Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Page 3

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:



Previews: INDECENT at American Stage
Previews: INDECENT at American Stage
September 29, 2023

This is the American Stage directorial debut of producing artistic director Helen R. Murray and the first show in their 46th Season. The show also features performances in Yiddish and English, and musicians will take the stage with the cast to perform traditional folk music & dance.

Previews: THE CHOIR OF MAN at Straz Center
Previews: THE CHOIR OF MAN at Straz Center
September 29, 2023

THE CHOIR OF MAN follows a group of nine talented guys who come together each night at a local pub to sing, dance, and share stories. It's also a celebration of the human spirit and the importance of connection, and it changes every night based on the audience. The show explores themes of friendship, love, and loss, reminding us that we're all stronger together.

Previews: DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS THE MUSICALS at Straz' Patel Conservatory
Previews: DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS THE MUSICALS at Straz' Patel Conservatory
September 29, 2023

Disney's famous villains have kids, and those kids are just as sassy and mischievous as their parents. That's the premise of Descendants, and now, after five intensive weeks of rehearsals three times a week for two and half hours, Patel Conservatory's young talents are putting their spin on it. Inspired by Disney's iconic villains and their offspring, Descendants uniquely blends fantasy and modernity.

Previews: WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT at American Stage (in Multiple Locations)
Previews: WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT at American Stage (in Multiple Locations)
September 27, 2023

Imagine the thrill of witnessing an actor stepping onto the stage with a script they are performing for the first time on stage, a character they've never met, and a story they've never heard. The result is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the emotionally vulnerable moments to the uproarious laughter that can erupt at any time.

Previews: ROMEO AND JULIET at Progressive Arts Theatre
Previews: ROMEO AND JULIET at Progressive Arts Theatre
September 26, 2023

Kirsten Stiff Walker states, 'This story has so many ways to make commentary on society, using a little off-the-wall ideas. I feel our production hits on key issues in our world today. I hope my vision and the ideas of my co-director, Lil Barcaski, are clearly understood. As directors, I feel we have a responsibility to share art, share beauty, share love, and pain while also showcasing the words, the work, and the magic in the meanings with any production we touch, and we do with this one for sure.'

Feature: INAUGURAL FALL FESTIVAL at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Feature: INAUGURAL FALL FESTIVAL at New Tampa Performing Arts Center
September 5, 2023

The event lineup features New Tampa Players, Tampa City Ballet, Opera Tampa, Atlas Modern Ballet, Daises & Axes, Rudram Dance Company, Drama Kids, Entertainment Revue, madTheatre, The Fringe, poet Gianna Russo, Tampa City Ballet, Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, Countdown Improv, among others, each adding their unique flair to the festivities.

Previews: PUNK GRANDPA at Stageworks Theatre
Previews: PUNK GRANDPA at Stageworks Theatre
August 31, 2023

'Punk Grandpa' conveys a profound message about embracing one's true self and cherishing the enduring bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

Feature: Fourth Annual Performing Arts College & Career Fair at Straz Center
Feature: Fourth Annual Performing Arts College & Career Fair at Straz Center
August 23, 2023

Hosted by Patel Conservatory, this free event is a haven for young talents seeking guidance and direction in dance, music, and theater. Representatives from nationwide educational institutions engage with eager students, sharing invaluable insights and answering questions.

Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Carrollwood Cultural Center
Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Carrollwood Cultural Center
July 29, 2023

Whether you are a devoted Monty Python fan or someone seeking to escape into a silly night of theatre, Carrollwood Cultural Center's SPAMALOT is a sidesplittingly funny, masterful work that lovingly parodies the legendary Arthurian tale.

Previews: LION KING JR at Ovations Dance Repertory Company
Previews: LION KING JR at Ovations Dance Repertory Company
July 27, 2023

Ovations Dance Repertory Company's rendition of THE LION KING, JR. promises to be a dazzling display of talent, creativity, and passion. The young cast, aged 5 to 18, have honed their skills by practicing three times a week for two months, preparing to take the audience on a magical journey through the iconic story.

Previews: LA GRINGA at American Stage
Previews: LA GRINGA at American Stage
July 21, 2023

LA GRINGA follows Maria, a young woman of Puerto Rican descent, on her first visit to her family's homeland, prompting a journey of self-discovery. Raised in the United States, Maria faces the challenges of reconciling her cultural identity in a complex world. Written by Carmen Rivera, the play delves into language, heritage, and personal growth themes.

