Meet Janine

As an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and dramaturg, Janine specializes in creating stories that spark imagination and creativity in young audiences. Currently a Fred Rogers Writers Neighborhood Fellow focused on preschool animation, Janine bring a unique blend of expertise and joy to children’s entertainment. Whether on the stage or screen, let's connect to bring magical stories to life for the next generation.
Learn More

Learn More

Playwright

See my list of plays, inquire about rights, or contact me for a commission.

Screenwriter

Fred Rogers Writers' Neighborhood Fellow specializing in preschool and bridge audiences.

Dramaturg

Former Arena Stage dramaturg with a love for developing new works.

Work with me

I always love meeting new potential collaborators and exploring new projects.

Current Projects

What People Are Saying

Michele C.

"Scaredy Kat Presents" - New Play Exchange
If your theater serves young audiences, produce this excellent and triumphant piece! Easily the most endearing, believable characters, plot and dialogue involving young characters I've ever read. And the best treatment of a challenging situation faced by an increasing number of young people. What an enormous service this play will be for any community hoping to develop empathy and understanding. Brava.

Rhetorical Review

"The Beatrix Potter Defense Society" - Plan-B Theatre
An evocative and necessary piece of theatre that challenges audiences to reflect on whose voices history chooses to preserve—and whose it leaves behind.

Anastasia K.

"Sing in Me, Muse" - New Play Exchange
Playing with mythology and the Renaissance, Janine Sobeck Knighton brings to life wonderous, humorful banter that gifts the audience with a window to the art of creating. Complete comedic fun (and character depth) for two young actors, this story reflects the various gifts all of us are able to contribute to the world through artistic passion and curiosity. A treasure trove of beautiful quotes: " I have my own stories to tell - but they might be made better when I am also helping others."

Brent A.

"B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S." - New Play Exchange
Tremendous fun! A "League of Extraordinary Gentle People" of past children's lit. Those characters are written so well by Knighton. You're smiling throughout, catching the allusions and seeing the famous characters interact. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about 2 sisters that thrills as much as spending time with the literary icons. Also some interesting points to ponder in terms of what we choose to read and the importance of literature itself. TYA groups, you need to stage this!

Front Row Reviewers

"The Beatrix Potter Defense Society" - Plan-B Theatre
The Beatrix Potter Defense Society...is a lovely piece of theater that defines what is sweet and real in a friendship. This one-hour one-act play packs such camaraderie, synergy, and affection, and philosophy, it has to be seen and felt to understand its quiet charm... Sobeck Knighton [has} brought to life something truly special. Her words on the page transformed into two women I wish I could have known. She made them real, authentic, approachable, and understandable, yet a little magical and mysterious.

Aly K.

"Speechless" - New Play Exchange
As a former educator who worked with both ELLs and selectively mute students, this gorgeous, compassionate, and highly theatrical play for youth ticks all my personal boxes. All you need to produce this one is some willing bodies and a room and I'm confident magic will happen. This is such a sweet, moving, and surprisingly complex story that doesn't condescend to young audiences. I think it will mean so much for kids like these characters to see themselves reflected on stage!