Lisa Balderston, M.A.

Adjunct Professor of Composition and Literature

Lisa Balderston is a native San Diegan who earned her B.A. in English from San Diego State University and M.A. in Creative Writing and Literature from Fairleigh Dickinson University where she discovered an interest in dramatic writing. She enthusiastically joined the PLNU faculty in 2021, eager to tach a variety of writing and literature courses.

When Lisa isn't teaching, she enjoys being a playwright. In 2019, she won the Local Flavor Playwriting competition, which involved a Stage Reading of her play, Transported. This play later became a live production at the PowPAC Theatre during their 2022 season. In June 2024, Lisa's second play, Life by Numbers, received a full production at the Lamplighters Theatre. Also, Lisa has received award recognition by different theatre groups for her short plays, The Sum of Sisterhood, Celebration of Life, and The Death of Ryan. She recently served as an assistant director in the production The Butler Did It at the PowPAC Theatre and will be directing Women in Jeopardy in May 2025. When Lisa isn't working, writing, or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. 

Education

  • M.A., Creative Writing and Literature, Farleigh Dickinson University
  • B.A., English, San Diego State University

Courses Taught

  • College Composition - WRI 1010
  • College Composition: Research - WRI 1016
  • Writing Around the University - WRI 1001
  • Literature & Culture: An Analysis of Dramatic Writing as Literature - ENG 2000
  • Literature & Culture: Dramatic Writing (Plays) as Literature - LIT 2000
  • Literature & Culture: Horror Literature - LIT 2000
  • Diverse Voices of World Literature - LIT 3050

Experience in Field

  • Supplemental Instruction Leader/Instructional Assistant/Tutor, San Diego Miramar College
  • Creative Writing Instructor (volunteer), Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Dramatist Guild - Member
  • Playhouse Leadership Council (La Jolla Playhouse)
  • Playhouse Teenage Council Liasion (La Jolla Playhouse)
  • Playwrights Project – Board Member & Script Reader for the Plays by Young Writers
  • PowPAC Community Theatre – Judge/Awards Manager
  • The Scripteasers - Member