My name is Caleb Dukes and I am a playwright. I discovered this passion whilst grieving the loss of my great-grandmother. After her passing, I was inspired to write Virginia, a Texas Educational Theatre Association award-winning play chronicling her life as a mother, wife, teacher, and activist. This is how I learned about the healing power of creating art. After attending and graduating from Rice University with a degree in English and Visual & Dramatic Arts, I pursued an MFA in Playwriting and Screenwriting from the legendary Actor’s Studio Drama School. Since graduating, I have been working on a full production of my take on the serial killer genre, The Feminine Urge, with Daisy Theatricals. 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. My perspective puts complexity and nuance at the forefront, with each of my plays gesturing toward finding out the nature of man, whether good or bad. I want to collaborate with those who inspire me, fellow trans artists, and people who have a real passion for craft and substance over spectacle. Working with people like me, telling stories that are so often dismissed or rewritten, is how I plan to shape the future of the craft. I hope to bring my unique point of view to the stage and the screen.