1994 : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 : 2000 : 2001 : 2002 : 2003 : 2007

Link to WordBRIDGE 1998 Plays & Playwrights

"WordBRIDGE is magical... not because we are here in beautiful Florida, or... isolated in the theatre... or because of all the talent. It is magical because of the blend... It is magical because we believe in it. It's magical because it is theatre. All of these things are at the disposal of the person with the dream... the person who needs the magic most... the creator of whole new worlds just waiting for us to explore... the playwright." .. Matt Ruddell, Sophomore Chemistry major -- Eckerd College

"It is a great privilege to get to work on the 'hot stuff': new plays that are in the process of being wrought. It is the playwright's process, but it is made more rich and exciting by supportive collaboration. I can't think of a theatrical endeavor that is simply, more fun. That collaboration, as I have experienced it at WordBRIDGE, is fruitful, joyful and endlessly illuminating for all involved." ..... Kimberly Scott, Actor -- Guest Artist

"Without witnessing the laughter, the excitement, the joy and the tears of everyone involved, one can only attempt to fathom and justify the experience we call theatre. So this is where it begins. With a few simple ideas, a bunch of crazy people, and a few amazing playwrights. The world behind the theatre, the reason so many of us commit our lives to this insanity, becomes clear and all the more worthwhile. " .... Mel Buechler, Junior French & Int'l Relations dual major

"Artists, even great artists, need confirmation. They need a safe place, a playspace, where their work can be confirmed, explored, exposed, questioned, torn apart, re-assembled; these are fragile acts and they need a supportive environment where the artist's vision can be nurtured, where it can be challenged; where a community of like-minded artists gather to share the trust and the craft and that sometimes lonely legacy of creating a piece of theatre. For playwrights, WordBRIDGE is just such a place. " ...... Odai Johnson, Guest Artist, Dramaturg

"The WordBRIDGE experience can be summed up in three words. Extremely concentrated creativity. The support team has to be creative in ... new solutions to the crisis of the day. The Guest Artists have to be creative in ... ways to help the playwrights. The Actors... have to be creative in portraying the character on the sheet in front of them. And, finally, the playwrights obviously have to be creative with working on their plays... The creativity that is WordBRIDGE is the combination of all the people working here... the idea here is the creative process... While WordBRIDGE is in session it's not the outcome that's important. It's how you get there. " ..... Brian Brooks, Sophomore Marine Biology major

"Is it possible for playwrights to match the excitement (and work!) of writing with the excitement (and work!) of rewriting? WordBRIDGE makes this possible. Is it possible for theatre professionals and theatre students not only to work side by side but with the student (as playwright) as primary guide? WordBRIDGE makes this possible too. Such a rarity, in an era that has witnessed playcraft sideswiped by spectacle, that actors, dramaturgs, and directors would all gather here at Eckerd -- and resource people too!-- in support of six playwrights and their evolved and evolving scripts. " ......Len Berkman, Guest Artist, Dramaturg

"I left WordBRIDGE excited to have seen with my own eyes that there are young people out there who are serious about theatre. The WordBRIDGE playwrights possessed enthusiasm, craft and passion for the theatre; I am excited for them and the stories they will tell. And Eckerd students, whether they continue in the theatre or not, will undoubtedly become educated, aware and supportive audience members. Something the American Theatre really needs in order to survive."
Gwenn Victor, Guest Artist, Director

"I feel that an important part of the process of playwriting is the need at some point for the encouragement and the aid of other artists in helping clarify whatever vision the writer has set out to share with the rest of the world. As a playwright, I cannot imagine asking for a more friendly and supportive environment than that of WordBRIDGE." .... Greg Mitchell, Playwright, Arizona State

"Here I have worked harder at playwriting than I have ever worked; focusing on what I wanted from the script rather than handing it off to a director seeking a slick product. As I prepare to go home to England, I'm taking a better play, renewed energy and a sense of honor at being able to be part of this community." .. Deborah Wain, Playwright, UC-- San Diego

"As an actress in this world of creativity and nurturing, I have been inspired in ways I never could have expected. The playwrights courage to change and rework their plays has astounded me. WordBRIDGE creates a safe environment for them to take risks and they do. The result for all artist involved, is nothing short of magic... Though the goal of WordBRIDGE is not to "finish" a play, I do know that art has been created here. What sublime riches that uncovers. " .... Ninon Rogers, Guest Artist, Actor

"... within this superficial (WordBRIDGE) structure lies the heart of the process that goes beyond bridging the words in the dialogue to create a story; it is the joining of people in common talents, goals, ideas, business and creating friendships. " Amanda J. Pysh, Sophomore Theatre and Environmental Policy dual major

"The "process without pressure" attiude at WordBRIDGE allows me to feel safe, among friends, and it is this special atmosphere that lets me take the risks I need to take, make the leaps, and trust my instincts in what can be a grueling moment in a script's development." ..... Barbara Goldman, Playwright, University of Iowa

"The time spent at WordBRIDGE gave me more than dialogue and stage directions on a page. It helped me to clarify my own process of creation, it forced me to access every possible avenue of communication, and it showed me the breath of my stamina as a writer. All of this was made possible by an ensemble of supporters who urged me to be fearless in new and challenging areas. I attempted things in this secure environment that I would never have faced on my own." ... Douglas Hill, Playwright, University of Nevada-- Las Vegas

"WordBRIDGE reminded me why I am in this profession in the first place... I feel revived. It was a wonderful mix of people and talent, of students and professionals. It was inspirational, characterized by a supportive atmosphere, intelligence, creativity, a non-result oriented process, humor, herons, cranes, pelicans, and let's not forget the alligator." ...................Paul Lieber, Guest Artist, Actor

"Let me say that I found this opportunity that you give playwrights unique. While Sundance in Utah used to do something comparable to this, their change in format to a more commercial, results-oriented program may well leave WordBRIDGE as a unique option for young artists in the United States. the strength of the program is that an entire company is assembled to benefit the writer. There is no commercial gain to be had at this stage, only the prospect of developing unique voices for the American theatre." ...... Dr. David J Magidson, Guest Artist, Director

"WordBRIDGE. What a joy to be working, eating and sleeping, side by side with people who have achieved their goals and are not so removed from that initial passion that set them on their paths that they'd be less than encouraging. These people did not fill our ears with the usual "this is why you shouldn't" but rather, "this is why you should; and here are some pointers on how, and here is my number if I can help you." ..... Becca McCoy, Sophomore Theatre major