Re-inventing the wheel

So, now I’ve got four books available to buy: Each of the produced two-act plays and a compendium of all three in one book (the bonus here is that you can save a bundle – and don’t forget to use the ‘standard’ delivery option).

But over the weekend I got a call from the director of the production of Denim that is due this October.

She had a problem… And that problem was language… More to the point, the language that I had used in Denim (in a few areas) was a little to graphic.

Now I have to stress that it was not a request to remove all the swear words in the script. I was a concern that some of the imagery that certain line evoke are a little graphic – especially when they are delivered by female members of the cast.

Normally I would have told the director that they have to stick with what they are presented. But this director had a very interesting point.

This is an amateur production. An amateur production that is going to be performed in a fairly secluded theatre. A theatre that depends on it’s regular audience. A regular audience that is becoming advancing in years but retiring in what they find acceptable.

So when a young woman on the stage makes references to oral sex as a put down, the director was worried that this could turn her audience against her.

And I could see her point.

So I’ve sent a couple of toned down alternatives to certain lines that were causing her and the committee a few raised eyebrows.

From the response… All of my suggestions have been accepted… By the director… Let’s see what the committee think.

I’m glad that it was me that did it though (and until I see the production, they’re not going into the master script – I like pushing an audience, unless the modifications are actually funnier!). The main advantage of me writing these alternatives is that I can do one of two things: 1. Keep the flow and not change the meaning of that extract. 2. Point out that it’s not always necessary to change a line or a scene, but it may require an additional line that enables the audience to feel more comfortable with what’s just happened, by getting someone on stage to complain (in context) on their behalf.

But it’s rather odd going back to a play that you wrote some time ago and alter lines that you have heard delivered.

I just hope I haven’t re-treaded a perfectly good wheel and turned it into an automotive 50p piece.

Come and see Denim!

That's right folks - you have the chance to see a production of Denim!
Sound familiar?
No, this isn't the production in Southampton this October.
This is a new production, this May in Pewsey, Wiltshire.
That's right, yet another contract signed and another production coming this way!
Click here for more details on the club - you'll even see the calling notice for the auditions if you look hard enough.
As always, as soon as I get information regarding box office, I'll publish it here and on the website.

Buy more books!

Okay, so I’ve gone publishing mad. Mark of a Gentleman and Prime Directive are now available to buy.

A top tip though (from bitter experience) do not use the ‘Express’ delivery option.

The only flaw that I can find in the company that I am using to publish the scripts is that it is based in America. Not that there is anything wrong with America, it’s just that the scripts have to be posted from there.

If you use the ‘Express’ option (as I did – as I forgot that there was more than one delivery option) you end up paying about £10 for P&P.

However, if you use the ‘Standard’ delivery option it will only set you back £2.18 P&P! Sure you’ll wait a little longer, but I’d sooner that you got the play and thought about buying another, rather than being put off by the price.

I would love to hear from anyone that buys a script! So comment here, or send me an email to the usual address.

Take care.

Jay

Fancy something new?

Check it out people. The JaysPlays.Net has changed. So has the blog.

But there is more!

Denim is now under contract for performance! That’s right, you have the chance to see the show! View the ‘What’s On Now’ section of the website for more details.

And it doesn’t stop there! (Getting tired of the exclamation marks yet?)

I am now published. You can buy your own copy of Denim – TODAY! Just click here to go to the store and buy your own copy.

And there are plans for Mark of a Gentleman, Prime Directive, a book of one-act plays and a book of shorts.

Keep coming back – and enjoy the ride!

Brace!

I mentioned that there are going to be changes to the website…

This is your last chance to see what the site looks like (Yeah baby, use that link over there! Oh! And the last chance to see my ugly mug online!).

Well the new website is due for launch tomorrow (3 February 2007) between 2100 and 2300 (GMT).

You will see some dramatic changes. You will see more information. You will see performance rights contracts.

But brace once again…

Once the new website is online… you have better be prepared for a change to the way this blog looks…

You were warned!

Oh, You’re Back Are You…?

Once again, I have to start with an apology.

There are times when I hate this blog – and most of those time are caused my factors that are out of my control.

You’ll have noticed that the Submission Spree came to an end.

So what’s the excuse this time?

I mentioned that my mother appeared to be ill. Unfortunately, we were all too right.

There is something very unsettling about having to face your parents mortality. In only just about coped with it when my father had his heart attack… When it came to his heart by pass…

But I eventually came to terms with the fact that my Dad isn’t the Superman that I thought he was when I was a kid. He is mortal. And I have to face the fact that one day he isn’t going to be here.

But then to discover that mum has cancer… To discover that they will never be able to cure it, just ‘manage’ it…

Sorry folks, but I thought my time was better spent supporting Mum and Dad rather than pitching people that don’t reply and blogging about failure.

But I’m back!

I’ll blog about the submission spree and what happened as a result of what little I managed to do before Mum fell ill.

I’ll also be blogging about some rather drastic news about what’s happening to the website.

And most excitingly, I’ll be blogging about some very exciting news about forthcoming productions.

Blue Skies

Jay