Atticus Finch famously advised his hot-headed daughter that you never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes. And while both un-hygenic and impractical, it’s still a great code for living. I also find it useful as a writer. Not only in terms of learning to empathize with characters whom you mightContinue reading “The Virtues of Walking in Different Shoes”
Author Archives: Jack Canfora
Notes From a Concert
[It] was a narrative [that] told the of…,how to honor and even treasure the past without succumbing to sentimentality or stasis.
More of a Guideline Than a Rule
When you believe you alone possess the truth, locked securely away from the great unwashed, everyone who isn’t a supplicant is a thief trying to con the key from you.
“You Make a Mean Salad”
The Importance of Complicating Characters The summer after he and I graduated high school, my friend (for the sake of anonymity, let’s call him Ed, even though his real name is Joe), had perhaps his first truly adult date with his girlfriend (get your mind out of the gutter; I don’t mean it that way).Continue reading ““You Make a Mean Salad””
I Was On A Podcast
I was thrilled to appear on this great podcast about the necessity of storytelling, New Normal Rep’s mission to help democratize theater, writing an audio play, and my new audio play, Step 9, available free of charge wherever you get your podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e173-a-jack-of-all-trades-chatting-with/id1445378803?i=1000587538351
It Was 42 Years Ago Today
John Lennon has, of today, been dead 42 years – or roughly two more years than he was alive. I was 11 when I heard about his murder. I was living in London and found out on the morning of December 9th when I got on the school bus. I was the first one pickedContinue reading “It Was 42 Years Ago Today”
Your Horoscope
Aries – Zoran, Fifth Lord of the Legions of Vengeance, has decreed the time to exact retribution for your betrayal of the sacred blood oath is nigh, so today’s not a day to sweat the small stuff. Taurus – The stars are just showing us a picture of a guy giving you the finger GeminiContinue reading “Your Horoscope”
What I Learned Writing an Audio Play
What it was lie for me writing a “radio play” for the first time.
I Gave An Interview!
The wonderful blogger and all-around smarty Wynne Leon interviewed me a little while ago about my new audio play, Step 9, available wherever you get your podcasts (just search “New Normal Rep” and “Step 9” and you’re good to go! She generously allowed me to reprint it here: In March 2020 when Seattle went intoContinue reading “I Gave An Interview!”
Autumnal Thoughts about Fall as Autumn Approaches This Fall
As the leaves start to turn, like so many stomachs at the sight of a MAGA hat, one becomes reflective. I’m the one, by the way. I’m not saying I’m Number One or anything, it isn’t an ego thing. I just thought it would sound classier. But reading back over it, it feels maybe aContinue reading “Autumnal Thoughts about Fall as Autumn Approaches This Fall”