Author Profile:  Cynthia Mercati

Cynthia Mercati has been writing plays for all of her adult life.  Her scripts have been performed in every state of the US, Australia, Canada and Europe.  As Playwright-in-Residence at the Des Moines Playhouse, Cynthia writes a new play each year for the young actors in their professional children’s theatre.  Her shows have played to literally thousands of school children across the Midwest.  She is also a professional actress and has appeared in many of her own plays.

Cynthia has also published several children's books and essays in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series.  Her essays have also appeared in national magazines and newspapers.  Her many accomplishments include teaching playwrighting, writing, and creative drama around the Midwest to various age groups. 

Cynthia grew up in Chicago and still considers it her home.  She loves baseball, old movies, reading, big cities and the underdog.  She has a son and a daughter and her family will always include a dachshund; she has owned five. 

Cynthia's Bigger Than Life!  won the 1996 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest.