, and navigating the desires for publication in the world of theatrical writing.
Embrace Beginning: John encourages aspiring writers to take the first step and just start writing—highlighting the simplicity yet importance of just ‘doing it.’
Love Critique: Writers should be able to enjoy their work at first but also grow to critique it rigorously, applying a strict lens even after the initial love.
Ruthless Self-Review: He emphasizes the necessity of being as critical of your own work as you would be of others' to ensure quality and depth.
Journey Over Destination: Both discuss how falling in love with the day-to-day process of writing, rather than the end goal, is crucial for storytelling and storytellers.
Production Over Publication: John questions the pursuit of publication over production—underscoring that the true spirit of a play is being seen, not merely read.
About John Cariani
John Cariani is a Tony Award-nominated actor and an accomplished playwright. As a playwright, he is best known for his first play, Almost, Maine, which premiered at Portland Stage Company in 2004, opened Off-Broadway in 2006, and has since become one of the most popular plays in the United States and around the world. The play has received over 5000 productions to date and has been translated into over a dozen languages. It’s also the most frequently produced play in North American high schools, outpacing classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Crucible, and Our Town. A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John’s third play, LOVE/SICK is a huge hit in Mexico City, where it has been made into a film starring Eréndira Ibarra (Sense8). The play will soon be touring Spain with Spanish television star Esther Acebo (Money Heist). John is also a novelist, and his debut novel, Almost, Maine-a novel, was recently published by Fiewel and Friends, an imprint of MacMillan.