A Sad Vampire (Full Length)

by Aleah Vassell

"So a vampire walks into a bar..." and hilarity mixed with growth ensues. Michelle, a harmless vampire, goes to an Applebee’s on Halloween to cope after having a hard week. When Jay, the bartender, finds out she's a vampire, everything changes. It's one problem after another for Michelle as she battles her demons (or should I say ghosts and werewolves) and discrimination as a vampire while staying true to...

"So a vampire walks into a bar..." and hilarity mixed with growth ensues. Michelle, a harmless vampire, goes to an Applebee’s on Halloween to cope after having a hard week. When Jay, the bartender, finds out she's a vampire, everything changes. It's one problem after another for Michelle as she battles her demons (or should I say ghosts and werewolves) and discrimination as a vampire while staying true to herself. Hard conversations, strife, humanity, and what it means to do better are explored in this comedic yet thought provoking play.

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A Sad Vampire (Full Length)

Recommended by

  • Tatiana Godfrey: A Sad Vampire (Full Length) by Aleah Vassell
    “

    This is a charming, funny piece. There are direct allusions to race and queer inclusion issues that could be easy entry for audiences to have larger conversations. The characters are fun and immediately likeable, and remain engaging throughout. The main character's journey, for being a vampire, is incredibly human. This feels like a piece that would have broad appeal.

    This is a charming, funny piece. There are direct allusions to race and queer inclusion issues that could be easy entry for audiences to have larger conversations. The characters are fun and immediately likeable, and remain engaging throughout. The main character's journey, for being a vampire, is incredibly human. This feels like a piece that would have broad appeal.

    ”

Character Information

  • Michelle
    Woman or non-binary femme. She/they pronouns. Vampire. Having a bad week and trying to make it through. No longer gives a shit and has nothing to hide, but never purposefully rude or unkind unless provoked. Often masks as blunt, sarcastic, and deadpan, but is nuanced with layers. Speaks truthfully and intentionally. Is in touch with her anger but is not what some would call “bitchy.” Fiercely loyal with a soft, vulnerable side. Apprehensive of letting new people in. Black person.
    20s-30s
    African American/Black
    Femme or non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Jay
    Cis man. He/him pronouns. Bartender, human. Big masculine energy. Extroverted, goofy, fun. Also blunt but in an ignorant way. Has a lot to learn, but learning to be self aware. White man.
    20s-30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Shade
    Cis being. He/him pronouns. A ghost. Michelle’s ex. Down to earth, understanding, surprising. Black man (preferred) or Person of Color.
    20s-30s
    Black or Brown,
    BIPOC
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Shakira
    Cis woman. She/her pronouns. Werewolf. Shade’s new girl. Problematic. Big “Karen” energy. White woman.
    20s-30s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Workshop, Tennessee Stage Company's New Play Festival, 2026
  • Reading, The Know Theatre, 2025
  • Reading, Tennessee Stage Company, 2025