NFX takes Lauren Smerkanich ASIDE

Next up!

The Sad Truth: technology has decimated our attention spans. 

Interesting: the etymology of "decimate" is the number 10.

So today, playwright Lauren Smerkanich answers 10 questions in 10 words or less.

Lauren Smerkanich, Writer-Director

We call it an ASIDE: (Attention Span Is Decimated Exercise.)

Lauren’s play The Dignity Circle had its world premiere at Central Works in Berkeley in 2023. After opening to rave reviews, it received Theatre Bay Area awards for Best Production (under 100 seats) and Best Actress. Mike & Ipsheeta met Lauren in the Central Works Writer’s workshop. 

On November 4th and 5th, Lauren will be directing Unplanned: Four Shorts about Reproductive Health at the Potrero Stage. Get tickets here!

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Hi Laauren!

Hi Mike!

Thanks for doing this ten-questions in ten words-or-less-thing. It’s weird. 

Good to know hyphenated words count as one. 

Yep! Here we go…

1. How’d you develop that distinct voice for The Dignity Circle?

   I wrote it in verse.

2. That’s cool. Why dramatize that particular news story?

   The plot was clear—I could follow the con. 

3. The end was great, pitching prisoners on a pyramid scheme!

   Circle’s in the title. She’d end where she started. 

4. What’s next for The Dignity Circle after its world premiere?

   Wishlist: LA Premiere, NYC Premiere, film. It’s a screenplay now. 

5. You started life as an actress: Method or Meisner?

   I learned “practical aesthetics” at the Atlantic Theater company.

6. Your theater wishes come true, do you act or write?

   Write. You have more control over your life. Your day.

7. How would you describe the theater scene in LA?

   A small but mighty community.

8. Favorite Classic Playwright

   Ibsen. Hedda Gabbler? A Doll’s House? Come on. 

9. Your most influential writer of the last 30 years?

   Fornés. She never premiered in a theater >100 seats, yet….. 

10. What are you most excited to work on next?

    A screenplay with my husband. And directing Unplanned with NFX! 😍

Thanks Lauren! You’re free to resume over-ten-word sentences. We’ll see you at the Potrero Stage on Election Day Eve and Election Day!