Short Plays
0% CHANCE OF VISIBILITY
A 10 MINUTE MUSICAL COMEDY
When women reach a certain age, they often find themselves being ignored and overlooked for work, social occasions and dating. This musical, based on the short play Sneaking A Peek by Marj O’Neill-Butler, introduces us to two mature characters: Elena who is out living her life and not letting let the world dim her wants and needs; and Lorna, who has let life pass her by and who has been made to feel invisible in the world in which she lives. Elena takes Lorna in hand and informs and teaches her how to enjoy life, sex and love all over again. Here’s to all women who want to live their lives in interesting, involved and exciting ways, no matter what their age. Book/Lyrics by Marj O’Neill-Butler; Music by Arianna Rose. CAST: 2
A BUMP IN THE NIGHT
A 10 MINUTE MYSTERY PLAY
Following a lead given to her by her coworkers, Claire investigates an old, empty, thought to be haunted building. Thinking it will make a good story for her cable TV station, she enters the empty structure one night. She finds more than one surprise there. CAST: 3
A DINNER BELL RINGS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMATIC PLAY
What does it mean to receive a set of china for your wedding? How does it, and the family last through the years? A quick eleven scenes will tell you. CAST: 1 – 6
Production History: Masque and Spectacle Literary Magazine, September 2022
A FACE ON THE PIG
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Rosalie has been duped by her boyfriend and is out a lot of money, Sophie, Rosalie’s friend, steps in and with difficulty, rallies her. CAST: 2
A GOOD KISSER
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Nosy Rose discovers her friend Beryl is seeing her old flame and is frustrated that he is interested in Beryl. CAST: 5
A WEEK’S RESPITE
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
After her Mom broke her hip and landed in the hospital, Kelly has cared for her mother for almost a month. Nicole, her sister, has arrived to give Kelly a week’s break from care. Her expectations may be too high, but she’s ever hopeful for a respite. CAST: 3
ASKING
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
In an attempt to get her sister motivated, Theresa finds a way to change her bad attitude. CAST: 3
BABY FEVER
A 10 MINUTE COMEDIC PLAY
After being apart for a while, two sisters discuss the joys and pains of having children. Mostly the pains! CAST: 2
Production History: Aurora Theatre, Hong Kong, November 7, 2020-January 7, 2021
THE MITRE PLAYERS in Croydon, South London, November 22 and 24, 2020.
BIRTHRIGHTS…AND WRONGS
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Two unrelated people. Two babies waiting to be born. A friendship is developed between two strangers. CAST: 2
BLOW UP SANTA!
A 5 MINUTE COMEDY
A husband and wife discuss their different philosophies about Christmas decorations. What is tacky, and can it be useful? CAST: 2
BREAKING THE LEASE
A 5 MINUTE DRAMA
Leo has a message for Isobel, but she has an even better one for him. CAST: 2
CLEANING HOUSE
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Marcia is trying to get her mother, who has recently had a fall, to move into an assisted living complex. Billie, the mother, wants no part of it as she has found a new life. Marcia is in for more than one surprise after Brad enters the scene. CAST: 3
CONFLICT ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
While their grandchildren play, a schoolyard bully finally meets her nemesis years after the incident. CAST: 2
CRISIS ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Ella thought she’d finally found a mate in Bill after many years of being single. But after moving in together and planning for a future, Bill changes his mind. Ella turns to her friend Cora to help her through her disappointment. CAST: 2
DANCING WITH UNICORNS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Mom is overwhelmed with the demands of her family. By writing she creates a dream world. But does it last? CAST: 5
DEVELOPING
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Laurie and Gwen, mothers of “tween” daughters, are interrupted by a third Mom with bad news about Laurie’s daughter. Neither Laurie nor Gwen think the news is bad and a conflict develops between the three women. Who is right? CAST: 3
DISPARATE ROADS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
As the end of summer approaches, a young woman comes to the realization that she and her boyfriend have different goals and plans for the future. CAST: 2
DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THEY SAY
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Two women discuss the political scene about truth and lying and decide to get involved. Sumara’s calendar is full-up though, until she confesses she’s just like the politicians. CAST: 2
DON’T SIT ON A BENCH, GET UP!
