"To be honest, I don’t think there’s much wrong with me, but apparently, most other people disagree and find me . . . not okay. And if I knew why that was, I would change it, but I don’t think I can. I guess it’s me. I was born off in some undefinable way that everyone else can see. Take you, for instance. You choose not to be a part of anything, but if you ever decided that you wanted to be, you’d be welcomed in a heartbeat. Me? Not a chance. I used to always want to be part of something, anything, inside that magical circle, but there never seemed to be an empty spot.”
Dani, The Bottom of the Lake (book)
Coming Soon!!!
A new book!!! Based on an actual letter from the tooth fairy.
Zoe Isabella Sweezy Presents . . . The Tooth Fairy: A Journalistic Investigation
Zoey Isabella Sweezy has been participating in this “teeth for coinage” thing with the Tooth Fairy for as long as she's had teeth that don't stay in her mouth. But now, at ten, which is quite the questioning age, she wants to know why. Why would anyone pay money for someone else’s teeth? So, as any good investigator does, she sets out to find the answer once and for all. And, with the help of her loyal sidekick Ralph the Cat, Zoey uncovers the truth of the Tooth Fairy. A truth that she could have never dreamed up, even in her best dreams.
"For anyone who needs a little wonder in their lives, Behind the Curtain: The Tooth Fairy (A Journalistic Investigation), written by Steven Stack and illustrated by Jayden Shambeau, is for you. Written as journal entries, Zoey, a delightful, creative, curious child, investigates the question 'Why does the Tooth Fairy collect the teeth of children and pay for them?' This book is laugh-out-loud funny with an ending that will bring tears to your eyes. Creative, engaging, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, this is a story of the Tooth Fairy unlike any you've heard before." --Dawn Peters, instructional coach at Prairie Elementary School
The book officially comes out on Feb 28th, which is Tooth Fairy Day but pre-orders Available by the clicking the links below. You don't have to click both. Just one will suffice. Plus, Every pre-order will be signed by not only the author but some special guests!
Hardcover: www.orangehatpublishing.com/product-page/behind-the-curtain-the-tooth-fairy-a-journalistic-investigation-hardcover
Paperback: www.orangehatpublishing.com/product-page/behind-the-curtain-the-tooth-fairy-a-journalistic-investigation-paperback
A new book!!! Based on an actual letter from the tooth fairy.
Zoe Isabella Sweezy Presents . . . The Tooth Fairy: A Journalistic Investigation
Zoey Isabella Sweezy has been participating in this “teeth for coinage” thing with the Tooth Fairy for as long as she's had teeth that don't stay in her mouth. But now, at ten, which is quite the questioning age, she wants to know why. Why would anyone pay money for someone else’s teeth? So, as any good investigator does, she sets out to find the answer once and for all. And, with the help of her loyal sidekick Ralph the Cat, Zoey uncovers the truth of the Tooth Fairy. A truth that she could have never dreamed up, even in her best dreams.
"For anyone who needs a little wonder in their lives, Behind the Curtain: The Tooth Fairy (A Journalistic Investigation), written by Steven Stack and illustrated by Jayden Shambeau, is for you. Written as journal entries, Zoey, a delightful, creative, curious child, investigates the question 'Why does the Tooth Fairy collect the teeth of children and pay for them?' This book is laugh-out-loud funny with an ending that will bring tears to your eyes. Creative, engaging, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, this is a story of the Tooth Fairy unlike any you've heard before." --Dawn Peters, instructional coach at Prairie Elementary School
The book officially comes out on Feb 28th, which is Tooth Fairy Day but pre-orders Available by the clicking the links below. You don't have to click both. Just one will suffice. Plus, Every pre-order will be signed by not only the author but some special guests!
Hardcover: www.orangehatpublishing.com/product-page/behind-the-curtain-the-tooth-fairy-a-journalistic-investigation-hardcover
Paperback: www.orangehatpublishing.com/product-page/behind-the-curtain-the-tooth-fairy-a-journalistic-investigation-paperback
Novels
The Bottom of the Lake
Four girls. Four stories. And an ending none of them saw coming.
When Vanessa, Lindsey, and Claire sneak away from Camp Kimi for a night of junk food and ghost stories, they meet Dani, a strange and distant girl none of them have seen before. As each tells her own scary tale, they reveal personal truths they could never share directly. But the newcomer has a story of her own, and before they know it, the three friends find themselves an unwitting part of it-and there might be no escape.
