Stephen Plaice

Stephen Plaice is a Professor of Dramatic Writing at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, part of City, University of London. He serves as a Writer in Residence (Composition) and Contemporary Repertoire specialist in Vocal Studies. With international recognition as a playwright and librettist, he has collaborated with leading composers such as Harrison Birtwistle, Luis Tinoco, Orlando Gough, Michael Zev Gordon, Julian Philips, and Julian Grant, producing mainstage librettos for institutions like Glyndebourne and the Royal Opera House.

His research and creative work focuses on opera, libretto development, and community engagement through collaborative arts. He has contributed to innovative projects like School4Lovers (a hip-hop adaptation of Mozart's Così fan tutte) and the post-lockdown production In the Market for Love. His cross-school collaborations at GSMD, including The Tale of Januarie in Middle English, highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

Stephen has pioneered community opera initiatives, such as the post-Brexit satire Bloom Britannia, and trained artists and teachers with the Altana Institute in Germany. His literary works include the historical novel The Hardham Divine (2021) and poetry collection Those Under Saturn (2018).

• Scientific Awards
  • Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Learning and Participation (for 'Imago')