Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 1/27/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Plonkey: I have a future son-in-law who resides in Europe but is very fluent in English. He would like to immigrate to Canada and continue his career in directing and playwright. He has had some pieces published and is presently directing one of his plays in his hometown. I just wondered if you would be able to give him some sense of direction as to what he needs to do to continue this area of interest or who he may try to contact to find out what he needs to do to continue with his interest here in Canada (Toronto area. Thank you

Answer
Hello Andrea, As a former director and playwright, I can only say that I found it very difficult to find producers for my plays other than myself, but that it is possible to become a free-lance director by starting with amateur dramatic societies (Community Theatres) who use different directors for each of their shows. He might even convince on of them to produce on of his plays.  Since he has been published, perhaps Samuel French LTD would be interested in English versions of his plays and he could get his current publisher to contact French and pave the way for him.  I do not have the names of author's agents nor theatre groups in Toronto that might be of service as I am located in the Rocky Mountain Area of The USA. I hope these few comments will be helpful. Best wishes to all, Doc