Jonathan Cook, Playwright, Actor, Filmmaker, and "Gather by the Ghost Light" creator

Quill and Curtain

Jonathan Cook, a multifaceted artist, joins us to share the journey from being inspired by his brother's high school performances to making waves in playwriting, acting, and filmmaking. Jonathan reflects on the thrill and validation of having his work selected at a college short play festival, setting the course for a career driven by a passion for storytelling. As he navigates the world of short plays, Jonathan remains committed to expanding his craft into full-length works, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with it.
Throughout our conversation, Jonathan reveals how classic TV shows like the Twilight Zone and unexpected inspirations, like misheard Tom Waits lyrics, have influenced his unique writing style. He candidly discusses the hurdles faced in starting new projects and the pressures of producing audio plays for his podcast, "Gathered by the Ghost Light." By sharing his experiences in directing voice actors and balancing creative collaboration, he offers valuable lessons on maintaining an original vision while adapting it for new formats.
Bringing the discussion into the digital age, we uncover the evolving landscape of theater and the importance of inclusion within the arts. Jonathan speaks to the necessity of embracing diverse stories and ensuring representation in creative endeavors. As formats like audio plays redefine how stories are told, he emphasizes the enduring power of live theater and the creative opportunities that come with adapting scripts for different mediums. This episode is a testament to Jonathan's resilience and dedication, offering an inspiring glimpse into the world of a true artist.

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Quill & Curtain podcast is sponsored by Theatre Marketing Lab.

Theatre Marketing Lab founder Julie Nemitz has been lifting up theatre organizations and theatre artists since 2019. The Lab exists to help theatremakers like you expand your exposure by developing personal branding and marketing skills that promote your works with more clarity and purpose, always rooted in authenticity so your talent and works can be seen on more stages worldwide.

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To read Darrin's plays, click: https://newplayexchange.org/users/76352/darrin-friedman

Kapitel

1. Jonathan Cook, Playwright, Actor, Filmmaker, and "Gather by the Ghost Light" creator (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Playwriting and Audio Productions (00:00:02)

3. Navigating Writing and Collaboration Challenges (00:10:30)

4. The Future of Theatre and Inclusion (00:20:16)

5. Navigating Playwriting Feedback Challenges (00:32:10)