tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115838422012-01-06T15:40:07.843-05:00Musings of a madcap playwright <br><a href="http://www.bradleyhayward.com">www.bradleyhayward.com</a>Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-56303196847726204152011-12-20T12:50:00.001-05:002011-12-20T12:51:52.045-05:00

One of my earliest plays continues to do well with high school and community theater groups. Here is a short clip I was sent from a terrific production of The Wedding Downpour that was produced in Reynolds, North Dakota!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-76533860032311382912011-11-20T14:23:00.014-05:002011-11-20T15:01:54.509-05:00

I was recently invited to East York Collegiate Institute in Toronto to attend a classroom performance of my play Split.I was very excited to see their presentation because the play is very dear to my heart and I was curious to know how they had interpreted the material. As it turns out, the play is perfect for classroom study! After speaking with the students afterward, I learned how the play

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-10506337682688173952011-11-18T12:25:00.019-05:002011-11-18T16:07:04.776-05:00

The North American tour of the Mary Poppins musical is in Toronto right now. Here's a re-post of my thoughts on the original Broadway production, which I saw several years ago... The best film ever made by the Walt Disney Studio is Mary Poppins. It might even be the best movie period. It only makes sense, then, to assume it would also make the best stage musical. Unfortunately, the

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-23560512573599447912011-10-21T15:16:00.015-04:002011-11-02T00:26:31.198-04:00

Carrot River is a small town in Northern Saskatchewan, notable for the discovery of the skeletal remains of a 92 million year old crocodile named Big Bert. What it should be known for, however, is its abundance of community spirit. This past weekend I made a trip up to Carrot River to catch productions of two of my plays, Smarty Pants and Drama Geeks. I'm always excited to see my plays because

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-74597309412244188762011-09-30T16:29:00.001-04:002011-09-30T23:35:13.313-04:00

I have added a brand new play to my website! This crowd pleasing comedy is perfect for all age groups!LIP SERVICEGenre: ComedyCast: 1m, 1w, 10 flexibleRunning Time: 30 minutesSetting: One interiorSynopsis: They say love conquers all, but that was before The Monkey Bar opened its doors. When Charlie made his reservation at the trendy restaurant to ask for Laura's hand in marriage, he had no

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-59551946856879012042011-09-29T00:18:00.001-04:002011-09-29T17:45:13.973-04:00

Sixteen Shambles (aka The Birthday Spaz, aka Spaz!) is my latest release from Eldridge Plays and Musicals.Okay, that's only part of the story. Six years ago I was so excited when my very first play was accepted for publication. It's a very funny play that still ranks among my personal favorites. The story revolves around a teenage girl named Janet who is having the worst day of her life. This

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-17048349408564612092011-09-28T16:27:00.008-04:002011-09-28T17:19:22.293-04:00

My latest comedy Epic Fail is now available from Eldridge Plays and Musicals!My relationship with Eldridge has been a wonderful one! They published my very first play, which certainly had a major influence on my decision to pursue a career in playwrighting.I now have four plays published with them and hope there will be many more to come. My first break out hit was The Da Vinci Cold and last

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-89084342366219149942011-09-13T14:40:00.003-04:002011-09-13T14:59:31.106-04:00

I had a dream.Seven characters came into my brain and inhabited it for a while.I told their stories and they left.Now I'm sitting in my living room with the absolutely stunning books for Sixteen in 10 Minutes or Less in my lap.The dream came true.Now it's time for the characters to take on lives of their own.So take a risk.And make it happen.You won't regret it.

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-51761694108434105972011-09-09T10:49:00.012-04:002011-09-18T02:40:42.579-04:00

There is a wonderful new online publisher of plays for the youth market, appropriately named YouthPLAYS. They have a wealth of excellent material by excellent writers that keeps growing on a daily basis. If you have not checked out their website, please do so by clicking on their logo below.Not only do they have terrific plays to offer, but you can read lengthy excerpts of each and every one

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-6290863746858202052011-09-08T02:33:00.000-04:002011-09-08T02:55:36.808-04:00

I have a new comedy called Lip Service that I'm very excited about! It's a screwball comedy, which is far and away my favorite film genre. I'd be hard pressed to come up with movies I enjoy more than Bringing Up Baby, The Palm Beach Story, What's Up Doc? and Easy Living. I always wondered if the wacky situations and zippy dialogue (trademarks of a screwball comedy) would translate onstage, so

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-10695732116416919482011-09-07T18:22:00.004-04:002011-09-07T18:26:34.969-04:00

