SHORT PLAYS/MONOLOGUES
Click the NPX button to read my plays and monologues listed with the New Play Exchange
A Ten-Minute play for Middle School and High School
CAST OF CHARACTERS (1M, 1F)
EMMA: A smart and perky 10th grader who loves history.
CHRIS: EMMA'S classmate. Kind of a jock who has a crush on EMMA.
SYNOPSIS
As part of their history class project, high school sophomores, Emma and Chris, must choose
historical figures that represent their ideal of heroism. The day before the project is due,
they work together in Emma’s bedroom, trying to figure out how best to present their heroes.
Both of them have strong opinions about who is hero-worthy but their inability to see the other
person’s point of view begins to jeopardize their budding relationship as well as their class project.
As they struggle with the assignment, they discover more about each other and about themselves
than they do about their historical figures of choice.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (1M, 1F)
EMMA: A smart and perky 10th grader who loves history.
CHRIS: EMMA'S classmate. Kind of a jock who has a crush on EMMA.
SYNOPSIS
As part of their history class project, high school sophomores, Emma and Chris, must choose
historical figures that represent their ideal of heroism. The day before the project is due,
they work together in Emma’s bedroom, trying to figure out how best to present their heroes.
Both of them have strong opinions about who is hero-worthy but their inability to see the other
person’s point of view begins to jeopardize their budding relationship as well as their class project.
As they struggle with the assignment, they discover more about each other and about themselves
than they do about their historical figures of choice.
A Ten-Minute Play for Adult Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
DR. TRUTH: A madcap psychologist (sex therapist) who speaks with a German accent.
Very short stature. Age: 60s
WAYNE: A very masculine, bisexual, Skeet-Shooter. He's in a new relationship
with John. He is suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. Age: 40
JOHN: An attractive, gay man who is in a new relationship with Wayne.
He is out and proud. Age: late 20s
SYNOPSIS
A gay couple, having difficulties in their new relationship, seeks the expertise of a, once famous,
sex therapist. During their initial visit to Doctor Truth’s office, John and Wayne learn more
than they bargained for as Doctor Truth "tells it like it is."
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
DR. TRUTH: A madcap psychologist (sex therapist) who speaks with a German accent.
Very short stature. Age: 60s
WAYNE: A very masculine, bisexual, Skeet-Shooter. He's in a new relationship
with John. He is suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. Age: 40
JOHN: An attractive, gay man who is in a new relationship with Wayne.
He is out and proud. Age: late 20s
SYNOPSIS
A gay couple, having difficulties in their new relationship, seeks the expertise of a, once famous,
sex therapist. During their initial visit to Doctor Truth’s office, John and Wayne learn more
than they bargained for as Doctor Truth "tells it like it is."
A Short Play for Middle School and High School
CAST OF CHARACTERS (1M, 1F)
EDDIE: An imaginative but spoiled young boy, Age: 12
ISABEL: EDDIE'S Mom, slightly manic; Age: 30s
ROBOT (VOICE): VOICE can be pre-recorded or done live
Same actor does the voice of FRANKIE.
SYNOPSIS
A spoiled tween is enraged when he doesn't get what he wants. He is taught a hard lesson
about the real meaning of friendship and affability by an unlikely source; his toy birthday robot.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (1M, 1F)
EDDIE: An imaginative but spoiled young boy, Age: 12
ISABEL: EDDIE'S Mom, slightly manic; Age: 30s
ROBOT (VOICE): VOICE can be pre-recorded or done live
Same actor does the voice of FRANKIE.
SYNOPSIS
A spoiled tween is enraged when he doesn't get what he wants. He is taught a hard lesson
about the real meaning of friendship and affability by an unlikely source; his toy birthday robot.
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
ROBERT: A frail, elderly man in his 60s. He recently had a stroke.
KENDRICK: A Health Care Aide. Age: 30s to 40s.
FEMALE VOICE: Live on stage or pre-recorded.
SYNOPSIS
Robert, an irascible film critic, has had a stroke and has lost his ability to communicate
with others. He must now endure a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility. Kendrick, his
recently assigned aide, is the only person who seems to have no trouble understanding him.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
ROBERT: A frail, elderly man in his 60s. He recently had a stroke.
KENDRICK: A Health Care Aide. Age: 30s to 40s.
FEMALE VOICE: Live on stage or pre-recorded.
SYNOPSIS
Robert, an irascible film critic, has had a stroke and has lost his ability to communicate
with others. He must now endure a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility. Kendrick, his
recently assigned aide, is the only person who seems to have no trouble understanding him.
