About Dwayne

Dwayne Hartford is a playwright and director whose work for young audiences has been produced across the country. His plays include the award-winning Eric and Elliot and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (adapted from Kate DiCamillo's beloved novel), both recipients of the Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance for Theatre & Education. His reimagined musical adaptation of Edward Tulane premiered in spring 2026. Other published works include The Imaginators, A Tale of Two Cities, The Color of Stars, and The Bully Pulpit. He also created the book and lyrics for Rock the Presidents, a high-energy musical revue spanning the history of the American presidency.

Dwayne served as Artistic Director of Childsplay in Phoenix from 2016 to 2026, capping a 36-year tenure with the company. During his time as Artistic Director, he directed more than 25 productions and championed the creation of new works centering BIPOC voices. Under his leadership, Childsplay transitioned to the Herberger Theater Center and deepened its commitment to access and equity in theatre for young audiences.

Born and raised in rural Maine, Dwayne earned his BFA from the Boston Conservatory and did graduate work at Boston University. He has received multiple AriZoni Awards and the National Society of Arts & Letters Arizona Chapter Medallion of Merit. Outside of Childsplay, he has directed for Arkansas Children's Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Valley Youth Theatre, and the Phoenix Symphony.

Dwayne is available for directing engagements and continues to write new work. He lives in Phoenix with his dog, Larry.