Seminar

by Theresa Rebeck
directed by Elina de Santos

There’s only one thing harder than writing your first novel.
Letting him read it.

“Writers in their natural state are about as civilized as feral cats”… so says Leonard, an indiscriminately relentless teacher who believes he wrote the book on what makes an author great. When four aspiring novelists sign up for his private writing class, they have no idea that they are about to get the schooling of their lives. From Pulitzer finalist Theresa Rebeck, comes a provocative comedy with a vicious bite that uses unwavering wit to peel back the layers of a hopeful artist and reveal the scarred humanity beneath.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Tod & Linda White
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Laurie Smits Staude
SEASON PRODUCERS Bette & Wylie Aitken

 

“This fascinating world could have been played either strictly for conflict-generated laughs or as a dark parable. Neither approach, though, works as well as the realism devised by director Elina De Santos and her exemplary cast” — OC Register

“Here and there, in between the laughs, the put-downs and the absurd hilarity, it’s evident that people are more complex, more interesting, and in their own ways more wise than we first gave them credit for.” — People’s World

“Rebeck’s wildly entertaining five-character play is treated to a first-rate staging in its OC premiere.” — Acting Solo

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. I think the ensemble cast was really amazing. And the direction was just a great balance of handling a ‘comedy’ but with the utmost respect for the seriousness of the matter as well. Appreciated the Q&A afterwards. Super all around

      — Anonymous
    2. The show did a great job with building the interest and tension.

      — Rebecca Sargent
    3. Amazing acting. Fantastic play. Love the audience setup (thrust stage). Amazing Acting! The interactions between the actors, their use of props, development of character..first rate. This is what the stage is all about.

      — Colleen
    4. Very Well done. Set was nice and the actors did a great job. Our whole group really enjoyed this play.

      — Anonymous
    5. I felt completely immersed in the play. Well done!

      — Jo Holman
    6. I felt the play was something I could relate with as an artist myself; the solitary nature of writing felt very familiar to me with my experience with painting. I felt the dramatic experience hit very close to home as I had had a painting teacher who reminded me of Leonard.

      — Anonymous
    7. Overall the show was thought provoking and illustrated that things aren’t always as they seem.

      — Jane Owens
    8. The audience was glued to the cast and the story line. There was never a dull moment, never a loss of words by the cast; they captured the entire audience with this action-packed performance.

      — Nancy Lord
    9. From start to finish, is was excellent. Always love your productions.

      — Barry Hofstetter
    10. All were fantastic . All meaningful, resentment a great factor in actions of others

      — Mary Lou Parra
    11. It was great! Loved how the stage was in the middle so we could see all Angles. We sat stage left and it was great. …

      — Anonymous
    12. Great and entertaining play. Writer supplied characters with witty lines. Overall theme concerning writers and editors was thought provoking

      — Barbara Alhadeff
    13. Enjoyed the performances and story of the play

      — Nathan Gochman
    14. It was a very intimate and immersive experience and the show was excellent.

      — Tyler Burgese
    15. I loved how intimate the space was. I felt so connected with the story.

      — Ryan Pochop
    16. Great performance! Staging it in the round was very powerful, kudos to the director and crew. The actors’ timing and interactions were wonderful — the action sped along, with pathos as well as humor. Great way to spend an evening out … and the discussion afterwards was a lot of fun, too!

      — Nora Jacob
    17. I am not a play person, but I loved this show. I felt the relationship between Martin and Leonard was so gutteral… I also found Karen to be witty and had me rooting for the underdog rather than making me annoyed.

      — Anonymous
    18. Great theater is alive in OC.
      I’ve been both a writing student and a writing teacher, and the characters and events in this play called to mind many personal experiences. I had a professor who would return our blue books by calling our names and then flinging our blue books into the air. We would have to scramble about retrieving them from the floor where they landed between the metal legs of the desks. On the other hand, a teacher took the time to make extensive remarks on a short story I wrote, and I learned more from reading them than I ever learned in any class.

      — Anonymous
    19. SHARP, INSIGHTFUL, AND OFTEN HILARIOUS LOOK AT WRITERS AND THEIR FEARS AND STRUGGLES.

      — RON BAESLER
    20. The fast paced dialogue and repartee were excellent!

      — Anonymous
    21. Expertly acted, well staged, and loved the talk back

      — Michelle Miller-Day

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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At a Glance

Approximate Running Time:
1 hour, 40 minutes with no intermissions
Special Notes:
  • On the Cripe Stage
  • Contains strong language
  • Post-show discussions at each performance
  • Open seating. Subscribe for assigned seats.
  • "Salon" on Sun, Oct 2 at 3pm... Arrive at 2:15pm and stay after the show for 2 specially hosted discussions with the artists.
  • Save $10 by attending Previews (Sep 23-30). Limited availability.
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays (Oct 7-21). Limited availability.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Wed, Oct 5 at 7:30pm... Use online code "SEM435". Limited availability.
  • $15 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more... plus assigned seating. Visit www.ChanceTheater.com/Groups.