Anyone involved in high school drama for at least a day has heard of the play This is a Test by Stephen Gregg. It's a really great piece of theater that students have had a blast with since it was published in 1988. Gregg offers in the stage directions that it's "a play that begs to be messed with" and "any changes are acceptable per the author." Sounds like fun, right?! No wonder that it's

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-65385925932312832612011-09-06T16:52:00.003-04:002011-09-06T16:54:36.270-04:00

Here's a super fun clip from an awesome production of The Birthday Spaz that I thought I'd share. Enjoy!Courtesy of Gordon F. Kells High School - Carlyle, SK

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-69109896842225995612011-09-04T16:33:00.001-04:002011-09-04T16:44:11.758-04:00

As I've become more experienced at writing plays for high school students, I've also become better at writing roles that may be played by either male or female actors. Writing gender neutral roles is a particular skill that is often challenging, frustrating and limiting. Ultimately, however, it can also be quite rewarding. Back when I started writing plays, I was pretty set in my ways. The

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-85412891678560874492011-08-24T01:10:00.005-04:002011-09-07T18:51:24.849-04:00

Oprah Made Me Do It is one of my most popular plays, yet I rarely have the chance to see it produced. So for my own amusement I had a little fun with an online animation studio. Enjoy...

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-12408191983983048162011-08-23T03:02:00.006-04:002011-08-23T03:28:36.913-04:00

Just yesterday I received my copies of Split from Theatrefolk. It's always exciting to see what I've worked so hard on finally appear in print! It's amazing that what started as just a few scribbles on a page is now a play that will hopefully produced for years to come. It went from this... To this... There was a time when all I dreamed about was having a play published. Now I have over

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-19369718080622398992011-08-22T19:22:00.003-04:002011-08-22T19:24:53.272-04:00

I have added a brand new play to my website! This comedy features a completely flexible cast, easy to rehearse vignettes and terrific opportunities for young actors to work as an ensemble. EPIC FAIL Genre: Comedy Cast: Entirely flexible cast of 5-30+ Running Time: 30-35 minutes Setting: A bare stage with a few blocks Synopsis: Teenagers are faced with failure every day. Some mornings it

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-76930624867466233542011-08-15T14:05:00.003-04:002011-08-15T14:08:13.883-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! Bottled Up Genre: Comedy Cast: 2 either gender Running Time: 10 minutes Setting: A bare stage Synopsis: When a depressed man opens a bottle of Coca-Cola, he uncorks an exuberant genie who is hopped up on sugar and caffeine. This genie would love to grant him three wishes, but that becomes difficult when he realizes that he has no clue what he wants.

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-62100438186332374072011-08-10T18:15:00.005-04:002011-08-10T18:38:00.240-04:00

I've been reading a lot of plays recently and I've decided to write about the ones that have really stuck in my mind as something special. One of them is a play that I briefly mentioned on here a few months ago, but I feel it deserves further discussion. It's a fabulous one act play called Tracks by Peter Tarsi. Here is the synopsis from Dramatic Publishing's website: A group of strangers

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-70603376043329610922011-08-08T16:11:00.011-04:002011-08-08T17:04:55.498-04:00

"I'm going out of my mind!" Scatter, Outside the Box I'm so thrilled to share this brand new play with the world. Its message is near and dear to me and I hope it encourages people to open their hearts (and minds) to all the teenagers out there whose ideas are slightly left of center. Enjoy... OUTSIDE THE BOX Genre: Comedy/Drama Cast: Entirely gender flexible cast of 12 Running Time: 30-35

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-43416413453253694342011-08-03T08:19:00.000-04:002011-08-03T12:49:18.613-04:00

I have added a brand new play to my website!SPOILER ALERTGenre: ComedyCast: 2m, 3wRunning Time: 30-35 minutesSetting: A blank stageSynopsis: Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. When a loud mouth in the front row gives away the shocking conclusion to this story, the rest of the audience begins to question their motives. Is it better to know how a story ends or experience

