Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Claire Broome

Welcome to "Playwright Spotlight" — your exclusive backstage pass to the creative minds crafting the incredible plays featured in our Theatrefolk catalogue. Discover the magic, quirks, and genius of the playwrights who help bring the stage to life. Let's meet one of these exceptional playwrights who offers the chance for your student performers to shine in their spotlight.

What inspired you to start writing plays specifically for high school & middle school students?

I believe Theatre is such a wonderful way for young people to explore issues and the world around them. I wanted to write work that they would enjoy performing and might challenge the way they see the world.

Can you share a bit about your creative process when developing plays that resonate with students?

Sometimes one of my students will say something that will inspire me (giving me a line for a play). Sometimes it is seeing what is happening in the world, or seeing what challenges students are facing in the high school I work in.

Are there any challenges you face when writing for student performers, and how do you overcome them?

I want to make sure the language I use reflects young people, but is not stereotypical. I want to make sure the character voice sounds authentic. To overcome this, I will ask students to read my work and give me feedback. I have really appreciated their thoughts in the process.

What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your plays?

It depends on the play, but I am hoping to leave casts, crews, and audiences with a sense of hope.

How do you balance education and fun in your scripts?

I want to make my work accessible - that it doesn't require a lot of sets, props, lighting, etc, to tell the story.

Can you share a memorable experience or feedback from a student performance that left an impact on you?

A student director shared that Gone from Same Room Different Story had a impact on them. They appreciated telling a story with complex emotions. They really liked that "what happened to him" was not what the story was about, but how the friend group dealt with their loss.

Any advice for teachers or directors looking to choose engaging and age-appropriate plays for their student performers?

If you find a play that you like, have a read through and get feedback from your students to see how they feel about it. Are they comfortable with the content? Next ensure that your administration and parents are on board.

What is your favourite play you've written so far?

Too hard to choose. I love Homework and Gone from Same Room Different Story, but Virtual Platform has a special place in my heart for the creative process it went through. It was written during a lockdown during the pandemic.

Anything else you'd like students and/or directors to know about you as a playwright?

I am a Drama Teacher.