DENNIS SAFREN
Mr. Safren began his career as a classical pianist, having studied at The Academy For Music in Vienna. Changing his focus to acting, he attended U.C.L.A. and then graduated from the famed Pasadena Playhouse. After many television and film roles, he joined the renowned A.P.A. Repertory Company with Helen Hayes and Melvyn Douglas. Mr. Safren has performed in theatrical productions throughout the nation from Broadway to Stratford to Los Angeles.
Extending his endeavors to writing, he has authored such award-winning plays as THE EDUCATION OF DAVID BLOOM, KEEPER OF THE REALM, THE GIFT, OFFSIDES AND CROSS WORDS. His play, CLOUD DANCING, won critical acclaim in an extended run in Los Angeles. His last play, STRAIGHTS! has had several productions, including the Trustus Theatre in South Carolina.
A previous participant in the famed Sundance Institute in Utah, he is currently the Literary Manager of FirstStage, Los Angeles, the nationally recognized organization dedicated to developing the work of new writers.
Mr. Safren was one of four judges chosen from across America to pick the winner and runners up of The Chicago Dramatists best new play contest. The winner was given $7,000 and a production.