FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE?
Besides mentoring playwrights through Next Rung Productions since 2020, I have also taught a variety of workshops. These mostly include comedy and story-telling workshops across multiple residential centers. In addition, I've led workshops regarding writing and improvisation with Sundress Academy for the Arts, creating ten-minute plays with the Knoxville Writers' Guild, directing with the Silver Stage Players, and stage combat independently. I have also been a guest instructor on show blurbs in Vanderbilt's Program for Talented Youth and co-writing in Chattanooga's Center for Creative Arts.
My theatre experience over the past two decades has a lot of variation as well as a special concentration in bringing new plays to life. Click "My Experience," "Quick Sample," and any of the mentorships and events I've produced here to see how my experience can benefit your art.
CAN I APPLY TO BE A PLAYWRIGHT FOR NEXT RUNG PRODUCTIONS?
Yes! You must be at least eighteen years old to apply. You must also reasonably expect to live in either Knox County or one of its bordering counties (Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, Union) throughout the upcoming year. Leniency on location may be granted on a case-by-case basis for Dramatists Guild members, though you will still need some connection with Knoxville (travelling for school/work/family, already with a local theatre, etc.). Contact me at NextRungProductions@gmail.com for questions you may have on this.
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS OPEN?
Applications can be found at any of the "Apply Today" buttons on this site and are typically open through-out the fall of each year.
HOW WILL SELECTIONS BE MADE?
Next Rung Productions maintains a diverse majority-female panel who lives outside of the Knoxville area. I consult with them in a way where all personal identifiers are removed, and then I make the final decision.
The potential for wide-ranging diversity in its applicants is encouraged, so please know you will have a safe equal-opportunity environment when you are considered and if you are selected. This program is made for you to come as you are.
HOW WILL MEETINGS TAKE PLACE?
Meetings will be bi-weekly via video call most of the time. Phone calls and meeting in person may occasionally come up.
IF SELECTED, WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION OF THE PLAYWRIGHT?
You must create new content from scratch with this development program. While the line can be blurry, please recognize that the goal is to help you from before the first page starts. Your work will need to be completed by the end of August in order to receive its public reading offered by this program; any scripts needing longer to develop will still receive mentorship for the year.
DOES NEXT RUNG PRODUCTIONS CHARGE FOR ITS PROGRAM?
This is technically a free program so this can be most accessible for local writers. However, if selected and if able, there is a suggestion of donating $50 per month of service to help cover related costs. This will be your call and not a required part of the agreement, nor should you indicate your stance on paying this type of donation before applying.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!
Contact Harrison at NextRungProductions@gmail.com for questions!