John Wolbers

John Wolbers (he/him) has worked for two decades as a professional playwright, actor, director, producer, administrator, and teaching artist in St. Louis, Missouri. His adaptations of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: RADIO THEATER FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY for Metro Theater Company and DOCTOR FAUSTUS: OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS for Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble both received St. Louis Theater Circle Award nominations for Outstanding New Play. He collaborated with the Missouri Historical Society to create the digital play EARLY DAYS as a response to the pandemic; and his first play, THE PLAYING GROUND, was produced by First Run Theatre. Wolbers worked with teachers and students across the region to write scenes of realistic middle school bullying for Metro Theater Company’s violence prevention program...

John Wolbers (he/him) has worked for two decades as a professional playwright, actor, director, producer, administrator, and teaching artist in St. Louis, Missouri. His adaptations of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: RADIO THEATER FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY for Metro Theater Company and DOCTOR FAUSTUS: OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS for Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble both received St. Louis Theater Circle Award nominations for Outstanding New Play. He collaborated with the Missouri Historical Society to create the digital play EARLY DAYS as a response to the pandemic; and his first play, THE PLAYING GROUND, was produced by First Run Theatre. Wolbers worked with teachers and students across the region to write scenes of realistic middle school bullying for Metro Theater Company’s violence prevention program, SAY SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING. He also created a parody of THE LORD OF THE RINGS series with his now wife, Elizabeth Henning, for Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre and has abridged thirteen of Shakespeare’s plays for numerous companies in St. Louis. Wolbers is passionately dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and support in the St. Louis arts community, and is the Executive Director for Prison Performing Arts.

Scripts

It's a Wonderful Life: Radio Theater for the Whole Family

by John Wolbers

Synopsis

Adapted for young audiences and set in the golden age of radio, a diverse company of characters charmingly re-tells the classic story of George Bailey. Funny and poignant, this play illuminates both the power of community and that one life really can make a difference. Fast-paced and nostalgic, this is the perfect vehicle for older audiences to introduce the holiday mainstay to their children and grandchildren.

Adapted for young audiences and set in the golden age of radio, a diverse company of characters charmingly re-tells the classic story of George Bailey. Funny and poignant, this play illuminates both the power of community and that one life really can make a difference. Fast-paced and nostalgic, this is the perfect vehicle for older audiences to introduce the holiday mainstay to their children and grandchildren.

Doctor Faustus, or The Modern Prometheus

by John Wolbers

Synopsis

Doctor Faustus, or the Modern Prometheus is a modern day retelling of the age-old bargain for limitless control over ones own fate. The brilliant Doctor Faustus grows weary of those in charge abusing their power; so, with the noblest of intentions, sells her soul to save the world. Thus begins an epic journey of seduction and love, justice and mercy, despair and hope, and ultimately damnation and redemption...

Doctor Faustus, or the Modern Prometheus is a modern day retelling of the age-old bargain for limitless control over ones own fate. The brilliant Doctor Faustus grows weary of those in charge abusing their power; so, with the noblest of intentions, sells her soul to save the world. Thus begins an epic journey of seduction and love, justice and mercy, despair and hope, and ultimately damnation and redemption. Along the way Faustus must choose between good, evil and the compromise known as humanity. Playwright, John Wolbers, retains much of Christopher Marlowes original poetry, but reframes the story to examine: How does one effect change in an increasingly complex world? What is the value of a soul in today's modern age? And what holds us back from transcending our baser instincts to become our best selves?