Things You Can Do

by Kristen Palmer

The over-achieving daughter, Stevie, returns home and falls through the ice. Her PhD has stalled as she witnesses its subject, the Cryosphere, disappear due to our warming climate. Coming home to the suburbs of Washington DC seeking a respite, she finds instead her mother and younger sister frozen in their own isolation. Overwhelmed by her sense of impotence to change anything globally Stevie's attempts to...

The over-achieving daughter, Stevie, returns home and falls through the ice. Her PhD has stalled as she witnesses its subject, the Cryosphere, disappear due to our warming climate. Coming home to the suburbs of Washington DC seeking a respite, she finds instead her mother and younger sister frozen in their own isolation. Overwhelmed by her sense of impotence to change anything globally Stevie's attempts to impact her world locally seem equally unmanageable - until actions are taken - a kiss, a swim, a gun-shot - a connection.

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Things You Can Do

Recommended by

  • Jacqueline Goldfinger: Things You Can Do

    I want to bathe in this writer’s words. There is an elegance to her dialogue that makes me want to stay in her world, even after the play ends. Given the overwhelming national and international events in our world today, Stevie’s struggle to find her place in a rapidly changing world and feel like she can make a positive impact that breaks through the constant noise, is vitally relevant. All audiences will connect with her need to find personal fulfillment in a world where the rug is constantly pulled out (or melts away) from beneath her.

    I want to bathe in this writer’s words. There is an elegance to her dialogue that makes me want to stay in her world, even after the play ends. Given the overwhelming national and international events in our world today, Stevie’s struggle to find her place in a rapidly changing world and feel like she can make a positive impact that breaks through the constant noise, is vitally relevant. All audiences will connect with her need to find personal fulfillment in a world where the rug is constantly pulled out (or melts away) from beneath her.

  • Artemisia, A Chicago Theatre: Things You Can Do

    A very intriguing tale that manages to tackle some major issues in an honest and intimate way. We're lucky to have this play as one of our Fall Festival Finalists!!

    A very intriguing tale that manages to tackle some major issues in an honest and intimate way. We're lucky to have this play as one of our Fall Festival Finalists!!

  • Adam Szymkowicz: Things You Can Do

    I saw a beautiful production of this in Seattle. A timely and emotional play about homecoming and family and the struggle to get to somewhere better.

    I saw a beautiful production of this in Seattle. A timely and emotional play about homecoming and family and the struggle to get to somewhere better.

Character Information

  • Stevie
    PhD candidate in climate science, Daughter of Clara. Conflicted, high-achiever.
    Character Age
    24-30
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Clara
    Volunteer in her suburban community, part-time administrative assistant, a good friend to Fiona, mother of Bella and Stevie. Sincere, blinkered, would like everyone to be OK.
    Character Age
    late 40/50
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Bella
    Daughter of Clara. Angry, lonely, isolated, labeled OCD by school. Smart, sensitive.
    Character Age
    15
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Fiona
    Emergency Medical Technician/Nurse nearing retirement. Practical, capable. Friend of Clara.
    Character Age
    late 50/60s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Fletcher
    Charming, slacker, townie. Sometimes works restaurants, does some dealing. Considering a career change.
    Character Age
    mid 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Live Girls! , Year 2015

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Live Girls!, Year 2016