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Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Deborah Bostock-Kelley

A twice-published author, multi-time award-winning playwright, magazine writer, theatre reviewer, and newspaper journalist with 30+ years in journalism and business copywriting, Deb is not one to shy away from controversial storylines. She was a 2022 Recipient of the Gobioff Foundation Grant, a 2019 Recipient of the inaugural Tampa Bay Theatre Festival Denise Deneen award for her work in theatre, and a 2017 Recipient of Theatre Tampa Bay's Jeff Norton Dream Grant. With the grants, she produced and directed her original production, "Breast Advice," in the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival; she produced and directed (with another educator) their school shooting play, "A Necessary Conversation," at Straz's TECO Theatre with a talkback with leaders in the community with ticket sales donated to Moms Demand Action, Tampa. A Necessary Conversation won Broadway World Tampa's 2018 BEST ACTOR and BEST ACTRESS Awards. In 2020, the play was nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCRIPT OF THE DECADE. An expanded version of this bullying, mental health, and gun violence drama was showcased during the 2021 Voices of Truth Theatre Festival at Powerstories Theatre, winning CRITIC'S CHOICE and Regional Broadway World's 2022 BEST PERFORMER and BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A STREAMING PLAY.

In the summer of 2019, she reached out to social media for true stories about breasts, from shape and appreciation to size and cancer. In December, she wrote "Breast Advice," a show that workshopped to a standing-room-only audience in Powerstories Theatre and was called "The Vagina Monologues for boobs." A portion of ticket sales was donated to The Affirmations Project, which works with survivors of breast cancer and domestic abuse. The production was accepted into the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival in September 2022 and won Regional Broadway World's 2022 Runner-Up for BEST NEW PLAY OR MUSICAL.

In May 2023, a series of her plays debuted in her sold-out, standing-room-only playwright showcase weekend at Safety Harbor Art and Music Center called Tapestry: A Weekend of Socially-Conscious Storytelling. This featured "Breast Advice" and a full-length new version of her school shooting survivor's play "#NotOneMore." It was a finalist for Creative Loafing's BEST PLAYWRIGHT and a multi-nominee for Broadway World Awards: BEST ENSEMBLE: Breast Advice and #NotOneMore, BEST NEW PLAY OR MUSICAL: # NotOneMore, BEST PLAY: Breast Advice, # NotOneMore, BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY: Me, # NotOneMore, BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY: #NotOneMore, BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A PLAY: #NotOneMore.

In September 2023, her one-act LoveYouMore, about the bullying of a transgender girl, was accepted and performed at the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival.

In 2024, #NotOneMore was accepted and will be part of the June 2024 Tampa International Fringe Festival.
www.thewriteonecreativeservices.com/original-plays

Relying solely on word-of-mouth client testimonials, since 2005, Deb has successfully operated the WriteOne Creative Services, a PR, copywriting, graphic, and web design business that offers a larger agency's talent and design/print capabilities without the overhead expense.

Life Amplified, a variety showcase for grassroots charities and the philanthropic side of Deb's writing and design company, celebrates its 10th year in 2024. Deb and Life Amplified have been honored by Bay News 9 Everyday Hero in February 2016 and Fox13 Hometown Heroes in May 2014. With 100% venue donation and talented volunteer performers, Life Amplified has helped fundraise and raise awareness about human trafficking, PSTD, military sexual trauma, bullying, sexual violence prevention, and LGBTQ issues. It has been on hiatus since the pandemic, but is back on September  28, 2024, with an affirming musical spectacular prom aptly called Life Amplified SPECTACULAR at Carrollwood Cultural Center's The Studio, benefitting PFLAG Safety Harbor. www.lifeamplifiedshowcase.com

Like so many she knows, she is an invisible illness warrior. Deb lives her busy life to show others that you can thrive and not have to be your diagnosis.




LEARN MORE ABOUT Deborah Bostock-Kelley

First Show:

Our Town

Favorite Show:

Come From Away

Favorite Stories:



MOST POPULAR ARTICLES


Previews: RING OF FIRE at American Stage
Previews: RING OF FIRE at American Stage
September 25, 2024

Joining Mikhail Roberts (guitar) on Stage is a talented ensemble that includes Morgan Tapp (fiddle), Kara Arena (guitar, dulcimer), Troy Brooks (bass, percussion), Tristan Braboy (guitar), and Max Dalton (swing). Each musician brings their unique flair, creating a rich, authentic sound that honors Cash's legacy without imitating it, and they also play multiple roles in the performance.

