Policy for Cutting MTI Shows for Competition Purposes

As a writer, I find cutting a full length show to make a shorter show a tricky business. I personally have no problem with a producer creating a preview that skips over or summarizes whole sections of the play. I have no problem with a producer creating a showcase that highlights the best numbers. I'm all for giving people a taste of the show as a way to help raise money or bring in an audience. I'd be uncomfortable about allowing wholesale cuts to a the play itself. Why? Well, often the best way to cut a show is to cut out the subplot or secondary characters. You can loose a lot that way (half the show in "Grease" is songs by supporting characters). Still, cutting the subplot keeps the focus on the main storyline. Some people have a good feeling for doing this sort of thing, others don't. Some people understand the structure of a play and can tell what scene is the very heart of a piece, while others ... not so much. I support MTI's policy of asking for all requests for cuts in writing. I believe it is a smart move, fair to the authors and actually helps protect the producers. Best wishes, Rodney Robbins, the Singing Playwright