O! What-A-City Maha

Nebraska, man, where have you been all of my life?

Currently I'm in northern Omaha for the Great Plains Theater Conference, working as a panelist for new plays and getting set to workshop another draft of My Friend Dahmer. Thus far, it is great. Everyone here is incredibly nice, helpful, excited, and passionate about theatre, sometimes to an unbelievable degree.

They've put us up in these awesome 19th century colonial type buildings that look like you could either stage a creepy horror film in or that you would want filled with aristocrats and high society ladies, smoking cigars and laughing about business. A lot of people I've met have been older and, of course, more accomplished, but there is a small group of younger writers like me who are still trying to find our way.

One of the best guys I've met here (if I had to narrow it down) is this guy Mark, who lives on floor below me. He's just a low-key guy from Chicago who got into play writing late, but must be very talented since his second play is on the main stage this weekend. Another main stage writer and delightful human being is Jessica Jill, who has been my companion through Omaha's number one gay club, late night porch drinking, and a victim of Cuban Eddie's ego gun in the classroom. Networking -- who knew it could be this much fun?

Yesterday I sat on a panel for four plays, all of which were solid, and two I really enjoyed. Again, Nebraska, where have you been all my life. I was a little worried about my play, however, as the director has been quite busy and he's doing my show, plus another one at the same time. But all my fears subsided when I got an e-mail that I have rehearsal in...well, just a few hours to be exact. Dahmer rides again!

Can't say enough about a state primarily known for its corn and for its having nothing to do. In reality, it is a chill place with fantastic people, delicious food (The Upstream), and dedicated theatre freaks, just the way I like them.