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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local Writers Combat Reruns With Free Sitcom Readings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local Writers Combat Reruns With Free Sitcom Readings
01/16/2008 (12:23 PM)
Local Writers Combat Reruns With Free Sitcom Readings
CHICAGO, IL January 12, 2008 — Graduates of the iO Theater’s writing program with Michael McCarthy are doing their part to keep local TV viewers flush with new episodes of their favorite sitcoms by staging free spec script readings – though you can only catch these shows Tuesday nights from January 15th to February 26th at 7:30 p.m. at iO, 3541 N. Clark St. in Chicago.
A spec script, or “speculative” script, is what a writer submits to an agent for consideration of representation. The final of three levels in the writing program at iO focuses on this work, and the most recent graduates find the timing couldn’t be better. “I know people are getting anxious about running out of new TV shows to watch,” says Chrissy Swinko, “so why not come and listen to a staged reading of your favorite show?” Swinko and six others are presenting their final assignments as staged readings, using local improvisers and actors to bring their words to life.
Michael McCarthy, who teaches the writing program, is pleased with the array of sitcoms chosen in this class. McCarthy has been teaching the writing program at iO Chicago for just about a year, but before that, he successfully staged many readings of graduates at iO West in Los Angeles. “Completing the script is just the first step – feedback and hearing it live in front of an audience is invaluable information for writers,” says McCarthy. “I have no doubt that many of the students today will be working writers in the future.”
McCarthy, an alum of The Second City Chicago Mainstage, has written for "Saturday Night Live" (for which he was nominated for an Emmy), "Sesame Street" and "The Drew Carey Show" as well as worked on Comedy Central shows including "Battlebots" and "Beat The Geeks".
The readings are free, and audience members have the opportunity to provide feedback to the writers through surveys handed out at the end of the performance.
· Tuesday, January 15th @ 7:30pm: Lisa Fotedar Miller presents an script of “Rules Of Engagement”
· Tuesday, January 22nd @ 7:30pm: Michael Carretta presents a script of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
· Tuesday, January 29th @ 7:30pm: Joe Burton presents a script of “How I Met Your Mother”
· Tuesday, February 5th @ 7:30pm: Chrissy Swinko presents a script of “The Office”
· Tuesday, February 12th @ 7:30pm: Pat McKenna presents a script of “30 Rock”
· Tuesday, February 19th @ 7:30pm: Lisa Linke presents a script of “The Office”
· Tuesday, February 26th @ 7:30pm: Mat Koehler presents a script of “30 Rock”
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