Parental Rights

FULL LENGTH: Back from a vacation they couldn’t afford, Sara and Kevin are chagrined to discover they’re expecting. Both 40ish, it was never part of their plan to have a child. After the birth they find they’re not naturals at parenting. BFF Mandy has a lifestyle they envy and loves being an adoring aunt. But could she be something more? Who should be raising this child?

FULL LENGTH: Back from a vacation they couldn’t afford, Sara and Kevin are chagrined to discover they’re expecting. Both 40ish, it was never part of their plan to have a child. After the birth they find they’re not naturals at parenting. BFF Mandy has a lifestyle they envy and loves being an adoring aunt. But could she be something more? Who should be raising this child?

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Parental Rights

Recommended by

  • Benji Carr: Parental Rights

    Mara Dresner's PARENTAL RIGHTS, which I performed in a Zoom reading, was an excellent, layered take on a happily childless couple's feelings as they find themselves unexpectedly and accidentally pregnant. The central female characters are equally strong, and the directions the plot takes are often surprising. Beyond that, it has an emotional honesty and a sympathy toward its characters, flaws and all. Excellent work.

    Mara Dresner's PARENTAL RIGHTS, which I performed in a Zoom reading, was an excellent, layered take on a happily childless couple's feelings as they find themselves unexpectedly and accidentally pregnant. The central female characters are equally strong, and the directions the plot takes are often surprising. Beyond that, it has an emotional honesty and a sympathy toward its characters, flaws and all. Excellent work.

  • Cheryl Bear: Parental Rights

    When the unexpected happens, how do you cope with the later in life parenthood? Relatable and well done.

    When the unexpected happens, how do you cope with the later in life parenthood? Relatable and well done.

Character Information

Sara: Early 40s, married to Kevin
Kevin: Early 40s, married to Sara
Mandy: Early 40s, Sara’s best friend
Dave Sullivan: Late 30s/early 40s, Kevin’s best friend
Mrs. Oliver: A severe woman in her 50s/60s (may be doubled with Dr. MacMillan)
Dr. MacMillan: An easygoing woman in her 50s (may be doubled with Mrs. Oliver)
Judge: Either sex (pre-recorded voiceover – may be doubled with Mrs. Oliver/Dr. MacMillan or Dave Sullivan)
  • Sara
  • Kevin
  • Mandy
  • Dave Sullivan
  • Mrs. Oliver
  • Dr. MacMillan
  • Judge
    Voiceover only

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Merely Writers, Atlanta (Zoom), Year 2022

Awards

  • Acadiana Repertory Theatre, 2020 season, Lafayette, La.
    Finalist