Peter Nachtrieb

Peter Nachtrieb is a Lecturer in the Department of Creative Writing at San Francisco State University, specializing in theatre and playwriting. His dark comedies explore misfits, biology, apocalypse, and systemic struggles, with works including boom (TCG's most produced play 2009-10), The Totalitarians, and the musical Fall Springs (with composer Niko Tsakalakos). Productions span Woolly Mammoth, Seattle Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and international venues.

Nachtrieb's research examines absurdist responses to contemporary crises, blending scientific themes with social critique. His plays frequently deploy apocalyptic scenarios to interrogate power structures, human relationships, and biological imperatives.

Publications demonstrate consistent engagement with existential humor in catastrophic contexts, innovative narrative structures, and the collision of personal and global crises. Recurring motifs include survival dynamics, scientific ethics, and political theater.

Awards include the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, Stavis Award, and Glickman Prize. Residencies include New Dramatists (2010-17) and Mellon/HowlRound Playwright residency at Z Space (2013-18). He holds a BA in Theatre and Biology from Brown University and an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State.