What Goes Up

Following a series of major layoffs at their company, a group of seven tech workers meet in secret to discuss unionizing. With time against them and all of their jobs on the line, tensions are high as lead organizer Simon struggles to get his peers to acknowledge that something must be done. A comedic tragedy in the vein of stories like “Twelve Angry Men” and “Women Talking”, “What Goes Up” is both a lens into...

Following a series of major layoffs at their company, a group of seven tech workers meet in secret to discuss unionizing. With time against them and all of their jobs on the line, tensions are high as lead organizer Simon struggles to get his peers to acknowledge that something must be done. A comedic tragedy in the vein of stories like “Twelve Angry Men” and “Women Talking”, “What Goes Up” is both a lens into the tech industry as well as an exploration regarding just how far people will go and just how many bridges they are willing to burn in order to to get what is needed.

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What Goes Up

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  • Emily Worrell: What Goes Up

    This is a play about human relationships and tendencies that happens to also be about unions. Meaning, you don't need to have the best grasp on all the concepts of unions to get something out of it; it is a powerful play no matter what your understanding of unionizing is. Horowitz tackles heavy issues with an adeptness that is rare in modern playwriting. This is an absolute must-read (and also has fantastic monologues for actors of various ages)!

    This is a play about human relationships and tendencies that happens to also be about unions. Meaning, you don't need to have the best grasp on all the concepts of unions to get something out of it; it is a powerful play no matter what your understanding of unionizing is. Horowitz tackles heavy issues with an adeptness that is rare in modern playwriting. This is an absolute must-read (and also has fantastic monologues for actors of various ages)!

  • Beks Roen: What Goes Up

    "What Goes Up" runs a beautiful rollercoaster of tension from lights up. Dylan balances sharp comedy with stinging tragedy to make the audience part of the group, even if we've never spent a minute coding for an anti-union tech boss who's about to adopt AI. Ani's hardships as a woman in STEM, Andrei's struggle to bring his family safely to America, Simon's attempts to keep hope against overwhelming odds—every character leaps off the page with distinct personalities. In a world where AI and labor rights frequent the headlines, "What Goes Up" is a poignant, topical must-read.

    "What Goes Up" runs a beautiful rollercoaster of tension from lights up. Dylan balances sharp comedy with stinging tragedy to make the audience part of the group, even if we've never spent a minute coding for an anti-union tech boss who's about to adopt AI. Ani's hardships as a woman in STEM, Andrei's struggle to bring his family safely to America, Simon's attempts to keep hope against overwhelming odds—every character leaps off the page with distinct personalities. In a world where AI and labor rights frequent the headlines, "What Goes Up" is a poignant, topical must-read.

  • Tom Erb: What Goes Up

    “What Goes Up” masterfully weaves dialogue, character development, and plot progression. The quirky cast adds depth and authenticity, from the awkward host, Kevin, to the scheming pregnant teen, Ani. Set in Hackensack, the tone balances tragedy and humor, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Horowitz’s writing style is poignant and relatable, making this a must-read.

    “What Goes Up” masterfully weaves dialogue, character development, and plot progression. The quirky cast adds depth and authenticity, from the awkward host, Kevin, to the scheming pregnant teen, Ani. Set in Hackensack, the tone balances tragedy and humor, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Horowitz’s writing style is poignant and relatable, making this a must-read.

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While no character's race is specified, Ani is intended to be played by a South Asian woman. Additionally, Jack is nonbinary and is intended to be played by someone who is assigned female at birth (AFAB) nonbinary, though never overly feminine.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Self-Produced, Year 2023