Writer and producer alumnus visits campus, theatre students

UGA alumnus Steve Yockey (A.B. Theatre, '01) visited the department of theatre and film studies Oct. 4, sitting for three Q+A sessions with students interested in pursuing careers both on stage and behind the camera. In addition to the Q+A sessions, Yockey attended Dr. John Bray’s Dramatic Writing class for a more focused discussion on his career as a playwright, who has seen much of his theatrical work produced throughout the US, Europe, and Asia:

Yockey led students on a journey through his career, detailing his first jobs after graduating from UGA in 2001, which ranged from working as an intern at Atlanta-based theatre company Actor’s Express to serving as showrunner during the pandemic on HBO’s The Flight Attendant. While focusing on the many successes throughout his career, Yockey made a point to discuss lows as well, describing a two-year gap wherein he felt unable to write. He encouraged students to maintain passion for their work, emphasizing that their life experiences are what distinguishes them in such a competitive industry. “When you’re hired to write or direct, whether for theatre or television, you’re being hired because of your own unique point of view. No one else has your perspective.”

From the students, staff, and faculty of the department of theatre and film studies, a warm thank you to Mr. Yockey for his willingness to share the many lessons learned from such a storied career and his generosity of time.  

Steve Yockey served as a writer and producer on the hit television show Supernatural from 2016-2019 before branching off to develop, write, and executive produce The Flight Attendant for HBO. In 2021, he received two Primetime Emmy nominations for the “Outstanding Comedy Series” and “Outstanding Writing” for his work on The Flight Attendant. Yockey has also written for MTV’s Scream series, Doom Patrol, and served as co-showrunner for the HBO Max series Dead Boy Detectives.  

In 2022, Yockey signed a multi-year overall development deal with Warner Bros. that will see him developing a wide array of content across its various media platforms. In March 2024, Variety reported that Yockey was tapped to pen the as-yet-untitled finale of the Star Trek film franchise that was rebooted in 2009 by J.J. Abrams.  

Thanks to Yockney for his generosity with our students – a truly inspiring alumnus with a heart for UGA.

Image: Steve Yockey (center) with UGA students (left to right) Dyllon Glaze, Briana McClenton, Alyssa Aghabeg, Sarah Posey, Wyn Thomas, Luke Tanner, Lillian Morris, Priscilla Jackson, Alayna Young, & Emma Dean. Photo by Clay Chastain.