Available in multiple formats. Click one of the links below so that you can purchase a copy.
Amazon (Paperback) Barnes and Noble (paperback)
Amazon (Kindle) Books-A-Million (paperback)
Four girls. Four stories. And an ending none of them saw coming.
When Vanessa, Lindsey, and Claire sneak away from Camp Kimi for a night of junk food and ghost stories, they meet Dani, a strange and distant girl none of them have seen before. As each tells her own scary tale, they reveal personal truths they could never share directly. But the newcomer has a story of her own, and before they know it, the three friends find themselves an unwitting part of it-and there might be no escape.
Available in multiple formats. Click one of the links below so that you can purchase a copy.
Amazon (Paperback) Barnes and Noble (paperback)
Amazon (Kindle) Books-A-Million (paperback)
The Plays
Dramas
The Blind Spot
Genre: Drama
Time: 30 - 40 mins
Cast: 4 m, 3 f, 1 flexible, extras
Publisher: Eldridge Publishing
Synopsis: This drama tells the story of the last days of high school student Luke's life, and the repercussions felt by those who play a role in what happens to him: his teacher, the bully, the most popular girl in school, and his best friend. Luke finds himself overwhelmed by years of not feeling good enough, a feeling that finally reaches a breaking point. The decision Luke makes will have repercussions for everyone around him for the rest of their lives. This story, though, isn’t just about Luke: it's about all of them, all of us, and the struggles that we all carry with us that no one else can see. It takes a frank look at many of the difficult issues facing teenagers today: anxiety, self-harm, divorce, bullying, sexual orientation, depression, and suicide. At its heart, the story is about what it means to be a teenager and the need to connect with one another, recognize that we are more than just our “damages,” seek out help, be accepting of our truths, and know that we are not alone.
Below is a link to a documentary made by Hammond Academy of Science, who recently performed The Blind Spot. It's so good and shows why I wrote The Blind Spot in the first place.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pybgVpmjfIo
Genre: Drama
Time: 30 - 40 mins
Cast: 4 m, 3 f, 1 flexible, extras
Publisher: Eldridge Publishing
Synopsis: This drama tells the story of the last days of high school student Luke's life, and the repercussions felt by those who play a role in what happens to him: his teacher, the bully, the most popular girl in school, and his best friend. Luke finds himself overwhelmed by years of not feeling good enough, a feeling that finally reaches a breaking point. The decision Luke makes will have repercussions for everyone around him for the rest of their lives. This story, though, isn’t just about Luke: it's about all of them, all of us, and the struggles that we all carry with us that no one else can see. It takes a frank look at many of the difficult issues facing teenagers today: anxiety, self-harm, divorce, bullying, sexual orientation, depression, and suicide. At its heart, the story is about what it means to be a teenager and the need to connect with one another, recognize that we are more than just our “damages,” seek out help, be accepting of our truths, and know that we are not alone.
Below is a link to a documentary made by Hammond Academy of Science, who recently performed The Blind Spot. It's so good and shows why I wrote The Blind Spot in the first place.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pybgVpmjfIo
Plays with Horror, Humor, and Even a Little Heart
Horror Movie 102: Failing Just Got Deadlier
Genre: Drama
Time: About 60 minutes
Cast: 7 M | 14 W | 1 Any Gender
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: It’s Halloween and a new collection of teens are about to discover the perils of growing up in St. Claire while violating the rules of horror movies in Horror Movie 102: Failing Just Got Deadlier. These fast-paced scenes will frighten you, make you laugh out loud, shock you, hurt your heart and ultimately make you thankful that you don’t live in St. Claire, Minnesota, where the killing of teens in a traditional horror movie style is far too common.
All scenes can be done as standalone pieces or performed together. Easy to stage with few set, sound, or light requirements. The scares are completely theatrical and the ghosts are all in your imagination. Or are they…
Genre: Drama
Time: About 60 minutes
Cast: 7 M | 14 W | 1 Any Gender
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: It’s Halloween and a new collection of teens are about to discover the perils of growing up in St. Claire while violating the rules of horror movies in Horror Movie 102: Failing Just Got Deadlier. These fast-paced scenes will frighten you, make you laugh out loud, shock you, hurt your heart and ultimately make you thankful that you don’t live in St. Claire, Minnesota, where the killing of teens in a traditional horror movie style is far too common.