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-69161935549306293122011-08-02T10:43:00.002-04:002011-08-02T11:42:54.037-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! Status Update: A SymphonyGenre: Comedy/DramaCast: 3m, 4wRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: Cyberspace Synopsis: Seven teenagers express their hopes and fears online in a rousing symphony of status updates. Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-53620266853824252172011-08-01T09:42:00.000-04:002011-08-01T12:24:38.579-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! TumblefurGenre: Comedy/DramaCast: 1wRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: A park Synopsis: A sweet teenage girl takes her dog for a walk in the park and discovers that there is something exciting around every corner. Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-66910350649378532472011-07-31T17:41:00.000-04:002011-07-31T20:52:35.985-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! WheelsGenre: DramaCast: 2mRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: A driveway Synopsis: A teenage boy tries to repair a beat-up old truck so that he can get away from his parents and their broken down marriage. Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-20002924362610954972011-07-29T05:40:00.004-04:002011-07-29T12:26:46.775-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! Bench WarrantGenre: Comedy/DramaCast: 4wRunning Time: 10 minutes Synopsis: Three teenage girls have claimed a bench as their very own and routinely chase away all the "losers" who come near it. However, when Laura arrives on the scene, these bullies decide to have a little fun with her first. Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-17127991608064359832011-07-28T16:38:00.001-04:002011-07-28T19:34:44.463-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! Pay PhoneGenre: ComedyCast: 1m, 3 voicesRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: A shopping mall hallway Synopsis: When a teenager loses his cell phone, he has no choice but to use a pay phone. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when a mysterious operator starts telling him what to do. Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-59855337986159548772011-07-27T05:37:00.001-04:002011-07-27T12:38:21.261-04:00

I have added a new play to my website!FireworksGenre: DramaCast: 1m, 1fRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: Somewhere under the starsSynopsis: A couple of teenagers in love look up at the night sky and wait for colorful explosions to dance among the stars.Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-79382596839388690402011-07-25T11:35:00.003-04:002011-07-25T11:39:26.777-04:00

I am thrilled to report that Brooklyn Publishers has accepted Vamp Ire for publication. Stay tuned this fall for its release. It will also be carried in the Heuer Publishing catalog.VAMP IRE Genre: ComedyRunning Time: 30 minutesCast: 2m, 3wSynopsis: It's finally time for Kaitlyn's parents to meet her "super hot" new boyfriend. There's just one tiny detail that might put a snag in their

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-53467790268210154182011-07-24T00:36:00.000-04:002011-07-25T11:46:27.969-04:00

I have added a new play to my website!Lazy EyeGenre: ComedyCast: 2 actors, either genderRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: Two eye socketsSynopsis: Two eyeballs get bent out of shape while defending their half of a teenager's brain.Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-83075179475870835292011-07-23T05:34:00.001-04:002011-07-28T20:19:04.727-04:00

I have added a new play to my website!Brace YourselfGenre: ComedyCast: 1m, 1wRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: A bathroomSynopsis: A teenage brother and sister squabble as they try to extract a stray gummy bear that has lodged itself in a set of braces.Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-41845899271836669342011-07-22T10:59:00.005-04:002011-07-28T19:34:31.748-04:00

I am happy to report that Playscripts, Inc has accepted Note to Self for publication. Stay tuned this fall for its release!NOTE TO SELF Genre: ComedyRunning Time: 35 minutesCast: Entirely flexible cast of 8-100Synopsis: Note to self: it's not easy being a teenager. With the help of a rhyming chorus, ten teenagers have their inner monologues brought to life in a series of hilarious

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-58689155753821411472011-07-21T05:33:00.000-04:002011-07-21T10:20:55.875-04:00

I have added a new play to my website!Double ClickGenre: ComedyCast: 1m, 1wRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: Two bedroomsSynopsis: Young love blossoms when two teenagers flip open their laptops and start chatting.Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-17293676849288775922011-07-20T17:28:00.003-04:002011-07-20T17:32:46.869-04:00

I have added a new play to my website!Friend RequestGenre: ComedyCast: 3m, 4wRunning Time: 10 minutesSetting: CyberspaceSynopsis: Thanks to a series of ill-fated friend requests, a doctored photo of a student spreads like wildfire among a group of teenagers.Part of Sixteen (in 10 Minutes or Less)Please visit www.bradleyhayward.com and follow the links to read a preview!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-3554327115214352412011-07-19T00:52:00.000-04:002011-07-19T11:51:06.793-04:00

I have added a new play to my website! I'm not one for Twilight or True Blood, but it was actually a lot of fun to write a vampire story with my spin on it. Enjoy!Vamp IreGenre: ComedyCast: 2m, 3wRunning Time: 30-35 minutesSetting: A living roomSynopsis: It's finally time for Kaitlyn's parents to meet her "super hot" new boyfriend. There's just one tiny detail that might put a snag in their

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-67516134131001300202011-07-18T11:35:00.000-04:002011-07-18T12:46:08.626-04:00

