Tag: playwright
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Burn It Down
I burned the haystack before it had a name — and wrote a play about it. There’s a viral dating method sweeping the internet right now called the “burned haystack.” The premise is elegant in its ruthlessness: if you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, the most efficient strategy isn’t to sort through every…
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“10 First Dates” — London Premiere, 4-Star Reviews, and 3 Award Nominations
I saw my own play for the first time on opening night. Watching something you wrote come to life on a stage while strangers laugh at exactly the right moments is surreal—and one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever experienced. I was genuinely proud of what this team had made. The Team Laura Shipler…
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On the Eve of Inauguration Day and the Prophetic Lens of Charming Charlie
One year ago, during the London Playwrights’ #WrAP Challenge, I found myself crafting a dark, satirical play called Charming Charlie. At the time, it was my second play (Sanctuary being the first), and it felt like a necessary act of artistic resistance—a way to grapple with the terrifying possibility of Donald Trump returning to power.…
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From Collaboration to Exploitation: Lessons from My First Theatre Production
Theatre is a collaborative art form, where every role contributes to the final piece. But clear boundaries must exist—especially between the playwright and director. The playwright creates the script, the foundation of the production. Directors interpret and stage it, often suggesting edits, but the ultimate authority over the script remains with the playwright. Or at…
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Sanctuary at The Hope Theatre: A Journey of Impact and Gratitude
The experience of bringing Sanctuary to life at The Hope Theatre has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the first read-through to our opening night, this journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. And now, as we near the end of our run, I want to reflect on what this production has…
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Help Bring Sanctuary to Life – Support Our Crowdfunding Campaign!
It’s so exciting to officially announce our Crowdfunder campaign for Sanctuary! As many of you know, producing an independent play is both an exhilarating and challenging journey. We’re bringing Sanctuary to the stage this November at The Hope Theatre, and I couldn’t be more pleased. However, to make this production everything it can be, we…
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Sanctuary Reading Success!
We had a marvelous rehearsed reading last week at the Seven Dials Playhouse! There was a full-house with over 40 people showing up—a mixture of industry professionals including playwrights, actors, producers, and agents. It was great exposure for my first foray into London theatre. Afterward, I had arranged snacks and wine for my guests, and…
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Sanctuary Cast Announced!
I couldn’t be more overjoyed to announce this amazing cast for the rehearsed reading of Sanctuary. I never imagined a group of such high-caliber actors would be performing the words of my first play! I’m still pinching myself to be sure it’s real. About Sanctuary:Three women must decide whether to hide, fight, or run. Outside…
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Rehearsed Reading in the West End!
At the end of May, my play Sanctuary will have a “rehearsed reading” at the Seven Dials Playhouse! It’s tentatively scheduled for 22 May at 2pm, but that’s subject to change depending on the cast and director. Before I started delving into the world of playwriting, I never heard of a rehearsed reading. Had no…
