Podcast: Vern Thiessen on the Business of Playwriting

Last month, Pat the Dog had the pleasure of workshopping a script by Vern Thiessen, one of the most produced playwrights in Canada. Thiessen’s plays have been been staged across Canada, the US and Europe. His works include Shakespeare’s Will, Apple, Blowfish and Vimy. He won the Governor-General’s award in 2003 for Einstein’s Gift, and a GG nomination for Lenin’s Embalmers in 2011.

During his 3-day stay in Kitchener-Waterloo, Vern met with members of Pat the Dog to discuss the business of playwriting. In the comfortable yet informal setting of the Seven Shores Urban Cafe, Vern shared his expertise on a variety of topics ranging from how to survive the workshop process to successful marketing practices.

Here is an edited podcast of the evening’s conversation. Grab a coffee and turn off the phone.