Photographed by f/SHR photography
A few words
About Me
Elisabeth Speckman (she/her) is a writer from Indianapolis, Indiana. Elisabeth writes in multiple genres, from poetry to prose to picture books.
As a playwright, Elisabeth's work has been recognized and produced throughout the United States and in five other countries. Her short screenplays have been selected, nominated, and awarded in competitions and film festivals nationally and internationally.
When she isn't writing, Elisabeth is busy with her family and her business, Ensemble Children's Theatre, a performing arts program for central Indiana youth.
She also enjoys photography, a consistent rotation of crafting hobbies, and of course, reading. She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the Indianapolis theatre community.
A few words
On Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play
"I have chills.
[...] this piece is something
I needed to read."
Playwright, Theatre Artist
"CLYT, an astonishing retelling of Agamemnon from the perspective of Clytemnestra, is an exploration of feminine rage that grows, secretly, inside women who are often ignored and forgotten. This Clytemnestra [...] demands to be heard."
Playwright, BFA
"A powerful retelling and reimagining of ancient myth...
Wave after wave, Speckman captures the rawness of what it means to be human with an 'itch' to scratch. Brilliant."
Playwright, Educator, Translator
"This play is gorgeous."
Playwright, BFA Film & Television
"...It’s a play in which the gods, Achilles, and mall ear-piercing kiosks co-exist; with language that alternates between spare elegance, zippy repartee,
and delicious monologues of wry insight;
and with choral movement that invites
and demands bold theatrical imagination.
Plus it’s hilarious. And enraging. An absolute hoot and an absolute tragedy, this play is alchemy of the first order."
Playwright, Drama-Desk nominated Actor
"It's gorgeous and funny and upsetting and wonderful. Highly recommended!"
Playwright, Artistic Director, Actor, Director
"God, Speckman’s world
would be so much FUN to stage!
...This is a brave, explorative, and rich examination of the myth, and it is a play you need to know about."
Playwright
Reviews:
Cleveland Centennial!:
Play in a Day: Clyt; or, The Bathub Play
Alamosa Citizen:
War, water, and the little death: a review of "Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play
On Make It Known
"I felt the rise of this piece in my chest.
...This is a fight song. I f*&^ing love it. YES."
Playwright, Actor,
MFA (Actors Studio NY)
"Whether you’re drawn to the tender nostalgia of Emily’s beyond-the-grave speech in “Our Town” or Sally’s riot grrrl feminist awakening in “Make It Known,”
the best teen girl monologues speak to the complexities of the coming-of-age experience—and make an impact at auditions. Here are some of the most promising, dynamic, and underused monologues to help you
get that coveted callback."
On Bartleby & Bess:
"Elisabeth Giffin Speckman captures such poignant and magical moments..."
Playwright, Screenwriter,
Theatre Artist
"Her language choices and the rhythms she provides the characters give the piece so much momentum. This is sweet, as some have said, but it's also maddening and wild and could go almost any which way, and while it lands beautifully at the end, there is great tension!"
Playwright, poet
"Such a gorgeous monologue that will tear at your heart and make you throw out all your pens."
Playwright, Theatre Professor, Dramaturg, Lyricist/Librettist,
MFA Musical Writing Program (NYU Tisch)
"An absolutely lovely example of theater in an exploded moment. Bravo!"
Playwright, MFA Playwriting (UCLA);
JD (Wash U School of Law)
About My Work
On Brothers on a Hotel Bed:
"This play accomplishes so much in just 15 pages. It's beautifully written - poignant and engaging, with strong characters who feel fully drawn from the first moment."
Playwright, Educator
"This is a beautifully touching piece [...] sad, tense and beautiful all at once and very well done.
Playwright
"...hits you in the feels."
Playwright, Screenwriter,
Theatre Artist, Comedian, MFA Writing for the Stage and Screen
On Before We Were Bake Sale Pies:
"...combines the best of poetry and drama."
Playwright, Theatre Artist & Educator, Podcast Host
"...a sumptuous, sensuous treat."
Playwright, Educator
"This play isn't a haiku,
but it feels like one --
like each word has been carefully chosen for this one specific moment. Lovely."
Actor, Playwright, Theatre Professor PhD Performance Studies
"A marvelous sensory experience."
Dramaturg, Playwright, Poet,
Writing Coach, Educator, MFA
On Nixin' Nixon
"A master-class in comedy writing!"
Playwright, Dramaturg, Theatre Artist
On Catch/Release
"Wow. This is the type of theatre
that should be put onstage now."
Playwright, Novelist
"..a brilliantly thoughtful and disquieting drama [...] There’s a deft touch applied to even the most minor characters, and not a single line is extra. If you’re looking for a very well-told story, this is it."
Playwright, Theatre Artist
"Incredibly vivid and nuanced characters inhabit a world that’s mundane and sometimes ugly in this stunning work. The language and visuals are beautifully crafted and emotionally impactful,
and the relationships and driving forces shift in unexpected and complicated ways, drawing the reader in. Sad and lovely work. Highly recommended."
Playwright, Actor, Director
[on one of Jayne's monologues]
"It would take a concrete poem of concentric spiraling words to truly express my affection for this piece.
One spiral expounds upon how perfectly Speckman conveys the feeling of being The Other [...]
Another extolls the heartache and joy of being perpetually or at least intermittently seventeen.
Playwright, Screenwriter, two-time Emmy Award Winner, five-time Writers Guild of America Award
(General Hospital)
On Continued on Page 12
"A powerful reflection on our latest American tragedy. [...] really takes your breath away."
Playwright, Screenwriter, Poet
"...reading this moment of brilliant reflection touched me in a way we all should feel: bodies are one thing,
but souls are another.
I don't believe in coincidence.
I do believe in inspiration,
and this piece is proof of it."
Playwright, PhD Playwriting and Dramatic Criticism
"A heart stopper as well as a breath taker. As well it should be...There should be an obligatory silence after this play is performed to give the audience a chance to think about the words they've just heard. Powerful words indeed."
Actor, Playwright
On Dead & Company
"So powerful. Seriously.
...Elisabeth's storytelling is so compelling and at no point does she ever go the obvious, which takes just as much courage as it takes to write this show. Beautifully written."
Playwright
"I am I awe of writers who can say so much in so few words, and this is a fine example...inspired.
Playwright
On Happy Holidays (or Bust)
"I snorted several times ...enjoying every minute of this short piece. The perfect holiday play in my opinion - we know this family - we are this family - perfectly imperfect in all their glory."
Playwright
"One of the funniest 10-minute plays I have ever read. I wish I had written it."
Playwright, Theatre Professor, Dramaturg, Lyricist/Librettist,
MFA Musical Writing Program (NYU Tisch)
"The best laid plans... rarely turn this funny."
Actor, Playwright
