M. D Schaffer

Missoula Public Library

M. D. Schaffer (They/He) is a Non-Binary, Ashkenazi, African-American playwright, librettist, and lyricist born in Houston, Texas, and residing in New York City. Their previous works include “Southern Seeds: An Americana Story” with the Ensemble Theatre’s New Voices Fest, “A Rodeo Clown” with the Obsidian Theatre Festival, & “Drapetomania: A Negro Carol” with the We Will Dream Festival. Their dramatic works have developed with Art House Productions, The Workshop Theatre, National Queer Theatre, Ghost Light Theatre Company, The Tank Theater, and the Obie Award winning Harlem9. They’re a 2023 recipient of the Pine Meadow Ranch for Arts & Agriculture Residency program with Roundhouse Foundation and a finalist for the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 Dramatist Guild Fellowship. They look to represent cultures honestly to create spaces for all people to speak, connect, and form a solidified resistance to damaging and oppressive structures.