Webster's Bitch (One-Act) by Jacqueline Bircher

15 MINUTE: When their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using some rather colorful profanity, the employees of Webster's dictionary find themselves at the center of a Twitter uprising over gender, obscenity, and the future of the English language itself.
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Webster's Bitch (One-Act)

Recommended by

  • Dan Maurer:
    27 Jan. 2023
    “ A fun read and a wonderfully crafted play. Loved it. Each character was distinct in voice and nature. The dialogue was tight and inventive. Not a wasted line. This is an excellent exploration of language and how it reflects power dynamics in our society. ”
  • Marj O'Neill-Butler:
    17 Jun. 2022
    “ Such an interesting play about language and usage. And the undertone of female bashing is very clever. We should all think before we speak give consequences these days. Thank god for the tequila. ”
  • Lainie Vansant:
    27 Sep. 2021
    “ Fun characters in a thought-provoking situation - a play about language and how we use it. This clever piece is worth the read! ”
View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

  • GWEN
    30s,
    Female
    A lexicographer at Webster's Dictionary.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • ELLIE
    20s,
    Female
    Gwen's younger sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • NICK
    30s/40s,
    Male
    Another lexicographer.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • JOYCE
    50s/60s,
    Female
    The Senior Editor.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Geneva Theatre Guild
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    The Neo-Political Cowgirls
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    Clutch Productions
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Red Barn Theatre
    ,
    2023
  • Professional
    ,
    Silverthorne Theatre Company
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    City Theatre / Thinking Cap Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Festival
    ,
    2019
  • Community Theater
    ,
    The Little Theatre of Alexandria
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Duluth Playhouse
    ,
    2018

Awards

Winner
,
National Award for Short Playwriting
,
City Theatre
,
2020
Semi-Finalist
,
Marathon of One-Act Plays
,
Ensemble Studio Theatre
,
2019