The Sporting Life

by Marjorie Muller

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding...

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a "coming of rage" story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.

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The Sporting Life

Recommended by

  • Dave Osmundsen: The Sporting Life by Marjorie Muller
    “

    This play is gutsy (no pun intended), gory, and fabulous! I loved the world-building of this play and the protagonist's journey from innocent to Witch. I also loved Sherry, whose journey served as a beautiful counterpoint to Dot's arc. Smartly crafted dialogue keeps the tone horrifying and hilarious, which is challenging to pull off, but there are also real moments of heart here. Ambitious designers will love the challenge of multiple locations and the gory special effects.

    This play is gutsy (no pun intended), gory, and fabulous! I loved the world-building of this play and the protagonist's journey from innocent to Witch. I also loved Sherry, whose journey served as a beautiful counterpoint to Dot's arc. Smartly crafted dialogue keeps the tone horrifying and hilarious, which is challenging to pull off, but there are also real moments of heart here. Ambitious designers will love the challenge of multiple locations and the gory special effects.

    ”
  • Josh Beadle: The Sporting Life by Marjorie Muller
    “

    Haunting and hilarious...The Sporting Life is ready for an ambitious theatre to share this story with audiences. If you feel like theatre can do better or isn't doing enough, then this play is for you. Read it now!

    Haunting and hilarious...The Sporting Life is ready for an ambitious theatre to share this story with audiences. If you feel like theatre can do better or isn't doing enough, then this play is for you. Read it now!

    ”
  • Three Brothers Theatre: The Sporting Life by Marjorie Muller
    “

    Your jaw will drop after the second page and it will remain on the floor until you’re done. Few plays accomplish gnarly violence and deep examinations of modern feminism, but “The Sporting Life” by Marjorie Muller does both while keeping you laughing. A truly electric work for an ambitious creative team!

    Your jaw will drop after the second page and it will remain on the floor until you’re done. Few plays accomplish gnarly violence and deep examinations of modern feminism, but “The Sporting Life” by Marjorie Muller does both while keeping you laughing. A truly electric work for an ambitious creative team!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • A Younger Man
    Josh, Officer Jowell, Mr. Karlson, et al.
    Younger
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Dot
    A 16-year-old who hasn’t had her period yet. Wears clogs and band t-shirts that are a little too big. Could really use her mom right now, but she passed 4 years ago in a car accident. Goes to catholic school and her street cred is her dad buys her all the CDs the other parents won’t.
    16
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sherry
    A woman who lives in a trailer in the woods. Is she a Witch or is she just a woman? Takes Dot under her wing to usher her into womanhood and then some. Kills men for sport, but they sort of deserve it anyway.
    Ageless
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Joe
    A dilf. A saddy daddy. Widower of 4ish years, a single parent to a 16-year-old girl. Has she started her period? Best not ask. Would probably like to get laid. Or just a kiss on the lips.
    40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Mikayla
    Dot’s best friend since kindergarten. Thinks she’s more mature than she is. Is gonna do it with her boyfriend soon.
    16
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • An Older Man
    Father Thomas, Mr. Carlson, Officer Lowell, et al.
    Older
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Awards

  • 2023 Austin Film Festival Playwriting Competition
    Austin Film Festival 2023
    Selection
  • Epiphanies New Work Festival
    Wild Imaginings
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • Henley Rose Playwright Competition
    Finalist
    2024
  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neill Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2024