This week marks the end of an era for Write Club Atlanta as Nicholas Tecosky bids farewell to his role as emcee, a position he has held for 15 years.
On June 11 at 8 p.m., the literary monthly event will celebrate Tecosky’s significant contributions with a special show featuring a greatest hits collection of past performances from esteemed local writers.
Since 2010, Tecosky has shaped Write Club Atlanta into a beloved community event, where writers compete in front of an enthusiastic audience. The upcoming shows will include an array of talents such as Topher Payne, Nicki Harris Salcedo, Ryan Jones, Mark Kendall, Chris Alonzo, and Evan Fulton, alongside Tecosky, who will compete one last time against his long-time rival, Jason Mallory.
Reflecting on his time with Write Club, Tecosky described the experience as transformative.
“When I did my first Write Club with Ian Belknap at PushPush Theatre, I was 30 years old,” he recalled.
“Now, 15 years later, I feel like I’ve grown tremendously. This show has improved my listening skills and introduced me to diverse perspectives that have enriched my life.”
Write Club Atlanta operates on a unique format, where two writers are given topics two weeks in advance. Each writer has creative freedom to interpret their topic, such as “up vs. down,” crafting a seven-minute performance.
The element of surprise comes into play when competitors do not know the content of their opponent’s piece until they are on stage, with performance order determined randomly through a game of “rock, paper, scissors.”
Originally designed by Belknap in Chicago, the format has expanded nationwide. Write Club Atlanta, under Tecosky and Mykal Alder June’s production, has flourished, particularly due to the wealth of local talent in Atlanta.
Tecosky commented on the importance of community engagement in a climate often marked by isolation.
“In today’s world of constant digital noise, people tend to retreat and feel more alone,” he explained. “Write Club serves as a counter to that loneliness, allowing individuals to hear diverse voices live in front of them. It fosters understanding and opens us up to broader worldviews, which is essential for societal health.”
Topher Payne noted that the show significantly impacted local writers, emphasizing Tecosky’s role as a catalyst for community building.
“When we connect as storytellers, our investment in each other’s stories deepens,” Payne stated. “Nick transformed the Atlanta literary landscape by creating this essential platform.”
Harris, a novelist and columnist, shared her own apprehensions when invited to participate in Write Club in 2015.
However, Tecosky’s encouragement helped her overcome her fears.
“Nick would tell me, ‘You’ll kill it on stage,'” she recalled, adding that Write Club became a space to confront her fears and isolation. “You’re not just competing against another writer, but against your own limitations. Nick urged us to give our best and to express our true selves on stage. His mentorship has changed my life dramatically.”
Belknap praised Tecosky’s skillful hosting and producing abilities, highlighting the importance of curatorial insight in programming.
“Effective hosting requires an understanding of the energy of the crowd and educating them about the ethos of the show over time,” he said.
Belknap emphasized that Tecosky’s leadership has profoundly influenced Atlanta’s cultural scene.
“Due to Nick’s dedication, Write Club has improved and deepened, enriching both the artists involved and the audience experience,” he added. “Words fail to convey how grateful we are for his contributions.”
As Tecosky prepares to step down, he cites a need for personal growth and new endeavors.
“I believe people evolve, and I have other interests I wish to pursue,” he shared. “Write Club deserves a host who can focus wholeheartedly on it. I didn’t want my divided attention to harm the show.”
Taking over as host will be Dani Herd, a seasoned writer and producer.
“Dani embodies the passion I had when I first started,” Tecosky said. “She has fresh ideas that will propel the show forward.”
Looking ahead, Tecosky plans to focus on writing, directing, and producing new podcasts, including the forthcoming Havoc Town for iHeartMedia, featuring notable actors like Jewel Staite, James Callis, and Ray Wise.
He emphasized the value of local talent, stating that the writers he discovered through Write Club have contributed significantly to his other projects, including anthologies.
“I believe our community’s writers are among the best in the world,” he concluded.
As Write Club Atlanta gears up for this momentous farewell show, the legacy of Nicholas Tecosky’s leadership will undoubtedly be felt within the community for years to come.
image source from：https://www.artsatl.org/nicholas-tecosky-steps-down-as-host-of-write-club-atlanta-to-pursue-new-projects/