All scenes can be done as standalone pieces or performed together. Easy to stage with few set, sound, or light requirements. The scares are completely theatrical and the ghosts are all in your imagination. Or are they…
Horror Movie 101: Failing Can Be Deadly
Genre: Comedy, Suspense, Drama
Time: 55 Minutes
Cast: 5 m, 16 f, gender flexible roles, doubling possible
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Making it through your teenage years is difficult enough – but when inexplicable deaths begin occurring in St. Claire, Minnesota, it becomes practically impossible. Horror Movie 101: Surviving the Teenage Years . . . Mostly is a fast-paced collection of stories that at times will frighten you, make you laugh out loud, shock you, make you sad, and perhaps make you cover your eyes while you enjoy vicariously the poor decisions made by fully developed teen characters just trying to survive the night. The stories can be performed at any time of the year and, although they are meant to be performed together, they would also make strong standalone scenes or performance pieces.
Genre: Comedy, Suspense, Drama
Time: 55 Minutes
Cast: 5 m, 16 f, gender flexible roles, doubling possible
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Making it through your teenage years is difficult enough – but when inexplicable deaths begin occurring in St. Claire, Minnesota, it becomes practically impossible. Horror Movie 101: Surviving the Teenage Years . . . Mostly is a fast-paced collection of stories that at times will frighten you, make you laugh out loud, shock you, make you sad, and perhaps make you cover your eyes while you enjoy vicariously the poor decisions made by fully developed teen characters just trying to survive the night. The stories can be performed at any time of the year and, although they are meant to be performed together, they would also make strong standalone scenes or performance pieces.
Ashland Falls
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Thriller
Time: 90 mins.
Cast: 12 F, 2 M, 1 F non-speaking
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: First, the script arrived on the doorstep of John Adams High, a compelling tale about a girl who died 150 years ago. A set soon followed, with the appearance of another time. Next, the director, Mr. Beasley, disappeared without a trace - but not to worry, because a new director arrived just in time. Never mind the fact that she seems a little too familiar with the story. But the show must go on, even though it opens in two days - and it is awful. Missed cues, no-show actors, horrible accents, “method” acting, a general lack of talent, and a surplus of high school drama make the chance of a successful production slim. On top of that, someone is waiting in the wings...to make sure her story is told.
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Thriller
Time: 90 mins.
Cast: 12 F, 2 M, 1 F non-speaking
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: First, the script arrived on the doorstep of John Adams High, a compelling tale about a girl who died 150 years ago. A set soon followed, with the appearance of another time. Next, the director, Mr. Beasley, disappeared without a trace - but not to worry, because a new director arrived just in time. Never mind the fact that she seems a little too familiar with the story. But the show must go on, even though it opens in two days - and it is awful. Missed cues, no-show actors, horrible accents, “method” acting, a general lack of talent, and a surplus of high school drama make the chance of a successful production slim. On top of that, someone is waiting in the wings...to make sure her story is told.
The Bottom of the Lake
Genre: Dramedy, Mystery
Time: 70 mins
Cast: 12 F, 3 M, 1 M/F, Some doubling possible
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Summer camp is a unique, all-too-brief moment in time. Years later, it stands out in people's memories of their childhood: not just the s'mores and the singing, but the nervousness at being away from home that turns into freedom, discovery, growth, and ghosts. Where do you end up when you combine ghost stories, urban legends, teen issues, romance, absurd comedy, and film noir in a single play? At The Bottom of the Lake.
Genre: Dramedy, Mystery
Time: 70 mins
Cast: 12 F, 3 M, 1 M/F, Some doubling possible
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Summer camp is a unique, all-too-brief moment in time. Years later, it stands out in people's memories of their childhood: not just the s'mores and the singing, but the nervousness at being away from home that turns into freedom, discovery, growth, and ghosts. Where do you end up when you combine ghost stories, urban legends, teen issues, romance, absurd comedy, and film noir in a single play? At The Bottom of the Lake.
