Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Thomas.
Hi Kendra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I struggled with ADD and dyslexia during my childhood, but that never stopped me from writing. When I got to college, I wrote a play that was fully produced for the American College Theatre Festival.
That was an amazing experience, but I moved in the direction of novel writing for almost a decade before I went back to playwrighting. My first published play, “The Struggles” came out in 2014. From there, I just kept putting pen to paper, writing plays that I thought would inspire students.
I currently have 13 published plays and another one was just put under contract.
Other articles about me: https://www.pioneerdrama.com/Newsletter/Articles/Q&A_Kendra_Thomas.asp and https://dyslexiaida.org/kendra-thomas-and-her-struggles/.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
ADD and dyslexia are not things that just go away when you’re an adult. I’ve developed a lot of coping skills, but I still have to sit down and force myself to focus on my writing. It’s hard sometimes, and there have been periods where I have had to take a step back from my writing.
Since my first play came out, I’ve had two job changes, gotten a divorce, become a single mom, and been through the struggles that the Covid pandemic caused teachers. But writing is an important part of my life. I make time every day to write. Even if it’s only 100 words. Even if it’s at 11 pm. You make time for the things that matter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a children’s/young adult playwright. I write mostly one-acts that would be great competition pieces for students in middle and high school. I am most proud of my play “The Struggles” because it’s my story. It’s about a student going through ADHD and dyslexia in school and learning that she can still accomplish her dreams.
I am not afraid to tackle serious issues as a playwright, and I am known for being able to create plays that present these issues in a way that children can process and understand them. I’ve written shows that deal with learning disabilities, social differences, the foster care system, the death of a parent in combat, and child abuse and the silence surrounding it.
These issues are real things that kids face, and sometimes presenting them in play form is therapeutic. It also gives young actors of the chance to take on deep, challenging roles.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Directors can visit https://www.pioneerdrama.com/AuthorDetail.asp?ac=THOMASKEND to learn more about me and my plays. I can also be reached at katauthor@gmail.com if directors are looking for a speaker for their class or for assistance with producing one of my plays.
Contact Info:
- Email: katauthor@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.pioneerdrama.com/AuthorDetail.asp?ac=THOMASKEND
