I decided to try using ChatGPT to write a short script to see how it might do. I began with the idea of the Old King/Young King ritual that Sir James Fraser wrote about in The Golden Bough (1890), an examination of comparative religion that pre-dates Joseph Campbell. Frazer writes that the new king killsContinue reading “ChatGPT Writes Like My Playwrighting Students Did”
Tag Archives: theater
The Long Unwinding Road
How do you unwind after a demanding day? When I was teaching and directing, this question seemed more relevant. Since I retired, I am not doing 12-16 hour days* anymore—well, not in the same way. While I’m still finding my routine, a regular day consists of doing some creative work and then various house projectsContinue reading “The Long Unwinding Road”
Fears
This is the companion blog post to Audio Chimera Episode #68: “What Are YOU Afraid Of?” I thought I would mention my fear of heights here. When I was growing up I had a fear of heights. Going to a second floor balcony on a rickety wooden fire escape was okay, but once, at aContinue reading “Fears”
Let’s Get Social
How do you use social media? My first response to today’s prompt is: I guess, not that well? I have some followers on a couple of social media accounts, but to be honest they are following me either because I know them personally (Instagram: audiochimera) or because they are following my cats (TikTok: @audiochimera). OrContinue reading “Let’s Get Social”
Strike A Melodramatic Pose
When working on Audio Chimera podcast Episode #67 “My Job’s Not Better Than Yours,” I found myself describing a pose I’ve often seen by those who consider themselves upper class; the elbow is raised and the arm is held at a 90 degree angle to the body while holding a drinking glass. Here’s a photoContinue reading “Strike A Melodramatic Pose”
The Shape of It
Describe something you learned in high school. In past blog posts, and in my memoir, Immaculate Misconceptions: Tales of Catholic School, I’ve talked about how freshmen Biology ruined science for me, and then I had an inspiring teacher who turned me on to literature and art. So I don’t need to repeat myself. Again. SoContinue reading “The Shape of It”
Shh… Don’t Tell Anyone
What job would you do for free? Of course we all want fair remuneration for what we do. I’ve seen people at all levels taken advantage of by their employers. But—I’d direct shows for free. Directing has been an almost-lifelong passion. Plus I’d like to hit that career goal of 100 shows, and I’m onlyContinue reading “Shh… Don’t Tell Anyone”
In My Neighborhood
How would you improve your community? I’ve lived in a number of different places, and currently reside in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood: Latrobe, PA. Like so many towns in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, it sprang up because of industry and railroad access, flourished for awhile, and then became depressed. Now it has some new businesses set inContinue reading “In My Neighborhood”
You Name It!
If you could have something named after you, what would it be? Sometimes I think naming things after people is a little strange. I get that it’s a way of remembering people, usually donors, but sometimes it seems to get out of hand. For example, sitting in the front pew of the Immaculate Misconception ofContinue reading “You Name It!”
Education IS Important
What’s something most people don’t understand? Free and public education seems to not only be taken for granted lately, but is also under attack. In our social media/misinformation-filled world, people seem to have forgotten how important education is. Occasionally I’ll get a friend request on Facebook. When I look at their profile, I see theyContinue reading “Education IS Important”