Frederick McKinnon has studied playwriting and directing at The New School for Social Research. In addition to writing the librettos for nine musicals, he is the author of several non-musical plays (one of which won a national contest), a short story writer, and a poet. As an educator he has taught high school English, conducted Shakespeare workshops for teachers and is presently teaching a course in the history of American musical theater. He was also the coordinator for The District 12 After-school Performing Arts Workshop Program and has directed over twenty productions, most of which comprised young people as cast members. Fred is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.