Previews: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Carrollwood Cultural Center
Previews: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Carrollwood Cultural Center
July 21, 2023

Whether you're a die-hard Monty Python fan or a newcomer to their comedic genius, this show guarantees a barrel of laughs and an unforgettable night of theater.

Previews: CARRIE THE MUSICAL at Progressive Arts
Previews: CARRIE THE MUSICAL at Progressive Arts
July 13, 2023

Progressive Arts is recognized as a boutique conservatory and local community theater company for pre-teens, teens, and adults of all abilities and talents. It is inclusive of special needs actors and their families.

Previews: BARNUM at Eight O'Clock Theatre
Previews: BARNUM at Eight O'Clock Theatre
July 13, 2023

The musical features Domenic Biseti as P.T. Barnum, Lisa Prieto as Charity Barnum, Gloria Rice as Jenny Lind, James Grenelle as Ringmaster/James Bailey, and ensemble cast Katrina Young as Joice Heth/Blues Singer, Sarah Dunn as Tom Thumb, Tony Schmitt as Amos Scudder, Victoria Baumann as Julius Goldschmidt, Jay Allen as Chester Lyman, Sam Kantrowitz as Sherwood Stratton, Greg Bowen as Wilton, Fox Gomer as Edgar Templeton, Leila Wilson as Humbert Morrissey, Katelyn DeVries as First Woman, Anabela Johnson as Second Woman, Aidan Anderson as Ensemble, and Lizzie Pereda Camp as Mrs. Stratton.

Previews: ARTS LEGACY REMIX - JUNETEENTH at Straz Center
Previews: ARTS LEGACY REMIX - JUNETEENTH at Straz Center
June 15, 2023

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a historic day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States on June 19, 1865. This year's Arts Legacy REMIX Juneteenth celebration aims to honor the cultural significance of this date through the power of dance and artistic expression.

Interview: Charlie Lane & Annie Sardouk of JIMMY AWARDS at Straz Center
Interview: Charlie Lane & Annie Sardouk of JIMMY AWARDS at Straz Center
June 15, 2023

Charlie won for his performance as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Elaina for Jo March in Little Women, and Annie for Cady Heron in Mean Girls the Musical. Charlie and Annie will be among students from across the country performing in the prestigious annual Jimmy Awards on June 26 in the Minskoff Theater on Broadway.

Previews: DIGITAL, VIEW-ON-DEMAND VOICES OF WOMEN THEATRE FESTIVAL by Powerstories Theatre
Previews: DIGITAL, VIEW-ON-DEMAND VOICES OF WOMEN THEATRE FESTIVAL by Powerstories Theatre
June 15, 2023

Started during the pandemic, The Voices of Women Theatre Festival has become a cornerstone of Powerstories Theatre's mission to amplify the stories of women playwrights. The first event without their physical theatre space due to developers replacing it with high-rise apartments, Powerstories Theatre has proven that the show will go on.

Previews: OZ at FreeFall Theatre
Previews: OZ at FreeFall Theatre
June 9, 2023

Michael Raabe described the new musical OZ: “My 5-second pitch is… Sunday In The Park With George meets Finding Neverland about the creator of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz and its 13 sequels.”

Review: JAGGED LITTLE PILL at Straz Center
Review: JAGGED LITTLE PILL at Straz Center
May 19, 2023

What did our critic think of JAFrom the outside looking in, the Healeys are seemingly the Gold Standard flawless upper-middle-class family living in the Connecticut suburbs. JAGGED LITTLE PILL begins with the mom writing the annual holiday Christmas newsletter bragging about her husband's job and her beloved Harvard-bound son. From the inside looking out, just beneath the surface, they are a family imploding, struggling. GGED LITTLE PILL at Straz Center?

Previews: OUR SOLE PURPOSE TAP SHOWCASE at Straz Center
Previews: OUR SOLE PURPOSE TAP SHOWCASE at Straz Center
May 18, 2023

OUR SOLE PURPOSE is the invention of twenty-six-year-old Ashlyn, a prolific tap dancer, owner of Tampa Bay Taps for six years, and an instructor at Straz' Patel Conservatory. The Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble, Tampa native band NIGHTBREAKERS, and the Youth Tap Crew will band together to explore the meaning of dance, music, and life.



      3       …    




Videos