Playwright’s Narrative
Lisa Balderston is a San Diego–based playwright, director, and educator whose work has been developed and produced throughout Southern California. Recognized for her blend of dark humor and emotionally grounded storytelling, Lisa’s plays have been presented by Vantage Theatre (Queen of Lucia), Lamplighters Community Theatre (Life by Numbers, Let’s Chat), PowPAC (Transported), Point Loma Playhouse (Death of Ryan), The Roustabouts Theatre (The Devil’s Dish), Scripps Ranch Theatre (Transported), Trinity Theatre Company (The Art of Tolerance and Forgiveness), Loud Fridge Theatre (House of Spirits), and The Scripteasers of San Diego (The Sum of Sisterhood & Celebration of Life).
Her work has earned extensive recognition. Recent accolades include The Art of Tolerance and Forgiveness (Winner, Trinity Theatre Company New Works Festival 2025), Queen of Lucia (Lamplighters Theatre New Playwrights Festival 2025), Can I Buy You a Drink? (Semi-finalist, PlayGround Experiment Monologue Competition 2025), and Let’s Chat (Finalist, Loud Fridge New Works Festival 2025). Most recently in 2026, House of Spirits was named a finalist in the Loud Fridge Theatre New Year, New Works Festival, and The Devil’s Dish was selected for The Roustabouts Theatre’s Celebration of New Playwrights.
As a playwright and director, Lisa’s credits include serving as Assistant Director for The Butler Did It (PowPAC, 2024) and directing Women in Jeopardy! (2025), which earned her a nomination for Best Director of a Comedy. Current projects for 2026 include writing and directing Still Standing for The What’s Next? Collective’s Who Do You Think You Are? She is directing her own play Let’s Chat at Lamplighters Theatre and preparing Queen of Lucia for its full production in October 2026.
Lisa holds a B.A. in English from San Diego State University and an M.A. in Creative Writing and Literature from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a retired adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, where she taught dramatic writing and literature. Deeply committed to her local arts community, she serves on the boards of the Playwrights Project, Trinity Theatre Company, and New Village Arts, and is a member of The What’s Next Collective.
Playwright’s CV
Lisa Balderston
Playwright | Director | Retired Educator San Diego, CA | (lisabalderston.com)
Professional Profile
San Diego–based playwright, director, and educator specializing in emotionally grounded storytelling laced with dark humor. Extensive experience in regional script development, theatrical direction, and academic instruction.
Selected Playwriting & Production History
- Queen of Lucia | Upcoming Full Production (October 2026)
- Let’s Chat (Writer/Director) | Lamplighters Theatre (2026)
- Still Standing (Writer/Director) | The What’s Next? Collective Showcase (May 2026)
- The Devil’s Dish | The Roustabouts Theatre (2026)
- House of Spirits | Loud Fridge Theatre (2026)
- The Art of Tolerance and Forgiveness | Trinity Theatre Company (2025)
- Life by Numbers | Lamplighters Community Theatre (2024)
- Death of Ryan | Point Loma Playhouse (2023)
- Transported | PowPAC / Scripps Ranch Theatre (2020)
Directing Credits
- Let’s Chat (Director) Lamplighters Community Theatre (2026)
- Women in Jeopardy! (Director) | Nomination: Best Director of a Comedy (2025)
- The Butler Did It (Assistant Director) | PowPAC Community Theatre (2024)
Awards & Honors
- Finalist, House of Spirits | Loud Fridge Theatre New Year, New Works Festival (2026)
- Selected Playwright, The Devil’s Dish | The Roustabouts Theatre Celebration of New Playwrights (2026)
- Winner, The Art of Tolerance and Forgiveness | Trinity Theatre Company New Works Festival (2025)
- Finalist, Let’s Chat | Loud Fridge New Works Festival (2025)
- Selected Playwright, Queen of Lucia | Lamplighters Theatre New Playwrights Festival (2025)
- Semi-Finalist, Can I Buy You a Drink? | PlayGround Experiment Monologue Competition (2025)
Education & Academic Appointments
- Retired Adjunct Professor of Dramatic Writing and Literature | Point Loma Nazarene University
- M.A. in Creative Writing and Literature | Fairleigh Dickinson University
- B.A. in English | San Diego State University
Community Leadership & Affiliations
- Board Member: Playwrights Project, Trinity Theatre Company, New Village Arts
- Member: The What’s Next Collective (Women’s writing group)