3 Characters Figure It Out

by Matthew McLachlan

(Ten Minute) Lights up on 3 characters who await instruction from Stage Directions on how to proceed with the play they are in. Once it begins, the 3 characters are forced to act out the most random, nonsensical acts, much to the enjoyment of Stage Directions. When things get a bit too ridiculous, tensions rise and the point of the whole thing is questioned. This comedic love letter to writers goes on a...

(Ten Minute) Lights up on 3 characters who await instruction from Stage Directions on how to proceed with the play they are in. Once it begins, the 3 characters are forced to act out the most random, nonsensical acts, much to the enjoyment of Stage Directions. When things get a bit too ridiculous, tensions rise and the point of the whole thing is questioned. This comedic love letter to writers goes on a rollercoaster of meta-proportions to teach us that if you want to write something well, you must have a solid reason why. (Zoom version also available.)

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3 Characters Figure It Out

Recommended by

  • Michele Clarke: 3 Characters Figure It Out by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    No one escapes unscathed in this delightfully clever four-hander that turns on hilarious frustration. So much range for a director as well as the actors -- anything from playing it straight to going all the way over the top. Lots of fun.

    No one escapes unscathed in this delightfully clever four-hander that turns on hilarious frustration. So much range for a director as well as the actors -- anything from playing it straight to going all the way over the top. Lots of fun.

    ”
  • Robyn Ginsburg Braverman: 3 Characters Figure It Out by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    3 Characters Figure It Out is a fantastic entry into the "Inside-Theatre" canon.
    An absolute delight.

    3 Characters Figure It Out is a fantastic entry into the "Inside-Theatre" canon.
    An absolute delight.

    ”
  • Liz Oppelt: 3 Characters Figure It Out by Matthew McLachlan
    “

    This was one of the best student-directed plays I've seen in my career. The script is so well crafted and funny and leaves so much room for a cast and director to make it their own.

    This was one of the best student-directed plays I've seen in my career. The script is so well crafted and funny and leaves so much room for a cast and director to make it their own.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

Any and all genders, races, sexualities, etc. can play any of the four characters and should.
  • Character 1
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • 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
      Non-binary
  • Character 2
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • 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
      Non-binary
  • Character 3
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • 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
      Non-binary
  • Stage Directions
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • 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
      Non-binary