Adaptations
A Way Happier Ever After
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Time: 60-75 Minutes
Cast: 3 m, 15 w, gender flexible roles, doubling possible
Publisher: Eldridge Publishing Company
Synopsis: Prudence E. Witch is sick and tired of being burned in the oven while Hansel and Gretel run free. She decides to re-write some of the best loved children’s tales into a more modern narrative. Come join Chicken Little, the Three Pigs, Jack and Jill, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Prudence as they discover a new reality. Chicken Little finds that with a little therapy she can believe in herself. Foxy Loxy turns a new leaf…as a therapist. Two of the three little pigs practically insist on being eaten, and Cinderella rethinks the whole prince thing.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Time: 60-75 Minutes
Cast: 3 m, 15 w, gender flexible roles, doubling possible
Publisher: Eldridge Publishing Company
Synopsis: Prudence E. Witch is sick and tired of being burned in the oven while Hansel and Gretel run free. She decides to re-write some of the best loved children’s tales into a more modern narrative. Come join Chicken Little, the Three Pigs, Jack and Jill, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Prudence as they discover a new reality. Chicken Little finds that with a little therapy she can believe in herself. Foxy Loxy turns a new leaf…as a therapist. Two of the three little pigs practically insist on being eaten, and Cinderella rethinks the whole prince thing.
Helga
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Thriller
Time: 90 mins.
Cast: 9 F, 2 M, 7 M/F
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: Helga is mourning. And pondering. And mourning some more. And pondering some more. Her mother is dead. Done in by natural causes – or so she thinks. Until her dead mother returns as a ghost and tells her the truth: It was not of natural causes. It was murder. Now her mother needs Helga to avenge her. But avenging her would force Helga to take action instead of pondering . . . all the time. Perhaps she should just go mad. Helga, a two-act 90-minute play, is an uproariously dark comedy that follows Hamlet‘s storyline while taking some unforeseen and bizarre twists. Good news . . . everyone still dies. It is a comedic tragedy, after all.
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Thriller
Time: 90 mins.
Cast: 9 F, 2 M, 7 M/F
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: Helga is mourning. And pondering. And mourning some more. And pondering some more. Her mother is dead. Done in by natural causes – or so she thinks. Until her dead mother returns as a ghost and tells her the truth: It was not of natural causes. It was murder. Now her mother needs Helga to avenge her. But avenging her would force Helga to take action instead of pondering . . . all the time. Perhaps she should just go mad. Helga, a two-act 90-minute play, is an uproariously dark comedy that follows Hamlet‘s storyline while taking some unforeseen and bizarre twists. Good news . . . everyone still dies. It is a comedic tragedy, after all.
Awaiting Wonderland
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Time: 45- 50 minutes
Cast: 2F, 1M, 9M/F
Publisher: Brooklyn Publishers
Synopsis: Tonight is Anya's chance to shine. The curtain is about to rise on her adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, and she's playing the starring role. But as she sits alone on the stage, things begin to change. And the world Anya used to escape to as a child - part Carroll's world, part a world of her own creation - suddenly seems all too real. As Alice - or Anya - tries to make sense of this new world, she must also come to grips with the truth about her own.
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Time: 45- 50 minutes
Cast: 2F, 1M, 9M/F
Publisher: Brooklyn Publishers
Synopsis: Tonight is Anya's chance to shine. The curtain is about to rise on her adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, and she's playing the starring role. But as she sits alone on the stage, things begin to change. And the world Anya used to escape to as a child - part Carroll's world, part a world of her own creation - suddenly seems all too real. As Alice - or Anya - tries to make sense of this new world, she must also come to grips with the truth about her own.
Willow Parks: The Final Episode
Genre: Spoof/Farce
Time: 75-90 mins.
Cast: 8 F, 4 M,
Publisher: Norman Maine Publishing
Synopsis: It’s the final episode of “Willow Parks,” the longest-running primetime soap opera in the history of TV, and they’re airing the show live for the first time. All goes smoothly until the show’s matriarch falls asleep and the cast has to drag her body off the set. Having played a doctor on TV for 15 years, Mira discovers that she’s not a real doctor and that her medical instruments are actually props. Midway through the show, an actor quits and the other cast members have to play the scene as if the character is there even though she isn’t. Then when an actor is murdered, the security guard agrees to fill in but only if he can play the part with Shakespearean flair. The laughs are nonstop in this wildly funny soap opera spoof!
Genre: Spoof/Farce
Time: 75-90 mins.