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Noreen is amazed that Wendy runs in the park. While Wendy stretches near her, Noreen starts up a conversation. She’s sorry afterwards. CAST: 2
FINDING HELP
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Daphne and her Mother are at loggerheads concerning assisted living or bringing in a caregiver. When Daphne tries to solve the problem, she is surprised by her Mother’s attitude. CAST: 3
Production History: Sea Shorts, Lauderdale by the Sea, FL. 2023
Recorded by https://gatherbytheghostlight.podbean.com/ April 2021
Theatre Odyssey’s Short Play Festival, Sarasota, FL runner-up Best Play 2020
Barrington Stage, Pittsfield, MA 2021
Lakeshore Players Theater, White Bear Lake, MN 2021
Actors Theatre of Newburyport, MA 2021
Tarpon Springs Short Play Festival, Tarpon Springs, FL 2021
Spark Creative Works, NY 2021
4th Street Theater Ten-Minute Play Festival, Chesterton, IN 2021
Acting Naturally Theatre, Langhorne, PA 2021
The Bridge PHL Theatre, Philadelphia, PA 2020
Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Monticello, NY. 2021
Old Academy Theatre Company, Philadelphia, PA. 2020
Stillwater Short Play Festival, Stillwater, OK 2020
Dragonfly Arts, Metuchen, NJ 2020
The Best 10-Minute Plays, 2021 Anthology, Smith & Kraus Publishers
The Best Women’s Monologues from New Plays, 2020 / edited by Lawrence Harbison
FLIGHT FRIGHT
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Three mature friends have gathered for coffee and a discussion of Judy’s expected new grandson. After joking about how Judy will get to Denver to see the baby being born, she receives a phone call that her son has been in a serious accident. Using game playing, her friends try to talk Judy, who is afraid of planes, into flying out to be with him. CAST: 3
Production History: Pigs Do Fly, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
GETTING WITH THE PROGRAM
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Several women have gathered in a community class to learn about going on a dating website. Catherine, the teacher is experienced and maybe just a bit jaded. A ten minute comedy. CAST: 4
Production History: Sea Shorts Play Festival, Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
GWEN HAS A DATE
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Gwen, an older woman, has a date with a man she met at the grocery store. Her two friends come with her to meet and vet this man. CAST: 4
I CHOOSE YOU
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Lauren and Nick are caught up in their day to day activities, work and schooling. Nick wants a little alone time with her, but she is overwhelmed with her life as a wife, mother and student. He plans an important date and helps her to remember their past. CAST: 2
Production History: Reading: Thinking Cap Theatre, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 2020
Femuscripts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2022
INTO THE CITY
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
While traveling to the city on a ferry, Ashley’s future is foretold. CAST: 4
IT’S ALL IN THE EYE
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Carla, a young, not very successful artist, visits a small gallery to view some modern art. While there, she learns several lessons about her work and possible future as an artist. CAST: 3
JULIA TUTTLE – THE MOTHER OF MIAMI
A 10 MINUTE HISTORIC DOCUDRAMA
It is 1894. Julia is intent on getting Henry Flagler to come south to what was Ft. Dallas. She figures that if he could see the area, he’d extend his railroad to South Florida, and it would change everything. Business. International visitors. Vacationers. It would become the Gateway to South America. Fannie, Julia’s daughter wants to photograph Julia and send a copy of the picture to Henry along with a fresh orange blossom branch and a postcard of the sunny weather to encourage his railroad. Julia decides that the town needs a new name after the river. Fannie tells Julia she will be known as the mother of Miami. Julia poses for the photo. CAST: 2
Production History: New Theatre, Miami Florida 2018
Femuscripts, Miami Florida 2021
LAST TWO FOR THE INTERVIEW
A 5 MINUTE COMEDY
Two young women are the last two candidates vying for a good job. Isabel is very sure of herself while Clare is shy and less aggressive. Tables are turned. CAST: 2
LEAVING HOME
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
After their business fails and they lose their home to foreclosure, Emma and Craig seem to be moving apart. With less than an hour left before the bank comes to change the locks, Emma and Craig try to repair their relationship while packing up their lives and leaving home. CAST: 2
LEAVING THINGS BEHIND
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Nancy, whose husband has passed away, is dealing with her feelings now that she is alone. Her friends have suggestions, but are surprised when Nancy confesses what she has been dreaming about doing in the near future. LEAVING THINGS BEHIND is about finding oneself in her golden years. CAST: 3
LOOKING FOR SEASONAL WORK
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Joshua goes to the North Pole to interview for an elf position. What he finds is the opposite of what he expects. CAST: 2
LOSING TRUST
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Ciara catches her fiancé with his hands up her girlfriends skirt and escapes to the ladies room of the restaurant. There she meets Jennifer who teaches her more than one lesson about love and respect. CAST: 2
MAMA’S THINGS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Kelly has come home after the death of her mother to clean out her mother’s things. In the boxes she finds memories and revelations. CAST: 2
MAY DIVORCE BE WITH YOU
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Edward and Sonny are on their honeymoon when Edward discovers his ex Arthur on the adjacent balcony. Sparks fly and so do they. CAST: 4
MEASURING UP!
A SHORT PLAY
Holly is on an errand at a rummage sale but she’s playing against the rules by trading clothes. CAST: 2
MISSED CONNECTIONS
A 10 MINUTE ROMANTIC COMEDY
Rosie meets a great guy Bob, at Whole Foods, but after a good conversation they part without exchanging contact information. Rosie places a notice on “Missed Connections” on Craigslist in hopes of meeting up with this guy again. Bob tells his friend Norm about a chance meeting and how much he liked this girl he met at Whole Foods. Norm sees Rosie’s listing on “Missed Connections” and tells Bob the girl he met is trying to contact him. Bob contacts Rosie and they agree to meet for coffee where unexpected complications arise. CAST: 2
MRS. DUNN
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Bryant has been called to his English teacher’s office. There, Mrs. Dunn offers her failing student the opportunity that will change the course of his life. Will he be able to take it? CAST: 2
NEXT STOP, BROADWAY!
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Danielle has dreams of a big career in the theatre. Realism is not in her lexicon. When confronted by the stage manager and the leading lady, she takes matters into her own hands…so to speak. CAST: 3
Production History: Academy of Arts University San Francisco, CA. 2021
City Shorts, City Theatre, Key Biscayne, FL 2022
ONE OLD LADY SITTING ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
A mother goes missing and her daughter finally finds her. Jane, in trying to get her mother to go home, we begin to understand the lives of both of them. CAST: 2
Production History: Tigers Heart Players, Online Reading, Bronx NY, July 2024
OUTCASTS AND REBELS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Gram looks for and finds her granddaughter Cassie after she’s been missing for a day. Through questions and cajoling, Gram and Cassie find out they are very much alike. CAST: 2
Production History: Gemco Community Theatre Company, Emerald, Australia 2023
PICKUP
A 5 MINUTE COMEDY
A man tries to pick up a woman he thinks is his old girlfriend. She has other plans. CAST: 3
PORTABLE DINERS
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
During the first eighteen months of being a mother, three women muse about breast feeding, baby teeth, frustrations, husbands and the joys and woes of being a Mom. CAST: 3
PORTLAND
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Kayla is horrified by her Florida mother, who dresses colorfully and always says what’s on her mind. When Gladys comes to visit, Kayla is afraid to have her mother meet her boyfriend, Ardwyn. Tables are turned. CAST: 4
PUT THINGS DOWN
A 10 MINUTE PLAY
Dad is grieving the loss of his wife. The three adult siblings grapple over how to help Dad, and what each wants to take from the house. After conferring with his wife at the cemetery, Dad surprises his kids with some future life changes. CAST: 4
Production History: Shouting Theatre Company, UK 2022
Sea Shorts Play Festival, Lauderdale by the Sea, FL 2022
ROCK
A 10 MINUTE GENTLE COMEDY
Ashley finds fault with Derek’s old rocking chair and wants him to get rid of it. When their daughter Bonnie arrives with their granddaughter, suddenly the rocking chair isn’t so bad after all. CAST 3
ROMANTIC SETTING
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Josh and Sarah hike to the top of the mountain near their collage for some alone time. Grover, an amateur photographer hired by Josh to photograph them for a special occasion, manages to screw up almost everything including getting a bad case of vertigo. CAST: 3
ROUGH WATERS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Loneliness. Grieving. Reminiscing. Strangers. Conversations. Memories.
