Joseph Hillyard is a Writer pursuing a degree in Dramatic Writing (History Minor) at NYU Tisch School for the Arts (2026).

As a lifelong New Yorker, hailing from Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, he is especially drawn to stories that capture the city in all its diversity and vibrancy. He has written screenplays, plays and short films exploring this theme.

Born into a civic minded multiracial Black and Jewish family, he is also deeply interested in writing about American history and progressive politics.

He has written cultural criticism, political commentary, and other musings for publications such as Liberal Currents, Writers for Democratic Action, and The Forward. He has also brought his skills as a storyteller to the non-profit sector and worked in a variety of administrative and communication roles.