Samuel Brett Williams Presents Derby Day

It’s Derby Day and the Ballard brothers have a luxury box at the Oaklawn Racetrack in
Hot Springs, Arkansas. Their father has just died, and Frank, the oldest, has flown down
from Chicago to see the angry newlywed Ned and the ex-con Johnny. Over the course of
one long day the Ballard boys destroy everything and everyone in their way – drinking,
cursing, and revealing family secrets that might just tear them apart forever. Playwright
Samuel Brett Williams explores family, love, and mortality in a dark comedy that
culminates in a race that you will never forget.

Samuel Brett Williams is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and director
known for his contributions to theater, television, and film.

His plays have been developed and produced at prestigious venues such as the Eugene O’Neill National
Playwrights Conference, Cherry Lane Theatre, Ars Nova, New York Theatre Workshop,
and the Kennedy Center, among others, across the United States, Canada, and
internationally in places like Moscow and Edinburgh. His works often explore complex
themes such as family dynamics, faith, and societal tensions, blending dark humor and
poignant drama.

Notable plays include THE REVIVAL, which he adapted into a feature
film, DERBY DAY, and THE WOODPECKER. He has received residencies and
commissions from organizations like P73, the National Theater Institute, and the
National New Play Network, and is a past recipient of the Helen Merrill Emerging
Playwright Award, an honor shared with playwrights like Sam Hunter and Branden
Jacobs-Jenkins.
In addition to theater, Williams has worked in television, developing an original pilot for
26 Keys Productions (known for FARGO) and contributing to various shows for Hot
Snakes Media (such as AMISH MAFIA).

His film work includes screenplays for companies like Aeroplano and Naked Faith Entertainment.

His film adaptation of THEREVIVAL, directed by Jennifer Gerber, premiered at Outfest in Los Angeles and was praised by the Los Angeles Times as a critic’s pick for its “sensitive treatment of religious fervor and sexual longing”. Another screenplay, PRETTY NEAR PERFECT, co
written with Gerber, is in pre-production with Margo Martindale, Jennifer Nettles and
Kristin Chenoweth attached to star.

Williams’ writing is recognized for its sharp
dialogue, economical storytelling, and ability to tackle provocative subjects with humor
and depth, establishing him as a distinctive voice in contemporary American
storytelling.
Furthermore, As a college professor, Williams has taught screenwriting and playwriting at the
undergraduate and graduate levels at Rutgers University, University of Nebraska
Omaha and California State University, Sacramento.

Additionally, He created the screenwriting programs for University of Nebraska Omaha and California State University,
Sacramento. He is currently an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at California
State University, Sacramento.

Shows Start Friday and Saturday @7PM.

Sunday’s Show is a 3PM Matinee.

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