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
ANDY: A neurotic, shy, young man. Preppie-type. Age: Early 20s
ELLEN: An attractive, hip woman. Smart and edgy. Age: Early 20s
SAMIR: (Syrian-American) Attractive, gay denim and tee-shirt
kind of guy with a "bad boy" demeanor. Age: Early 20s
SYNOPSIS
Three, twenty-something, strangers meet on a street corner bench. They are drawn
together by a common interest or so they think. Two of them are first-time members
of a meet-up group they joined via the Internet. During the course of their interactions,
their real intentions begin to surface as they learn far more about themselves than they
do about each other.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
ANDY: A neurotic, shy, young man. Preppie-type. Age: Early 20s
ELLEN: An attractive, hip woman. Smart and edgy. Age: Early 20s
SAMIR: (Syrian-American) Attractive, gay denim and tee-shirt
kind of guy with a "bad boy" demeanor. Age: Early 20s
SYNOPSIS
Three, twenty-something, strangers meet on a street corner bench. They are drawn
together by a common interest or so they think. Two of them are first-time members
of a meet-up group they joined via the Internet. During the course of their interactions,
their real intentions begin to surface as they learn far more about themselves than they
do about each other.
A Short Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1 Gender Neutral)
ERNIE: A Certified Hospital Clown; Bernie Sanders Idealism. Age: 30-40
RONALD: An attractive, soap opera actor; a malignant narcissist who has
practical TV business acumen. Age: 40s
DR. KRONA: The interviewer and head of the mission; A savvy, international
entrepreneur with a distinctive European accent. Age: 50-60
SYNOPSIS
A hospital clown and a Soap Opera leading man compete for votes on a reality
game show. Each one is determined to secure the final ticket to join the eleven,
previously selected, pioneers on their journey of a lifetime. They will do or say anything
to win the prestigious award: a year in a simulated space habitat in New Mexico, monitored by
reality TV and the eventual honor of Commander–in–Chief aboard the one-way flight to Mars.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1 Gender Neutral)
ERNIE: A Certified Hospital Clown; Bernie Sanders Idealism. Age: 30-40
RONALD: An attractive, soap opera actor; a malignant narcissist who has
practical TV business acumen. Age: 40s
DR. KRONA: The interviewer and head of the mission; A savvy, international
entrepreneur with a distinctive European accent. Age: 50-60
SYNOPSIS
A hospital clown and a Soap Opera leading man compete for votes on a reality
game show. Each one is determined to secure the final ticket to join the eleven,
previously selected, pioneers on their journey of a lifetime. They will do or say anything
to win the prestigious award: a year in a simulated space habitat in New Mexico, monitored by
reality TV and the eventual honor of Commander–in–Chief aboard the one-way flight to Mars.
A Short Play for General Audiences (Adult Theme)
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
EARL: Tammy's husband. Construction worker on disability. Archie Bunker/Ralph
Kramden sensibility. Age: Early 40s.
TAMMY: EARL'S wife. A greeter at Walmart. Edith Bunker/Alice Kramden
sensibility. Age: Early 40s.
PATTY: A girl scout. (Male or non-binary gender) Age: 18
SYNOPSIS
Tammy and Earl have fallen on hard times. Earl is on disability while Tammy tries
to pay the bills and save the marriage by working as a “greeter” at their local
Wal-Mart. Their relationship is on a downward spiral but their lives are about
to dramatically change, when an unconventional Girl Scout pays them a visit.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
EARL: Tammy's husband. Construction worker on disability. Archie Bunker/Ralph
Kramden sensibility. Age: Early 40s.
TAMMY: EARL'S wife. A greeter at Walmart. Edith Bunker/Alice Kramden
sensibility. Age: Early 40s.
PATTY: A girl scout. (Male or non-binary gender) Age: 18
SYNOPSIS
Tammy and Earl have fallen on hard times. Earl is on disability while Tammy tries
to pay the bills and save the marriage by working as a “greeter” at their local
Wal-Mart. Their relationship is on a downward spiral but their lives are about
to dramatically change, when an unconventional Girl Scout pays them a visit.
A Ten-Minute Play for Middle School and High School
(published by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books) Click pic to order.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
FORTUNA: A female high school senior. She is managing a Fortune Teller Concession at a high school carnival.
JAMAL: A nerdy teenager who has been the victim of bullying.
BULLY: A physically imposing, all-purpose, teenage bully.
SYNOPSIS
At a local school carnival, Jamal (a nerd) confronts the unexpected when a fortune-teller
gives him an opportunity to see his future. At her concession, “Spin The Bully,” she
beckons him to engage with the fierce prototype in order to get a glimpse of what
his future may hold. Will he continue to be victimized by the bully in his life or will he learn
something about his own character as he experiences the world through a bully’s eye?
(published by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books) Click pic to order.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
FORTUNA: A female high school senior. She is managing a Fortune Teller Concession at a high school carnival.
JAMAL: A nerdy teenager who has been the victim of bullying.
BULLY: A physically imposing, all-purpose, teenage bully.
