How To Die Alone (A Guide for Beginners)

by Chris Barlow

Best friends Amelia and Sean are doomed to repeat their romantic mistakes in this trippy dark comedy featuring three weddings, three demons, and everything your grandmother needs to know about buying her first smartphone. Does co-dependency mean mutually assured destruction? Or will these roommates finally escape the demons (both literal and figurative) haunting their lives?

Best friends Amelia and Sean are doomed to repeat their romantic mistakes in this trippy dark comedy featuring three weddings, three demons, and everything your grandmother needs to know about buying her first smartphone. Does co-dependency mean mutually assured destruction? Or will these roommates finally escape the demons (both literal and figurative) haunting their lives?

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How To Die Alone (A Guide for Beginners)

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: How To Die Alone (A Guide for Beginners) by Chris Barlow
    “

    Absolutely hilarious piece that moves at a brisk clip. The sharp, biting humor manages to stay light while Barlow explores queer friendship and dating, intimacy, and self-actualization into adulthood. I was particularly taken with the examination of the ways certain relationships sometimes hold us back and the poignant conclusion that escaping those friendships don't necessarily serve as a panacea one hopes they will be. Amelia and Sean are spectacular and charming anti-heroes for actors to sink their teeth into, and the ensemble of demons/characters would be a treat for adaptable, versatile...

    Absolutely hilarious piece that moves at a brisk clip. The sharp, biting humor manages to stay light while Barlow explores queer friendship and dating, intimacy, and self-actualization into adulthood. I was particularly taken with the examination of the ways certain relationships sometimes hold us back and the poignant conclusion that escaping those friendships don't necessarily serve as a panacea one hopes they will be. Amelia and Sean are spectacular and charming anti-heroes for actors to sink their teeth into, and the ensemble of demons/characters would be a treat for adaptable, versatile performers.

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    ”

Character Information

The main cast calls for 5 actors (3M/2F) with the Demons double cast as all the additional characters. You may use a larger cast if desired.
  • Amelia
    A hipster librarian. Gay.
    32
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sean
    Amelia's best friend and roommate. Gay.
    32
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Demon 1
    The Demon of Love & Commitment. Also plays Date Guy, Gay Friend, Old Man, Straight Bro 1, and Dan.
    30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Demon 2
    The Demon of Lust & Desire. Also plays Don, Male Bartender, Carlos, Male Librarian, and Straight Bro 2.
    30s
    BIPOC
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Demon 3
    The Demon of Time & Regret.
    30s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Play by Play, 2018