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
About My Work
On Continued on Page 12:
"A powerful reflection on our latest American tragedy. [...] really takes your breath away."
-Matthew Weaver
Playwright
"...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."
-Philip Middleton Williams
Playwright
"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."
-John Busser
Playwright
On Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play:
"I have chills.
[...] this piece is something
I needed to read."
-Hanna Lee DeFrates
"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."
-Jillian Blevins
Playwright
"A powerful retelling and reimagining of ancient myth which is rendered even more solidly universal and relatable through the lens of a grieving mother, envious sister, vengeful wife... Wave after wave, Speckman captures the rawness of what it means to be human with an 'itch' to scratch. Brilliant."
-Nora Louise Syran
Playwright
"This play is gorgeous."
-Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend
"...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."
-Vince Gatton
Playwright
"It's gorgeous and funny and upsetting and wonderful. Highly recommended!"
-David Hansen
Playwright
"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."
-Daniel Prillaman
Playwright
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 Bartleby & Bess:
"Elisabeth Giffin Speckman captures such poignant and magical moments..."
-John Mabey
Playwright
"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!"
-Emma Goldman-Sherman
Playwright, poet
"Such a gorgeous monologue that will tear at your heart and make you throw out all your pens."
-Arianna Rose
Playwright
"An absolutely lovely example of theater in an exploded moment. Bravo!"
-Cary Simowitz
Playwright
On Before We Were Bake Sale Pies:
"...combines the best of poetry and drama."
-Brynn Hambley
"a sumptuous, sensuous treat."
-Sam Heyman
Playwright
"This play isn't a haiku,
but it feels like one --
like each word has been carefully chosen for this one specific moment. Lovely."
-Lainie Vansant
Playwright
"A marvelous sensory experience."
-Emma Goldman-Sherman
Playwright, poet
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."
-Jackie Martin
Playwright