ROUGH WATERS is a play about all of these things. Two strangers, Andrew and Betty, meet on the Staten Island ferry. After a while they find out they have a lot in common. Betty discovers it doesn’t hurt to talk to a stranger, because this time it leads her to share a very private and moving moment. CAST: 2
Production History: Seaside Players, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 2021
Clocktower Players, Irvington, NY produced in 2020/2021 season
Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Monticello, NY 2021
The Storefront Theatre, Waxhaw, North Carolina 2021
Midwest Dramatists Center, Olathe, KS 2020
SCAVENGER HUNT
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Adam and Carrie are on a family scavenger hunt. Adam takes Carrie into a funeral parlour to find some objects. His motivation has nothing to do with the hunt, but is about keeping a promise to his Grandmother. CAST: 2
SECRETS ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Encouraged by Jeff’s sister, an awkward meeting takes place between old college lovers Jeff and Judy . Jeff walked out on Judy back then and now hopes are high that he can rekindle his relationship with her. But he has a secret. CAST: 3
SING IT OUT LOUD
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
EncIt’s possible to make a new friend even under the worst circumstances. CAST: 2
Production History: Women+ Theatre Conference, MD
Dragon Eggs Short Play Incubator at Dragon Productions Theatre Company, CA
SLEEPING PORCH
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Paul returns to his lakeside home four years after being sent away by his family because of the accidental drowning of his sister. He again claims his innocence to his mother and blames his lying, scheming younger sister, Page. When Page returns home, Paul turns the table on her and finally their mother hears the truth. CAST: 3
SNEAKING A PEEK
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Lorna feels invisible as she ages. Gail, the same age, has been out and about, and takes Lorna in hand to rejoin the world. CAST: 2
SO NOT CHRISTMASY CHRISTMAS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Dorie is upset because she has had to move to Miami, and Christmas will not be the same. She wants to go north for Christmas, but Dan doesn’t have vacation time with his new job. On top of everything Dorie’s Dad has told her they can’t come south for the holiday. How will they solve the problem? CAST: 2
Production History: Miami1Acts Miami FL
SORTING PILLS AND OTHER EXCITING LIFE ADVENTURES
A 5 MINUTE DRAMA
Molly and Eddie have grown old together, but one of them has added dementia into the mix. CAST: 2
SURPRISE ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
A scruffy man chats up a women sitting on a bench. There’s a reason for speaking to her. CAST: 2
SWAMP GIRL
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Mariel, a young woman with common sense, tries to get her friend Desiree to be more down to earth. The guy she wants to fix Desiree up with likes his women “natural”. Desiree is a bit of a poser who wears too much makeup and too many labels. Mariel gets her friend to a campground for the surprising first date. CAST: 2
Production History: City Theatre, Miami FL- Reading
Miami1Acts, New Theatre, Miami, FL
TAKING THINGS IN HAND
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
May, an older woman, thinks her friend Dorothy is lonely and wants her to meet up with a nice man. Dorothy resists when May suggests dating, but May has already set up her profile on media websites. After one failed “meet” May is about to give up, but Dorothy wants to get involved and learn about using the internet for dating. CAST: 3
Production History: Performance Eden Prairie Players, MN. 2018
THE KID
A 15 MINUTE DRAMA
A lonely and homeless young man seeks refuge in a police station. There he learns what it is like to receive kindness and needed life lessons. CAST: 2
THAT WOMAN FROM FLORIDA
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Claudia has found out that her father is meeting a woman he met on a dating site and goes with him to the cafe. She discovers that things are not always what they seem. CAST: 3
Production History: A.C.T. Studio, Stuart, FL. 2023
THE BENCH PLAYS
ELEVEN 10 MINUTE PLAYS ON A BENCH
Eleven Short Plays For and About The Over 40’s. Comedies, dramas and dramadies. The perfect set of plays for production and touring. All you need is a bench! You could add projections. Or plants. Or anything else you can dream up. But keep it simple. The plays can be produced in any order. Pick and choose the ones you like. Have fun! CAST: 5-15
THE LETTER
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Bella is tested for a gene that might mean she’s in for the fight of her life. Jon, her husband, wants to know the truth, so they can move on and get her treatment if necessary. The letter has been unread while Jon is away on business. He tries to allay her fears by opening the letter and facing the truth. CAST: 2
THE SEAT
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Abby meets a man on the ferry but doesn’t get to exchange numbers. As he dashes off the ferry to get to a meeting, he says he’ll see her the next day, same seat. She sits in the same seat for weeks until one day she finds the seat occupied. Nothing seems to move the man sitting in “her” seat, so she tries everything she can think of to make him move. In the end, he makes a move. CAST: 3
