How to Begin

In community with Fall of Freedom - a nationwide cultural mobilization and movement uniting artists, cultural institutions, and communities across the United States in creative resistance against censorship and authoritarian overreach - this episode discusses the worth if the artist, Albert Camus, and how we can support each other in harrowing times. Join an event Oct 2-4, 2027www.falloffreedom.com

Lauren chats about The annual Most Produced Plays / Playwrights List: the data it tallies, what it tells us and how to get on it.

Lauren talks about writing and understanding dialogue. Let's unpack the difference between informational, emotional, musical, silent dialogue... and the power of profanity ;)

We discuss understanding, creating and perfecting the midpoints of our plays. Big stakes, big shifts, no turning back. Intro music by Joriah Kwame!

We talk about getting through the beginnings of your new play, how to start writing, getting through the first 30 pages, writers block, inspiration, and keeping things moving and interesting and vivacious.

Welcome back for Season 2 of HOW TO PLAYWRIGHT. We start with a Q+A before the launch of full episodes coming soon. Hosted by Lauren GundersonTheme song by the brilliant Joriah Kwamé.

A special guest - my dad, Rev. Dr. Gary Gunderson - joins the podcast to discuss the powerful truths of theatre, theology, activism, art, public health, hope and healing. The shared root of the words "theatre" and "theology" is the Greek word "theasthai" which mean "to behold," and we discuss how both of us have explored the ways our vocations behold the ultimate to inspire, empower, and unify. My dad discusses my work in the theatre and his work as a man of faith/politics/health - including his now iconic book and philosophy "Leading Causes of Life" and the work of academic Bastienne Kline. We talk Greek theatre, new plays, old religions, fresh activism, congregations of all kinds, and how we can and must stand up for the good in the world.

Lauren talks about writing two handers and how this efficient form of dramatic writing tests your craft and technique as a playwright, while also preparing you to hone the basic skills for all other dramatic writing.

This episode is my lecture "Theatre as Thought Experiment" as given at Southern Utah University in 2024 and discusses the intersection of science and theatre, dramatic structure and scientific method, and the "laboratory of life" that great theatre offers us all.

We discuss the steps from First Draft to Opening Night and beyond in this episode all about a new play's journey through premiere to publishing and on and on. This one goes in the weeds a bit about what to expect in a rehearsal process, rewriting in production and what to do once you've had your premiere.