Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Chris Evans

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?

My need as a high school theatre to have scripts that students find challenging.

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

Listen to the students. How they walk, talk and exist matters when writing for them.

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

To keep it appropriate and have boundaries without sugar coating. Students see through sugar coating every time.

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

Truth; the possibility to be better; the ability to face the scary. Also Hope. Change is possible if we commit to it.

How do you balance education and fun in your scripts?

I workshop drafts with students. They seem to like it a lot.

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

The first time we did Clowns With Guns: A Vaudeville at the Montana Thespian Festival. The shock and awe was so thick at the end that you could cut it with a knife.

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

COMMUNICATE! Make sure you communicate with Admin, parents & students so there are no surprises. Also, listen to your theatre kids. They are more creative than you know.

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

Whatever one I'm writing currently.

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

I like to push buttons. I strive to achieve messages through absurdity sometimes.