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.
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To Listen Past The Quiet

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher:
    15 Apr. 2024
    “ 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:
    6 Feb. 2024
    “ 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
    29,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Free but fragile. Reeling from the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Corinne’s sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Corinne
    35,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Thinks she’s doing her best, but could do better. Super mom. She’s sorry for her absence.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Kate Sally
    20,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Female, a cis or non-binary female, (assigned female at birth), Nonbinary/Agender
    Disinterested in marriage. Loves her sister and her freedom.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Florence Sally
    26,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Female
    The unwitting matriarch of the Sally family. Believes she’s unlovable. Only wants what’s best for the family.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jaxyn Crothers
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male, a cis male or non-binary
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • John Cornice
    30's,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Wealthy, plain. Charming and disturbing.

    *Actor also plays Bryan.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Bryan
    32,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Male
    Violet's ex.

    *Actor also plays John Cornice.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male