Personal Library by Emma S. Rund

Have you ever wanted to escape from the real world for a while by diving into a story? Megan does it all the time. In fact, she never leaves her house, living vicariously through books and speaking only to her best friend, Claire. When her concerned ex-boyfriend shows up at the door, he unearths the trauma that forced Megan inside in the first place. Over the course of the play, she has to navigate that...
Have you ever wanted to escape from the real world for a while by diving into a story? Megan does it all the time. In fact, she never leaves her house, living vicariously through books and speaking only to her best friend, Claire. When her concerned ex-boyfriend shows up at the door, he unearths the trauma that forced Megan inside in the first place. Over the course of the play, she has to navigate that frightening place between reality and fantasy to find a way to survive in the real world.

With Jonah back in her life, Megan's escapes into her fantasy worlds are getting darker. Captain, the monster from her past, is showing up more and more frequently, and she's powerless to stop him. Claire and Jonah are trying to introduce her back into the outside world, but ulterior motives lead them to push too hard too fast. The results might be catastrophic.
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Personal Library

Recommended by

  • Zach Barr:
    25 Nov. 2023
    “ What begins as a fantastical exploration of grief grows slowly and insidiously into a heartbreaking story of how one person's trauma can ripple out into trauma for the people who love them. Like a children's fable with a dark side you never saw in your youth, Rund's play ripens with rereading, though you never stop hoping that compassion is on the next page. ”

Character Information

  • Megan
    23,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    an extreme introvert suffering from anxiety disorder and agoraphobia
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Jonah
    24,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    the nice guy. This actor also plays PETER and THE WHITE RABBIT
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Dream Girl
    Any Age,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    she takes on the personas of TIGER LILY, ALICE, DOROTHY, and NEWSCASTER. She should be reminiscent of Claire
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child, Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Claire
    23,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    An extroverted determined young businesswoman. She is the kind of woman who is always put together and will go after what she wants.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Captain
    20s-40s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    He could be an Edmond Kemper or a Ted Bundy type. There are all kinds of crazy out there. This actor also plays CAPTAIN HOOK and CATERPILLAR.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Ball State University Development New Theatre Festival
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Carmel Apprentice Theatre
    ,
    2018