Bio

Jonathan Kim Phillips is a queer, Korean-American playwright living in NYC.

His work has been developed at Theater for the New City, New Light Theater Project, Primary Stages/ESPA, Larry Singer Studios, and with The Fishbowl Collective. In 2021, he became a member of American Theater Group’s PlayLab - a writers group centered around BIPOC and LGBTQ+ playwrights. He was also a recipient of the Mary Louise Rockwell scholarship at Primary Stages for their 2021-2022 season.

He received his BA from Muhlenberg College.

Plays

5 : 55

DRAMA | ONE ACT | CAST OF 13

The hour leading up to first rehearsal can be stressful. This is morning prep in real time.

A play about hierarchy, complicity, and rehearsal studios.

RICH FUCKS AND THE SHIT THEY DO BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

DARK COMEDY | FULL LENGTH | CAST OF 8

In a fancy-ass apartment complex on the Upper West Side, the disappearance of a Korean, Chinese food delivery man sets off an odd chain of events involving murder, amateur espionage, amateur parenting, and well... more murder. Why are the tenants acting weirder than usual? Where the heck is the super? Why is there blood all over the trash chute? And why is The Front Deskman sweating so much?

A play (not really) about white collar murder, human trafficking, generational expectations, sexual fluidity, hacksaws, adoption politics, strap-on dildos, dumpster fires, xenophobia, dating apps, and people making really (really) [really] dumb choices. Like, really dumb choices.

Reading - ATG PlayLab (2022)
Reading (Excerpt) - Primary Stages/ESPA (2021)

SEDONA

HORROR | FULL LENGTH | CAST OF 4

In memoriam. Never forgotten. A home encased in glass looks out over a red rock-lined valley. A son reluctantly returns home. A familiar voice drifts through the night. A colossal juniper tree hovers overhead.

A play about the death of others, death of self, and the death of something greater.

SCYLLA + CHARYBDIS

DARK COMEDY | FULL LENGTH | CAST OF 3

The abrupt homecoming of Daphne’s childhood friend, Breen, brings forth painful memories as strong as the Pacific current. What caused this rift and is there any way to salvage what has essentially already been ravaged by time?

A play about suicide, adoption, and empathy.

UNDER THE FLUORESCENT SKY

DRAMA | FULL LENGTH | CAST OF 3

During the final months of their senior year of high school, best friend duo of Wally and Greg struggle with the idea of graduating. Without any acceptance letter in sight, the two boys confide in the edgy, leather jacket-wearing gas station attendant named Casey. Oh, and aliens.

A play about small town life, dancing through the pain, and searching for the unknown.

THE DESIRED EFFECT

DRAMA | ONE ACT | CAST OF 2-3

After a devastating break-up with his boyfriend, Emmett strives to get his life back together. He turns to a collection of self-help exercises to dive into his memory pool and create closure. However, the deeper he searches, the more tainted and augmented his memories become.

A play about depression, insomnia, gay love, and the desire to keep the forward momentum.

Recording - Pride Pieces/Pride Plays (2020)
Reading - The Fishbowl Collective (2017)
Reading - Theater For the New City (2017)

CAUSALITY

DRAMA | ONE ACT | CAST OF 3

A horrific accident is discovered on Route 50. But how is it linked to a domestic abuse case from the year before? A violent breaking point is retraced through the desperate narratives of nine individuals (portrayed by three actors).

A play about parental influence, negligence, and gun violence - told through monologue.

Reading - Larry Singer Studios (2018)
Reading - Muhlenberg College (2013)
Reading - New Light Theatre Project (2013)

ACHERON

DRAMA | 10 MINUTE | CAST OF 2-3

"Procedures of Parousia. Please report to your circle’s designated launch station. All souls will have one hour to reclaim the flesh and bone of their human selves. Those in Heaven and Hell will return to their respective areas... Those undecided -"

Reading - Muhlenberg College (2013)