Cast: 8 F, 4 M,
Publisher: Norman Maine Publishing
Synopsis: It’s the final episode of “Willow Parks,” the longest-running primetime soap opera in the history of TV, and they’re airing the show live for the first time. All goes smoothly until the show’s matriarch falls asleep and the cast has to drag her body off the set. Having played a doctor on TV for 15 years, Mira discovers that she’s not a real doctor and that her medical instruments are actually props. Midway through the show, an actor quits and the other cast members have to play the scene as if the character is there even though she isn’t. Then when an actor is murdered, the security guard agrees to fill in but only if he can play the part with Shakespearean flair. The laughs are nonstop in this wildly funny soap opera spoof!
The Dread Playwright/Pirate Sadie
Genre: Swashbuckling Comedy
Time: 60 mins
Cast: 10 F, 1 M, 1 M/F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Sadie wishes to leave behind her life on the high seas (which she never wanted anyway) so that she can pursue her true passion: theatre. There’s a problem, though. She’s not just Sadie; she’s The Dread Pirate Sadie, the most feared pirate in all the land. And it’s all because of a long-ago lie and her loyalty to Anne, her sister and the true toughest pirate in all the land. Now, Sadie’s lost her boyfriend, her last play was attended by approximately no one, and Blacklegs, the world’s second-most-feared pirate, is after Sadie and the treasure they’re both seeking.
Genre: Swashbuckling Comedy
Time: 60 mins
Cast: 10 F, 1 M, 1 M/F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Sadie wishes to leave behind her life on the high seas (which she never wanted anyway) so that she can pursue her true passion: theatre. There’s a problem, though. She’s not just Sadie; she’s The Dread Pirate Sadie, the most feared pirate in all the land. And it’s all because of a long-ago lie and her loyalty to Anne, her sister and the true toughest pirate in all the land. Now, Sadie’s lost her boyfriend, her last play was attended by approximately no one, and Blacklegs, the world’s second-most-feared pirate, is after Sadie and the treasure they’re both seeking.
Plays of Mystery and Murder!!!
She Wrote, Died, Then Wrote Some More
Genre: Melodrama
Time: 40 mins
Cast: 8F, 1M, 1M/F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Tonight was going to be writer Alina Deveraux most important night, the unveiling of her new book. That was until she ended up dead. Or not dead. The comedic, melodramatic one-act mystery is a hilarious romp that features betrayals, broken hearts, a rather odd but beautiful love story, and many twists. The play also features a cast of 10 eccentric and unique characters, who may or may not at some point end up dying themselves.
Genre: Melodrama
Time: 40 mins
Cast: 8F, 1M, 1M/F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Tonight was going to be writer Alina Deveraux most important night, the unveiling of her new book. That was until she ended up dead. Or not dead. The comedic, melodramatic one-act mystery is a hilarious romp that features betrayals, broken hearts, a rather odd but beautiful love story, and many twists. The play also features a cast of 10 eccentric and unique characters, who may or may not at some point end up dying themselves.
Murder Mystery Weekend of Doom
Genre: Melodrama
Time: 70 mins
Cast: 7F, 2M, 3M/F
Publisher: Big Dog Plays
Synopsis: This Murder Mystery Weekend of Doom was no different than the others. Until murders that aren't supposed to happen start happening, overshadowing the several fake murders that were supposed to happen. Which leads us to an important question. Will anyone survive long enough to solve the mystery?
Genre: Melodrama
Time: 70 mins
Cast: 7F, 2M, 3M/F
Publisher: Big Dog Plays
Synopsis: This Murder Mystery Weekend of Doom was no different than the others. Until murders that aren't supposed to happen start happening, overshadowing the several fake murders that were supposed to happen. Which leads us to an important question. Will anyone survive long enough to solve the mystery?
Mr. Winky: Murder at a Party
Genre: Comedy
Time: 25 mins,
Cast: 6F, 1M, 1M/F
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: A group of actors gathers together for their annual theater games party. It's a smashing success until they play "Mr. Winky" - and some "victims," after dying dramatically, fail to get back up. Because they have now become real victims. Of an apparently real “Mr. Winky.” As the games turn deadly, a detective arrives out of nowhere. Will she save the day? (Probably not.) And what will the others do while she attempts to save the day? Well, they’re actors, so the show . . . or games . . . must go on. Until there is no one left to play them.
