Tom Cavanaugh is a celebrated playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker whose work defines the intersection of contemporary stagecraft and cinematic storytelling. An M.F.A. graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School, Cavanaugh has built a prolific career anchored by a commitment to bold, award-winning narratives that resonate across diverse media platforms.
Currently a playwriting member of The Actors Studio Playwright/Director Workshop in New York, Tom’s influence on the New York theater scene continues to expand. His most recent play, Barklee, was selected for the prestigious Main Stage Development Program at AMT Theater Off-Broadway, marking a significant milestone in his 2025-2026 season. This follows a storied history of festival success, including featured selections at the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s New American Playwrights Program for his plays Behold and Adam & Yoshi. His Los Angeles premiere of Inland Empress, now published by Next Stage Press, further established his voice as a staple of modern American drama.
Tom’s versatility as a screenwriter is equally distinguished. His comedy screenplay Bedbuggers achieved a "Grand Prize" win at the 2024 Fade In Awards and secured Best Feature Screenplay at the 2025 Garden State Film Festival, leading to a high-profile celebrity A-list table read. His accolades in film extend to the Bowery Film Festival, where Behold won Best Feature Screenplay, and the LA Independent Film Channel Festival, which named his film Service Meas Best Comedy. In 2026, Tom transitioned into the documentary space with Franny’s Cookies, which earned its place as a Finalist at the 17th Annual TASTE AWARDS in Beverly Hills.
Always an innovator, Tom was at the forefront of the digital theater movement. His Zoom production, Now, Now, Now…, earned a prestigious Ovation Award at the Hollywood Fringe, as well as Best National Show at the 2021 Pittsburgh Fringe Festival and Best Livestream Show at the 2022 Big Sky Fringe Festival. A dedicated member of The Actors Gym and various national theatrical organizations, Tom Cavanaugh remains a vital force in storytelling, consistently bridging the gap between independent film and the Off-Broadway stage.