Previews: WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at Stageworks Theatre
Previews: WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at Stageworks Theatre
September 18, 2024

The themes of What The Constitution Means to Me, such as women's rights and immigration, resonate strongly with the current political climate. 'The plays' themes are so relevant to what's going on today, and it's not sugar-coating anything, which I think is so powerful and eye-opening,' says 15-year-old Raleigh Lockett, who plays Thursday Williams, a teen debater.

Previews: LIFE AMPLIFIED SPECTACULAR at The Studio At Carrollwood Cultural Center
Previews: LIFE AMPLIFIED SPECTACULAR at The Studio At Carrollwood Cultural Center
September 17, 2024

Whether you missed it, dissed it, or want to reminisce it, Life Amplified SPECTACULAR offers the perfect opportunity to create or recreate those special moments. The prom's theme is a throwback to the 70s, voted on by social media, inviting attendees to dust off their bell bottoms and tease their hair for a night of Saturday Night Fever.

Previews: PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR at Straz Center
Previews: PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR at Straz Center
September 6, 2024

Hosted by the Patel Conservatory, this free event provides representatives from educational institutions nationwide who will share invaluable insights and answer questions.

Interview: Michael Uslan of THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN at Straz Center
Interview: Michael Uslan of THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN at Straz Center
September 5, 2024

Michael Uslan's memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman, captures this journey from a comic book-obsessed boy to the producer who brought a darker, grittier version of Batman to the big screen. Adapted for the stage, The Boy Who Loves Batman makes its world debut at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from October 1 to November 10.

Feature: From Tampa to Broadway: Jacob Pham's Journey to the Lion King
Feature: From Tampa to Broadway: Jacob Pham's Journey to the Lion King
August 13, 2024

'As a former performer of national tours and Europe, it's a subtle hope in every mentor and teacher that one of their students makes their dream come true. It's surreal and in perfect timing for Jacob. Jacob is my fourth Broadway soon-to-be alum, and he also deserves it,” said Pena.

Feature: TheatreFor Has Grand Opening and Debut of ACADEMIA NUTS
Feature: TheatreFor Has Grand Opening and Debut of ACADEMIA NUTS
August 13, 2024

Co-founded by Mike Cote, Susan Dearden, Stephen Bell, Graham Jones, and Dee O'Brien, TheatreFor aims to be more than just a venue; it aspires to be a cultural hub where the community can gather to experience the magic of live theatre. The founders have meticulously designed the space to offer an intimate yet versatile setting, perfect for a wide range of performances. The theatre in the Sunset Square Shopping Center is easily accessible and designed to welcome everyone.

Previews: FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
Previews: FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
August 9, 2024

'FABLE' offers a fresh perspective on Ethel Merman, focusing on her most exaggerated and stereotypical personality traits. 'We get to see how she may have engaged in the creative process knowing full well that she's walking into this project already a bankable star.'

Previews: [TITLE OF SHOW] at Eight O'Clock Theatre
Previews: [TITLE OF SHOW] at Eight O'Clock Theatre
August 9, 2024

Director James Grenelle and actor Nathan Daugherty emphasized the themes of friendship, trust, and uncompromised freedom of expression as central to the story. Grenelle believes the biggest message is to 'CREATE NO MATTER WHAT.' He hopes the show inspires people to pursue their creative passions despite any doubts or discouragements.

Previews: SHOWSTOPPERS at Patel Conservatory
Previews: SHOWSTOPPERS at Patel Conservatory
August 1, 2024

Director Jessica Rhodes reveals the inspiration for this year's theme: 'I have always loved the Broadway Cares event that has done a show like this, and I thought it would be interesting to give the kids an opportunity to play their 'dream role' that they would never be cast in.'

