The Agency by Lia Romeo

Ani has always dreamed of becoming an actress, so she's saved up and moved to New York City. But she's not getting cast, and she's almost out of money. So she takes a job at a "rental agency," where lonely clients can hire actors to serve as surrogate friends or loved ones. It seems like the perfect gig - it pays well, she's good at the work, and she's helping people feel...
Ani has always dreamed of becoming an actress, so she's saved up and moved to New York City. But she's not getting cast, and she's almost out of money. So she takes a job at a "rental agency," where lonely clients can hire actors to serve as surrogate friends or loved ones. It seems like the perfect gig - it pays well, she's good at the work, and she's helping people feel better. But what will it mean for her real-life relationships? A play for a world where we can buy whatever we want - if we're willing to pay the price.
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The Agency

Recommended by

  • Grant MacDermott:
    8 Jan. 2023
    “ This play is full of so much wit, insight, heart, humor, and humanity. Lia, in her usual amazingly economical dialogue, gets right to the heart of each character and each scene with incredible dexterity. A wonderful commentary on how grief and capitalism intersect with a simultaneous razor sharp accurate critique of the hustle culture of an artist. I was laughing one minute, nodding the next, and then gasping at the truth bombs she drops every page. Highly recommend this play. ”
  • Stephanie Hunt:
    29 Oct. 2022
    “ Fascinating idea and brilliantly executed. It is so unique, it swept me up and kept me engaged and guessing. Highly recommend. ”
  • Premiere Stages:
    7 Apr. 2022
    “ Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize THE AGENCY by Lia Romeo as a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. THE AGENCY rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 35 semifinalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by philosophical and ethical questions of the commodification of identity presented in a well-paced, clear structure with both comedic and tragic elements. Our congratulations and thanks to Lia. ”
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2 M, 3 F

Development History

  • Commission
    ,
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
    ,
    2019

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
    ,
    2020

Awards

Kilroys List
,
The Kilroys
,
2020