Friday, November 6, 2009
40 Minutes with a Chicago Playwright
Initially I met Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright and Actress, at a networking group in early October. She’s one of those people instantly recognizable as full of life. Elizabeth has a personality that instantly shares her joy and enthusiasm for life, without even trying. She’s contagious. In a good way.
On Friday October 30th, I had a chance to spend about 40 minutes on a phone interview with Liz. She shared a little more about herself, her production company and her new play. Rich Man Poor Man (not at all associated with the 1976 film).
Rich Man Poor Man is an exclusive event held at the Laugh Out Loud Theater Streets of Woodfield. So exclusive in fact that it has a single run date. You’ll only be able to catch it on Sunday November 15th at 6pm.
About the play…
Peter: Tell me about Rich Man Poor Man. What sparked the idea for this play?
Liz:
All my plays are Christian based. Not preachy. Just…, inspired. I’ve always been a student of the Bible and love proverbs. Rich Man Poor Man is based on Proverbs 22:2; the rich and poor meet together. The Lord is maker of them all.
Peter: Would you share a few sentences about the story line?
Liz:
Well… I won’t give it away… I got the idea for the setting from the Schaumburg Public Library. The play takes place in a fictitious city called Proverbial, Illinois. It’s about how people who think they have nothing in common, no connection, then discover that’s not the case at all. Without regard to wealth or poverty, they wind up coming together in very unique ways.
Peter: As the writer, director and producer, who’s your favorite character?
Liz:
Oh, my favorite character is Beijing. She’s been given the name of one of the most beautiful, wonderful cities of the world. Yet… She’s a very poor single mother of 7. Despite her poverty and having so many children you never see her stress. She volunteers at the library. She’s so sweet, so humble. I just love her!
Peter: What do you hope the audience takes away from the play? What message do you most want to convey?
Liz:
That whether rich or poor we all have something in common. That commonality is that we should take time to care about someone else. Take time to help someone else. We’re all here. Together…
About Elizabeth Nonie…
“Call me Liz”…
Let me share, the sound of Liz’s laughter and the rise and fall of her melodic voice. She’s so much fun to talk with!
“I’ve always been dramatic. As a child I learned to cry on queue! [trilling chuckle]… My brothers and sisters would send me in to Mama when we wanted to go outside. I’d start the tears and soon enough, Mama would send us outside.”
I asked Liz what inspired her to become a playwright. Talk about a competitive field.
“I’ve always written. I wrote an article an article when I was employed by the government that was published in their corporate newsletter for that agency. I also wrote an article when I was in high school that was published way back then. I was never happy working a 9 to 5 job. While doing hair for 1 of my clients, yes… I’m also a hair dresser and bake cakes too! Where was I…? Yes. 1 of my clients urged me to write down the jokes I would tell. Then, on a dare, I began to write plays. I was always happy at church, with my friends and family. Back in 1999 I asked my minister if I could start a drama ministry. I’ve been writing plays ever since!”
Liz also told me a little about how she finds the voices of the characters in her plays.
“In June of 2007 I was inspired, after praying. My message from God – whom I give all the glory for my plays, was to write, act in and produce 1 play a month. I’m on my 17th now! I start each play by reading the Bible, praying and then listening. Then I create an outline. I need that structure. I already know the entire play before I start writing it. The dialogue just comes to me. As I write it I read it, I act it out. I laugh, cry, and shout – I really feel it. Sometimes my sister will holler at me to keep it down! [laughing].
The characters, their voices, mannerisms, come from people I know or see. Snippets of personalities get infused. The pieces and parts of different people become the whole of my characters. I draw from everywhere. Like there was a time, a long time ago, that I saw a father scolding his son when I was down town. I was on Wabash Ave.
The little boy had thrown a piece of paper to the ground. The father said, “Pick that paper up boy. You’re down town!” As if it mattered that he wasn’t out in the country some where. Just that little incident created the idea of a family that lived out in the country and that it was a big deal to come to the city and to act appropriately when here. I laughed to myself as I walked on. “You’re down town!” How funny!”
About Plus Size Productions
Liz, in addition to being a playwright, also founded Plus Size Productions in June of 2007.
Peter: Where did that name come from? Plus Size Productions?
Liz:
Me, being plus size. Every time I’d go to an audition I’d be given, be cast in stereotypical roles. The plus size side kick. I saw a need for leading roles for plus size actresses. My friend, Pleshette Davis suggested the name, I loved the idea and it stuck. I thought it was a very cute name. It could mean so many things. Going Plus Size all the way!
