Meet Tami Canaday | Playwright

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tami Canaday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tami, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is inherent in playwriting because like in any art form, it’s totally subjective to how audiences and critics respond to one’s play when it becomes a theatrical performance. But, for me, the biggest and most exhilarating risk of playwriting is that it’s a collaboration between other artists like actors, directors, and designers. If all these elements can join together seamlessly in a production, one experiences the magic of theater. Imagine it as a risky high-wire act where many things have to go right beginning with the script.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My reason for playwriting is to shed a luminous light on the complexities of human existence. Through my work, I’m drawn to explore the darkest corners of our collective experiences, from Abu Ghraib to toxic masculinity, from the impact of suicide to events like Columbine. Above all, in my plays, my aim is to illuminate the inherent dignity that persists in the most challenging of circumstances by weaving in threads of humor and showcasing the human connections that bind us all.

Mostly, I try not to adhere to conventional linear narratives in my playwriting; instead, I might use elements of magical realism, experimental language, or children’s fables to explore a wide range of experiences. However, when my plays follow a relatively straight narrative, I make it a point to incorporate unconventional sets into the pieces.

While my primary focus is on writing full-length plays, I‘ve had success in crafting one-acts, ten minute plays, Zoom performances, site specific work, radio dramas, and even two minute plays.

Like anything that is challenging, my best advice is to keep going. That’s it! Keep taking one step after another.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Olde Town Arvada.

Since I’m from Arvada, I’ve watched the evolution of Olde Town Arvada transform from its sleepy stationery and musty furniture stores into current stores like Outside the Box and Balefire Goods. We’d visit both stores, but first we’d grab a glass of wine at Silver Vines. Then, after walking around Olde Town’s diverse array of shops, boutiques, galleries, and bars, we’d grab dinner at School House Kitchen for its yummy American Grilled Salad.

And, if my friend was in town on June 18, I’d take her to And Toto Too’s ( www.andtototoo.org) play crawl where she could watch micro plays written by female Colorado playwrights. Plays that are performed in and around different businesses in Olde Town Arvada including my play, “A Popup Romance ” at Burd’s Nest Art Gallery. (Galleryartbyjudi.com/burds-nest-art-gallery).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout to my husband, Gordon, who was there from my very first play production. He has, with much kindness and with much good advice, experienced countless conversations with me – both anguished and joyful ones – about my experiences as a playwright.

Website: https://tamicanaday.com

Image Credits

Tami Canaday