John Maclay

Professor Maclay (he/him) has taught at the university level for over 25 years while maintaining a successful career as a writer and theater artist. He is primarily a playwright, adaptor, and lyricist whose plays have been produced throughout the United States and Canada, including over 20 new productions across the country in the upcoming season. Among his plays and musicals are Goosebumps:  Phantom of the Auditorium (with composer Danny Abosch), Arthur & Friends Make a Musical!, Nate the Great, and Little Piglet Gets a Sister (with composer Brett Ryback), The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors  (with composer Eric Nordin), Geronimo Stilton: Mouse in Space,  Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever (with Jeff Frank), Anatole; Mouse Magnifique(with Lee Becker and James Valcq), and three plays with collaborator Joe Foust: The Revolting Teens of Sherwood, Romeo and Juliet Walk into a Bar, and Apollo and the Trials of Hercules.

2023 Tony Award winning theater Pasadena Playhouse recently hosted a reading of his new one actor show, Hopper,  performed by Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad, Life in Pieces, Saint X) and directed by Tony nominee Thomas Sadowsky.

He is the author of the web series, The Quest for Solomon’s Treasure, and his most recent short story, The Secret Reason You Cheer for the New York Knicks was published in Jokes Literary Review. Professor Maclay additionally serves as Playwright in Residence for First Stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the nation’s largest professional theaters for young audiences. 

Professor Maclay has previous served on faculties at Carthage College, UW-Milwaukee, Lawrence University, Carroll University, and as a guest lecturer at UW- Madison, UW-Whitewater.

His current project is a new musical adaptaion of Phillis Root's book, Lilly and the Pirates with music by Brett Ryback and co-authored by Broadway playwright and Pulitzer finalist Will Eno; set to premiere in Florida next season.

He is a proud member of both Actors Equity and the Dramatist Guild. He currently lives outside Chicago with his family and their soft coated Wheaten terrier, Winston. www.johnmaclay.com

Courses Taught

Advanced Playwriting, First Year Writing, How to Read and Write Poems, Writing from Life,