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: theatre
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”
10 Years On…
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Today’s prompt provides an interesting question. When someone asks a young (or younger) person, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years,?”the answer is usually linked to ambition. Better job, higher wages, fulfilling career. But when you reach my age, newly retired, the focus is, well, slightlyContinue reading “10 Years On…”
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”
Re-Read It Again
What book could you read over and over again? When I was moving the last time, I reduced my book collection drastically. I had accumulated a large number of theatre books, many from Berkeley used book stores. (I have a complete collection of the Lattimore and Greene Greek series, mostly from Moe’s Books.) And sinceContinue reading “Re-Read It Again”
Who Could I Be Now?
If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why? As with so many of my titles, I have misquoted a song lyric, this time by Men at Work. I frequently supply new lyrics to songs, and one time a student said to me in a rough and gratingContinue reading “Who Could I Be Now?”
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”
MUSOFYR 