C.D. Thomas Denver, CO

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

Strangely, through The Official Playwrights of Facebook. I didn't expect to find a competition where EMULSION would fit.

What was the impetus/basis/inspiration for writing the piece?

A DU creative writing teacher, Jennifer Zukowski Boughn, asked us to write about a monster, a fair-faced villain and a villain within. I began a series of poems based on an alien invasion play I started in the 90s; a scene I couldn't fit into the poems became this play.

Is this play representational of your writing style? Is it similar to or different from your other plays?

I consider my body of work to be too small to have a consistent style. I hope my style changes, as I improve.

What is the role of the short work in your playwriting career?

It's the form where my work makes sense to other people. I'd like to stick with shorter forms, as a form of playing scales -- they're valuable for scene construction.

What is your favorite play? Who is your favorite playwright?

The Owl Answers, or A Beast's Story, by Adrienne Kennedy.

What is your next playwriting venture?

More ten-minute works, with a cycle of plays extending EMULSION's story.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Along with Jenn Zukowski Boughn, I'd like to thank those who tried to teach me playwriting, in hope of seeing me finish something: Neal Bell, Tim Sanford, Cassandra Medley, and Terry Dodd. Special thanks to those at the 4th Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region, who selected EMULSION for a staged reading, and Tracy Shaffer, its (and my) first director. Lastly, I'd like to thank Tim and Serena Powers, who did not flinch when I accosted them at Mile Hi Con and asked them whether writing genre work was too weird for theater.