Click here: WriterSpeedDateApp-85-75virtual-rev2 for application.

ABOUT SPEED DATING. How does it work? 11 writers will arrive at 5:30, and we have three coaches coming who will coach the writers on their presentations. Then at 6:30, they go into the Pitch Room to meet the producers - one at each of the stations. We ring a bell, writers have two minutes to pitch. We ring a second bell, producers have two minutes to respond and ask questions, or give feedback. Writers bring a packet with a synopsis, bio, cast breakdown and production requirements to leave with each of the producers. If the project interests the producer, he may request that you send a full script.

Meanwhile, group two is in the Coaching Room getting coached for an hour starting at 6:30. Second group goes into the Pitch Room at 7:30. We estimate that pitches and turnaround should take about 50 minutes total for all eleven. We will have wine and cheese afterwards, so although the pitch sessions will end at around 8:20, we hope writers and producers will stay and chat informally until 9pm or so.

Yikes! Eleven writers pitching to eleven producers at one time? Think of it as the "cocktail party" pitch where you have to hold someone's interest with dozens of conversations going on around you. A little chaotic perhaps, but true to life.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: A one-page (maximum) synopsis, a one-page writer/theater resume or bio, production history (including reviews), set and cast breakdown. You will need 22 sets, one for each of the producers. Make them nice - it's part of that all-important first impression.

ABOUT THE COACHES: we are bringing in two or three professional coaches to work with each writer on vocal technique, presentation skills and content. Scroll down for coaches, including Michael Ian Cedar, Gillien Goll, Grace Kiley, Debra Russell, Bailie Slevin and Joanne Zippel.

NOT EVERYONE WILL BE ACCEPTED. We will judge your application based on the viability of the project, your experience as a writer, prior development of the project and the specific interests of the participating producers. If accepted into the program, the cost is $65 for TRU members and $75 for non-members (and yes, you can always join as a member to qualify for the discount - we'd like that).

Evening limited to 22 writers. Click here for the application in Word format. 

Email application to TRUnltd@aol.com

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Last night's Writer-Producer Speed Date was a terrific experience. Thank you, coach Michael Ian Cedar and all of the producers who gave their time and expertise. -Doug DeVita (March '16)

Thanks so much for all your advice and thoughts on my pitch. It was incredibly helpful!... Thanks so much again for all your help and for putting together an awesome speed date. It was a huge success and I felt so lucky to be a part of it! -Danielle Trzcinski (March '16)

I wanted to reach out and thank you for including me on the Producer Speed Date. Since I was a participant, I've been contacted by two producers who have expressed interest in my pitch. Both have read my script and one is definitely looking for further development! One is Broadway and the other TV/Film so that's exciting that it reached such wide appeal with industry leaders. I've had so many peers ask me about the event so I'll be passing along the next Producer Speed Date information when the next one comes up so they can apply. I really am so thankful for such a grand opportunity to meet and have my work reviewed by top notch professionals. ~Jen Lyon (October '16)

 

I brought my play Adam Then to a TRU writer/director speed date with uncertain expectations. The play was hard to pitch, with a large cast and demanding production values. Before the speed date even happened, the TRU team helped me craft a logline and pitch document that crystallized the play's plot and theme and, at the speed date, caught the attention of a producer. With his advocacy and support, my director and I organized a developmental staged reaching at The Drama League, for which TRU served as fiscal sponsor. I doubt we ever would have gotten this far without TRU!

~Terry Milner (March '16)

Great event last night. It was so very helpful.... I am finally able to do an elevator pitch that I'm proud of. And for that, it was worth twice as much....  As a new member of TRU, I for one appreciate what it is you're doing for the greater theatre community here in the city.

-Lenore Skomal

 

Amazing experience. Bailie great at pulling the essence out of the story and guiding us to speak it as humans not read like  robots. The producers asked very incisive questions or gave helpful suggestions.... Thanks for giving us all a chance to meet people whose assistants might not even forward our queries and a challenging workout to help scribblers, mutterers and meanderers become professionals who talk.

-Tita Anntares (March '16)