Genre: Comedy
Time: 25 mins,
Cast: 6F, 1M, 1M/F
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: A group of actors gathers together for their annual theater games party. It's a smashing success until they play "Mr. Winky" - and some "victims," after dying dramatically, fail to get back up. Because they have now become real victims. Of an apparently real “Mr. Winky.” As the games turn deadly, a detective arrives out of nowhere. Will she save the day? (Probably not.) And what will the others do while she attempts to save the day? Well, they’re actors, so the show . . . or games . . . must go on. Until there is no one left to play them.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Time: 35 mins
Cast: 5 F, 1 Male, 1 M/F, Extras
Publisher: YouthPlays
Welcome to the Neighborhood is an allegory for the pressure teenagers face to conform. It tells the story of Chloe, the new girl in Shadow Oaks, a neighborhood where things are not what they seem. What begins as an innocent slumber party develops into a chilling standoff as Chloe faces a decision that will define her for the rest of her life.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Time: 35 mins
Cast: 5 F, 1 Male, 1 M/F, Extras
Publisher: YouthPlays
Welcome to the Neighborhood is an allegory for the pressure teenagers face to conform. It tells the story of Chloe, the new girl in Shadow Oaks, a neighborhood where things are not what they seem. What begins as an innocent slumber party develops into a chilling standoff as Chloe faces a decision that will define her for the rest of her life.
Hansel, Gretel and . . . Sadie
Genre: Fairy Tale
Time: 30 mins
Cast: 3F, 3M, 2M/F,
Publisher: Lazy Bee Publishing
Synopsis: Sadie’s parents were lost at sea, and unfortunately she's been taken in by the parents of Hansel and Gretel, who make no attempt to mask their disgust at her and her love of reading. When all three children are abandoned in the woods, they meet a mysterious woman with a delicious house. Sadie knows better than to lick a stranger's house - but will she be able to convince Hansel and Gretel? Will their parents have a change of heart? And why is there a pirate in this story? All of these questions, along with seven other ones, will be answered in “Hansel and Gretel...and Sadie,” a wonderfully farcical adaptation of the Grimm Brothers classic that's oddly insistent on the importance of literacy.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Time: 30 mins
Cast: 3F, 3M, 2M/F,
Publisher: Lazy Bee Publishing
Synopsis: Sadie’s parents were lost at sea, and unfortunately she's been taken in by the parents of Hansel and Gretel, who make no attempt to mask their disgust at her and her love of reading. When all three children are abandoned in the woods, they meet a mysterious woman with a delicious house. Sadie knows better than to lick a stranger's house - but will she be able to convince Hansel and Gretel? Will their parents have a change of heart? And why is there a pirate in this story? All of these questions, along with seven other ones, will be answered in “Hansel and Gretel...and Sadie,” a wonderfully farcical adaptation of the Grimm Brothers classic that's oddly insistent on the importance of literacy.
Ted
Genre: Fairy Tale
Time: 30 mins
Cast: 5F, 1M, 5M/F, some doubling possible
Publisher: Lazy Bee Publishing
Synopsis: Essie and her father have the same problems as you and I do: They live in a field, have no money, and oh yeah - Essie's father sold her to the Queen to pay his back taxes, on the promise that Essie can turn sacks of sand into gold. The only problem is, she can’t. Until she meets a strange little creature who agrees to help . . . for a price. A price that grows more and more dire as time goes on. Based on "Rumpelstiltskin", Ted is a fun and ridiculous one-act.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Time: 30 mins
Cast: 5F, 1M, 5M/F, some doubling possible
Publisher: Lazy Bee Publishing
Synopsis: Essie and her father have the same problems as you and I do: They live in a field, have no money, and oh yeah - Essie's father sold her to the Queen to pay his back taxes, on the promise that Essie can turn sacks of sand into gold. The only problem is, she can’t. Until she meets a strange little creature who agrees to help . . . for a price. A price that grows more and more dire as time goes on. Based on "Rumpelstiltskin", Ted is a fun and ridiculous one-act.
Ten-Minute Scenes
Wherefore Art Thou . . . Todd?
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 2 Males, 1 Female,
Publisher: YouthPlays
Synopsis: Todd and his best friend Madison have just been cast as the leads in their school play, Romeo and Juliet. Madison is concerned that it might blur the lines of their real-life relationship, but Todd is okay with it. Maybe a little too okay.
Wherefore Art Thou . . . Todd?
