Diving Deep with Playwright Sarah Mantell: Life, Craft, and Advocacy
Each month, we explore the minds of today’s most compelling playwrights, discussing their creative journeys and the forces shaping their work. This month’s conversation features Sarah Mantell, the 2023 Susan Smith blackburn Prize winner for In the Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot.
Mantell’s path to playwriting wasn’t linear. They initially studied illustration at the Rhode island School of Design (RISD). A pivotal class, shared between illustrators and playwrights and led by Paula Vogel, sparked a shift in focus. They discovered a stronger pull toward the power of dramatic writing.
From Yale to Flourishing: A Playwright’s Development
Following graduation from the Yale School of Drama, Mantell actively sought opportunities to nurture their voice. They emphasize the importance of supportive environments for emerging playwrights. These experiences were crucial in allowing their talent to blossom.
Mantell openly discusses the joys and challenges inherent in the writing process. They also reflect on the evolving landscape of representation in theatre. The impact of initiatives like The Kilroys,which champions women,trans,and non-binary playwrights,is acknowledged. They also address the frustrating reality of progress often being met with setbacks.
Breaking Down Barriers & Offering Support
Access remains a notable hurdle for many aspiring playwrights. Mantell highlights the systemic barriers within the request process. Recognizing this, they’ve dedicated themselves to leveling the playing field.
Currently, they run two impactful initiatives:
* Five Weeks to a first Draft: An autonomous workshop designed to help writers complete a full draft of a play.
* Free Application Help: A service providing guidance and support to historically underrepresented writers navigating the often-complex application process.
Remembering Diana Oh: A Loss to the theatre community
The conversation also holds a poignant space for remembering Diana Oh, a vibrant force in the theatre world.Mantell fondly recalls their collaboration with Oh before her passing on June 17th, describing the light and magic Oh brought to every project.
Awards & Recognition
Sarah Mantell’s work has garnered significant acclaim. They are longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for The Good guys (Second Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival). They were also first runner-up for the Leah Ryan award for Everything That Never Happened (Baltimore Center Stage, Boston Court Pasadena, The Folger).Currently, they are a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.
Their plays include Tiny (Seven Devils, Seattle Rep) and Fight Call (Breaking the Binary, Artists Rep). Mantell has received residencies at MacDowell, Yaddo, Wildacres, Hedgebrook, Fresh Ground pepper, Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and SPACE on Ryder Farm. They’ve also been awarded a toulmin grant, an Edgerton Foundation grant, and a Playwrights Realm Writing Fellowship.
Beyond writing,Mantell actively contributes to the theatre community as a teacher,dramaturg,and literary professional. They are currently a resident with Colt Coeur.
Diving Deep with Playwright Sarah Mantell: Life, Craft, and Advocacy
Each month, we explore the minds of today’s most compelling playwrights, discussing their creative journeys and the forces shaping their work. This month’s conversation features Sarah Mantell, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for In the Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot.
Mantell’s path to playwriting wasn’t a straight line. She initially pursued illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). A pivotal class, shared between illustrators and playwrights and led by Paula Vogel, sparked a shift in focus.She discovered a stronger pull toward the power of dramatic writing.
From Yale to Flourishing: A Playwright’s Development
Following her time at RISD, Mantell honed her skills at the Yale School of Drama. She emphasizes the importance of post-graduate experiences in nurturing her voice. These opportunities allowed her to truly flourish as a playwright.
Mantell openly discusses the joys inherent in the writing process itself. She also reflects on the broader landscape of American theatre. She acknowledges the positive impact of initiatives like The Kilroys, which champion underrepresented playwrights. however, she also notes the frustrating cyclical nature of progress and setbacks in achieving true equity.
Breaking Down Barriers & Offering Support
Access remains a significant hurdle for many aspiring playwrights. Mantell highlights the challenges inherent in application processes. Recognizing this, she actively works to dismantle these barriers. She currently runs “Five Weeks to a First Draft,” an independent workshop. Additionally, she provides “Free Application Help” specifically for historically underrepresented writers.
