CHILD STARS DON'T DIE

by Brent Alles

(Full length play, roughly 75-85 minutes, no intermission, 3F, 3M, 1-2 ANY, extras possible.) Five former child television stars reunite at a nostalgia convention, each carrying the weight of fame, failure, and unfinished history. When a sudden and mysterious crisis erupts inside the convention center, old rivalries and buried wounds must be set aside as the unlikely team is forced to rely on one another in ways...

(Full length play, roughly 75-85 minutes, no intermission, 3F, 3M, 1-2 ANY, extras possible.) Five former child television stars reunite at a nostalgia convention, each carrying the weight of fame, failure, and unfinished history. When a sudden and mysterious crisis erupts inside the convention center, old rivalries and buried wounds must be set aside as the unlikely team is forced to rely on one another in ways they never have before.

Written for Facing February 2026 Play a Day Playwriting Challenge - Days 12-14 - CHILD STARS, YOU CHOOSE, SECOND CHANCES

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CHILD STARS DON'T DIE

Recommended by

  • Ian Donley: CHILD STARS DON'T DIE by Brent Alles
    “

    Being a child star all grown up comes with its own challenges. Add in the classic "people turning into monsters" trope and you end up with a hilariously satirical play filled with juicy characters for actors to sink their teeth into. "Child Stars Don't Die" is like a classic B-movie with a flair of absurdity in the best way possible. This would be so much fun for any company to produce.

    Being a child star all grown up comes with its own challenges. Add in the classic "people turning into monsters" trope and you end up with a hilariously satirical play filled with juicy characters for actors to sink their teeth into. "Child Stars Don't Die" is like a classic B-movie with a flair of absurdity in the best way possible. This would be so much fun for any company to produce.

    ”
  • Everett Robert: CHILD STARS DON'T DIE by Brent Alles
    “

    What happens when 5 child stars from the 90s get together at a convention? The unexpected unraveling of their lives in the past 30 years in the most unexpected way possible. Brent Alles has crafted a tight script that explores the harsh realities of what many child stars face while wrapped up in one of the funniest scripts I've read.

    Highly recommended!

    What happens when 5 child stars from the 90s get together at a convention? The unexpected unraveling of their lives in the past 30 years in the most unexpected way possible. Brent Alles has crafted a tight script that explores the harsh realities of what many child stars face while wrapped up in one of the funniest scripts I've read.

    Highly recommended!

    ”
Dell Barker (male, late 40s–early 50s): Former child star of The Locke Inn, a family sitcom of the 90’s. Played “Jimmy Locke,” the older son on the show.

Laurie Daniel (female, late 40s): Former child star of The Locke Inn. Played “Samantha Locke,” the younger daughter. Warm-hearted.

Evan Pike (male, 40s): Former child star of E.V.A.N. (Everyday Virtual Android Neighbor). Played a childlike robot and kept his real first name for the role.

Marissa Reed (female, African American, late 40s–early 50s): Former star of the 90’s show Harbor Street Mysteries. Now a successful and respected film/TV director.

Tara Wynn (female, late 40s): Former star of the cult adventure show Tina the Demon Killer. Played a fearless supernatural hero on the show but struggled (and continues to struggle) in adulthood: addiction, public fall, fading fame, etc.

Paul Mercer (male, early to mid 40s): Convention organizer and panel host. Seemingly polished, professional, and highly familiar with the facility. That will slowly unravel as the night goes on.

Extras: Convention goers (any gender). There is a con attendee who “transforms” at the beginning and then another attendee later who is the Representative. You can have one person who doubles in the opening role and that role if you like.