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 2 Males, 1 Female,
Publisher: YouthPlays
Synopsis: Todd and his best friend Madison have just been cast as the leads in their school play, Romeo and Juliet. Madison is concerned that it might blur the lines of their real-life relationship, but Todd is okay with it. Maybe a little too okay.
The Date
Genre: Comedy Drama
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 2 M, 2 F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Written for online performances!!! Chris is about to go on his first online date. He’s practiced the steps for success, he has his best friends as a dating model, what could go wrong? Only everything. Demons on a date are never good.
Genre: Comedy Drama
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 2 M, 2 F
Publisher: Theatrefolk
Synopsis: Written for online performances!!! Chris is about to go on his first online date. He’s practiced the steps for success, he has his best friends as a dating model, what could go wrong? Only everything. Demons on a date are never good.
My Imaginary Best Friend Cheated With My Real Best Friend
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 3 f, 1 m
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: This drama tells the story of the last days of high school student Luke's life, and the repercussions felt by those who play a role in what happens to him: his teacher, the bully, the most popular girl in school, and his best friend. Luke finds himself overwhelmed by years of not feeling good enough, a feeling that finally reaches a breaking point. The decision Luke makes will have repercussions for everyone around him for the rest of their lives. This story, though, isn’t just about Luke: it's about all of them, all of us, and the struggles that we all carry with us that no one else can see. It takes a frank look at many of the difficult issues facing teenagers today: anxiety, self-harm, divorce, bullying, sexual orientation, depression, and suicide. At its heart, the story is about what it means to be a teenager and the need to connect with one another, recognize that we are more than just our “damages,” seek out help, be accepting of our truths, and know that we are not alone.
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins
Cast: 3 f, 1 m
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: This drama tells the story of the last days of high school student Luke's life, and the repercussions felt by those who play a role in what happens to him: his teacher, the bully, the most popular girl in school, and his best friend. Luke finds himself overwhelmed by years of not feeling good enough, a feeling that finally reaches a breaking point. The decision Luke makes will have repercussions for everyone around him for the rest of their lives. This story, though, isn’t just about Luke: it's about all of them, all of us, and the struggles that we all carry with us that no one else can see. It takes a frank look at many of the difficult issues facing teenagers today: anxiety, self-harm, divorce, bullying, sexual orientation, depression, and suicide. At its heart, the story is about what it means to be a teenager and the need to connect with one another, recognize that we are more than just our “damages,” seek out help, be accepting of our truths, and know that we are not alone.
Tis' Not Me She Loves
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins.
Cast: 4M, 3F, 1M/F,
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: The feud between the Hatplains and the McCroys has been in a rut for a while now. Both families agree that there's one way to reignite the feud that gives them purpose: a forbidden love between Romero McCroy and Julia Hatplain. The only catch is, Julia’s not in love with Romero and Romero’s not in love with Julia. They'll probably still come up with a reason to feud with each other, though.
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins.
Cast: 4M, 3F, 1M/F,
Publisher: Heuer Publishing
Synopsis: The feud between the Hatplains and the McCroys has been in a rut for a while now. Both families agree that there's one way to reignite the feud that gives them purpose: a forbidden love between Romero McCroy and Julia Hatplain. The only catch is, Julia’s not in love with Romero and Romero’s not in love with Julia. They'll probably still come up with a reason to feud with each other, though.
Scene Collections
BFFN: Best Friends . . . For Now
A Collection of four plays
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins each
Cast: 3 Females in each play, 1 M in Ferns
Publisher: Norman Maine Plays
Synopsis: Oh, the questions that come with teen friendships. Should you still have to pay for a mistake you made in kindergarten? Is failing to protect a friend's glass of water a reason to end that friendship? If every man is an island, what are three teenage girls stranded on an island? And . . . is it worth coming back from the dead for your friends even if they don't appreciate it? These four 10 minute scenes explore these questions and provide some answers in an thoroughly offbeat and entertaining way.
BFFN: Best Friends . . . For Now
A Collection of four plays
Genre: Comedy
Time: 10 mins each
Cast: 3 Females in each play, 1 M in Ferns
Publisher: Norman Maine Plays
Synopsis: Oh, the questions that come with teen friendships. Should you still have to pay for a mistake you made in kindergarten? Is failing to protect a friend's glass of water a reason to end that friendship? If every man is an island, what are three teenage girls stranded on an island? And . . . is it worth coming back from the dead for your friends even if they don't appreciate it? These four 10 minute scenes explore these questions and provide some answers in an thoroughly offbeat and entertaining way.
