Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe

by Philip Middleton Williams

The script and rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Ten-Minute: (2024) Marvin and Paige are at the gate waiting to board their flight home for the holidays under the helpful care of Shelly, the gate agent. But when the flight is cancelled and there are no more flights on Christmas Eve, they share a little about their expectations and why they're not so excited about spending the time with the family...

The script and rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Ten-Minute: (2024) Marvin and Paige are at the gate waiting to board their flight home for the holidays under the helpful care of Shelly, the gate agent. But when the flight is cancelled and there are no more flights on Christmas Eve, they share a little about their expectations and why they're not so excited about spending the time with the family.

Written for the 2024 Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe

Recommended by

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    I love that this is a play about travel plans going sideways and ruining have-to-be-there family moments, but instead of anybody screaming, they seem to forge a bit of a friendship instead. I also really love the idea of our family being the universe we exist in. What a touching short!

    I love that this is a play about travel plans going sideways and ruining have-to-be-there family moments, but instead of anybody screaming, they seem to forge a bit of a friendship instead. I also really love the idea of our family being the universe we exist in. What a touching short!

    ”
  • Donald E. Baker: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    Here Williams takes an out-of-this world play prompt and presents a down-to-earth script with characters you begin to care about immediately. The dialogue is as natural as you please as two stranded strangers get to know each other in the company of a very empathetic gate agent. All three reveal what the centers of their individual universes are in a work that will be a gift to any festival of short holiday plays.

    Here Williams takes an out-of-this world play prompt and presents a down-to-earth script with characters you begin to care about immediately. The dialogue is as natural as you please as two stranded strangers get to know each other in the company of a very empathetic gate agent. All three reveal what the centers of their individual universes are in a work that will be a gift to any festival of short holiday plays.

    ”
  • Steven G. Martin: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    I love that Paige and Marvin form a bond -- however long it lasts -- in a stress-filled moment. I also love the language and imagery that unite them and Shelly -- that the loved ones in our lives are our universe.

    Williams' "Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe" reminds us that civility and cordiality can rise to the top when folks are under duress, and that they, in turn, lift everyone up. [24/12/01]

    I love that Paige and Marvin form a bond -- however long it lasts -- in a stress-filled moment. I also love the language and imagery that unite them and Shelly -- that the loved ones in our lives are our universe.

    Williams' "Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe" reminds us that civility and cordiality can rise to the top when folks are under duress, and that they, in turn, lift everyone up. [24/12/01]

    ”
View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

  • SHELLY
    Airline gate agent.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MARVIN
    Airline passenger.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • PAIGE
    Airline passenger.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female