My name is Caleb Dukes and I am a playwright. I write grand tales in small people, examining the powerful stories that live inside even the most unsuspecting characters. I discovered this passion whilst grieving the loss of my great-grandmother, which inspired Virginia, a Texas Educational Theatre Association award-winning play chronicling her life as a mother, friend, teacher, and activist. Through this experience, I was able to turn pain into art, which is all I do now. After attending and graduating from Rice University with a degree in English and Visual & Dramatic Arts, I decided to pursue an MFA in playwriting from the legendary Actor’s Studio Drama School. Telling stories that never get told — but so desperately need to be — is my life’s purpose. I explore subjects that are not supposed to be talked about, such as violence in the queer community, dealing with trauma publicly, and the exploitative nature of art itself, in order to process hardship and create something meaningful. I hope to continue collaborating with those who inspire me (my friends, mentors, idols…) and people who have a real passion for craft and substance over spectacle. Working with people on the fringes of society to explore their challenges, failures, and successes through art on the stage and screen is my dream. I want to someday work on and off-Broadway before making films with a studio like A24, who puts their full trust in the artist, so that I can have my visions fully realized.