Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Treanor Baring

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?

Seeing local plays at school theatres and laughing out loud. I’ve always written for young people, first for television and now for student performers.

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

I write really fast at first, to get all my ideas down, then I edit ALOT. I want to give actors a chance to be goofy. Being at school is hard these days so theatre is the place they can inhabit a character outside of the daily pressures. And dive deep into their own creative process whether as an actor or crew.

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

Shorter speeches. More characters. Opportunities for backstage creativity. What’s not to love?

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

It’s ok to be smart. It’s ok to be different.

How do you balance education and fun in your scripts?

I aim for fun. Any learning is purely coincidental.

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

Every time I’ve seen a performance of my plays I’ve been amazed at just how GOOD the actors and crew are. And how great the theatre programs are in building community within a school.

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

You know your crowd best.

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

That’s like picking a favorite child. I’m gonna say the next one…

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

I’m available for questions.