Peter: Tell about the staff members of Plus Size Productions.
Liz:
Well… there’s me. My sister, Stormy Sanders manages all the box office coordination. But the actors, actresses, stage managers and prop masters… They all change with every play. Plus Size Productions is open to anyone. All they have to do is bring the character. I keep auditions open and welcome any race, size, age… As long as you can bring the character that you’re auditioning for, you’re welcome.
Liz also says she likes to keep Plus Size Productions void of permanent staff members so that opportunities are always available. There are actors and actresses she works with often. However, even when there’s not a part available, there is experience to be earned as a stage manager, prop master, costume manager. Plus Size Productions is truly a revolving as well as evolving company. From what I’ve learned from Liz, it’s a company with a conscience.
To learn more about Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright, and Plus Size Productions or to catch the exclusive 1 day presentation of Rich Man Poor Man, call their box office at 773.939.1194. You can also send email to elizabethnonie@aol.com Or, just visit them at http://www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com/ I have a feeling you’ll be glad you did!
Peter Gault for Topical Content © 2009
On Friday October 30th, I had a chance to spend about 40 minutes on a phone interview with Liz. She shared a little more about herself, her production company and her new play. Rich Man Poor Man (not at all associated with the 1976 film).
Rich Man Poor Man is an exclusive event held at the Laugh Out Loud Theater Streets of Woodfield. So exclusive in fact that it has a single run date. You’ll only be able to catch it on Sunday November 15th at 6pm.
About the play…
Peter: Tell me about Rich Man Poor Man. What sparked the idea for this play?
Liz:
All my plays are Christian based. Not preachy. Just…, inspired. I’ve always been a student of the Bible and love proverbs. Rich Man Poor Man is based on Proverbs 22:2; the rich and poor meet together. The Lord is maker of them all.
Peter: Would you share a few sentences about the story line?
Liz:
Well… I won’t give it away… I got the idea for the setting from the Schaumburg Public Library. The play takes place in a fictitious city called Proverbial, Illinois. It’s about how people who think they have nothing in common, no connection, then discover that’s not the case at all. Without regard to wealth or poverty, they wind up coming together in very unique ways.
Peter: As the writer, director and producer, who’s your favorite character?
Liz:
Oh, my favorite character is Beijing. She’s been given the name of one of the most beautiful, wonderful cities of the world. Yet… She’s a very poor single mother of 7. Despite her poverty and having so many children you never see her stress. She volunteers at the library. She’s so sweet, so humble. I just love her!
Peter: What do you hope the audience takes away from the play? What message do you most want to convey?
Liz:
That whether rich or poor we all have something in common. That commonality is that we should take time to care about someone else. Take time to help someone else. We’re all here. Together…
About Elizabeth Nonie…
“Call me Liz”…
Let me share, the sound of Liz’s laughter and the rise and fall of her melodic voice. She’s so much fun to talk with!
“I’ve always been dramatic. As a child I learned to cry on queue! [trilling chuckle]… My brothers and sisters would send me in to Mama when we wanted to go outside. I’d start the tears and soon enough, Mama would send us outside.”
I asked Liz what inspired her to become a playwright. Talk about a competitive field.
“I’ve always written. I wrote an article an article when I was employed by the government that was published in their corporate newsletter for that agency. I also wrote an article when I was in high school that was published way back then. I was never happy working a 9 to 5 job. While doing hair for 1 of my clients, yes… I’m also a hair dresser and bake cakes too! Where was I…? Yes. 1 of my clients urged me to write down the jokes I would tell. Then, on a dare, I began to write plays. I was always happy at church, with my friends and family. Back in 1999 I asked my minister if I could start a drama ministry. I’ve been writing plays ever since!”
Liz also told me a little about how she finds the voices of the characters in her plays.
“In June of 2007 I was inspired, after praying. My message from God – whom I give all the glory for my plays, was to write, act in and produce 1 play a month. I’m on my 17th now! I start each play by reading the Bible, praying and then listening. Then I create an outline. I need that structure. I already know the entire play before I start writing it. The dialogue just comes to me. As I write it I read it, I act it out. I laugh, cry, and shout – I really feel it. Sometimes my sister will holler at me to keep it down! [laughing].
