Caleb M. Price
Hello; I’m Caleb Price a playwright and theatre nut from Hickory, North Carolina. I’d first like to take the time to say thank you for giving playwrights such as myself opportunities such as the McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship. Without programs such as this; emerging playwrights such as myself wouldn’t be able to learn and grow as playwrights. I’d also like to take the time to thank you for your consideration and time. I can’t speak on behalf of the other applicants, but the number one reason I’m applying is that I LOVE theatre and I want to learn all that I can so that I may, in turn, teach others what I’ve learned. You see I love theatre not because I enjoy being a part of it but to be an advocate for it. Why I write plays, act in productions when I can, and even direct plays. To show the world I care for the arts and show them why they should too.
Playwriting to me is almost religious to me. What I mean by that is I take it very seriously. I take pride in my writing and want it to be the best it can be. “Why?” you ask; because every play that I’ve written and yet to write is a part of me, a mere reflection and insight into who I am. Why I accept nothing but sheer excellence when writing plays. I’m not seeking perfection; because I’m not perfect and to say my plays are would be a lie. I write from the heart and personal experience. Whether it be a comedy or tragedy; the story is my story. Stories that I want to share not because I want too; but because I feel the need too. I’m not looking for my stories to relate to every viewer, but just one viewer. When it comes down to it; if I only change the life of one viewer with my work; then I can rest easy knowing I changed the life of one person. Lastly; I’d like you to know I don’t write plays for money, or fame, or glory. I write plays because I have a story to tell and want to share it with the world.
I may not be the best yet; nor do I want to be. I only want to be knowledgeable enough to learn how to make my plays look and be as professional as possible. I still have a lot to learn and won’t stop until I get to where I’m going in my theatre career. Why I believe if given the opportunity to attend McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship I can get closer to where I want to be. Through learning from other professionals and connecting with other theatre nuts I can become a better playwright not just for myself but for the theatre community.
I am an active volunteer at my local community theatre (Hickory Community Theatre) with my most recent acting role as Michael Wormwood in our production of Matilda the Musical. I am also a member of not only the Playwright Center but also the Dramatists Guild of America and the American Association of Community Theatre.
Caleb Price is a North Carolina-based playwright, essayist, actor, and blogger. His plays include The Christmas Dream (Premiere Debut: Old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Newton, N.C), Winter 2015) and The Unexpected Christmas Visitor (Premier Debut: Old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Newton, N.C), Winter 2016). His most recent stage appearance was at Hickory Community Theatre portraying the dumb-witted brother, Michael Wormwood, in Matilda the Musical during October 2019. He is a proud member of the American Association of Community Theatre, North Carolina Theatre Conference, and Playwright’s Center.