Press Start to Begin

by David Lipschutz

An adult child who lives in his parents’ basement and plays video games all day goes an unexpected adventure.

|one-act play|

An adult child who lives in his parents’ basement and plays video games all day goes an unexpected adventure.

|one-act play|

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Press Start to Begin

Recommended by

  • Mike Byham: Press Start to Begin by David Lipschutz
    “

    PRESS START TO BEGIN is a fun one-act that will entertain audiences and create a lot of opportunity for actors to ham it up on stage. Lots of laugh out loud moments. David Lipschutz has created a little bit of theatrical magic with this one. Delightful.

    PRESS START TO BEGIN is a fun one-act that will entertain audiences and create a lot of opportunity for actors to ham it up on stage. Lots of laugh out loud moments. David Lipschutz has created a little bit of theatrical magic with this one. Delightful.

    ”
  • Brent Alles: Press Start to Begin by David Lipschutz
    “

    Tremendous fun. As a gamer myself, I had a grin on my face imagining myself in Jake's place... uh... a long time ago. (Sure, that's the ticket.) Anyway, the characters are just great here, and there are many laughs to be had along the way. I can imagine that this would be exciting for theaters of all type to stage and put on a thrilling show. Ready Player One? Time to Press Start to Begin and enjoy a very entertaining one act!

    Tremendous fun. As a gamer myself, I had a grin on my face imagining myself in Jake's place... uh... a long time ago. (Sure, that's the ticket.) Anyway, the characters are just great here, and there are many laughs to be had along the way. I can imagine that this would be exciting for theaters of all type to stage and put on a thrilling show. Ready Player One? Time to Press Start to Begin and enjoy a very entertaining one act!

    ”
  • Brenton Kniess: Press Start to Begin by David Lipschutz
    “

    Many people use media as a form of escapism. Video games is a prime example, as they offer a level of comfort and familiarity as we know what world we’re placing ourselves in. But what happens when the real world enters the game? The answer may surprise you, but like any good game developer, Lipschutz places us in a world rich of imagination and depth. This is a magical play that would be a true delight for any director and designer. Very much looking forward to witnessing the world premiere!

    Many people use media as a form of escapism. Video games is a prime example, as they offer a level of comfort and familiarity as we know what world we’re placing ourselves in. But what happens when the real world enters the game? The answer may surprise you, but like any good game developer, Lipschutz places us in a world rich of imagination and depth. This is a magical play that would be a true delight for any director and designer. Very much looking forward to witnessing the world premiere!

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
JAKE – m, 30 – an adult child living in his parent’s basement, obsessed with video games.
MOM // MAMIN THE WISE – f, 55-65 – JAKE’s mom, loves her son but wishes he’d try harder // a wise wizard with a big gray beard and pointy hat.
DAD // DADCULA – m, 55-65 – JAKE’s dad, thinks his son needs to get a job // an evil emperor vampire.
BUBBIE // BABBLE – f, 70-90 – JAKE’s grandmother, nothing but loving // a talking wood goat.
GWEN // PRINCESS GUINEVERE – f, 25-30 – JAKE’s girlfriend, fed up with his lazy antics // a princess who is anything but helpless.
ANNOUNCER* – any/all/no gender(s), any age – voice of video game’s narrator.

*Director’s discretion to have ANNOUNCER be performed by one of the other actors, and it can be pre-recorded or performed live off-stage.

Production History

  • High School, Wausau East High School/East End Players, 2025