Ahead of the Curve

At Onion Man, we like being ahead of the curve. Why wait for change, create some instead.

In 2009, Onion Man started producing original short plays by local playwrights, putting to work Atlanta actors and directors with the goal being to help build a vibrant, strong new play environment in the Atlanta theater community. Each June, Onion Man has staged original 10-minute plays by local playwrights for two weeks at Lionheart Theatre in Norcross. This year we even added a second collection and produced 13 original new short plays by local writers. Over the five years we’ve produced 55 original short plays, creating opportunities for 47 directors and 145 actors.

Now we look around the Atlanta theatre scene and can see new work blooming all over the place. Of course, we are not claiming credit for this growth in new work, just simply acknowledging the change in the Atlanta theatre landscape. Onion Man has certainly had a positive impact and has led in fostering a creative environment for new plays. And as we sit mid-way through 2013, we are seeing the beginnings of a community taking ownership of its collective creative force.

So then, what is the goal from here? That’s easy. It is time to both broaden the base and deepen the well. We need to see more and more local playwrights getting produced. This community has a large number of talented writers who just need an Artistic Director to say “yes” to producing their plays.

So why should an Artistic Director produce new work by local playwrights?

a) There are some damn good plays in need of production.
b) It is a good business decision. A local writer will help bring audience. Not only the people they know locally but all of us who want to support new work.
c) It will be an affordable production.
d) A local theater company has a responsibility to serve its community. If a company is getting a tax exempt status or taking money from local or state government sources, I would argue they have an ethical responsibility to use those funds to invest in the local artistic community – that includes writers.
e) The company will be building a stronger theatre community. When the plays are locally grown and produced we all share in the bounty.

At Onion Man, it is our belief that a rich environment for new plays in a theatre community is the engine that is needed to create sustainable and dynamic theater. And it is because we have invested in our local talent of writers, actors, and directors that we are building up their artistry and creating unique challenges that come with producing new work.

So, we look for the next five years to be far bolder than the last five in terms of fostering new work by local writers. In just a number of years I expect a good number of Atlanta based playwrights to be having an impact on the national level. Why expect this? Because of the investment we have made in the artistic talent right here in Atlanta.

Lastly, if you are an Artistic Director and would like help finding a new play by a local playwright, email me and I’ll gather some scripts from some very talented writers for you to read.  Just let me know what you are looking for. Email me at james@onionmanproductions.com

So, let’s get to it. See you five years down this road.