I write, therefore I am
writing
on the page
Darling, Let's Run
Avril is currently seeking representation for her debut middle grade novel, Darling, Let's Run.
This is book one of a trilogy, rooted in realism and naturalism, filled with tragedy, beauty, love, loss, and hope.
Avril's manuscript, complete at 47,870 words, is available upon request.
photo by justine kurland
photo by seph lawless
on the screen
i was a stranger
Avril is the writer and producer of the six-time internationally-awarded short film i was a stranger with stars from orange is the new black, ozark & hightown. Avril and her director are currently developing into a feature film.
plot:
A woman fleeing domestic violence finds refuge on the road in a community of boondockers. Their innate knowledge of the terms of her exile is esoteric, as they know all too well: everyone is running from something. When her cruel captor tracks her down, these strangers become unceasing allies, no matter the cost. Inspired by true events.
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the swiss army romance
Avril wrote this pilot which was awarded as a Quarterfinalist in the Final Draft Big Break Competition, a Semi-Finalist at the ScreenCraft Fellowship Competition 2022, and soared to #11 in thriller television pilots on Coverfly's Red List, in the top 7% of all 97,597 projects on the site.
plot:
In a one-horse, two-Superfund Site town, an enigmatic teenage girl and her misfit friends band together to evade harsh realities; when their restless curiosity leads them to discover the body of a missing classmate, their quest for justice against a venomous enemy may be the last thing they ever do.
photo by justine kurland
praise for the swiss army romance
"The strongest aspect of your script is without a doubt your voice. Through Sarah's voiceovers and your scene description, you are able to paint incredibly detailed scenes with little words. The central conflict line is gripping. You're able to utilize tropic high school drama in new ways, while also weaving in a massive conspiracy. I wasn't ready for this script to end and would absolutely watch the next episode."
- ScreenCraft Judges
wrote and developed four original television series with:
archie comics | two shakes ent. | lucid road | tornante
additional film & TV work with:
cbs studios | abc studios | warner bros. studios | team downey
freelance writer | showrunner's assistant | producer's assistant | intern
on the stage
La Belle Indifference
Family is polarizing...
La Belle Indifference is a dark comedy/traumedy about two families illuminated in tandem, full of jabs and crosses, strange superstitions, echoes of what we inherit, and the many variations of love, from platonic to amorous to decidedly screwed-up.
There are no honorable heroes or conventional villains in this play-- every character is simply unabashedly human. The goal of the piece is to incite squirms, laughter, and empathy.
Will be performed at the Capital Fringe Festival in July of 2024.
the morphine diaries
Featured at the DC Capital Fringe Festival. Five-star, must-see reviews from the DC Theater Scene and Washington City Paper.
plot:
A young woman battling chronic illness comes to terms with the demons ravaging her, internally and externally, while becoming dangerously addicted to the drug that saves her.
praise for the morphine diaries
" "
- MD Theater Guide
"The Morphine Diaries dares to present masked truth of addiction, and is successful in doing so. Whether or not you have been affected yourself, you will leave the show with empathy for those who have. With abuse in every form becoming more rampant, The Morphine Diaries is a MUST-SEE."
- Washington City Paper
"The morphine diaries is a difficult show to watch because it is uncomfortably, terrifyingly honest, but it is also a MUST-SEE for those reasons."
- MD Theater Guide
"In an intimate setting, patrons are confronted with primal emotions... this is one you should not miss."
- DC Theater Scene
ten original plays written and produced in the Washington, DC, area with:
capital fringe festival | george mason university | mason players | theater of the first amendment | active cultures theater
additional theater work:
playwright | director | dramaturg | scenic designer | technical director