I am extremely excited to have added a new play to my website! This one is quite different from the type of material I usually write, but it was a great deal of fun for me to come up with an absurd, totally wacky and all together strange piece of theater. Play, indeed!20 Books in Search of a ReaderGenre: ComedyCast: 2-21 actors, either genderRunning Time: 25-35 minutesSetting: A deskSynopsis:

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-91569103922558856882011-07-12T05:13:00.013-04:002011-07-12T22:40:33.504-04:00

I am extremely excited to have added a new play (or should I say, plays) to my website! I am especially proud of this full-length collection of ten 10 minute plays and hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did writing them. In addition to being performance pieces, they would also make terrific classroom material for drama students and teachers.SIXTEEN (in 10 Minutes or Less)Genre: Comedy/

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-49696706922615456602011-07-03T14:27:00.004-04:002011-07-22T10:48:25.268-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that I have added a brand new play to my website...NOTE TO SELFGenre: ComedyRunning Time: 35 minutesCast: Entirely flexible cast of 8-100Setting: Bare stageSynopsis: Note to self: it's not easy being a teenager. With the help of a rhyming chorus, ten teenagers have their inner monologues brought to life in a series of hilarious vignettes. From a cyberstalking mom and

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-42309548645870314392011-06-29T14:14:00.004-04:002011-06-29T18:48:05.161-04:00

As many writers will attest, the most difficult part of the process is staring at a blank page. At that very moment, anything is possible. But as soon as you commit to that first letter, whatever you are writing begins to take on a life of its own. Lately I've been writing long hand in little notebooks because it's amazing how many good ideas are swallowed by a simple key stoke. What seems

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-44889077269209676152011-06-22T03:41:00.007-04:002011-07-03T14:40:45.937-04:00

I am excited to have added a new play to my website! This crowd pleasing comedy is perfect for all age groups!THEY SAY...Genre: ComedyCast: 2w, 3mRunning Time: 30 minutesSetting: One exteriorSynopsis: They say you should never swim on a full stomach. They say you should never talk to strangers. They say you should never say never. Who exactly are they? And who the hell do they think they

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-43459214973852256312011-06-18T10:23:00.006-04:002011-06-22T03:54:11.658-04:00

Anyone looking for a hilarious, theatrical, crazy, wacky, thoughtful, intelligent, bizarre, inspiring one act play need not look any further. I had the enormous pleasure of reading a new play by another writer named Bradley...Bradley Walton. That play is The Utterly Insidious and Terrifying Truth About Cat Hair (best title ever!) and I beg you to click on over to Theatrefolk and order yourself

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-33564503711560467942011-06-01T14:58:00.008-04:002011-06-22T03:33:00.385-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that Theatrefolk has accepted Split for publication! Scripts should be available later this summer or early fall. Stay tuned!SYNOPSIS: Children of divorce are united through humor in this honest and theatrical look at the day to day reality of growing up in a family that's been torn apart. As these teenagers navigate a winding road that includes new bedrooms,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-11454065949467794932011-05-15T22:48:00.001-04:002011-06-22T04:13:40.408-04:00

Awards. Both exciting and perplexing. How can one measure an artistic achievement? There is only one front-of-house adjudicator and one backstage adjudicator at this festival, so the awards often come down to personal preference. In years past the adjudicators here have been wonderfully impartial about the plays themselves, and I'm sure the same was true this year. Regardless, theater is a

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-6810835048851228502011-05-14T18:25:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:27:39.649-04:00

As quickly as it started, the festival has drawn to a close. The last two plays this afternoon were both comedies and both were very well done...THE QUEST FOR QUASI by Darlene Gonzalez, presented by Rosetown Central School - What a fun play that a parodies a number of famous fairy tales. The young lady who played Quasimodo was truly terrific because she commanded the stage without ever

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-6379625030312036872011-05-13T23:50:00.001-04:002011-06-22T03:27:53.814-04:00

Today started with workshops while the students from last night's shows met with the adjudicator. I have to say that I had a totally awesome, wildly inventive and hysterically funny group of students in my workshop. My workshop is all about using improv as a playwrighting tool and I was amazed at the level of creativity that I found in my group. Each and every one of them had something vital

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-13906964109636201302011-05-12T23:55:00.001-04:002011-06-22T03:28:52.481-04:00

At long last, the 2011 Saskatchewan Drama Association provincial festival is upon us. When I was a teenager it felt like an eternity before the festival would roll around, but now it feels like I was just here for last year's festival. I started out the day at a delicious luncheon with a few of the adult directors and SDA staff. I have to say that the SDA staff and volunteers are some of the

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-70682488451387422182011-05-04T01:48:00.007-04:002011-09-16T01:43:25.285-04:00

