Jaya Sinha Takes the Stage as Western’s New Writer-in-Residence

Jaya Sinha has been appointed as the student writer-in-residence for the 2025-26 academic year at Western University. Initially pursuing a degree in film studies, Sinha’s journey took an unexpected turn as she explored her passion for theatre, leading to her new role in the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities (SASAH).

Established in 2013, Western’s student writer-in-residence program aims to promote creativity and collaboration among aspiring writers on campus and within the London, Ontario community. Sinha’s diverse interests, which span various artistic disciplines, make her an ideal fit for this initiative. She describes herself as someone “excited by all kinds of art,” reflecting her broad engagement with different creative forms.

During her second year at Western, Sinha was encouraged by a friend to participate in Theatre Western’s annual short play festival, Purple Shorts. This experience ignited her interest in directing, prompting her to submit her own work for the festival the following year. Since then, she has actively contributed to campus theatre, including her role as assistant director for the upcoming production of Legally Blonde and her directorial debut with Cabaret, which she describes as a “life-changing experience.”

Sinha believes that supporting emerging artists is crucial, particularly in the realm of playwriting. She recalls her semester abroad at the New School in New York City, where she was inspired by fellow playwrights engaged in collaborative script workshops. Sinha aspires to cultivate a similar environment at Western, encouraging students from all backgrounds to explore their writing potential without the pressure of producing perfect works.

“I want to make it a more accessible space,” Sinha states, expressing her desire to implement a “Bad Writing Competition” to celebrate the creative process, regardless of skill level. Her aim is to foster a playful atmosphere that invites all students to participate in writing, emphasizing enjoyment over perfection.

Known for her engaging personality and ability to weave compelling narratives, Sinha thrives in social settings where she gathers inspiration from others’ stories. She enjoys spending her summers writing plays with friends, taking on the role of each other’s dramaturgs to refine their work. Sinha approaches editing with an inquisitive mindset, asking challenging questions to help fellow writers clarify their artistic intentions.

Reflecting on her multidisciplinary studies, Sinha draws connections between literature, film, and philosophy. She often references influential figures, from chefs like René Redzepi to documentarians such as Anthony Bourdain, as sources of inspiration for her artistic drive. Her curiosity about diverse subjects fuels her creativity and propels her forward in her artistic endeavors.

This past summer, Sinha served as assistant production manager at Single Thread Theatre Company in Toronto. In addition to her responsibilities as student writer-in-residence, she will also assist in directing the Fall Drama Production of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell and direct 9 to 5 for the King’s Players’ winter musical.

Sinha is eager to embrace the challenges that accompany her new position. “I am really interested in learning as much as I can about all kinds of art,” she says, indicating her commitment to continuous growth in her artistic practice.

Her inaugural reading is scheduled for September 24, 2025, in the University Community Centre, room 56, from 16:00 to 17:30. Students interested in engaging with her work can attend during her office hours on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 13:00 or make appointments via email.

As Jaya Sinha steps into her role as student writer-in-residence, she looks forward to inspiring her peers and fostering a vibrant creative community at Western University.