Staci Swedeen
Playwright, Author, Actor

I was so impressed with your activity as students used higher level thinking skills and the enthusiasm and engagement of your students. Wow, I was really amazed when you asked the students if they wanted to take a break and they said "No!" Great work.

Alice Schilling, Principal, ECA 2008


I just want to let you know that you were really my inspiration to want to write a play. I didn't think I was a good writer at all until your class, and once I realized that I could actually create something, I was inspired to write this play. Thank you so much, so far, this class has really had a profound impact on my life.
Freshman Student, ECA

"My freshman classes and I had the great pleasure of having Staci Swedeen offer a workshop on playwrighting. We found Staci's energy, her positive reinforcement of student effort and her great sense of humor delightful. Having a real live playwright and actress come to the school gave students the opportunity not only to interact with a living artist but also to see that an idea can come to fruition as a play. This Stamford for the Arts program which puts artists into classrooms is vital."
Janet MacKenzie, Teacher, Greenwich High School

"After listening to your experiences, and hearing about all the different things you have done and written, you have made me think about how much I enjoy writing. You have brought back something inside of me, that I had put away for far too long - you have opened up a door. Thank you."
High school student

"After you came in, I thought about the world in a different way. I started hearing and seeing different things and understanding that my life experience could be made into plays or monologues. I am forever grateful to you for coming in and sharing your passion with us."
High school student

I lead a variety of writing workshops – from two hour inspirational and intensive “boot camps” to ten week sessions which focus on the craft of revising and shaping written work. While I give particular attention to writing for the stage and screen, I also encourage writing in poetry, prose and personal essay.

I believe that everyone has a strong, unique voice. We are all born with creative genius and writing is an art form that belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.

Most importantly, I believe a writer is someone who writes – and that in my workshops, regardless of age, we are colleagues in pursuit of the expression of our creativity.

As a visiting artist, I have taught at grade school, high school and college age levels. I’d be delighted to speak with you about bringing one of my dynamic, fun and interactive educational workshops to your location.

I am currently an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University. I also teach playwriting at ECA, the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven in CT.