I have often referred to my plays as unicorns. Rumor has it they exist, yet catching a performance is about as rare as seeing a mystical beast with a horn coming out of its forehead. The year 2010 was a great year for my plays with more productions than any other year. I am so grateful that there are teachers, students and publishers out there who find my plays appealing enough to spend hours

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-57018146830314180852011-01-30T21:35:00.004-05:002011-06-22T03:31:39.255-04:00

I have a brand new play that's been added to my website and is available for production. Please visit Drama Geeks by clicking on the title.SYNOPSIS: Nine over-dramatic high school students gather on a bare stage. They've been invited by a cheeky narrator who poses a question that has confused actors for generations: “To be or not to be?” Knowing the answer becomes the difference between

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-18420447294286767832011-01-28T03:33:00.003-05:002011-06-22T03:55:55.503-04:00

Craig and Lindsay "Spread the Love" for The Waking Moment. Reading copies can be purchased at www.theatrefolk.com. Theatrefolk is a great publisher of plays for high school and middle school performers, so definitely check out all the wonderful material they have available!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-7452570137434857702010-10-06T14:42:00.110-04:002011-06-22T03:47:30.157-04:00

Over the years, the Academy Award nominations have been fraught with dozens of egregious errors of judgment and exclusion. Following are 30 sensational performances that were, for one reason or another, completely ignored by the Academy. I'm not saying all of them should have won, but to leave them off the ballot entirely should make any Academy member blush. Now that we are gearing up for

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-69050415716691844992010-05-08T16:21:00.008-04:002011-06-22T03:34:11.273-04:00

THE PERILS OF CHIEF CIMÄGASIW OF CÏCIGANÏHK by Duncan Ball, presented by Charlebois Community School – I was completely enamoured by this production. While not as polished as many of the plays here, there was a spirit about this show that was infectious. The actors could have worked on their diction, the blocking could have been more varied and the set could have been more functional; however,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-68624249731122719532010-05-08T10:13:00.003-04:002011-02-06T21:44:54.760-05:00

JUST ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAY by Bryan Starchman, presented by Broadview High School – Backstage comedies always score with an audience and this was no exception. I loved the visual aspects of this production, as well as the comic timing of many of the leads. The play itself has an extended sequence involving puppets, which is not an easy task, and Shayna Moore expertly switched between numerous

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-24465254240732000752010-05-07T18:46:00.005-04:002011-06-22T03:47:58.439-04:00

There were four plays tonight so the back of my shirt is a bit sticky from sitting for so long. However, they were well played and a joy to watch. I’d also like to point out what a phenomenal audience the students are this year. Cell phones were tucked away for the most part, and everyone was an active participant. One usually thinks a play is made up of actors and stage crew, but the audience is

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-57375581254670223742010-05-06T15:24:00.011-04:002011-06-22T03:34:36.578-04:00

This weekend I am attending the 2010 Saskatchewan Drama Association Provincial One Act Play Festival. I can hardly believe it’s been a year since I was here in Regina for the 2009 festival. Last year I attended as the judge of the playwrighting competition, and I work shopped the play Table Talk by Daniel Russell. This year I have the good fortune of having a play of my own, Laughing Stock, in

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-44521329076491923292010-04-02T12:48:00.011-04:002011-06-22T03:41:01.506-04:00

People often ask me why I am an advocate for high school competitive drama and my answer is always the same: Nobody questions competitive sports, so why is the theatre any different? Obviously theatre is far more subjective than the number of touchdowns in football or goals in soccer; however, it's the spirit of competition that thrills me. Drama festivals help frazzled teachers keep their actors

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-26115471891154923692010-02-25T01:29:00.012-05:002011-06-22T11:23:05.794-04:00

It's that time of year again, as high schools across Saskatchewan are preparing for their one act play festivals. I remember as a teenager looking forward to these weekends the whole year long. The weeks leading up to the festival, I could barely sleep from all the excitement. So it's funny that 12 years later, I am still looking forward to them, but from the other side of the stage. Instead of

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-42194689991384665232010-02-07T02:40:00.007-05:002010-02-07T02:52:30.001-05:00

Parkersburg High School in West Virginia took Imaginary Harry to the International Thespian Festival last year and did a fantastic job! Below is a video of the show, presented in its entirety. Enjoy!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-57857549682800118402009-12-22T01:01:00.006-05:002009-12-22T23:50:39.276-05:00