The characters, their voices, mannerisms, come from people I know or see. Snippets of personalities get infused. The pieces and parts of different people become the whole of my characters. I draw from everywhere. Like there was a time, a long time ago, that I saw a father scolding his son when I was down town. I was on Wabash Ave.
The little boy had thrown a piece of paper to the ground. The father said, “Pick that paper up boy. You’re down town!” As if it mattered that he wasn’t out in the country some where. Just that little incident created the idea of a family that lived out in the country and that it was a big deal to come to the city and to act appropriately when here. I laughed to myself as I walked on. “You’re down town!” How funny!”
About Plus Size Productions
Liz, in addition to being a playwright, also founded Plus Size Productions in June of 2007.
Peter: Where did that name come from? Plus Size Productions?
Liz:
Me, being plus size. Every time I’d go to an audition I’d be given, be cast in stereotypical roles. The plus size side kick. I saw a need for leading roles for plus size actresses. My friend, Pleshette Davis suggested the name, I loved the idea and it stuck. I thought it was a very cute name. It could mean so many things. Going Plus Size all the way!
Peter: Tell about the staff members of Plus Size Productions.
Liz:
Well… there’s me. My sister, Stormy Sanders manages all the box office coordination. But the actors, actresses, stage managers and prop masters… They all change with every play. Plus Size Productions is open to anyone. All they have to do is bring the character. I keep auditions open and welcome any race, size, age… As long as you can bring the character that you’re auditioning for, you’re welcome.
Liz also says she likes to keep Plus Size Productions void of permanent staff members so that opportunities are always available. There are actors and actresses she works with often. However, even when there’s not a part available, there is experience to be earned as a stage manager, prop master, costume manager. Plus Size Productions is truly a revolving as well as evolving company. From what I’ve learned from Liz, it’s a company with a conscience.
To learn more about Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright, and Plus Size Productions or to catch the exclusive 1 day presentation of Rich Man Poor Man, call their box office at 773.939.1194. You can also send email to elizabethnonie@aol.com Or, just visit them at http://www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com/ I have a feeling you’ll be glad you did!
Peter Gault for Topical Content © 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
So Many Have Asked. So Here are the Answers...
Topical Content is a Sales-Copy/Copywriting services firm.
Our services include...
• Newsletter Content
• Social Media Content
• Video Scripting/Story Boarding
• Trade/Industry Articles
• Sales Letters
• Press Releases
• Brochure/Direct Mail
• Copy review, revisioning & editing
Your Story. Your Growth.
Providing Sales Copy/Copywriting that tells your story is what we do. When you’re not sure what to write, we help. Even great writers sometimes get a little writers block or just simply don’t have the time.
Anything and everything that tells the story of your business is Sales Copy. From your business card to your newsletter. From your web site to your blog. From your video to your press releases. It’s all about driving sales results. Telling your story creates growth.
Experience. Proven Track Record.
With a career that includes more than 20 years of sales copy and copywriting, Peter Gault, owner of Topical Content has already driven Millions of $ in sales for others. His unique, forward writing style blended with your message creates results based sales copy.
Years of creative and business writing for sales and marketing, interviewing and researching saves you the headaches of trial and error. Peter’s experience has created a proven track record that will work for you.
WIIFM... “What’s in it for Me”?
Sales Copy, copywriting projects of any type take time. Time for planning, research, resource verification, interviewing, writing, proofing, editing.
When is the last time your monthly e-newsletter went out… on time? When was your last blog post? Have you completed your script and story board for your website video? What? You’re going to ‘wing it’… Really?
What’s in it for you? Protect your time. Add $ales $ to your bottom line. Your projects are getting done. Relax with peace of mind..
Tell us what you want. We’ll help you get it.
Our services include...
• Newsletter Content
• Social Media Content
• Video Scripting/Story Boarding
• Trade/Industry Articles
• Sales Letters
• Press Releases
• Brochure/Direct Mail
• Copy review, revisioning & editing
Your Story. Your Growth.
Providing Sales Copy/Copywriting that tells your story is what we do. When you’re not sure what to write, we help. Even great writers sometimes get a little writers block or just simply don’t have the time.
Anything and everything that tells the story of your business is Sales Copy. From your business card to your newsletter. From your web site to your blog. From your video to your press releases. It’s all about driving sales results. Telling your story creates growth.
Experience. Proven Track Record.
With a career that includes more than 20 years of sales copy and copywriting, Peter Gault, owner of Topical Content has already driven Millions of $ in sales for others. His unique, forward writing style blended with your message creates results based sales copy.
