Sign of Life

by Mark Ridge

SIGN OF LIFE was originally produced under the tile of KILLING KITTENS. It is a story of unlikely, yet lasting friendships; of loss and love and the need for emotional and physical human interaction. A lonely gay man, who suffers from a borderline personality disorder; his best friend, who truly loves him and the hustler from upstairs in need of an escape from an abusive relationship come together on an...

SIGN OF LIFE was originally produced under the tile of KILLING KITTENS. It is a story of unlikely, yet lasting friendships; of loss and love and the need for emotional and physical human interaction. A lonely gay man, who suffers from a borderline personality disorder; his best friend, who truly loves him and the hustler from upstairs in need of an escape from an abusive relationship come together on an unforgettable and touching New Year's Eve. At its' core, SIGN OF LIFE is a play about abuse; about people who abuse themselves; about people who abuse others; and about people who allow themselves to be abused. Dark Comedy/Drama 2M, 1F Adult Language and Content

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Sign of Life

Recommended by

  • Cassidy Byron: Sign of Life by Mark Ridge
    “

    Very charming piece which balances its dark subject matter with comedic moments. Excellent chemistry between characters with clear motivations. Little hints are dropped throughout the entire piece about what happened last year, which builds nicely to Archer's last monologue. Really enjoyed this!

    Very charming piece which balances its dark subject matter with comedic moments. Excellent chemistry between characters with clear motivations. Little hints are dropped throughout the entire piece about what happened last year, which builds nicely to Archer's last monologue. Really enjoyed this!

    ”

Character Information

CASTING NOTE
Joshua should be approximately 15-20 years younger than Archer. Depending on the actor cast as Archer, care should be taken to insure that Joshua does not appear to be a minor.
  • ARCHER
    Archer is a sweet, charming, attractive man who suffers from a borderline personality disorder. He is intelligent and a little on the reserved side. Although he does his best to suppress it, there is an air of sadness about him.
    Mid Thirties to Mid Fifties
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • AILEEN
    Aileen is Archer’s best friend. She is boisterous, outgoing and speaks with a slight southern accent.
    Mid Thirties to Forties
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • JOSHUA (J.R.)
    Joshua (J.R.) is Archer’s uninhibited, much-younger, good-looking, sexy upstairs neighbor. Although he has been “Around the block,” he still manages to maintain a sweet, gentle disposition.
    Twenties to Early Thirties
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, La Strada Ensemble Theatre, New Jersey, 2015

Production History

  • Professional, Theatre on the Square, Indianapolis, IN, 2013

Awards

  • ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition
    Screencraft
    Semi-Finalist
    2023