About

Stephen Near

Stephen Near is a writer working in Hamilton. His plays have been performed across Canada at various theatres and festivals including the Ottawa Fringe, the Toronto Fringe, the Hamilton Fringe, New Ideas, and Summerworks. He is a graduate of York University (BFA), the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (B. Ed) and the MFA Creative Writing program at the University of Guelph. He is a member of the Playwright’s Guild of Canada, the Theatre Aquarius Creator’s Junction and Playwright’s Unit and an alumnus of the Sage Hill Writing Experience and the Banff Centre. Stephen is co-founder and playwright-in-residence of Same Boat Theatre in Hamilton. Stephen was named one of the inaugural Writers-in-Residence at Hamilton’s Cotton Factory and is a staff writer for Hamilton City Magazine.

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Awards

  • Winner (2023) – Theatre BC Canadian Playwriting Competition, Special Merit Award – Whale Fall
  • Winner (2022) – Hamilton Fringe Festival, Critics Pick Award – Whale Fall
  • Winner – 2nd Place (2022) – Hamilton Fringe New Play Competition – Whale Fall
  • Winner (2019) – City of Hamilton Arts Award – Arts Management
  • Winner – 1st Place (2011) – Hamilton Fringe New Play Contest – Interface