Plays

I studied playwriting at Northwestern University, where I won the Agnes Nixon Playwriting Award for my first play. My plays have since been developed and produced in Chicago, New York, San Diego, and my home base of Seattle. In Seattle my work has been seen at Macha Theater Works, FringeACT, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Mirror Stage Company, Live Girls, the Mae West Fest, 14/48, and Seattle Dramatists. I have taught playwriting at Seattle’s ACT, in San Diego at La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre, and Seattle Pacific University. I am currently Resident Playwright at Seattle Public Theater.

You can find more info on some of my plays at New Play Exchange.

Most recently:

La Tofana’s Poison Emporium

Set in 17th century Rome, Tofana’s Apothecary dutifully serves those who have nowhere else to turn. Three generations of women craft potions to treat every ailment, from itchy rashes to tempestuous husbands. But when a deadly scandal threatens their very existence, each must decide her own fate as the authorities close in around them. Joy McCullough’s bold new play reveals how in times of darkness, perhaps love, trust, and solidarity—mixed with a dash of rebellion—is just what the apothecary ordered.n which a recent college graduate moves to Guatemala, learns to say yes, and climbs a volcano (which is not a metaphor).

Get tickets here!

Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography

Macha Theater Works 17-minute Stories

April the 2ndTHE VOLCANO BY JOY MCCULLOUGH

In which a recent college graduate moves to Guatemala, learns to say yes, and climbs a volcano (which is not a metaphor).

Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography

Smoke & Dust

“Like a master composer building a climax by overlapping melodies you never guessed would sound great simultaneously, McCullough at last dovetails her tales to provide a denouement as dramatically wrenching as it is deftly constructed.”
— Seattle Magazine

Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography
Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography

Blood/Water/Paint

“The must-see theatre on now in Seattle is ‘Blood Water Paint,’ from Macha Theatre Works.”
— NW Theatre

Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography
Photo Credit: Joe Iano Photography