About Emily Claire Schmitt

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I claimed my first mystical experience at seven years old. I informed my parents that my recently-deceased great grandmother was visiting my bedroom each night and sitting in my rocking chair. I was lying, but the story served to ease my grief - and that of my parents. Since then, I have continued to search for healing through story-telling as a playwright. I earned my BA in Theatre and Philosophy from Saint Mary’s College, where I became obsessed with early Enlightenment philosopher Baruch Spinoza. After moving to New York, I completed my MFA in Playwriting at The New School for Drama, where I became obsessed with the controversial Pope Pius XII. These duel fascinations gave rise to the plays Spinoza's Ethics and The Chalice. In total, I am the author of eight full-length plays and one musical. My works include San Luis, 1989 (2012 Best Play Award, ACTF Region III), Under Further Review (2015 Princess Grace Finalist) and The Chalice (2017 production starring Tony-Nominee Austin Pendleton.) I am a Core Member of The Skeleton Rep(resents), an independent production company dedicated to the exploration of modern myth through theater, dance, and film. I am also a practicing Catholic, continually seeking a concrete manifestation of the supernatural experience I conjured as a child.

All Posts by Emily Claire

The Ethics of Celebration: The How, When and...

This Saturday was a strange one for 2020 because - for two... read more

On Election Day, Prioritize Charity over Mere Civility

Election Day is tomorrow. If you're reading this in my newsletter, election... read more

The Image of God: Body Image Struggles During...

I made a mistake this week: I stepped on the scale. After... read more

Pope's Support Does Not Stop Hatred Toward Queer...

A few weeks ago, on National Coming Out Day, I decided to... read more

When You Can't Feel Grace From the Sacraments

Unlike make Catholics, I have always loved going to Confession. I love... read more

Blessed Carlo Acutis Brings Hope in a Broken...

Carlo Acutis, an teenage gamer and computer programmer, was Beatified on Saturday,... read more

Pope Francis is Neither Liberal nor Conservative. He...

Pope Francis released his latest Papal Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, this weekend. The... read more

What Is the Point of a Presidential Debate?

Tuesday's presidential debate was pretty depressing. Two guys yelling over each other... read more

People of Praise: What is it Really?

People of Praise is a Christian Charismatic organization that has come under... read more

Tragedy Heaps Upon Tragedy in Death of Breonna...

Breonna Taylor's life is irreplaceable. Infinitely worthy, infinitely valuable. The loss is incalculable,... read more

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