This issue of the AAPG newsletter features a cover story interview with elite playwright Melda Beaty, discussing her award-winning play Coconut Cake and its rolling world premiere across five theatres. The interview covers her creative process, the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling Premiere Award, and advice for aspiring playwrights. Additional sections include a gallery from the play Clydes, news…
The African American Playwrights Group (AAPG) newsletter for October/November 2024 is a community publication for playwrights and theatre professionals. This issue centers on an in-depth interview with elite playwright Melda Beaty, recipient of the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling Premiere Award for her play Coconut Cake.
The interview covers Beaty's journey from writing her first play in 2010 to winning the award in 2022. She discusses how her grandfather's retirement and conversations at McDonald's inspired Coconut Cake, which follows older Black men playing chess and a mysterious woman. Beaty explains the rolling world premiere model, where five different theatres produce the play independently.
Beaty shares her process of writing and revising, including feedback from readings at the International Black Theatre Festival and Ensemble Theatre Houston. She describes juggling productions across multiple cities, from St. Louis to Houston, and her goal of reaching Broadway or larger Black theatres. The interview concludes with advice about submitting work to festivals and developmental programs.
The newsletter includes a gallery section featuring the play Clydes, and announcements about workshops such as Midnight & Indigo's online playwriting for activism. It lists resources including American Theatre Magazine, the American Theatre Wing, and the Pulitzer Prize drama submissions open until December 31, 2024.
Member achievements are highlighted: TaMara Goode's monologue selected for the Faces of America Festival, Rory Sheriff's recognition in the Charlotte Observer, and Crystal Joseph's top 10 finish in Roadmap's Write Start Competition plus film festival selections. The issue closes with audition notices for The Gift and Marriage The Musical.