Theatre Arts Studies Major, Alyssa Call Focuses on Writing Plays that Uplift and Enlighten Others
Alyssa Call, a BYU Theatre Studies student with a focus on playwriting, discovered her passion for writing at a young age. What began as a hobby of writing stories during recess evolved into a deep love for playwriting during her time in high school when she began crafting plays for summer camps. She wrote, directed and performed her works with friends from the neighborhood.
“I was the kid who spent recess sitting on the curb with a drawing pad, writing stories,” Call said. “In high school, I was not getting into plays and thought, ‘I am just going to write my own.’” Her love for storytelling only grew when she entered college, thanks to her first-semester professor, George Nelson, who encouraged her to explore playwriting further. “Listening to him talk about playwriting in class only boosted my desire to study it,” she said.
The inspiration for Call’s latest play came unexpectedly during a research session in BYU’s library. While gathering materials for a different play, she stumbled across “Unlikely Allies,” a biography about Silas Deane, a forgotten hero of the American Revolution.
Deane, an American diplomat who helped negotiate treaties with France and commissioned Marquis de Lafayette, later faced political struggles that led to his being branded a traitor. Intrigued by his story, Call quickly became engrossed in Deane’s life. “I read the book in two days. I was hooked,” she said. As she delved further into her research, she discovered a personal connection — Deane was her third cousin. This revelation added a special significance to her work as she began writing the play. “I have been able to do some temple work for his son's wife and other family members such as his granddaughter and great-granddaughter,” Call shared, noting how this connection deepened her commitment to the project.
Call’s play, “Sincerely, Silas Deane,” is set to be performed in December, and she is eager to share this story with audiences. For Call, playwriting has become a way to explore deeper truths about the world, heaven and God. “I have learned so much through writing, trying to create these stories and worlds,” she said. “It is just a tiny snippet of seeing through God’s eyes.”
Call’s passion for history plays a major role in her writing, as she finds many of her stories within historical contexts. “History is full of God’s stories,” she said. Her love for history is reflected not only in her current project but also in her daily life. She wears a necklace inscribed with the Latin phrase “Soli Deo Gloria,” meaning “To God alone be the glory,” as a reminder to focus her writing on messages that matter.
Her faith has been a guiding force throughout her creative process. “Whenever I write a play, my co-writer is God,” Call said. She explained that she begins each writing session with a prayer, asking for guidance in her work. For Call, this collaboration with God elevates her writing beyond just creating characters and worlds—it becomes an act of spiritual connection. “I feel like God enjoys art and theatre,” she said. “No show would come together without Him.”
Call credits much of her growth as a playwright to her time at BYU. Initially unaware of the university’s strong playwriting program, she now appreciates the way her professors have helped her integrate her faith into her work. “I love that all of my playwriting professors have prioritized involving God in writing,” she said. This focus on spiritual integration has shaped how Call approaches her craft, encouraging her to write stories that uplift and inspire.
One of Call’s recent works, a 10-minute play titled “Fireflies,” received first place in Wayfare Magazine’s short playwriting competition. Her play tells the story of two sisters on a summer night as they sit in a field watching fireflies and braiding flower crowns. “It’s a story of light, loss and love,” said Call.
According to Call, she couldn’t stop smiling the whole night after she received the email telling her that she had won the competition. “It still doesn't feel real and probably won't until I'm sitting in the audience watching it be performed at the conference,” said Call. “This is one of my favorite plays that I have written and I am so grateful that more people will have a chance to see it. There is this strange sort of gratitude that comes with having a piece of your art be seen. You know you created it, but you are also grateful that God helped you make it all it can be and that He is helping it be seen.”
“Fireflies” will be published in Wayfare Magazine and performed at Faith Matters’ Restore conference in September.
“There are so many scripts out there that are edgy,” Call remarked. “Coming out of BYU, we should be writers that are writing with light, hope and spirit.” With her dedication to both her craft and her faith, Alyssa Call is well on her way to becoming a playwright who writes with purpose and conviction. As she continues to develop her skills at BYU, she remains focused on her mission to tell stories that not only entertain but also inspire and uplift.