Years of creative and business writing for sales and marketing, interviewing and researching saves you the headaches of trial and error. Peter’s experience has created a proven track record that will work for you.
WIIFM... “What’s in it for Me”?
Sales Copy, copywriting projects of any type take time. Time for planning, research, resource verification, interviewing, writing, proofing, editing.
When is the last time your monthly e-newsletter went out… on time? When was your last blog post? Have you completed your script and story board for your website video? What? You’re going to ‘wing it’… Really?
What’s in it for you? Protect your time. Add $ales $ to your bottom line. Your projects are getting done. Relax with peace of mind..
Tell us what you want. We’ll help you get it.
Specialties Include assistance with...
Business Development
Marketing and Sales
Business Writing
Sales Copy and Copywriting
Corporate Newsletter Development/Design
Writing for Articles, Business Video Scripts, Ads, Direct Mail, Brochures, Marketing Colateral, Press Releases, etc...
Marketing and Sales
Business Writing
Sales Copy and Copywriting
Corporate Newsletter Development/Design
Writing for Articles, Business Video Scripts, Ads, Direct Mail, Brochures, Marketing Colateral, Press Releases, etc...
Now you know what Topical Content is and what we do. To tell Peter why he should be helping you rather than your best competitor, send a note to topicalcontent@gmail.com today!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Ain’t Emotional Intelligence such a cool thing?
My experience today was quite timely. Last Thursday at the Stateline SHRM meeting, Chris Johnston – Leadership Development Consultant with Good Shepherd Hospital, gave a presentation on Emotional Intelligence and how it ties in leadership. It was a great topic.
Emotional Intelligence is by no means a new school of thought. As far back as 1990 with the publication of S.R. Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People [Simon & Schuster], you can see the culmination of social skills/responsibility, interpersonal relationship and self-awareness management begin to cultivate into what’s now known as Emotional Intelligence. Even more to the point is D. Goleman’s book Emotional Intelligence [1995 Bantam Books]. If you haven’t already, check them out. Both are great reads.
So… yah… Emotional Intelligence has been floating around as this ‘thing’ for nearly 20 years. Everyone has it to some degree. And, probably like everyone out there, I love to think I have a very high EiQ … Emotional Intelligence Quotient.
And then there are days like today that knock my EiQ down a point or 2. … or 3 … or 4 … ok, fine … 5.
What happened…
I recently created a promotional video for Assured Staffing. Nothing special, just short quick and to the point. Part of the marketing plan for getting the message out included a written post with a link to the video via groups on LinkedIn. The LinkedIn portion of the marketing project started a few days ago.
Almost immediately I began receiving positive feedback. Cool. My ego was being stroked. I was receiving excellent validation that I had done a very good thing. 2 gold stars for me!
Today, I received an email that notified me of a response was attached to 1 of the group posts that was just down right negative. OMG! WTH! How dare he be critical of my gold star achievement!?!
For the 1st few seconds after reading it, I had the EiQ of a Soggy Tater-Tot!
Then a little switch in my head flicked on and made me ask, “why is this what he experienced when so many others experienced the opposite”. Why indeed.
I took a moment to re-read what he’d posted and then to look at it through the picture his words created. I got it. I understood where he was coming from.
Now I had an opportunity to share where I was trying to come from, and provide a little more clarification for him. I had the opportunity to accept and reflect his feelings from my own point of view. This could be a cool thing.
Via LinkedIn I shot him a private note in return and also posted a public response under the discussion thread just below his. I took ownership of his feelings about my original post, and frankly, agreed with him. Through his eyes, he was right.
I then explained why I did what I did and shared where I was coming from, giving him a little more clarification on my original post.
He responded in a most positive way via a public post. He was very appreciative of the fact that I was trying to use creativity, that I accepted his feelings and that I faced his post head on without becoming defensive. After a few more exchanges, he sent me an invitation to join his LinkedIn network.
For those of you not familiar with LinkedIn, it’s sort of a professional version of FaceBook where you network with other professionals. Invitations to become part of a network (sort of like a ‘friend’ on FaceBook) is generally something you earn via quality exchanges through group discussion forums.
In the end, as a result of my Emotional Intelligence switch flipping on, I earned turned a negative into a strong positive and earned a new connection resource.
Ain’t Emotional Intelligence such a cool thing?
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