Below Zero

by Anna Watts

When Nellie’s high school boyfriend, Erik, goes missing in the Northwoods of Minnesota in the middle of winter, she decides to take matters into her own hands. As a stand-up comic living in New York City, Nellie has no idea how to survive in the cold Northwoods. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, she convinces Mary Anne, Erik’s current girlfriend and a dog sledding guide, to help her look for him. The two women must...

When Nellie’s high school boyfriend, Erik, goes missing in the Northwoods of Minnesota in the middle of winter, she decides to take matters into her own hands. As a stand-up comic living in New York City, Nellie has no idea how to survive in the cold Northwoods. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, she convinces Mary Anne, Erik’s current girlfriend and a dog sledding guide, to help her look for him. The two women must overcome their differences and find Erik before they all freeze to death.

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Below Zero

Recommended by

  • Elyse Sharp: Below Zero by Anna Watts
    “

    A beautiful, honest, and funny examination of loss (but yes, it's a comedy!) with two incredible roles for actresses. Anna Watts has written two complex, imperfect female characters who are a modern Odd Couple, traversing the Northern Minnesota wilderness together. I had the pleasure of directing the 2023 B Street Theatre New Comedies Festival staged reading and hope to see this in a full production someday!

    A beautiful, honest, and funny examination of loss (but yes, it's a comedy!) with two incredible roles for actresses. Anna Watts has written two complex, imperfect female characters who are a modern Odd Couple, traversing the Northern Minnesota wilderness together. I had the pleasure of directing the 2023 B Street Theatre New Comedies Festival staged reading and hope to see this in a full production someday!

    ”
  • Vita Patrick Morales: Below Zero by Anna Watts
    “

    I'm so cold right now! I just finished reading Below Zero. It's so different! I think I enjoyed it for its comedy but also for its poignancy. Any ideas for how to stage the dogs?

    I'm so cold right now! I just finished reading Below Zero. It's so different! I think I enjoyed it for its comedy but also for its poignancy. Any ideas for how to stage the dogs?

    ”
  • Scott Charles: Below Zero by Anna Watts
    “

    One of the most original and unique plays I've seen. Refreshingly honest, direct, heartfelt, and funny. Reads well as a script and plays well on stage. A finalist at the 2023 B Street Comedy Festival. Nice work.

    One of the most original and unique plays I've seen. Refreshingly honest, direct, heartfelt, and funny. Reads well as a script and plays well on stage. A finalist at the 2023 B Street Comedy Festival. Nice work.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations
Nellie – 25 a stand up comedian in the beginning of her career. too much energy for her own good.

Mary Anne – 25 a professional musher. the cold weather has calloused her.

Development History