THERE’S NEW LIFE COMING
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Doris has recently lost her very sick husband after for caring for him for years. She goes to the library looking for self-help books. The librarian, Millie, thinks she wants books on grieving, but is surprised when Doris asks for books on another subject. CAST: 2
Production History: First Place winner Kauai Shorts 2019 Ten Minute-Play Festival
2020 Finalist for National Award for Short Playwriting, City Theatre Miami 2020
Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 2021
THE WHAT IF OF WAR
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
In the years since the Vietnam war, the Moran family has lived without incident in their household. A late morning knock on the door brings new and startling information, and the return of some well-loved dog tags. CAST: 4
Production History: Know Theatre, Binghamton, NY November 2020
THEY CALLED IT TEASING
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Norman and Suzanne, who have been together and in love since high school, get their revenge on the people who bullied them all those years ago. CAST: 4
Production History: Pigs Do Fly, FT. Lauderdale, FL
THIS YEAR, LAST YEAR
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
Families…you can’t live with them and you hate to live without them. One incident can tear a family apart. What do you do to mend the situation as the year passes? Four people, four differences of opinion. Will the problem be solved? CAST: 4
TINY, SECRET NOTES
A 10 MINUTE ROMANTIC COMEDY
Is there solace in holding onto grief? After her father’s death, Diane visits her mother to comfort her by taking over her father’s loving ritual. CAST: 2
Production History: Jersey City Theatre Company’s New Play Festival, Jersey City, NJ
Shortlisted for the Billy Roche International Short Play Award, Wexford, Ireland
TWO LADIES IN BLACK HEADING TOWARD A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Looking for love in her later years, Susie gets her friend to go with her, looking to find
a suitable man. Bad food, grabbing widowers and the death of a prior bully make the search all the more fun. CAST: 2
TWO MEN SHARE A BENCH WITH A NICE LADY
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
One day it’s a bit different when two brothers sit on a bench in the park and a nice lady comes along. CAST: 3
TWO OLD MEN SITTING ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE DARK COMEDY
Grieving is always difficult. If you have a friend to whom you can talk, it’s a bit easier getting back into the swing of life. CAST: 2
TWO SCHEMERS ON A BENCH
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Old friends meet at the park and converse about being lonely and the lack of interest from their kids and grandkids. They then come up with a plan to call attention to George and his fake young girlfriend which may stir up the family. CAST: 2
UNWRAP YOUR PAIN
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
A young woman drops some coins into a homeless woman’s cup, and changes the life of one of them. CAST: 2
Production History: ESP Theatre, Frederick, MD-reading June, 2021
Dragon Eggs Short Play Incubator at Dragon Productions Theatre Company December 2021
VALENTINE CARDS
A 5 MINUTE DRAMA
Emily is overwhelmed with motherhood and all that comes with it. Steven is concerned because the children are unhappy. He manages to remind Emily of the joys of being a parent. CAST: 2
VETTING
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Tired of wasting time on dating sites, Lois decides to group potential dates into one morning meet-up.. Her friend Jeannie goes along for moral support, but much to Lois’ dismay, Jeannie finds she is of interest to one of the men. CAST: 5
Production History: Miami 1 Acts, Miami FL
WAITING, WAITING
A 10 MINUTE PLAY
After twenty years, Robert has made contact with his birth mother. They plan to meet where she left left him as an infant. But what if she doesn’t show? CAST 3
WEDDING BELL BLUES
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
A mother’s nose gets out of joint when discussing wedding plans with her daughter. She feels left out, and is out of sorts until she opens her birthday present. CAST: 2
Production History: Zoom performance by Theatre Three, Port Jefferson, NY
Stage Door Productions, Fredericksburg, VA 2022
Production: Curtain Call Playhouse, Pompano Beach, FL. 2022
WHAT IF?
A 10 MINUTE DOCUDRAMA
A woman in her 60’s recalls her illegal abortion. A man in his 30’s recalls his life as an adoptive child. What if things had been different? CAST: 2
WHAT’S APP, DOC?
A 10 MINUTE COMEDY
Mom is unschooled in the ways of the internet and has resisted learning. Gabby wants Mom to talk with her other daughter in New Zealand through an app, because she has important news. Mom reacts differently than expected. CAST: 3
Production History: Tiger’s Heart Players, Bronx, NY. 2022
YULETIDE TRADITIONS
A 10 MINUTE DRAMA
A young couple celebrating their first Christmas find their yuletide traditions are at odds. CAST: 2
Production History: The Variations Project Baltimore, Maryland July 2021
Thinking Cap Theatre, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. December 2020
Marj O'Neill-Butler 