To Listen Past The Quiet

by Marissa Alaniz

As Violet-- freshly divorced and fleeing an abusive relationship-- begins renovating her new house, she learns that not only is it haunted, the ghost that lives there has much to teach her about life, recovery, and how to begin rebuilding her relationship with her estranged sister. To Listen Past The Quiet explores mental health, how our stories get told, and how we heal each other, even across time and space.

As Violet-- freshly divorced and fleeing an abusive relationship-- begins renovating her new house, she learns that not only is it haunted, the ghost that lives there has much to teach her about life, recovery, and how to begin rebuilding her relationship with her estranged sister. To Listen Past The Quiet explores mental health, how our stories get told, and how we heal each other, even across time and space.

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To Listen Past The Quiet

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: To Listen Past The Quiet by Marissa Alaniz
    “

    A really great ghost story. A feminist take on the classic haunted house trope. Would love to see this produced and see what lighting and sound designers can do with this play.

    A really great ghost story. A feminist take on the classic haunted house trope. Would love to see this produced and see what lighting and sound designers can do with this play.

    ”
  • Matthew Garlin: To Listen Past The Quiet by Marissa Alaniz
    “

    OMG I love this play! I'm not usually one for ghost stories or thrillers but I really love this play. The characters really bring you into the piece and Violet is an amazingly written character!!!

    OMG I love this play! I'm not usually one for ghost stories or thrillers but I really love this play. The characters really bring you into the piece and Violet is an amazingly written character!!!

    ”

Character Information

4f, 3m.

Note on Doubling:

John Cornice and Bryan can be played by the same actor.
  • Violet
    Free but fragile. Reeling from the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Corinne’s sister.
    29
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Corinne
    Thinks she’s doing her best, but could do better. Super mom. She’s sorry for her absence.
    35
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Florence Sally
    The unwitting matriarch of the Sally family. Believes she’s unlovable. Only wants what’s best for the family.
    26
    Any (but probably white)
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Kate Sally
    Disinterested in marriage. Loves her sister and her freedom.
    20
    Any (but probably white)
    Female,
    a cis or non-binary female,
    (assigned female at birth),
    Nonbinary/Agender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • John Cornice
    Wealthy, plain. Charming and disturbing.

    *Actor also plays Bryan.
    30's
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jaxyn Crothers
    A paranormal researcher. Likable. He takes his job seriously. Should not be treated as comic relief. Should not come off as an intentional asshole. All assholery is accidental.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male,
    a cis male or non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Bryan
    Violet's ex.

    *Actor also plays John Cornice.
    32
    Any (but probably white)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male