My Story

I fell in love with theatre as a kid in Tampa.

Back then, I was Erin Austin, and I adored acting, singing, and reading every play available in the downtown public library. My passion led me to Blake High School for the Performing Arts. From there, I pursued a BFA at the University of Miami, and then into New York’s theatre world—writing, producing, and performing, predominantly in new shows.

Most importantly, I learned that you don't have to wait for permission to make art. You just make it.

At Northwestern (MFA in Writing for Screen + Stage), I co-founded Living Room Playmakers, now Second Site, creating theatre in unconventional spaces—living rooms, furniture stores, art galleries. It taught me that transformative theatre doesn't need fancy venues or big budgets.

Along the way, I also discovered a knack for helping others tell their stories: in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, community centers, and in the corporate world.

But here's what I've learned about dramatic structure—in plays and real life:

The most satisfying stories bring characters full circle.

When I became a parent, I wanted to raise my kids in the community that inspired me. Now I'm back in Tampa, writing new plays, teaching, and collaborating with communities to build new theatre.