It Happened One Summer: A Collection of Plays that Happened One Summer
Genre: Comedy
Time: About 60 mins
Cast: 4 M, 7 F, 4 flexible (With doubling: 1 M, 2 F, 2 flexible)
Publisher: Big Dog Publishing
Synopsis: Kick back and enjoy a sizzlin’ summer of silliness in this sensational collection of four short plays. In “Ketchup Sweats,” Berkley discovers he suffers from a rare genetic disorder, which forces him to rethink his favorite food…ketchup. In “Hot Enough to Fry an Egg,” a pun-loving, talking egg is egg-napped by a foul fowl. In “The Last Day of Summer,” Freddy tries to convince his girlfriend that he is a jerk so he doesn’t have to tell her the truth. And in “The Kiddie Pool Massacre,” a narcissistic rich girl summons three “friends” to her backyard for a kiddie pool murder investigation.
Genre: Comedy
Time: About 60 mins
Cast: 4 M, 7 F, 4 flexible (With doubling: 1 M, 2 F, 2 flexible)
Publisher: Big Dog Publishing
Synopsis: Kick back and enjoy a sizzlin’ summer of silliness in this sensational collection of four short plays. In “Ketchup Sweats,” Berkley discovers he suffers from a rare genetic disorder, which forces him to rethink his favorite food…ketchup. In “Hot Enough to Fry an Egg,” a pun-loving, talking egg is egg-napped by a foul fowl. In “The Last Day of Summer,” Freddy tries to convince his girlfriend that he is a jerk so he doesn’t have to tell her the truth. And in “The Kiddie Pool Massacre,” a narcissistic rich girl summons three “friends” to her backyard for a kiddie pool murder investigation.
Tied Up
A collection of four comedic plays
Genre: Comedy
Time: 8-10 mins each
Cast: 3 M, 9 F, 1 Flexible
Publisher: Norman Maine Plays
Synopsis: The characters in this short play collection find themselves hopelessly stuck in wildly absurd situations. In Squatters’ Rights, a teenager tries to rid herself of two rather annoying ghosts who refuse to move out of her bedroom and think it’s hilarious for real ghosts to wear sheets. In Bessie Brooks and Tommy Snooks, two nursery rhyme characters decide to update their boring nursery rhyme by adding some drama. Mumford E. Squirrel in “How to Ask a Girl Out” is about a boy needing a little help in asking a girl out. Thank goodness he has a guardian squirrel. And finally, Tied Up features a girl who is about to be run over by a train unless she can convince a girl to untie before it’s too late.
A collection of four comedic plays
Genre: Comedy
Time: 8-10 mins each
Cast: 3 M, 9 F, 1 Flexible
Publisher: Norman Maine Plays
Synopsis: The characters in this short play collection find themselves hopelessly stuck in wildly absurd situations. In Squatters’ Rights, a teenager tries to rid herself of two rather annoying ghosts who refuse to move out of her bedroom and think it’s hilarious for real ghosts to wear sheets. In Bessie Brooks and Tommy Snooks, two nursery rhyme characters decide to update their boring nursery rhyme by adding some drama. Mumford E. Squirrel in “How to Ask a Girl Out” is about a boy needing a little help in asking a girl out. Thank goodness he has a guardian squirrel. And finally, Tied Up features a girl who is about to be run over by a train unless she can convince a girl to untie before it’s too late.
The End of Ever After
A collection of four comedic plays
Genre: Comedy
Time: 8-10 mins each
Cast: 5 M, 6 F, 4 Flexible
Publisher: Norman Maine Plays
Synopsis: The marvelously madcap characters in this collection of four short plays may have reached the end of their happily ever after! In “The Ravens,” a melancholy girl is visited on a stormy night by three annoying ravens, who she hopes will never darken her doorstep again. In “The Break-Up,” Dylan discovers his girlfriend is actually in love with his identical twin brother. In “The Golden Arm Returns…to Whom it Originally Belonged,” a ghost helps Jamie and Sal find true love in a spiritual kind of way. And in “Home Insurance,” a vegetarian wolf who sells home insurance meets Little Red Riding Hood in the forest and ends up at Grandma’s house hoping to end his sales slump.