Talking Points

by Steven Hayet

TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

"This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

"The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a young man grieving a lost love." - Miami Herald

"A...

TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

"This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

"The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a young man grieving a lost love." - Miami Herald

"A tender, funny tale..." - Miami Art Zine

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Talking Points

Recommended by

  • Jack Levine: Talking Points by Steven Hayet
    “

    STEVEN HAYET takes us to a Thanksgiving Dinner in which Mike has something important to say. With a bit of flair, you can almost hear a drumroll as he tells his family he’s important news. The short play is filled with humor, pathos, and unexpected twists. I recommend “Talking Points”. It will certainly be a crowd pleaser.

    STEVEN HAYET takes us to a Thanksgiving Dinner in which Mike has something important to say. With a bit of flair, you can almost hear a drumroll as he tells his family he’s important news. The short play is filled with humor, pathos, and unexpected twists. I recommend “Talking Points”. It will certainly be a crowd pleaser.

    ”
  • Finn Gallagher: Talking Points by Steven Hayet
    “

    Steven Hayet combines a unique take with a familiar setup -- a tough conversation over holiday dinner -- and subverts what we think might happen. Talking Points is stylish, funny, and genuinely sweet.

    Steven Hayet combines a unique take with a familiar setup -- a tough conversation over holiday dinner -- and subverts what we think might happen. Talking Points is stylish, funny, and genuinely sweet.

    ”
  • Kate Danley: Talking Points by Steven Hayet
    “

    Would that we all could share the uncomfortable family conversations in a press junket rather than awkward mumbling around the table! Fun, funny, breezy, and clever! A fantastic holiday short that works anytime of the year!

    Would that we all could share the uncomfortable family conversations in a press junket rather than awkward mumbling around the table! Fun, funny, breezy, and clever! A fantastic holiday short that works anytime of the year!

    ”
View all 25 recommendations

Character Information

Mike’s Family may be played by 1-5 actors of any gender, race, or age.
  • MIKE
    Mid 20s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MOM
    Mike's mother
    Late 40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • DAD
    Mike's father
    Early 50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • GRANDPA
    Mike's grandfather
    70s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • GRANDMA
    Mike's grandmother
    70s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • SAM
    Mike's little sister
    Late teens
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Theatre Unmasked, 2020

Production History

  • High School, Worthington Kilbourne High School, 2024
  • University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2023
  • High School, La Salle High School, 2021
  • High School, Mt. Hope High School, 2021
  • University, Broward College, 2021
  • Community Theater, Yellow Springs Theater Company, 2019
  • Professional, MadLab, 2019
  • Community Theater, Eagle & Beaver Ensemble, 2018
  • Community Theater, Te Puke Repertory Society, 2018
  • Professional, Red Barn Theater, 2018
  • University, Lafayette College, 2018

Awards

  • Second Place: Best Ten Minute Plays of 2019
    Smith & Kraus
    2019
  • Short Play Contest (Ten Minute Play)
    Red Barn Theater
    Winner
    2018