Molly Smith Metzler
Biography
Molly Smith Metzler is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for her ability to craft compelling narratives that often blend drama with sharp wit and a keen observation of human nature. From the theatrical stage to the streaming giants, Metzler has consistently delivered impactful and thought-provoking stories.
Early Life and Extensive Education:
Hailing from Kingston, New York, Molly Smith Metzler's journey into storytelling began early. She pursued a rigorous academic path in the dramatic arts, attending some of the most prestigious institutions. She is an alumna of SUNY Geneseo, where she took her first playwriting class, sparking her passion for the craft.
She furthered her education, earning an MA from Boston University, an MFA from New York University's Tisch School for the Arts, and an Artist's Diploma from The Juilliard School. Her dedication to her studies was recognized with accolades, including two Lecomte du Nouy Prizes from Lincoln Center.
Distinguished Career in Playwriting:
Before making a significant impact in television, Metzler established herself as an award-winning playwright. Her plays are known for their incisive dialogue and exploration of contemporary social themes. Her notable works include:
- Cry It Out: This critically acclaimed play won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Playwriting and the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award Citation in 2018. It has since seen over 100 productions globally.
- Elemeno Pea
- The May Queen
- Carve
- Close Up Space
- Training Wisteria
Her plays have been produced Off-Broadway and in major regional theaters across the United States, including Manhattan Theatre Club (NYC), The Kennedy Center (DC), South Coast Repertory (CA), and Actors Theatre of Louisville (KY).
Transition and Success in Television:
Metzler seamlessly transitioned her talents to television, quickly becoming a sought-after writer and producer. She spent four years as a writer and producer on Showtime's acclaimed series Shameless. Her television writing credits also include Casual (Hulu) and Orange Is the New Black (Netflix).
Her most significant television achievement to date is creating, writing, and executive producing the Netflix limited series Maid (2021). Based on Stephanie Land's memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive, the series garnered immense critical praise and commercial success.
It was viewed by over 67 million households in its debut month, named a "TV Program of the Year" by the American Film Institute, and earned Metzler an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series. The writing team also won the Writers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Writing of a Limited Series–Adapted Long Form.
Current and Future Projects:
Molly Smith Metzler is currently under a multi-year overall deal with Netflix, indicating a continued partnership on exciting new projects. She is creating a new show for the platform, and also continues to work on new plays for prominent theater companies like Manhattan Theatre Club and South Coast Repertory.
Molly Smith Metzler's career exemplifies a rare versatility, allowing her to tell powerful stories that resonate deeply with audiences across different media, solidifying her status as a significant voice in contemporary American storytelling.
