Semifinalist, Roadmap Writers Short Script Lab 2026
BIO
Dale Janda is a gay writer of thrillers and various types of drama. He holds an MFA in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute, a BA in Theatre, and an MS Ed. in Elementary Education. Dale recently retired from teaching in an at-risk elementary school in the Coachella Valley and returned to writing full-time. He is passionate about telling stories that portray unique characters, reveal difficult truths, challenge societal "norms," and offer hope and redemption. In his screenplay, THE BIRDHOUSE MAKER, Dale explores a family in crisis after the suicide of a beloved adult child. This screenplay has done well in the Nicholl Fellowship and the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competitions. Dale has workshopped four of his screenplays in Stowe Story Labs retreats and labs, and he continues to work on his craft through Roadmap Writers and Stage 32 classes and events. Dale lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his devoted Springer Spaniel, Bogey.