10. Finding Nemo (2003)Thanks to Ellen Degeneres and her wickedly funny performance as Dory, this comic showstopper never fails to delight.  With something to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, this visual feast for the eyes will stick around for many generations to come.9. The Station Agent (2003)So little happens during the course of the film that it’s amazing how it has stuck so clearly in my

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-48723847928741308672009-12-21T20:44:00.010-05:002009-12-22T01:27:42.480-05:00

20. Frozen River (2008)Winner of the Sundance film festival, this movie sneaks up and sticks with you forever.  Melissa Leo has been working for years, but her performance here finally garnered the kind of attention she has deserved all along.  It also has a brilliantly spare screenplay that never hits a false note because every moment is necessary.19. Ratatouille (2007)Pixar never shies away

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-78213370082447354452009-12-20T12:11:00.009-05:002009-12-20T12:27:54.416-05:00

30. Michael Clayton (2007)  You have to pay close attention, as this complex thriller is not served with a spoonful of Hollywood sugar.  It’s also far better the second time around, once you’ve had a chance to digest the shocking ending and its disturbing implications.  George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson are in a league all of their own. 29. The Queen (2006) Playing a public

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-19434041036293307852009-12-18T00:59:00.015-05:002009-12-18T01:24:00.119-05:00

40. Chicago (2002) This musical was ahead of its time when it premiered on Broadway in the 70’s to little fanfare. Thankfully its successful stage revival lead to this sensational movie, which single handedly revived the movie musical.  Rob Marshall’s flashy direction evokes Bob Fosse, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.39. Dan in Real Life (2007) Sometimes a little sweetness goes a

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-87762143254639536542009-12-14T16:27:00.018-05:002009-12-18T01:22:29.495-05:00

I was challenged by a friend to make a list of my favorite 50 films from the last decade. What started as just a simple list turned into a nostalgic look at the last ten years of my life. A lot has happened to all of us since the new millennium began. While recalling Bridget Jones’s Diary, for instance, I realized as I sat in the darkened theatre that night, the World Trade Center was still

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-8449325859263531182009-09-14T10:53:00.003-04:002011-06-22T11:24:22.108-04:00

Theatrefolk has just posted a video in their "Spread the Love" series, featuring my latest play, Smarty Pants. This series is one of the many reasons why I am so proud to be a part of this company. Craig and Lindsay give each and every play in their catalogue a chance to shine, and that's because they truly stand behind the work they represent. I am excited to have this new play in their

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-56459311077364839242009-09-02T11:40:00.009-04:002011-06-22T03:36:19.070-04:00

I am happy to report that scripts and production rights for Smarty Pants are now available for purchase from Theatrefolk. To read an excerpt, or to order a complete script, click HERE.Theatrefolk has a fantastic variety of scripts for students, so I encourage you to take a look at all they have to offer. If you are looking for the perfect script to produce with your students, I'm sure somewhere

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-71620920729320721582009-08-24T12:19:00.005-04:002011-06-22T11:24:51.055-04:00

Yet another video clip from one of my personal favorite plays, The Jigsaw Puddle. The cast did an amazing job, and I particularly like their Southern accents. Take a look!

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-83448428062493892982009-08-20T11:40:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:49:41.824-04:00

I've been on a bit of a vacation, but here is another video clip from an awesome production of The Birthday Spaz. Gordon F. Kells High in Carlyle has been very faithful to my work over the past few years and they always do a fantastic job. Here's a peek...

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-35698173322946563122009-07-05T20:06:00.007-04:002011-06-22T03:36:36.151-04:00

I'm slowly adding video clips from my plays to my website and thought I would start with the very first production of my very first play, Backstage Broadway. It was so much fun being able to direct my own play, and I am pleased to be able to share a scene from the play with you here.

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-60962948951046611712009-06-17T11:39:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:36:50.389-04:00

I just recently saw the documentary Every Little Step, which follows the audition process for the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. Years ago I used to be an actor on the stage, but watching this movie I realized I could never ever go back to that again! I felt such a sick feeling in my stomach for the poor actors, going through absolute hell in order to achieve their dreams. I am far more

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-53512813722988636252009-06-06T21:46:00.014-04:002011-06-22T03:50:04.817-04:00

I have a couple of plays that rarely get produced, even though they receive the same amount of exposure as my other plays with the same publishers. I don't think it's because they are lesser in quality. In fact, one of them I consider among my best work, and that would be The Waking Moment. It's one of very few dramas I have written, and I am extremely proud of the story and how it is told. To

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-18370610578290972009-06-04T18:43:00.006-04:002011-06-22T03:37:58.796-04:00

I just posted a new one-act comedy to my website, Hair's the Thing. It's listed under "Ten Minute Plays."SYNOPSIS: A woman untangles her life, and her hair, thanks to a strange man she meets while dining all alone.

