Zombie Thoughts (written with Oliver Kokai-Means) by Jennifer Kokai

Sam and Pig are avatars in the video game “Zombie Thoughts.” Sam’s character is intelligent, anxious, and armed with a book. Pig is goofy, distracted, and armed with a rubber chicken. Can Pig and the players in the audience help Sam overcome anxiety and defeat the monsters and trials the Machine throws in the way? A one act video game inspired TYA play about childhood anxiety where the audience determines the...
Sam and Pig are avatars in the video game “Zombie Thoughts.” Sam’s character is intelligent, anxious, and armed with a book. Pig is goofy, distracted, and armed with a rubber chicken. Can Pig and the players in the audience help Sam overcome anxiety and defeat the monsters and trials the Machine throws in the way? A one act video game inspired TYA play about childhood anxiety where the audience determines the outcome. Written for grades 3-6 with help from someone in grade 3 (note: the 2 person version is uploaded here, 3+ available by request). This play can be easily adapted to work very well through Zoom!
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Zombie Thoughts (written with Oliver Kokai-Means)

Recommended by

  • Daniel Smith:
    21 Sep. 2023
    “ A thoughtful and engaging interactive hypertext/choose-your-own-adventure TYA play framed as a video game. The audience initially chooses which of two actors will play protagonist Sam and sidekick Pig, then makes various other decisions throughout the play. Pig supports Sam through anxiety about being a hero and going on an adventure, either to Mount Doom or to Whisperrun Ghost Town. The dialogue is humorous, moving, and educational. I would be excited to see a production of this! ”
  • Tom Robson:
    24 Jul. 2018
    “ I read this play over the weekend and found it thoroughly enjoyable and informative. My department produces a children's show every year on a very limited (read: nonexistent) budget, and I immediately emailed the script to the director of that program recommending that she consider it. The form is playful while remaining well-structured. It teaches about anxiety without being preachy or overbearing. It has so many opportunities for a director to be creative. Strong recommendation. ”
  • Jordan Elizabeth Henry:
    6 Apr. 2018
    “ Sweet, honest, and so moving. As a bearer of zombie thoughts myself, I wish I had had a tool like this play as I was growing up. This play is a game-changer for kids with anxiety disorders, and an incredible tool of understanding for kids who don't. Kids and parents everywhere will be incredibly grateful for this play. ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

There is both a 2 person and a 3 person version of the script available. The 2 person eliminates The Machine as a character. The show has also been performed in educational settings dividing The Machine's parts up into as many additional actors as you prefer or changing out the actors playing Sam and Pig in each scene.

  • The Machine
    Controls the world. Can shape shift.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Sam
    Our hero. 9 years old. Has an anxiety disorder and sometimes gets depressed. Tries to be brave, but often fails. Gets upset and frustrated easily. Smart with words but not always smart with emotions.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Pig
    Sam's friend and sidekick. A wacky pun telling pig.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Boise Contemporary Theatre
    ,
    2022
  • Reading
    ,
    Off-Key Anthem
    ,
    2018
  • Workshop
    ,
    State Fair Community College
    ,
    2018

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Riverside: The National Theatre of Paramatta Sydney, Australia
    ,
    2021
  • University
    ,
    Sam Houston State
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Birmingham Children's Theatre
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Culver City Public Theatre
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Building Better People Productions
    ,
    2018
  • High School
    ,
    St. Andrew's Priory
    ,
    2018

Awards

Finalist
,
Best Production for Children
,
Sydney Theatre Awards
,
2022
Winner
,
Artworks Grant to support Plan B Production
,
NEA
,
2018