Basic Cable Method Acting

by Michael C. O'Day

[TEN MINUTE] In a grimy rehearsal studio, somewhere in the mid 1980s, three young actors are auditioning to play a mostly mute henchman in a crappy post-apocalyptic science fiction movie. One of them has done some particularly intensive audition prep, but will that be enough to get him the part? Or, for that matter, to save the country?

[TEN MINUTE] In a grimy rehearsal studio, somewhere in the mid 1980s, three young actors are auditioning to play a mostly mute henchman in a crappy post-apocalyptic science fiction movie. One of them has done some particularly intensive audition prep, but will that be enough to get him the part? Or, for that matter, to save the country?

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Basic Cable Method Acting

Recommended by

  • Danielle Wirsansky: Basic Cable Method Acting by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    Funny, bleak, and brilliantly unsettling, Basic Cable Method Acting turns a scrappy 1980s audition into something far more ominous. O’Day layers actorly absurdity with sharp political unease, making audiences laugh, wince, and shudder all at once.

    Funny, bleak, and brilliantly unsettling, Basic Cable Method Acting turns a scrappy 1980s audition into something far more ominous. O’Day layers actorly absurdity with sharp political unease, making audiences laugh, wince, and shudder all at once.

    ”
  • Rand Higbee: Basic Cable Method Acting by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    Michael C O'Day has written a short play that has a great deal going on. It's the 1980s and three actors are auditioning for a role in a third-rate sci-fi flick. One of the actors has really done his homework, but... Well, no spoilers! See for yourself! Throw in a little political commentary and a few predictions about what our future may hold and this little script packs quite a wallop.

    Michael C O'Day has written a short play that has a great deal going on. It's the 1980s and three actors are auditioning for a role in a third-rate sci-fi flick. One of the actors has really done his homework, but... Well, no spoilers! See for yourself! Throw in a little political commentary and a few predictions about what our future may hold and this little script packs quite a wallop.

    ”
  • Paul Donnelly: Basic Cable Method Acting by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    What is on the surface a farce about actors' audition prep contains a chilling political prediction. I found myself laughing and shuddering at the same time. Could it be that we live in barely pre-apocalyptic times?

    What is on the surface a farce about actors' audition prep contains a chilling political prediction. I found myself laughing and shuddering at the same time. Could it be that we live in barely pre-apocalyptic times?

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
3 men (all late 20s), 1 of any age/gender

Development History

  • Reading, Valdez Fringe, Valdez Theatre Conference, 2022

Production History

  • Community Theater, Elmwood Playhouse One-Act Weekend, 2024
  • Fringe, Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, Theater for the New City, 2023
  • Fringe, Queens Short Play Festival - Secret Theatre, Woodside, Queens, 2023