News and Updates

Rehearsals are heating up for H. apocalyptus and we've posted some promotional photos online. This "new American creation myth" is about Zombies, survival, and the meaning of family. For details, tickets, and more, check out The Salvage Company (NYC) website. PREVIEW PERFORMANCE ADDED! We have been able to add a one-night-only preview performance of H. apocalyptus at Trustus Theatre as a fundraiser / benefit. Trustus has graciously hosted us for our rehearsals in South Carolina and this is a great way to say "thank you" to them for their support. If you can't make it to Charleston for the run, please come out and enjoy this stripped-down version of the play, plus a chance to meet the team in the (living) flesh. WHERE: Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia, SC ( Google Map ) WHEN: Sunday, June 5 at 7:30 PM

I'm really excited to be preparing for the U.S. Premiere of my new play H. apocalyptus at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC from June 8 - 12. Teaming up with The Salvage Company (NYC) and the phenomenal director Katherine Brook , the whole team is at the top of their game. Come join us around the electronic campfire. Amazing Press " Top 10 Must See. " "a humor-laced, whiskey-fueled alternative American Creation myth" - Charleston City Paper - Critic's Pick! "caters to everyone’s apocalyptic cravings" - Charleston Geek Culture Examiner "the most important work of the Piccolo Spoleto season." - Free Times Help Out If you're in the area, you can buy tickets online . Or donate to our Kickstarter Campaign .

The tradition at the end of each multi-week class at the Primary Stages / Einhorn School of the Performing Arts is to show off a little. For the past few months, a number of dedicated playwrights have gathered together on winter Mondays to huddle over fresh-hot pages as part of a First Draft group led by the astute Julian Sheppard. I've really enjoyed the sessions, and I'm excited about some of the ideas that I have been developing. Look for more soon about computer programmers, drone aircraft, and Chinese waitress / spies. WHAT: Primary Stages / ESPA Presentation WHERE: 307 West 38th St. Suite 1510 - Studio B WHEN: 6:00 PM

Over the next two weeks, I am thrilled to be developing my new treasure hunting play, THE MORE BEYOND at The Puzzle New Works Festival with Marble Collegiate Church here in NYC. Marble Church has a long history of supporting the arts, and this festival is a chance to dig into the script in rich detail. I'm excited about this play, fresh from my intensive workshop at The Playwrights' Center , and I'm glad to see it coming into focus. It's a large work, and thanks to the heavy lifting of the crew of the actors, director Aaron Vega, and dramaturg Brian Hansom, we are finally getting a glimpse of the whole scale. More to come!

This week I have the privilege of visiting the Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis, MN as one of their Core Member Apprentices for the 2010 / 2011 season. The Core Apprentice program, in association with the Kennedy Center / American College Theatre Festival, recognizes student playwrights and provides a year-long mentorship relationship (in my case with generous Mat Smart), as well as an intensive developmental workshop. I am bringing piping hot pages of my new underwater treasure hunting play, and with Mat as dramaturge, and Brian Balcom as director, we hope to see what's under there. Developmental residencies provide an opportunity to try new things and hear fresh perspectives on your work, and with this play, I hope to uncover something of lasting value.

This week a new, high-energy production of my play Paradise Key opened in Austin, TX at the Hyde Park Theatre . The production features Austin's own a chick and a dude productions and runs from March 31 through April 16. I'll fly down there next week for a post-show talk-back, and to enjoy the run. Actor / producer Shanon Weaver as David gets locked in the room with Tom Green as Halb, while Melissa Livingston directs. Dangerous fun. UPDATE: After a great opening weekend, the production received critical praise, and strong audiences responses. I was able to participate in a talk-back session after a show this past Friday, and every last audience member stayed in their seats to listen. Check out these reviews online: "Buckle your chin strap." "Excellent performances by both Tom Green and Shannon Weaver tell the uncomfortable story."   - NowPlayingAustin.com "Poynor has great strengths as a playwright." "Two characters, one room, and a...

I was honored to present some new pages this weekend at an event recognizing the late Milan Stitt for his contribution as a playwright, teacher and mentor. It was a small gathering at the Dramatists Guild of former students representing CMU and a few guests, and we chose to share work-in-progress in the spirit of continuous learning and growth. I offered a piece of my Treasure hunting play. I was glad to hear those Milan phrases again - write big plays, ending problems are page one problems, what is this play about , writing is the scab we use to cover wounds of the soul - and I was reminded to always sharpen all my pencils, and then write with a pen.