UNUSUAL STORIES: CLUBBED THUMB PLAYWRITI

Clubbed Thumb commissions, develops and produces funny, strange and provocative new plays by living American writers. Clubbed Thumb’s plays vary in style and content, but are always 90 minutes or under. They feature substantial and challenging roles for all genders, are questioning, formally inventive, theatrical, and exhibit a sense of humor. Since its founding in 1996, the company has presented over 100 productions, and has been awarded 5 Obies, including the Ross Wetzsteon award for sustained excellence.

This playwriting course will use Clubbed Thumb’s work and aesthetic as a launching point. The students will see all three of the plays in the 2023 Summerworks Festival, and will read several published scripts from previous Clubbed Thumb festivals. We will look at the stylistic and aesthetic choices of these plays, and students will engage in a series of writing assignment inspired by Clubbed Thumb’s work, culminating in a “Clubbed Thumb bakeoff” (a longer play written in a short period of time). The students will have the opportunity to engage with Clubbed Thumb artists, including the artistic leadership of Clubbed Thumb: Maria Striar and Michael Bulger.