Meet Carlene Griffith Founder of Griffith Playhouse | Author | Theater Educator After pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles, earning my SAG eligibility, and working in the entertainment industry, life took me in a new direction—I settled down, married my eternal companion, and became a stay-at-home mother.
With over 40 years of theater experience—and no budget for a nanny—I launched Griffith Playhouse from my living room, offering a one-of-a-kind Kinder Theater program for little ones. What began as an in-home daycare with a theatrical twist has since grown into a thriving company that now provides after-school and summer acting classes for school-aged kids.
From the Stage to the Page As an acting teacher with limited resources, I began writing original short plays tailored for my students to perform. Over time, those scripts added up—and eventually turned into a book. Today, I’ve self-published two volumes of 10-Minute Plays for Kids of All Ages, which became a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. These plays have sold worldwide and have even been translated into Farsi.
In 2024, my play Trip Through Time was selected for inclusion in Master Your English 6, an educational publication by CJ Fallon.
A Lifelong Love of Writing What started with plays and poetry has grown into a deep passion for storytelling in all forms. I now write everything from picture books and short stories to mythology-inspired young adult novels. I've been an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) since 2017 and proudly serve as the Co-Assistant Regional Advisor (Co-ARA) for the SoCal Chapter.
Through this role, I help organize events, run multiple critique groups, and stay immersed in a vibrant writing community. I’m constantly learning and growing—attending conferences, workshops, and retreats to sharpen both my craft and my understanding of the children’s book market.
For more information about of current projects and events see my blog
