A Haunting in May

by Rachel Luann Strayer

FIFTEEN-MINUTE PLAY. Lena has only been a ghost for two weeks but she's already tired of haunting the cemetery where she's been buried. Instead, she tries to help the women buried next to her - a mother and daughter who have carried their troubled relationship into the afterlife. As they unravel why it seems the women can't move on, Lena discovers her own reasons for staying behind.

FIFTEEN-MINUTE PLAY. Lena has only been a ghost for two weeks but she's already tired of haunting the cemetery where she's been buried. Instead, she tries to help the women buried next to her - a mother and daughter who have carried their troubled relationship into the afterlife. As they unravel why it seems the women can't move on, Lena discovers her own reasons for staying behind.

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A Haunting in May

Recommended by

  • Susan Middaugh: A Haunting in May by Rachel Luann Strayer
    “

    A funny line from Emma: "I'm a hundred and fifty years old and I still live with my mother!" Funny premise and very original. Deserves a production or many.

    A funny line from Emma: "I'm a hundred and fifty years old and I still live with my mother!" Funny premise and very original. Deserves a production or many.

    ”
  • Christopher Plumridge: A Haunting in May by Rachel Luann Strayer
    “

    Well here's a fresh perspective on the afterlife! I love this short play set in a cemetery and the fact it's not Halloween seems perfectly normal. This play has twists and morals to keep audiences entertained (Love the 4th wall break BTW!)
    I'll never look at a graveyard the same way again....

    Well here's a fresh perspective on the afterlife! I love this short play set in a cemetery and the fact it's not Halloween seems perfectly normal. This play has twists and morals to keep audiences entertained (Love the 4th wall break BTW!)
    I'll never look at a graveyard the same way again....

    ”
  • Adam Richter: A Haunting in May by Rachel Luann Strayer
    “

    [2026-01-19]

    Hard to rest in peace when the neighbors won't stop bickering. This delightful one-act shows that not only does love last beyond the grave, so does our capacity to annoy the hell out of one another. A quick-witted, funny and heartfelt play by the super-talented Rachel Luann Strayer. Get to a cemetery and produce this one.

    [2026-01-19]

    Hard to rest in peace when the neighbors won't stop bickering. This delightful one-act shows that not only does love last beyond the grave, so does our capacity to annoy the hell out of one another. A quick-witted, funny and heartfelt play by the super-talented Rachel Luann Strayer. Get to a cemetery and produce this one.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Lena
    50+ (but can present younger)
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Kate
    89 (but presents as middle age)
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Emma
    74 (but presents as a young adult)
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Alexander
    18+
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Young Woman
    21+
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Lancaster Dramatists Platform, 2022

Production History