Joyland

by Karen Saari

(10-minute play) Lorna is a young single mother who needs a job. When she applies for a retail gig at a Disney-like corporation, she is screened by an automated interviewer who is an android/princess with an agenda of her own. A class-based battle of wits ensues in this one-act comedy.

(10-minute play) Lorna is a young single mother who needs a job. When she applies for a retail gig at a Disney-like corporation, she is screened by an automated interviewer who is an android/princess with an agenda of her own. A class-based battle of wits ensues in this one-act comedy.

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Joyland

Recommended by

  • David Lipschutz: Joyland by Karen Saari
    “

    JOYLAND is a smart and delightfully witty play by Karen Saari that deftly deals with AI, animatronics, and corporate culture. I had the pleasure of seeing this performed with Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

    JOYLAND is a smart and delightfully witty play by Karen Saari that deftly deals with AI, animatronics, and corporate culture. I had the pleasure of seeing this performed with Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

    ”
  • Andrew Gall: Joyland by Karen Saari
    “

    The layers of satire in this short play are provocative, especially as we become more and more reliant on AI and technology. It certainly reflects how strange the process of applying for jobs has become as well.

    The layers of satire in this short play are provocative, especially as we become more and more reliant on AI and technology. It certainly reflects how strange the process of applying for jobs has become as well.

    ”
  • Hannah Lee DeFrates: Joyland by Karen Saari
    “

    Teehee how clever! JOYLAND is a fun satire of themepark "family values." Both Loretta and Mackenzi are very fun characters. This play is an amazing opportunity for two actresses who can play off each other well.

    Teehee how clever! JOYLAND is a fun satire of themepark "family values." Both Loretta and Mackenzi are very fun characters. This play is an amazing opportunity for two actresses who can play off each other well.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, City Theatre (Miami, FL), 2022
  • Reading, SPARK Creative Works, 2021
  • Reading, Guest House Theatre, 2020
  • Reading, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, 2019

Production History

  • Professional, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 2024
  • Professional, Open Door Playhouse, 2021
  • Professional, The 4208 Group, 2021
  • Professional, Otherworld Theatre, 2019
  • University, Buffalo State College, 2019
  • Community Theater, Eden Prairie Players, Eden Prairie, MN, 2018
  • Professional, Stray Dog Theatre, St. Louis, MO, 2018
  • Workshop, Broom Street Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • National Playwriting Contest
    The City Theatre (Miami, FL)
    Finalist
    2022
  • Audience Favorite Award
    The 4208 Group, Washington, D.C.
    Audience Choice
    2021
  • Top 12
    Minnesota Shorts Play Festival
    Finalist
    2020