Previews: CATS, YOUNG ACTORS EDITION at Ovations Dance Repertory Company
Previews: CATS, YOUNG ACTORS EDITION at Ovations Dance Repertory Company
July 26, 2024

Grace Hafer who plays the iconic Grizabella hopes the audience will appreciate every aspect of the musical. 'I want them to talk about the hard work from the dancers, the vocals we provide, and the acting skills; all of the above!'

Previews: Powerstories 'CELEBRATION OF THE POWER OF THE ARTS' features Stan Zimmerman
Previews: Powerstories 'CELEBRATION OF THE POWER OF THE ARTS' features Stan Zimmerman
July 24, 2024

On September 20 and 21, Powerstories presents Celebration of the Power of the Arts with 'Right Before I Go,' narrated by playwright Stan Zimmerman renowned for his work on The Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, and more. The theatrical fundraising event features the reading by Zimmerman and local celebrities like Denis Philips, Wendy Ryan, and more.

Previews: SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at Carrollwood Cultural Center
Previews: SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at Carrollwood Cultural Center
July 20, 2024

'We held auditions at the Center, and I was so nervous we wouldn't get anyone to come out. We had an amazing turnout! Between the open auditions and video submissions, we had 150 people try out. Casting just came to us. And this cast is solid and perfect for their roles,' said director Andi Garner.

Previews: THIRD TIME'S A CHARM: A NIGHT OF ONE ACTS BY KENNEDY ENGASSER at The Studio@620
Previews: THIRD TIME'S A CHARM: A NIGHT OF ONE ACTS BY KENNEDY ENGASSER at The Studio@620
July 20, 2024

Starring Analisa Martin, Sofie Acosta, Lily Oquendo, Rey Chavez, Jake Despenas, Tyson Branstetter, Natalie Bornstein, and Jinx Lopes, the show consists of four distinct plays, each with its unique flavor.

Previews: THE FIGS at American Stage
Previews: THE FIGS at American Stage
July 24, 2024

The king that rules the magical, ludicrous, kingdom of The Figs is quite actually addicted to figs, mah lord. His more publicly well-received daughter is in love with an inn-keeper in a sort of star-crossed lovers situation. A set of friends - human and swan - are on a journey thrown into existence by the royal family's insanity. All the while, our wily and multiple identity-sporting storyteller keeps us on a track that feels like the “Shrek” universe on an acid trip. But really, this is a story of kindness and what we’ll sacrifice for love. Sometimes stories exist just for the sake of telling stories.

Previews: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Previews: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
July 9, 2024

Adapted by Broadway icons Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the show recreates each iconic scene, music, and dance from the original screenplay.

Previews: Patel Conservatory's THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Straz Center
Previews: Patel Conservatory's THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Straz Center
June 18, 2024

Michelle Petrucci reveals that this production boasts unique twists, such as a professional team of designers collaborating to bring the vision to life and introducing the Pro Technical Theater Track program. This initiative lets students learn directly from professional designers and technicians, offering invaluable hands-on experience during tech week and performances.

Previews: URINETOWN at MAD Theatre Of Tampa
Previews: URINETOWN at MAD Theatre Of Tampa
June 11, 2024

In today's politically charged climate, URINETOWN mirrors society's extremes. Director Cory Boyas encourages his young performers to delve into the material's political themes, reflecting, 'We are a divided country... so how can we not engage with it?' He sees the musical as representing the ideological spectrum, where 'Urinetown parallels this dynamic quite nicely.'

Previews: FALSETTOS at Stageworks Theatre
Previews: FALSETTOS at Stageworks Theatre
June 6, 2024

On stage, June 6-23, Stageworks Theatre presents the musical 'Falsettos.'  This production promises to be a poignant and humorous exploration of modern family dynamics set against the backdrop of the early days of the AIDS crisis.

Review: TampaRep's NEXT TO NORMAL is a Theatrical Triumph at USF Theatre
Review: TampaRep's NEXT TO NORMAL is a Theatrical Triumph at USF Theatre
June 3, 2024

TampaRep's NEXT TO NORMAL was, in one word, perfection. Expertly directed by Emilia Sargent, it was a theatrical triumph. The proof was that I could look across the stage and see patrons wiping their eyes and hear the quiet sniffling behind me. The intimate performance on Saturday night was a masterful blend of raw emotion, superb acting, and technical brilliance, leaving us spellbound.



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