David Scott Milton

David Scott Milton (1934-2020) was an American author, playwright, screenwriter, and actor. His dramatic works were characterized by theatricality, sharp humor, and poetic realism, while his novels and films tended towards darker, more naturalistic narratives. Milton's writing garnered significant recognition, with his play "Duet" earning a Tony nomination for Ben Gazzara's performance and another play, "Skin," receiving the Neil Simon Playwrights Award. His second novel, "Paradise Road," was honored with the Mark Twain Journal award for its contribution to American literature.

Born into a working-class Jewish family in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, Milton's early life experiences, including working as an apprentice baker, influenced his play "Bread." He was an early participant in the avant-garde Theatre Genesis, alongside notable figures like Sam Shepard. Milton's career spanned various creative fields, including Off-Off-Broadway productions, film adaptations of his work, and television writing for shows like "Starsky and Hutch." He also dedicated years to teaching drama and screenwriting at universities and institutions, including the University of Southern California and the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin. His experiences leading a writers' workshop for inmates in a maximum-security prison inspired his one-man show, "Murderers Are My Life."

David Scott Milton established himself as a significant voice in American literature and theater. His plays were noted for their vibrant theatricality, often infused with wild humor and a style described as poetic realism. In contrast, his novels and screenplays typically delved into darker, more naturalistic territories. Critics have drawn comparisons between his novels and those of esteemed authors like Graham Greene, John Steinbeck, and Nelson Algren, highlighting the depth and resonance of his prose. His theatrical achievements include the critically acclaimed "Duet," which led to a Tony nomination for actor Ben Gazzara, and "Skin," winner of the prestigious Neil Simon Playwrights Award. The play "Murderers Are My Life," inspired by his work with incarcerated individuals, also received recognition from the Valley Theater League of Los Angeles.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression, David Scott Milton came from a working-class Jewish family with roots in Romania. His father's varied career, from truck driver to business owner, provided a backdrop to his upbringing. Milton's own early experiences, such as working as an apprentice baker, directly informed his creative output, notably his play "Bread," which saw successful productions both in New York and Germany. He was an early member of the experimental Theatre Genesis group, a formative experience that placed him among other emerging avant-garde artists. This period laid the groundwork for his extensive career in playwriting, with numerous works performed Off-Off-Broadway, exploring diverse themes and styles.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, David Scott Milton made substantial contributions to education and creative development. He held academic positions as a Senior Lecturer in Drama and an adjunct professor in the Master of Professional Writing Program at the University of Southern California, where he also taught screenwriting. His teaching extended to other institutions, including Goddard College, CalArts, and the University of South Alabama. Internationally, he conducted screenwriting seminars at the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin. A unique aspect of his career involved leading a writers' workshop for thirteen years with inmates in a maximum-security prison. This profound experience, working with a dozen convicted murderers, directly inspired his one-man show, "Murderers Are My Life."