“…exploring the world to return to where my soul begun/never looking back, or too far in front of me/the present is a gift and I just want to BE”
– Common (Be)
TS Murphy is a writer/educator/actor/director/man of African descent who lives, loves, and creates in New Jersey.
Murphy is the co-founder of WORD (writing on reality & dreams). A 2000 website for writers of color that published essays, poems, and short stories.
As a playwright, his work has been performed in The One-Minute Play Festival (#1MPF). One of the largest and longest-running grassroots theatre companies. Each theatrical performances are under a specific theme and one minute long. He has had four pieces included in this national touring company. He has participated in Luna Stage’s Civil Stage readings of ten-minute plays.
As an educator, he has taught at an alternative to incarceration program in New York City. He served as a creative writing teacher, transitional coordinator, and unit director for over twelve years. He has created and coordinated various arts education programs in New York and New Jersey.
An alumnus of New York University/ Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He received his MA in Educational Theatre and was a part of a Creative Arts Team summer program. He is most proud of returning to his alma mater, Ramapo College of New Jersey, as an adjunct instructor. Ramapo College and its instructors laid the ground floor for his art education and advocacy. He currently teaches Theatre classes at Teaneck High School. He instructs level one (introduction to monologues, scenes, etc.) to level four (contemporary playwrights and playwriting) at Teaneck High School.
As an actor, he has appeared in various productions. Othello (Othello), Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro), The Elephant Man (John Merrick), An Actor’s Nightmare ( Meg, the stage manager), Master Harold…and the Boys (Sam) among others. Murphy has directed For Colored Girls…, The Theme is Blackness, Almost, Maine, Twilight: LA, 1992, and One Wife Too Many along with various one-act productions and student-led venues.
He is the writer/director, as well as co-producer with JMP Media and TTEA/FAST of The Mosaic Project. A documentary about race, identity, and community. It was filmed in 2019 within the community of Teaneck, NJ, and is currently seeking sponsorship to continue this independent project about honoring other narratives and one’s voice.
TS Murphy identifies as a man of African descent. He recognizes the cultural, spiritual, and political ties between a continent he has never been to; coupled with a nation, in which he was born, that doesn’t consider him a full citizen embodied with the same rights as everyone else.
As a writer, He loves words, ideas, images, about culture, creativity, and making this universe a better place for everyone.
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