Playwright Profile - Vern Thiessen
Governor General Awarding Winning Dramatist
Vern Thiessen is one of the most produced playwrights in Canada. He has penned such award-winning plays as Vimy and Einstein's Gift (winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama), among many others, and is currently taking on the off-Broadway world of New York City. He has a BA from Winnipeg and an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Alberta, and now splits his time between Edmonton and New York. Among all of the busyness, he even teaches online playwriting courses! Suite101 recently interviewed Thiessen about his process as a playwright.
What is the starting point of a play for you?
It depends on the play. Some ideas come from other people, reading books, interactions with people - they have all been different.
What is your writing process? Do you start writing right away? Outline? Research?
When I first started writing, I started writing right away and wrote reams of dialogue. Now I take me time, think out the play, design it, prepare for it - emotional and structurally - before I begin.
Do you work on one play until it's done, or do you work on multiple plays at once?
I always work on multiple projects. It's the only way to a) make a living and b) not to get too obsessed with one project. That way I am always getting distance. Some plays are going into production while another is in second draft, while another is still in my brain.
Do you have a special writing place?
I can write almost anywhere.
What do you struggle with when you write a play?
Everything.
When do you consider a play done?
Never.
What do you need to have with you when you write?
A pen and pad, but preferably a computer. Coffee. Music. And occasionally, whiskey.
What was the first play you ever wrote?
Chief Penguis and the Indians, in grade 5. But the first real play was The Courier.
What is the most recent play you've written?
I am premiering a new play off-Broadway in May called A More Perfect Union, but I have several others in development.
Who is your favourite playwright?
Who else, Shakespeare! But there are many masters, and too many I admire to mention them all.
What one play do you think everyone should read or see?
King Lear.
What one piece of advice would you give to an aspiring playwright?
Write. Read plays. Go see plays. Repeat.
For more information on Vern Thiessen and his work, please visit his website.
Read more Playwright Profiles here!
Vern Thiessen Discusses His Writing Process
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Einstein's Gift, by Vern Thiessen
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