Talking Points by Steven Hayet

TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

"This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

"The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a...
TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

"This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

"The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a young man grieving a lost love." - Miami Herald

"A tender, funny tale..." - Miami Art Zine
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Talking Points

Recommended by

  • Kate Danley:
    23 Feb. 2024
    “ Would that we all could share the uncomfortable family conversations in a press junket rather than awkward mumbling around the table! Fun, funny, breezy, and clever! A fantastic holiday short that works anytime of the year! ”
  • Morgan English:
    17 Jul. 2023
    “ This script has a nice flow to it, I really appreciate the levity and sweetness of the story. The family dynamics feel realistic and I wanted to keep reading. ”
  • Paul Donnelly:
    12 May. 2023
    “ Mike's unique approach to sharing his news with his family is an amusing conceit rendered with great wit. The response of each well-drawn family member rings true and advances the narrative from pure hilarity to warmth and genuine connection. This is a very funny play with a very big heart. ”
View all 27 recommendations

Character Information

Mike’s Family may be played by 1-5 actors of any gender, race, or age.

  • MIKE
    Mid 20s,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • MOM
    Late 40s,
    Female
    Mike's mother
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • DAD
    Early 50s,
    Male
    Mike's father
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • SAM
    Late teens,
    Female
    Mike's little sister
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child, Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • GRANDPA
    70s,
    Male
    Mike's grandfather
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • GRANDMA
    70s,
    Female
    Mike's grandmother
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Theatre Unmasked
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
    ,
    2023
  • High School
    ,
    La Salle High School
    ,
    2021
  • University
    ,
    Broward College
    ,
    2021
  • High School
    ,
    Mt. Hope High School
    ,
    2021
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Yellow Springs Theater Company
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    MadLab
    ,
    2019
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Te Puke Repertory Society
    ,
    2018
  • University
    ,
    Lafayette College
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Red Barn Theater
    ,
    2018
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Eagle & Beaver Ensemble
    ,
    2018

Awards

Second Place: Best Ten Minute Plays of 2019
,
Smith & Kraus
,
2019
Winner
,
Short Play Contest (Ten Minute Play)
,
Red Barn Theater
,
2018