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-29893006005931137212009-06-01T01:56:00.005-04:002011-06-22T03:38:08.941-04:00

I am just the luckiest guy in the world these days. I recently received the excellent news that Theatrefolk has accepted Smarty Pants (formerly known as Kindergarten High) for publication! Theatrefolk has been very good to me over the years, and I am honored to have another play alongside the wonderful material they already have to offer. I will keep you posted in the coming months, when scripts

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-29839045250203648052009-05-30T16:29:00.009-04:002011-06-22T03:38:18.819-04:00

I just posted a new one-act comedy to my website, Match.Comedy. SYNOPSIS: Trevor is about to pop the question to the love of his life, Audrey. Only things don't quite go as planned when his marriage proposal is interrupted by a parade of women sent to him by an online dating service. Among his potential matches are an emotional train wreck, domineering single mother, adulterous vixen,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-60716105755515871802009-05-22T13:42:00.009-04:002011-06-22T03:38:27.474-04:00

I just posted a new one-act comedy to my website, Kindergarten High. It's a fun and challenging piece that encourages students to develop strong characterizations. I invite you to read the excerpt on my site and send me an email if you'd like to see the entire script!SYNOPSIS: Dallas has always been the class intellectual. After years of slumming through public school, he’s thrilled to take part

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-40240987250812373072009-05-20T13:26:00.008-04:002011-06-22T03:50:30.384-04:00

I am just amazed at the power of the internet. It's been less than two weeks since I posted my latest one-acts on my website and I already have 5 productions of Laughing Stock lined up and 3 for Attention Detention. I am truly stunned. Were it not for the internet, it's very possible I would be writing in a vacuum. I would have play upon play piled on my desk, just waiting for a production. But

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-52647981560338125152009-05-16T22:38:00.010-04:002011-06-22T03:50:42.606-04:00

I just posted a new one-act comedy to my website, Laughing Stock. I am particularly proud of this play and invite you to read a bit of it at my website.SYNOPSIS: Michael thinks his life is boring. He stands onstage, wondering why the audience has paid to hear about his tedious existence. With the help of a madcap playwright, his life story is suddenly populated with exaggerated stock

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-65772590469790603302009-05-10T01:10:00.009-04:002011-06-22T03:50:53.639-04:00

The reading of Table Talk went off without a hitch! The students from Lumsden High should be very proud of themselves. As much as they may have learned from me, I learned sooooo much from them as well. It was creatively stimulating to be in the room with so many young minds buzzing with ideas. I hope to have the opportunity to do this again next year because I truly had a blast and was honored to

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-87534500839423712582009-05-09T16:20:00.001-04:002011-06-22T03:51:06.701-04:00

As I write this, I am waiting for rehearsal space in the theater. Since we changed an enormous amount of Table Talk yesterday, I did not want to overwhelm Danny with a ton of work. So I asked him to re-write the first few pages and told him that's what will be presented before the awards ceremony. Unfortunately, he had to be out of town today, but his classmates are so dedicated to making

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-26934508985196132942009-05-08T21:44:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:51:19.372-04:00

Today was one of the most inspiring days I have had in a long, long time! Working with students on a play is such an invigorating treat that I highly recommend everyone out there give it a shot!As I wrote earlier, I am workshopping the play Table Talk by Daniel Russell. Danny is a grade 11 student with talent bursting out of his ears. His play is very funny and very solid. What I was pleasantly

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-48221552559477028832009-05-07T21:23:00.004-04:002011-06-22T03:51:39.532-04:00

I arrived in Regina and had several hours to kill before I could check into my hotel. So I drove around town in a desperate (and somewhat pathetic) search for free wireless so that I could check my email. I drove from parking lot to parking lot, barely able to pick up even the weakest internet connection. I finally hit the jackpot in, of all places, the Dairy Queen. What the Dairy Queen needs

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-89165602846673106292009-05-06T21:17:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:51:55.983-04:00

I just posted a new one-act comedy to my website, Attention Detention.SYNOPSIS: Five honor roll students have been summoned to detention. To avoid being punished, they each come up with a preposterous excuse for their tardiness and their wacky tales are acted out by an ensemble of performers. As one wild lie piles on top of the next, the principal gets farther away from the truth. Will he

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-66783458008598130592009-05-04T21:08:00.006-04:002011-06-22T03:52:18.212-04:00

