The Copilot by Arthur M Jolly

10 Minute - Janet, a nineteen year old college drop out, is heading home to her parents after failing every single course, unsure of how to break the news to them. To make it through the all-night drive, she's hired professional road trip copilot Randy, a 50 year old guy, divorced, missing his daughter. The play starts after her car has driven into a ditch, and they find themselves stranded on the side of...
10 Minute - Janet, a nineteen year old college drop out, is heading home to her parents after failing every single course, unsure of how to break the news to them. To make it through the all-night drive, she's hired professional road trip copilot Randy, a 50 year old guy, divorced, missing his daughter. The play starts after her car has driven into a ditch, and they find themselves stranded on the side of the road near Yosemite, right by a sign saying "Do Not Feed the Bears". Yes, they do end up on the sign, listening to an angry bear and gradually forming an unlikely friendship.
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The Copilot

Recommended by

  • Ken Love:
    28 Apr. 2024
    “ Beautifully felt characters speaking beautifully felt dialogue in a quite precarious situation. Nothing sappy or forced. A deeply satisfying read. Kudos! ”
  • Enid Cokinos:
    14 Jan. 2023
    “ Arthur M. Jolly’s short play THE COPILOT is the perfect reminder that everyone’s path in life is different; the trick is finding what works for you. Sometimes that epiphany hits you at the strangest time, like when you’re perched atop a sign in Yosemite National Park. A heartfelt play with a touching ending. ”
  • Christopher Plumridge:
    26 Nov. 2021
    “ There's nothing like a desperate situation to bring two people together, and putting those two people atop a Bear warning sign is both funny and inspired. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I wonder if it ends following the great Shakespeare stage direction: 'exit persued by a bear' ? Great! ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

1m, 1f

  • RANDY
    50,
    Male
    Randy's life isn't what he wanted. He's hiring himself out as a "road trip copilot" to keep drivers company on long distance hauls. He's divorced, estranged from his daughter, and he's facing the prospect of being eaten by a bear.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • JANET
    19,
    Female
    Janet's a college student who has flunked out of school and is returning in shame to face her parents. She is bright but troubled.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    North Park Playwright festival, San Diego
    ,
    2013