The Performer and the Reader

Abstract

I spent thirty-five years of my life in the theatre, most of that time looking for work rather than actually working, a normal condition in the theatre and one that allowed plenty of time for reading. For eleven years, from 1954 through 1964, I was fortunate enough to be the owner and operator of The Bucks County Playhouse. Located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Delaware River, it was one of the most storied summer theatres in the country. Since I was the one who chose the plays, I was happily forced to read about three hundred scripts a year. That’s a good way to learn quickly the difference between good and bad writing. (Not that good writing necessarily means that the play will be a hit. But that’s another story.)

Don’t think that because you are a magician you don’t have to know anything else!

T. Nelson Downs, King of Koins