I recently revisited a wonderful play that I hope you will take a moment to read. It's a lovely play by my friend Claudia Haas. The play is By Candlelight and it is truly one of the most stunning pieces of theater I have ever read. I say "read" because I have never actually seen the play produced. However, its pages are so alive with rich dialogue that I feel like I have seen it.Synopsis from

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-73227788660013327842009-05-02T20:55:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:52:30.460-04:00

Next weekend I will be attending the 2009 Saskatchewan Drama Association Provincial Festival in Regina, SK. It looks like it will be a great weekend, filled with exciting one-act plays by high school students all over the province. The last time I attended the festival was in 1998, so it should bring back a whole lot of good memories. I remember looking forward to provincials all year long

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-48138397819424075902009-04-30T15:55:00.002-04:002011-06-22T03:52:45.182-04:00

Eldridge Plays & Musicals is a wonderful play publisher with some truly fantastic plays and musicals for the high school market. They carry two of my plays: The Da Vinci Cold and The Birthday Spaz.Eldridge has been around since 1906, so they are one of the oldest publishing companies in the United States. What is truly magnificent is how they have stayed up with the times and offer a very user

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-14766251573783074252009-04-29T16:08:00.002-04:002011-06-22T03:52:55.486-04:00

As a teenager, most of the plays I ever acted in were published by Baker's Plays or Samuel French. So imagine my excitement when they decided to publish my play High School for Dummies. I was beside myself with pride, as this was something I had long been hoping to achieve.Both companies have come a long way in the past number of years, offering websites that allow customers to peruse the many,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-55147740674694720722009-04-28T15:46:00.002-04:002011-06-22T03:53:08.794-04:00

Heuer Publishing carries the rights to my personal favorite of all my plays, Oprah Made Me Do It. Thanks to their wonderful marketing, this play has made quite a splash at theater festivals around North America.Heuer has been around for quite a long time, yet they have remained a vital part of the play publishing world by keeping up with all the modern trends of the industry. They have a truly

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-82473397735369425842009-04-24T15:21:00.002-04:002011-06-22T03:53:20.369-04:00

Brooklyn Publishers currently carries the rights to six of my plays: Conversation Therapy, One Foot Over a Banana Peel, Backstage Broadway, The Most Likely Pages, With This Ring and The Wedding Downpour.Conversation Therapy is among my most produced plays, so it's needless to say that I am very happy with the exposure I have received from this great company. What shocks me is how few people are

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-27663657000080580532009-04-22T15:11:00.004-04:002011-06-22T03:53:30.788-04:00

New to the play publishing world in the past couple of years is Big Dog Plays. Most new publishers take years to accumulate enough material for a solid catalog, but such is not the case for Big Dog. Right out of the gate, founder Dawn Remsing has a really wonderful assortment of one-acts, full lengths and even musicals for high school performers. Their mission is along the lines of "for

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-88152651995092364802009-04-21T14:57:00.003-04:002011-06-22T03:53:43.802-04:00

If you are involved in high school theater and haven't heard of Playscripts, Inc by now, you are probably living in a cave. They carry the hilarious one-acts Check Please and Hard Candy by Jonathan Rand. Heard of them? If you are alive and been to a high school play festival in the last few years, you surely know of these plays. But they are well known for a reason; they are hysterical! I

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-43867344800335623832009-04-20T14:35:00.006-04:002011-06-22T03:29:46.407-04:00

Theatrefolk publishes two of my plays, Apostrophe's and The Waking Moment. Let me just start by saying this company has some of the most original, creative and inspiring works on the market. Their catalog is entirely suitable for high school performance. Not only that, but all the plays they carry pose a creatively stimulating challenge to actors and audiences alike.Directly from their website,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-31017712194117205722009-04-19T14:12:00.011-04:002011-06-22T03:29:30.809-04:00

One of my favorite pastimes is reading plays. I read all sorts of plays, but one-act plays written specifically for high school performers are far and away the most interesting to me. Ten years ago, there was a serious lack of good material for teenage actors. However, that has thankfully changed in the new millennium and there is now a wealth of great material, so long as you know where to

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11583842.post-43260037750251895972009-04-18T13:56:00.005-04:002011-06-22T03:29:14.913-04:00

Students and teachers have written me over the past couple of years asking why I do not have a blog on my website. My answer has always been that I don't have that much to write about. Or what I do have to write about, I just put into my latest play. However, that's not exactly true. I have an abundance of thoughts about the theater, but I worried that if I spent my time writing about those,

Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234640443710799061noreply@blogger.com0