A new play

I'm starting a new play today, but I am having trouble getting started. I question the contemporary relevance of the story, as well as being somewhat confused as to the exact nature of the story in question.

I'm writing about a cult, about a cult leader, and basing the notions loosely on Jonestown. I want the first act to be, more or less, a rollicking good time that comes violently crashing down in the second. In some sense, this echoes the manner "Cabaret" acts.

That being said, I have written the first few words. For the record, I write a lot long hand, but for the final input into digitalis, I use Final Draft.

Further bulletins as events warrant.
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Physicality

Writers are often typified as sedentary creatures, and usually for good reason. Writing entails, at the very least, several hours a day sitting and writing, which while it may be argued as mental gymnastics, does not exactly entail a huge calorie burn. Growing up, I tried to use the notion of writing as a way to excuse myself from the need to exercise, and my mother replied that a single peanut contained enough energy to write Hamlet. I question the validity of that statement, but there is a kernel of truth there. The physical act of writing isn't usually a sweaty grunting effort.

That being said, I have begun to theorize the notion that good thinking requires a clean strong flow of blood. In that regard, I have started an intense physical regimen in order to see if a good fitness results in improved writing.

Further bulletins as events warrant.
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Reading

John Dillon, the head of the department, has given us a list of summer reading.

There are four required texts:

1. "The Empty Space" by Peter Brook
2. "The Fervent Years" by Harold Clurman
3. "Theatre and its Double" by Antonin Artaud
4. "The Idea of A Theatre" by Francis Fergusson

Each of these books will receive a post soon.

In addition, Dillon, at the behest of some other professors, provided a lengthy list of playwrights we should re-familiarize ourselves with, and as I read those plays I will say a little about them.

On a final note, I know it may be crass and commercial, but please take a moment and do a little clicky clicky on the ad links below (or to the side, wherever), as I am a struggling artist and a starving student.
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The Chronicle of a Journey

Welcome friends.

Today I begin this journal to help me understand the happenings of my life and of this journey. I am headed to New York to attend Sarah Lawrence College to acquire my MFA (masters of fine arts) (or as one particularly eloquent stagehand put it, "MotherFucking Arts).

I don't start school until September third, don't head to New Yorlk until August 23; but this feels like something that needs to start now, if nothing else, just to provide a catalogue of all I'm reading in order to prepare myself for the upcoming year.

This initial post will lay a little groundwork in case any new readers stumble on this.

I am twenty seven years old, and have spent the last five years working in the entertainment industry as skilled labor, read as Stagehand. That whole time I harbored a desire to be a writer, a notion the has yet to leave me. With that in mind, I set off for school in order that I might glean some skills in the playwrighting arena.

That being said, so far my encounters with SLC have been less than stellar. My living quarters look quite awful, and I'm wrestling with the food options available... However, I endeavor to remain positive about the experience.

Hence, Off we GO!

(Was that a little cheesy? A bit? I knew it? But I wanted to sound enthusiastic)
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