In 2015, we were both assistants working in TV, new-ish to LA, and craving an artistic community of our own. A place to take risks, to grow together, to have a place to go on Saturdays at 5pm. So we created
@seewhatsticksLA , a “monthly workshop with an audience” where people could put up works-in-progress with no judgment. And to our shock and joy, it grew. And grew. We saw pilots presented that were sold to networks, films that were shot, germs of ideas that bloomed into full-fledged performances, a hilarious host (
@bscan !) whose career exploded before our eyes, and lifelong friendships made. Our community flourished and grew beyond our wildest dreams.
The skills we learned from running this workshop taught us how to be better writers, better collaborators, better showrunners. On a personal note, we became best friends. And we were so grateful when
@aliciadcarroll and
@ericawachs joined the fray and then stepped up to run SWS. We remain in awe of their vision, tenacity, and drive - and everything they brought to SWS. They’re brilliant producers and people.
SWS had only three rules: under ten minutes, #noimprov, and your piece must not be finished. After ten years, it’s time to say goodbye. But like a SWS workshop piece, our community is never done changing and growing and evolving. Thank you to every workshopper, audience member, gala attendee, and supporter. This has always been about you. We love you.
-Ilana and Maddie
