Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Sylvia Davenport-Veith

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 taught high school theatre for 25 years and realized drama students needed more quality material.

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

I put myself back in time, remembering the struggles I had in high school. From there, the characters emerge, and I "hear" their voices, and they create the story.

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

My main challenge is disciplining myself to sit down and write. When a story starts working itself through my imagination, I feel the need to tell it. Then, I can sit down and write.

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

I like to combine humor with poignancy. Finding one's way as a young person certainly has both its funny moments and its tender moments. Writing to include both laughter and tears, rings true to me.

How do you balance education and fun in your scripts?

In Prom Night, I incorporated some references to a Greek myth as well as a touch of history. The play is set after 9/11, and Dillon is going to join the military.

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

The first readings of Prom Night at Shiloh High School in Georgia were met with lots of excitement and enthusiasm from the students. They helped me shape the script into its final form. I was thrilled with the original cast members who brought Imena, Dillon, and Grace to life for the first time. It was thrilling!

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

I would say that it is important to seek quality dialogue and stories. There are lots of scripts out there that really aren't engaging. If you do farce, find a good one. If you do a social message, find a script that is truthful and enriching.

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

Prom Night is my favorite play for young people. I have written quite a few plays for adult actors as well.

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

It is never too late to start writing. For most of my theatre career, I was extremely busy with teaching, acting, directing, and running a high school theatre department. My opportunity to write came after I retired. If you have the time, don't wait.