TJ Young is a Texas-born playwright based in Pittsburgh where he serves as co-representative for the Dramatists Guild – Pittsburgh region. He has taught at Texas State University (San Marcos, TX) and Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), as well as led workshops at various institutions, including the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center (Pittsburgh, PA). His plays include NO. 6 (2017 Harold and Mimi Steinberg Award Winner – KCACTF, Published by Samuel French), LYON’S DEN (2018 Harold and Mimi Steinberg Distinguished Play Winner), RUBY’S BABY BLUE (2016 John Cable Short Play Regional Selection- KCACTF), HELL IS EMPTY (2017 John Cable Short Play Regional Selection – KCACTF), DARK SKINNED PAVEMENT (Throughline Theatre Company 2019 Spotlight Artist, Pittsburgh), CUPID, and THE FRONTLINES. His 10-minute plays are: BEFORE THE FIRE (Fade to Black 2018 Festival Selection), HALLMARK (TETA Playfest 10-minute Winner) EFFIE, ROCK THE CRADLE, LILIES, and STUFFED. He is the recipient of the 2017 Ken Ludwig Playwriting Scholarship. He has had productions at Texas State University as part of their New Works Festival, Director/Designer Collaboration Project, and as part of their 2016-2017 Main Stage Season. He is the 2019 Spotlight Artist of Throughline Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, PA. He received his MFA in Dramatic Writing from Texas State University. He has been a Teaching Artist with City Theatre in Pittsburgh and works with Quantum Theatre in Pittsburgh. He is also the NPP Vice-Chair for Region 2 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.