My characters take on the weight of story, propelling forward experiences of connection, satisfaction, or breaking point. They dive into mental health, sexuality, religious trauma, and self discovery, teetering on the edge of the shame and secrets that exist between the cracks of the self. Relationally, I strive to break through heteronormative barriers to give space to platonically motivated, deeply influential relationships that form us throughout young adulthood. Elevating queer identities, girlhood and gender identity, as well as complex family structures is at the core of my playwriting, often inspired by my own experiences and community.
Grace’s work has been showcased throughout North Carolina: Conversations (World Premiere: Spring Theatre), Me, My Brain, & I (co-written - Sterling Hart-Peck, World Premiere: Spring Theatre), Kids Like Us (World Premiere: Western Carolina University). As well as Chicago: Ghosts (Staged Reading/Workshops: Columbia College), Growing Pains: A Collection of 10 minute plays (Staged Readings: Columbia College Chicago, Playwrights Aloud), Driving in the Dark (Chicago Dramatists Playwrights Aloud Podcast), To Fall in Silence from the Sky (World Premiere: Columbia College One Act Play Festival), Daylight Savings (Reading: Columbia College Senior Playwriting Festival), Pillars of Salt (World Premiere: Columbia College Chicago Playwriting Senior Showcase. Capital Arts Theatre Guild North Carolina Playwrights Lab Finalist). Publications: How She Loves (Evergreen Anthology: Columbia College/University of Greenwich). Commissions: Yard Sale (Horizon Theatre’s New South Young Playwrights Festival), Dirt Girls (Pocket VR Playfest). When she isn’t writing, Grace can be found leaving a trail of empty tea mugs through the house.
Full-Length Plays
Photo Credit: Mollie Menuck
Featuring Justen Stock (Left) and Mak Meinhardt (Right)
Anthony, the son of a pastor, befriends wayward Simon, whose opinions do not line up with the rest of Ant's family. Due to a crisis in the family, Ant must face his biggest fear while keeping his blossoming relationship with Simon a secret. The pressure and expectations become too much, and Ant sets a match to his dad's plans of protecting the perfect image of their family.
Performed in the Classic Theatre at Columbia College Chicago October 2022, Directed by Elliot Lockshine
Stevie and Hazel attempt to give their best friends one last night to remember before they both move away to college, but all four friends are forced to confront the way their lives will be changed for good once the sun rises.
(otherwise known as "the zombie play")
Performed at Western Carolina University April 2023 for the School of Stage and Screen Senior Thesis Showcase.
Photo Credit: Pam Bond
Featuring (from left to right): Leah Paige Henry, Jourdan Marie, Sterling Hart-Peck, Jacob Williams
Dirt Girls is a coming-of-age story set in the heart of all teenage angst: the middle school girl’s locker room. Frankie, an awkward and misshapen 13 year old girl, finds herself searching for a place to land in the midst of an ever-changing dynamic between herself and the other two girls that orbit her world. She finds an unlikely friend in an outcast boy, Ari, hidden in the showers of the locker room. This play takes a fresh look at teenage sexuality, gender expression, friendship, and girlhood, departing from labels and expectations in a suspended universe of sports bras, first periods, and secrets in gym bags.
Commissioned by Pocket Theatrics' Play Festival December 2023. Directed by Oskar Westbridge.
Visit my New Play Exchange for access to 10-minute plays, One-Acts, and TYA scripts:
One Act Plays
Growing Pains (A Collection of 10-minute Plays)
Maybe I'm Drinking Alone (And Lonely)
To Fall in Silence from the Sky
10-Minute Plays
* indicates a script appropriate for young audiences
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