Justin Pierce

Justin Pierce

Justin Pierce is a passionate playwright, New Play Dramaturg, and Artistic Director for The Burrowers Theatre Company. Originally from Columbus, Indiana, he graduated from Ball State University in 2015 with a B.S. in Theatrical Studies (Playwriting) and moved to Chicago, IL. During his university years, he was fortunate enough to be named the Resident Playwright for the Busted Space Theatre Company as well as...
Justin Pierce is a passionate playwright, New Play Dramaturg, and Artistic Director for The Burrowers Theatre Company. Originally from Columbus, Indiana, he graduated from Ball State University in 2015 with a B.S. in Theatrical Studies (Playwriting) and moved to Chicago, IL. During his university years, he was fortunate enough to be named the Resident Playwright for the Busted Space Theatre Company as well as be chosen to spend a semester participating in the writing and composing of the original musical, If You Don’t Outdie Me. Justin’s plays, including Tia and Inez in Cometville, The Regulars, West End Blues, Speed Date, and Alaska have received workshops, productions, and readings by The Harlequin Theatre Company, Busted Space Theatre Company, Ball State University, and The Burrowers Theatre Company, of which he is a founding member.

Justin’s work has been recognized with an “Outstanding Excellence in Playwriting” award from Ball State University. Additionally, Justin has reached the finalist stage for both the Playwrights’ Center Core Apprenticeship and Finding Words in England.

Plays

  • Tia and Inez in Cometville by Justin Pierce
    Cast: 
    6–8
    ·
    Genre: adventure, comedy + 5 more
    ·
    Keyword: apocalypse, comet hitting earth + 3 more
    Genre: adventure, comedy, dark comedy, drama, horror, romantic comedy, science fiction
    Keyword: apocalypse, comet hitting earth, comet, end of the world, comedy
    "Tia and Inez in Cometville” is an action-packed odyssey through an apocalyptic Midwest America, where the titular Tia must race against time to rescue her fiancé, Inez, from the clutches of a sinister Tech Cult. Battling through cannibals, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and deranged cultists, all against the backdrop of an impending comet collision, this play asks: what would you do on your last day?
  • The Regulars by Justin Pierce
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: drama
    Genre: drama
    "The Regulars" tells the story of Theo, a young successful novelist living in Chicago, Illinois whose life is upended by a rapture-like event. Seeking purpose amidst the chaos, Theo finds himself drawn to a local cafe where he lands a part-time job. This drama delves into the deep bonds forged in crisis, the poignant beauty of new beginnings that come from even the most catastrophic of endings, and...
    "The Regulars" tells the story of Theo, a young successful novelist living in Chicago, Illinois whose life is upended by a rapture-like event. Seeking purpose amidst the chaos, Theo finds himself drawn to a local cafe where he lands a part-time job. This drama delves into the deep bonds forged in crisis, the poignant beauty of new beginnings that come from even the most catastrophic of endings, and the significance of the family that we choose to create.
  • West End Blues by Justin Pierce
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: jazz, blues + 6 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: jazz, blues, music, family, father, son, mother, connection between strangers
    "West End Blues" tells the story of Charlie, a struggling musician as he returns to his hometown of Wilder Falls, Indiana after his father's death. He arrives home only to find that his mother has run away and has left a woman named Harper, who is also struggling with her past, in her place. Together, Charlie and Harper confront their intertwined pasts, uncovering secrets that provoke them to...
    "West End Blues" tells the story of Charlie, a struggling musician as he returns to his hometown of Wilder Falls, Indiana after his father's death. He arrives home only to find that his mother has run away and has left a woman named Harper, who is also struggling with her past, in her place. Together, Charlie and Harper confront their intertwined pasts, uncovering secrets that provoke them to challenge their histories rather than run from them. "West End Blues" explores redemption, belonging, and the intricate dance between running from your past and embracing it. It asks whether we can ever truly leave our pasts behind us.
  • Alaska by Justin Pierce
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, experimental + 1 more
    Genre: drama, experimental, period
    In "Alaska," Hillary discovers an unexpected kindred spirit in Magenta at summer camp, sparking a journey of self-discovery in the face of the time's societal taboos. Over the years, through fleeting moments with Magenta, Hillary begins to attempt to navigate the treacherous path of embracing her sexuality. However, as life intervenes, their connection wanes, and Hillary meets someone new: Tom....
    In "Alaska," Hillary discovers an unexpected kindred spirit in Magenta at summer camp, sparking a journey of self-discovery in the face of the time's societal taboos. Over the years, through fleeting moments with Magenta, Hillary begins to attempt to navigate the treacherous path of embracing her sexuality. However, as life intervenes, their connection wanes, and Hillary meets someone new: Tom. Just as the two begins to be forging a life together, Hillary and Magenta's paths cross again, forcing her to choose between a passionate love and one that offers safety. "Alaska" explores intimacy, identity, and the profound desires, choices, and experiences that define us.
  • Speed Date by Justin Pierce
    Cast: 
    6–11
    ·
    Genre: comedy, radio drama + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, radio drama, romantic comedy
    “Speed Date" is an exploration of love and connection set against the chaotic backdrop of a speed dating event. Through four distinct dates, this play captures a broad spectrum of romantic possibilities. Though it isn't just the attendees who find themselves sparking up feelings; the wait staff also experience unexpected moments of connection. With humor, daring, and a little heart, "Speed Date...
    “Speed Date" is an exploration of love and connection set against the chaotic backdrop of a speed dating event. Through four distinct dates, this play captures a broad spectrum of romantic possibilities. Though it isn't just the attendees who find themselves sparking up feelings; the wait staff also experience unexpected moments of connection. With humor, daring, and a little heart, "Speed Date" invites the audience into a world where love, in all its forms, can surprise us at every turn.