Aurin Squire: The Versatile Voice of Modern American Playwriting and Screenwriting
Aurin Squire is a distinguished African-American playwright, screenwriter, and reporter whose work captures the complex intersections of race, culture, and identity. From the stages of Broadway and London's West End to the writers' rooms of hit NBC and CBS dramas, Squire has established himself as a storyteller capable of navigating both intimate human dramas and broad social satires.
His narratives are deeply rooted in the multiracial environment of his youth in South Florida, drawing inspiration from the Latino, African, Caribbean, African-American, and Jewish cultures that shaped his worldview. This cultural fluidity allows him to write authentically about societies in transition and the evolving makeup of the American experience.
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Key Facts
- Multidisciplinary Career: Accomplished as a playwright, screenwriter, and professional journalist.
- Broadway Success: Wrote the book for the Tony-nominated musical A Wonderful World (2024-2025 season).
- Television Credits: Co-executive producer on The Good Fight and Evil; writer for This Is Us and BrainDead.
- Academic Pedigree: Alumnus of Northwestern University, The New School, and The Juilliard School.
- Journalistic Reach: Contributed to major outlets including The New Republic, Chicago Tribune, and ESPN.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born and raised in Opa-locka, Florida, Squire's academic journey provided a rigorous foundation in both media and dramatic arts. He earned a bachelor's degree in radio/TV/film from Northwestern University, followed by an MFA in playwriting from The New School's School of Drama. He further refined his craft at The Juilliard School, where he completed a graduate diploma in playwriting as part of the school's prestigious fellowship.
While pursuing his studies, Squire balanced his creative ambitions with professional journalism. He worked for the Chicago Tribune and the Miami Herald, and during his time at Juilliard, he contributed to Talking Points Memo and The New Republic.
A Prolific Career in Playwriting
Squire's theatrical work often explores the nuances of multiculturalism. One of his most significant achievements is the book for A Wonderful World, a musical based on the life of Louis Armstrong. Told from the perspective of Armstrong's four wives, the production premiered with Miami New Drama before making its Broadway debut in 2024.
International and Regional Success
Squire has seen significant success in the United Kingdom and across the United States. His play Obama-ology was developed at Juilliard and later received critical acclaim at London's Finborough Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Similarly, Don't Smoke in Bed premiered in London before running in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago.
Other notable stage works include:
- Confessions of a Cocaine Cowboy: A documentary theatre piece based on Billy Corben's documentaries, which became the highest-grossing play in the history of Miami New Drama.
- Defacing Michael Jackson: A dark comedy exploring childhood pop culture adoration.
- Freefalling: A short drama that won the Fiat Lux Play Award and the Act One Prize from Lincoln Center.
- Fire Season: Premiered at the Seattle Public Theater in 2019.
Multimedia and Interactive Art
Beyond traditional theatre, Squire has ventured into digital satire and installation art. He wrote and produced a viral video series for the dating app Mister, featuring titles like Evil Twink and Boyfriend Shopping. He also collaborated with Local Project to write Dreams of Freedom for the National Museum of American Jewish History, an interactive multimedia piece based on interviews with Jewish immigrants.
Television and Film Contributions
Squire successfully transitioned his storytelling skills to the screen. He served as a staff writer for the CBS political satire BrainDead and worked as a story editor and writer during the first season of the acclaimed NBC drama This Is Us. His leadership roles in television include serving as a co-executive producer for the CBS series The Good Fight and Evil.
In the realm of cinema, Squire has ghostwritten novels and adapted them into screenplays for indie firms like Moxie Pictures. He is currently developing a feature film for Amazon, Ridley Scott's Scott Free, and Epic, based on the life of poet and activist Reginald Dwayne Betts.
Accolades and Recognition
Squire's work has been praised by critics as "brilliant," "provocative," and a "true gem." His diverse portfolio has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights and the Emerald Prize from Seattle Public Theatre.
| Award/Fellowship | Project/Affiliation | Category/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Nomination | A Wonderful World | Broadway Musical |
| WGA & Black Reel TV Nominee | This Is Us | Television Writing |
| Core 77 Design Award | Dreams of Freedom | Interactive Multimedia |
| Fresh Fruit Festival Award | To Whom It May Concern | Best Play & Playwright |
| Le Comte du Nuoy Prize | Lincoln Center | Two-time winner |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aurin Squire's most notable Broadway work?
Aurin Squire wrote the book for the Tony-nominated musical A Wonderful World, which explores the life of Louis Armstrong through the eyes of his four wives.
Which television series has Aurin Squire produced?
He has served as a co-executive producer on the CBS dramas The Good Fight and Evil.
What themes typically appear in Aurin Squire's plays?
His work frequently focuses on multiracial societies in transition and the changing cultural landscape of America, reflecting the diverse cultures of South Florida.
What is the significance of the play "Confessions of a Cocaine Cowboy"?
Co-written by Squire, this documentary theatre piece became the highest-grossing play in the history of the Miami New Drama theatre company.
Where did Aurin Squire study playwriting?
Squire received an MFA in playwriting from The New School's School of Drama and a graduate diploma in playwriting from The Juilliard School.