Ayvaunn Penn, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre, will present at the premier multi-genre writers conference in the Southwest.
Ayvaunn Penn, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre, has been selected as a featured speaker and workshop facilitator at the 15th annual DFW Writers Conference, the premier multi-genre writers conference in the Southwest.
Her session titled “Writing for Community-Engaged Theatre” will delve into encouraging meaningful community conversations on social issues for global reform.
“I am elated to make my DFW Writers Conference debut,” said Penn. “I value having the opportunity to use my experience to educate fellow writers on the power we have to help facilitate unity, reflection, healing and positive transformation in our communities through playwriting.”
The workshop is inspired by Penn’s latest play, “For the Love of Uvalde,” which documents the grief and aftermath of last year’s Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Penn was awarded the TCU College of Fine Arts Dean’s Exceptional Travel Grant and funding from the Department of Theatre to present her play and a presentation titled “Facilitating Social Change Through Art” for Uvalde community members at the El Progreso Memorial Library.
The presentation featured an excerpt from “For the Love of Uvalde” and a listening session. The play is now housed in El Progresso’s Robb Archives Collection and was named a 2023 semifinalist for the prestigious Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship.