Jeffrey Hatcher

Jeffrey Hatcher is a prolific American playwright and screenwriter known for his elegant style, sharp wit, and a deep affinity for historical and literary subjects. Born in 1958 in Steubenville, Ohio, Hatcher grew up in a working-class family and developed an early passion for storytelling and theatre. He studied at Denison University in Ohio and later trained at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, where he honed his skills as a dramatist. His Midwestern roots and academic background have informed much of his work, which frequently explores identity, ambition, and the fine line between illusion and reality.

Hatcher has written dozens of original plays, including Three Viewings, Scotland Road, Neddy, and Compleat Female Stage Beauty, showcasing his mastery of structure, language, and character. His plays are often intelligent, emotionally layered, and rich in theatricality, earning him acclaim from both critics and audiences. Hatcher’s affinity for adaptation is also central to his career; he has skillfully reimagined classic works by Henry James, Frederick Knott, and others for the stage, including The Turn of the Screw, Wait Until Dark, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, putting his own distinct stamp on familiar tales.

Beyond the stage, Hatcher has found success in television and film. He co-wrote the screenplay for Mr. Holmes (2015), a nuanced portrayal of an aging Sherlock Holmes starring Ian McKellen, and worked on screen adaptations of Stage Beauty and Casanova. His screenwriting maintains the same intellectual elegance and character-driven focus that defines his theatre work. Hatcher has also written for television series such as Columbo and The Mentalist, bringing his intricate plotting and clever dialogue to broader audiences.

A frequent collaborator with regional and national theaters, Hatcher’s work has been produced by major institutions including the Guthrie Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and South Coast Repertory. He is also a core writer for Minnesota’s Illusion Theater and a founding member of The Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, where he lives and contributes actively to the local and national theatre community.

Jeffrey Hatcher’s career is marked by a rare versatility and craftsmanship. Whether crafting original plays, adaptations, or screenplays, his work reflects a deep respect for storytelling, an ear for rhythm and language, and a love of theatrical tradition. He continues to be a vital voice in American theatre, championing smart, character-rich drama that both entertains and provokes.