Parabasis published my essay, “Interning at Circle Repertory Company.” It’s a lengthy article, describing Circle Repertory Company’s history and plays from a personal perspective. I was a Circle Rep intern in 1991. During my tenure, I worked in the literary office, a mainstage show, and the lab. I learned how to write rejection letters for plays and a slew of other theater skills. They also taught me how to stage manage a play.
The original essay was over 4,000 words. I cut about 1,400 words for publication. The missing chunks described the downtown theater scene in the early 90s, the role of women in theater (then versus now), and diversity. I look forward to posting those thoughts shortly.
Meanwhile, if you would like to read more about Circle Rep, I would recommend the following sites:
- Isaac Butler's Parabasis published a series of articles on Lanford Wilson, including an analysis of his plays. Be sure to read Jannie Wolf's contribution about her time with the company.
- Frank Rizzo from The Hartford Courant interviewed Lanford Wilson and Marshall W. Mason in 1999. The Courant republished the interview earlier this year.
- The New York Times published an article in 1994, "Circle Repertory Enters Upon Adulthood." It provides a fantastic overview of the company. Reporter Bruce Weber also details the staggering debt Circle Rep accumulated over the years.
- In 1996, The New York Times published Sylviane Gold's report on Circle Rep's closing. "A Long Circle Unbroken" describes its history in vivid terms, including the amount of unsolicited manuscripts they handled in 1982. Hint: It numbered in the thousands.
- If you would like to read about the company, I'd recommend "Plays from Circle Rep," published by the theater in 1986. It is no longer in print, but you might be able to scout out a used copy. I found my copy while living in San Francisco in the '90s. Short essays by Literary Manager Rod Marriott and Artistic Director Marshall Mason will give you insight into their philosophy about developing new plays. The book also contains plays by Lanford Wilson, John Bishop, Joe Pintauro, Jules Feiffer and Julie Bovasso.
