It’s a tough time for playwrights. In many ways, a pen is much heavier to pick up today than it was a few months ago.

​

Due to the pandemic, many of us are now dealing with increased financial or health concerns. At the very least, our usual routines have been severely disrupted. So many playwrights are coffeeshop writers; home just doesn’t feel right.

​

At Thalian Blackfriars, we know this firsthand. As college students and creative artists, it’s difficult to be away from friends, rehearsals, classes and everything else that defines our existence. To make art while all of this is happening feels near impossible.

​

But we know we can still find it in ourselves to create. To help you get inspired, we compiled several ways to keep the creativity flowing while you social distance and stay home.

​

Spoiler alert: to just “write” is not on the list. We know it’s not as simple as that. But we do have some suggestions of writing activities, or things that might spark your creativity enough to pick up that pen. 

​

1. Read a new play

Sometimes the best way to get your mind turning is to read another’s work. You might learn an exciting new approach to writing or recognize a trope you want to avoid. Either way, you’re sure to learn something. 

​

There are countless plays available to read online. We recommend looking into works by marginalized playwrights, such as those who are young, queer or people of color. Many such plays can be found at the New Play Exchange. A subscription is as little as $10 per year and grants you access to thousands of scripts by contemporary writers.

​

2. Start a bullet journal

Getting a little more organized may give your creative thoughts room to grow. A bullet journal is essentially a cross between a planner and a diary. However, you set the rules. Add pages for doodles, movie reviews, writing ideas, and anything else your creative heart desires.

​

All you need to get started is a notebook and a writing utensil. No doubt, as a writer, you have many of both! Bulletjournal.com has lots of advice to start your journaling journey, and there are scores of tutorials and page ideas on YouTube.

​

3. Watch a recording of a live play

We all know theater is meant to be seen live, but without that option, take advantage of watching a play online. Choose a show and have a night at the theater at home.

​

The National Theatre is offering a play to stream each week, as are many other playhouses. Time Out has a detailed list of plays available to stream this month. You can also get a free trial to BroadwayHD and enjoy their catalog for a week.

 

4. Participate in a [writing] “Bake-Off”

If you want to write, but you don’t know what, or you need a little pressure to get you going, consider this. Paula Vogel’s signature writing exercise gives you a handful of ingredients to include in a brand new play that you will write in as little as 48 hours.

​

If you would like to join a large group of writers, consider participating in the next Quarantine Bake-Off. You can also start one within your own friend group. Come up with a few ingredients and set aside a time to video chat and read your creations aloud. 

​

5. Research something

Why not practice a little curiosity? Take this time to dive into a subject you’ve always wanted to learn more about. It might not spark an idea for your next play, but you will be a more educated person.

​

Google—or your preferred search engine—will be your friend here, but also look into your library’s digital catalog. Start with your favorite play or playwright and see where it takes you!

​

If you’ve done all this and you’re still not feeling creative, you’re not alone. We’re all distancing right now, and loneliness can make writing so much harder. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the people in your life for support, advice or just a quick chat about the TV shows you’re binging. This may or may not give you any writing ideas, but it will probably make you feel better. Ultimately, that’s the most important thing.

​

If you find yourself in need of additional support during these times, the National Endowment for the Arts offers several resources.

​

We are all living through an unprecedented time. The news is often hard to watch, and staying away from friends has put a strain on us all. So many things seem to be shutting down.

​

However, we must remember this: when there is nothing, there is art.

​

Before humans had writing, they danced, drew pictures and told stories. Every day new art is being created, and it is a gift for us all. Even if you don’t pick up the pen this quarantine, take comfort in knowing that you are still a member of this community of artists.

​

We will get through this together, and if history repeats itself, there is a renaissance coming our way.