Upfront

UPFRONT is a black comedy about the film and television industry in America, explored through the experiences of two screenwriters trying to protect their dream jobs and keep their hands clean while responding to a disturbing scandal at their studio. Performed without intermission, this fast-paced descent into the backrooms of Hollywood politics takes place during the hour before a network advertising upfront...

UPFRONT is a black comedy about the film and television industry in America, explored through the experiences of two screenwriters trying to protect their dream jobs and keep their hands clean while responding to a disturbing scandal at their studio. Performed without intermission, this fast-paced descent into the backrooms of Hollywood politics takes place during the hour before a network advertising upfront, unraveling in real-time as best friends and creative partners attempt to spin bad press, overhaul stories, and justify the secrets they've kept from one another. It explores themes of institutional decay, the protection of systemic abuse, moral isolation and injury, and radical honesty.

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Upfront

Recommended by

  • Michael Tricca: Upfront

    With its lean structure and nuanced voice, UPFRONT is an incisive exploration of the stories we tell about ourselves and the things we keep hidden. It's brilliant in how it pulls its characters open with surgical focus and then refuses to judge their contents.

    Read and stage this play to revel in sharp dialogue, complex characters, and compelling themes, all set within the pitiless environs of the entertainment industry; just be careful you don't cut yourself.

    With its lean structure and nuanced voice, UPFRONT is an incisive exploration of the stories we tell about ourselves and the things we keep hidden. It's brilliant in how it pulls its characters open with surgical focus and then refuses to judge their contents.

    Read and stage this play to revel in sharp dialogue, complex characters, and compelling themes, all set within the pitiless environs of the entertainment industry; just be careful you don't cut yourself.

Character Information

While each of the principal characters should be played by a dedicated actor, an ensemble of 2-4 people should be cast to cover supporting roles. Gender and age are flexible for all unnamed characters, and should reflect the vision of the creative team.
  • Richard Hyatt
    A screenwriter.
    Character Age
    25
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Noel Medina
    A screenwriter.
    Character Age
    25
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Taylor Campos
    An executive producer.
    Character Age
    36
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Carl Fogwell
    The network president.
    Character Age
    71
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Angela Caine
    Noel's girlfriend.
    Character Age
    25
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Louis Murphy
    A TV staff writer.
    Character Age
    25
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Scott MacIntyre
    Veteran entertainment journalist.
    Character Age
    50
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Driver
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Busker
  • Student Reporter
    Character Age
    18
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Student Producer
    Character Age
    20
  • Student Producer
    Character Age
    20