The Storyteller Studio 22-23 Cohort Portfolio
Devon Villacampa
About Me
Devon Villacampa is a playwright and screenwriter who enjoys blending childlike themes with darker, horror-inspired elements. His work, which includes both traditional and absurdist narrative styles, has been produced and workshopped by The Chatham Playhouse, Lakeland Writes, and Drew University, and recognized in competitions such as the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition, ScreenCraft Animation Competition, and the HorrorOrigins Film Festival. Devon received his Master's in Teaching from Drew University and currently works as a teacher and tutor.
Q+A
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I write dark horror comedies, cartoons, and weird blends of both. My style involves subverting genres by taking familiar elements and giving them unexpected twists. A large aspect of my work revolves around blending dark, morbid themes with subjects that evoke an innocent, childlike essence.
How have you grown during your time in the Storyteller Studio?
By nature, I am an introverted person, and writing is typically a solitary pursuit. However, being part of the Storyteller Studio provided me with the opportunity to collaborate and workshop stories with fellow writers. It felt like a creative, judgement-free sandbox where we could experiment with new ideas.
What does it mean to you to be an artist in our current moment?
I don't write stories to comment on current events. While I am interested in staying informed, the news itself doesn't inspire me to write stories. Instead, I am strangely captivated by dreams, vivid imagery, and disconnected ideas, and I become almost fixated on transforming them into narratives. I don't believe that storytellers necessarily have an obligation, but personally, it's my strong belief in my characters that keeps me writing.
How has this program shaped your understanding of dramaturgy and collaboration?
Since joining the Storyteller Studio, my work ethic has notably improved. Being part of a community of writers has reinforced my love for storytelling and made me realize how essential it is to my identity. I'm a dramaturgy nerd and can geek out about story structure and character arcs for hours.
Kidneys
Frankie the Masked Lizard
Since I was old enough to hold a crayon, storytelling has been my creative outlet. I have a penchant for surrealism and enjoy crafting "kid's stories for adults," where the wonder of childhood converges with darker undertones. This eclectic blend spans my work across horror, animation, and dark comedy. Notable examples include "Kidneys," a ten-minute dark comedy, and the first ten pages of my animated pilot, "Frankie the Masked Lizard." For me, writing is more than a hobby or a job - it's just something I do.