This conversation also holds a poignant note of remembrance.Mantell fondly recalls her collaboration with the late Diana oh, a vibrant force in the theatre community whose passing in june left a significant void.
Awards & Recognition: A Growing Body of Work
Sarah Mantell’s talent has been widely recognized.She is longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for The Good Guys (Second Stage,Oregon Shakespeare Festival). She was also a first runner-up for the Leah Ryan Award for Everything That Never Happened (Baltimore Center Stage, Boston Court Pasadena, the Folger). Currently, she is a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.
her plays include:
* Tiny (Seven Devils, Seattle Rep)
* Fight Call (Breaking the Binary, Artists Rep)
Mantell’s notable list of residencies includes MacDowell, Yaddo, Wildacres, Hedgebrook, Fresh Ground Pepper, Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and SPACE on Ryder Farm. She has also received a Toulmin grant, an Edgerton Foundation grant, and a Playwrights Realm Writing Fellowship. Currently, she is a resident with Colt Coeur.
Beyond writing, Mantell dedicates herself to teaching, dramaturgy, and working in literary offices across the contry. Her commitment extends to fostering the next generation of playwrights and advocating for a more inclusive theatre landscape.
Diving Deep with Playwright Sarah Mantell: Life, Craft, and Advocacy
Each month, we explore the minds of today’s most compelling playwrights, discussing their creative journeys and the forces shaping their work. This month’s conversation features Sarah Mantell, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for In the Amazon Warehouse parking Lot.
Mantell’s path to playwriting wasn’t a straight line. She initially studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).A pivotal class, shared between illustrators and playwrights and led by Paula Vogel, sparked a shift in focus. She discovered a stronger pull toward the power of dramatic writing.
From Yale to Flourishing: A Playwright’s Evolution
Following her time at RISD, Mantell honed her skills at the Yale School of Drama. She emphasizes the importance of post-graduate experiences in nurturing her voice. These opportunities allowed her to truly flourish as a playwright.
Mantell openly discusses the joys inherent in the writing process itself. She also reflects on the broader landscape of American theatre. She acknowledges the positive impact of initiatives like The Kilroys, which champion underrepresented playwrights. However, she also notes the frustrating cyclical nature of progress and setbacks in achieving true equity.
Breaking Down Barriers & Empowering voices
Mantell is deeply committed to making the field more accessible. She identifies significant hurdles in the application process for playwrights. Recognizing this,she founded “Free Application help” – a valuable service dedicated to supporting historically underrepresented writers.
Her dedication extends beyond her own work. She also runs the popular workshop, “Five Weeks to a First Draft,” designed to help writers overcome initial creative blocks.
Remembering Diana Oh: A Loss to the Theatre Community
The conversation also takes a poignant turn as Mantell remembers Diana Oh, a vibrant force in the theatre world. She fondly recalls their collaboration and the profound impact Oh had on her life. Sadly, Oh passed away on June 17th, leaving a void in the artistic community.
Awards & Recognition: A Growing Body of Work
Sarah mantell’s talent has been widely recognized. She is currently a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. Her plays have received numerous accolades, including:
* Longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for The Good Guys (Second Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival).
* First runner-up for the Leah Ryan Award for Everything That Never Happened (Baltimore Center Stage, Boston Court Pasadena, The Folger).
* Productions of Tiny (Seven Devils,Seattle Rep) and Fight Call (Breaking the Binary,Artists Rep.).
Residencies & Fellowships: Cultivating the Craft
Mantell’s dedication to her craft is further demonstrated through her participation in prestigious residencies and fellowships. These include:
* MacDowell
* Yaddo
* Wildacres
* Hedgebrook
* Fresh Ground Pepper
* Sewanee Writers’ Conference
* SPACE on Ryder Farm
* Toulmin grant
* Edgerton Foundation grant
* Playwrights Realm Writing Fellowship
* Current residency with Colt Coeur.
She has also shared her expertise as a teacher, dramaturg, and literary manager across the country.
Listen to the full conversation with Sarah Mantell:
Mantell’s story is one of artistic exploration, unwavering commitment, and a genuine desire to uplift others.Her work and advocacy are shaping a more inclusive and vibrant future for American theatre.
