Review Fix chats with playwright Ashley Nicole Audette about her newest production “Lights,†a Christmas-themed piece, currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Drake also discusses her unique creative process and what she hopes people get out of the production, as well as what makes her a unique playwright and a lover of the human connection.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Ashley Nicole Audette: Lights really just came to me. I was thinking about interesting locations to set a play and all of a sudden Christmas came to mind, and then I had the thought it could be set in a Christmas Tree Light Farm and it just snowballed from there.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Audette: When I sit down to write a play I normally spend a lot of time thinking before I ever put the pen to paper. I think about characters, plot, set, and after a long while of thinking dialogue will start to form. I can write either very fast, like pages at a time or super slow, like it hurts to write. Normally if the story feels good then it will just flow out. Some pieces are harder of course to get written but the process is always rewarding to me.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Audette: I come at writing from a place of human connection. I like story telling and being able to connect the dots between characters and plot. I thrive on truthful dialogue and I think I bring a refreshing aspect to the theatre community with my work.
Review Fix: If this what you always wanted to do?
Audette: Yes. I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school. Stories, poems, songs and plays. It always made me happy to create these worlds inside my notebooks. I never wanted to stop and I still don’t.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Audette: This production is important and special to me. It’s telling a honest story about broken people and to be able to share a flawed journey with an audience I feel is one the most rewarding things you can do.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Audette: This cast is amazing. Michael and Melissa have really brought a new life to these characters and this story. They are the ultimate truth tellers and I’m so grateful to have them be apart of this journey with me.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Audette: I try to always take away something positive when working on a new project. For Lights I learned to let the story go, to trust in the fact that if you just write from your gut it will work out. I was happy that my characters stuck with me the whole process and I learned a lot from them.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Audette: I’m so excited to be apart of this festival. It’s always rewarding to be part of something that celebrates new and exciting work. I’m just really grateful to be here.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Audette: The ultimate goal for this production is to tell a truthful story, to express the message of these people and connect with the audience. If that’s accomplished then I will be happy.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Audette: This play shows us characters that are flawed. I think people like to experience theatre that they can relate to. With this piece, anyone that has gone through anything tough in their lives can connect with the characters and enjoy the performance.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Audette: I have somethings up the pike this coming summer hopefully. I hope to continue writing my new full length play. You can keep up with me on twitter at @AshleyMelon14
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