Playwrightwriter

Playwrightwriter is a term used in contemporary theatre discourse to describe a person who both writes plays and writes about plays or theatre—such as criticism, theory, pedagogy, or other reflective writing. It is not an established professional designation and does not denote a formal role within the theatre industry. Instead, it functions as an informal label in discussions, blogs, and academic writing to signal a dual practice in creation and critique.

Origins of the term are informal and likely arise from the combination of “playwright” and “writer.” It appears sporadically in online forums, articles, and social media during the 2010s and 2020s, where participants discuss authors who engage in both dramatization and commentary on the craft.

Usage and interpretation vary. In some contexts, a playwrightwriter is someone who publishes original plays and also publishes essays, analyses, or instructional materials about playwriting. In others, the term serves as a helpful descriptor for practitioners who routinely cross between creating dramatic texts and teaching, reviewing, or theorizing about theatre. Because it is informal, the definition is not fixed, and different communities may emphasize different aspects of the dual role.

Notable figures: there is no universally recognized list of individuals identified specifically as “playwrightwriters” in reliable sources. The term remains a descriptive label rather than a formal category.

See also: Playwright, Theatre criticism, Dramatic writing, Playwriting pedagogy.