The Banishment Room

*Included in the Best 10 Minute Plays of 2022 (Smith & Kraus)

SHORT. Diane is distraught when her career takes an unexpected turn - right into a dead end. Her new office mate offers words of wisdom and a passive - very passive - way to fight back.
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The Banishment Room

Recommended by

  • Megan Ann Jacobs:
    25 Aug. 2020
    A smart piece that leaves the reader wanting to know the next chapter for Amy. Martin weaves a tale that, while seemingly outlandish in nature, rings true to those who have been caught in the grind of the corporate ladder. The concept of the a 'banishment room' is brilliant in its own right, but what really makes this piece worth the read is Martin's writing.
  • Toby Malone:
    13 Jul. 2020
    A great, quippy piece that feels so familiar and real because the idea of a company setting aside a purgatory room for people to go as punishment to avoid the cost of firing them is just delightful, and there's so much to love about Amy, the Banishment Room lifer who knows how to play the game. I'd love to see a whole series in that room as Diane's pregnancy carries on and the two of them while away the days! Great work.
  • Mike Solomonson:
    6 Feb. 2020
    A delightful short play that examines corporate inequities that are thrust upon workers, and a woman who has found a way to 'game' the company. But will the newest member of 'the Banishment Room,' be able to bring herself to join this unconventional approach to being a company employee? Jackie Martin's script should resonate with anyone who has had to cope with being treated as a cog in a dead-end job. I had the pleasure of directing this play for our college's online Fall Play Festival in 2020.

Character Information

  • MR. BILLINGS
    50s or older,
    Any
    ,
    Male
  • DIANE
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
  • AMY
    late 30s-early 50s,
    Any
    ,
    Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    South Shore Playwrights Showcase
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Norwood Stage Arts Alumni
    ,
    2018

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Playwrights Round Table Launch 2022
    ,
    2022
  • University
    ,
    SUNY Brockport
    ,
    2021
  • University
    ,
    Northland Pioneer College (Zoom Production)
    ,
    2020