SYNOPSIS
At a local school carnival, Jamal (a nerd) confronts the unexpected when a fortune-teller
gives him an opportunity to see his future. At her concession, “Spin The Bully,” she
beckons him to engage with the fierce prototype in order to get a glimpse of what
his future may hold. Will he continue to be victimized by the bully in his life or will he learn
something about his own character as he experiences the world through a bully’s eye?
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
MR. ADELMAN: A former silent film pianist; resident of a dementia care facility; Age: 60s
VIRGINIA: A Therapeutic Recreation Manager; Age: 30s
HECTOR: A Health Care Aide assigned to Mr. Adelman; Age: 30s
SYNOPSIS
Mr. Adelman, a famous silent film pianist is spending his first days at a dementia facility.
In his most lucid moments, he verbally assaults the Therapeutic Recreation Manager for
making him feel like a helpless child. Hector, his dedicated health care aide, may be the only
person who can keep Mr. Adelman’s legacy and his memories alive.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
MR. ADELMAN: A former silent film pianist; resident of a dementia care facility; Age: 60s
VIRGINIA: A Therapeutic Recreation Manager; Age: 30s
HECTOR: A Health Care Aide assigned to Mr. Adelman; Age: 30s
SYNOPSIS
Mr. Adelman, a famous silent film pianist is spending his first days at a dementia facility.
In his most lucid moments, he verbally assaults the Therapeutic Recreation Manager for
making him feel like a helpless child. Hector, his dedicated health care aide, may be the only
person who can keep Mr. Adelman’s legacy and his memories alive.
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
CARLA: A college (Sophomore) literary intern at the Mala Testa Theatre Company. Age: 20
RUDY: A college (Senior) literary intern at the Mala Testa Theatre Company, Age: 22
PLAYWRIGHT: He is a frustrated, emerging artist. Age: 50.
SYNOPSIS
Two college interns are saddled with the monumental task of selecting the final script
to be added to a group of finalists for a theatre company’s emerging playwright contest.
They frivolously disregard many play entries until a stranger visits them.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (2M, 1F)
CARLA: A college (Sophomore) literary intern at the Mala Testa Theatre Company. Age: 20
RUDY: A college (Senior) literary intern at the Mala Testa Theatre Company, Age: 22
PLAYWRIGHT: He is a frustrated, emerging artist. Age: 50.
SYNOPSIS
Two college interns are saddled with the monumental task of selecting the final script
to be added to a group of finalists for a theatre company’s emerging playwright contest.
They frivolously disregard many play entries until a stranger visits them.
|
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (1F, 1M) VALENTINA: International student in the Social Science Masters Program studying Global Conflict/Resolution at Uppsala University. She is from Valencia, Spain. Age: 22 ANGELO: International student in the Computer Science Masters Program at Uppsala University. An avid gamer from Brooklyn, NY. Age: 22 SYNOPSIS Every Tuesday evening, in Flogsta, Sweden, something strange happens. People open their windows and scream at the top of their lungs. During one of these screaming marathons, two international students at Uppsala University meet for the first time. Angelo, a New Yorker, has turned his passion for violent, armed conflict video games into a future career move by enrolling in a Master Program for Game Design while Valentina, an ardent pacifist from Spain, is studying Global Conflict Resolution. Will their immediate attraction to one another be thwarted by their ideological conflicts or will screaming help them to assuage their differences? |
A Ten-Minute Play for General Audiences
CAST OF CHARACTERS (3M, 1F)
PATIENT 1: A (male) patient in a psych facility. Age: 50s.
PATIENT 2: A (female) patient in a psych facility. Age: 50s.
CUSTODIAN: A well-built man. Age: 30-40
VISITOR: A well-dressed man. Age: 40-50
SYNOPSIS:
A well-dressed man enters a psychiatric ward in a metropolitan hospital. He is there to visit his
best friend who, in a heightened emotional state, voluntarily committed himself. He regrets his decision
and wants nothing more than to go home and get some rest. But there are rules and getting out
is easier said than done. Reality is turned upside-down as the visitor becomes embroiled in this world
of paranoia and delusion.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (3M, 1F)
PATIENT 1: A (male) patient in a psych facility. Age: 50s.
PATIENT 2: A (female) patient in a psych facility. Age: 50s.
CUSTODIAN: A well-built man. Age: 30-40
VISITOR: A well-dressed man. Age: 40-50
SYNOPSIS:
A well-dressed man enters a psychiatric ward in a metropolitan hospital. He is there to visit his
best friend who, in a heightened emotional state, voluntarily committed himself. He regrets his decision
and wants nothing more than to go home and get some rest. But there are rules and getting out
is easier said than done. Reality is turned upside-down as the visitor becomes embroiled in this world
of paranoia and delusion.