Phone Friend

by Jonathan Josephson

Returning to the light after descending to the depths of personal tragedy can be a dark, difficult chore… but, when a chance wrong number links two complete strangers in the middle of the night, their common humanity may help them survive their personal demons.

Returning to the light after descending to the depths of personal tragedy can be a dark, difficult chore… but, when a chance wrong number links two complete strangers in the middle of the night, their common humanity may help them survive their personal demons.

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Phone Friend

Recommended by

  • Bella Poynton: Phone Friend by Jonathan Josephson
    “

    A sweet, timely piece about the power of connection. With phone conversations becoming less and less common among the youngest generation, this play offers something unique and almost period in it's stylistic lens. It's a fantastic piece for actors and offers deep emotional range. Bravo!

    A sweet, timely piece about the power of connection. With phone conversations becoming less and less common among the youngest generation, this play offers something unique and almost period in it's stylistic lens. It's a fantastic piece for actors and offers deep emotional range. Bravo!

    ”
  • Kris Thompson: Phone Friend by Jonathan Josephson
    “

    I happened upon Josephson's blog and was hoping to find his "If Only, a Tale From a Thursday" but perhaps not yet fully developed. I was rewarded, however, with this short which poignantly demonstrates the downright necessity we all have for human connection and personal growth. Lovely...

    I happened upon Josephson's blog and was hoping to find his "If Only, a Tale From a Thursday" but perhaps not yet fully developed. I was rewarded, however, with this short which poignantly demonstrates the downright necessity we all have for human connection and personal growth. Lovely...

    ”
  • Evan Baughfman: Phone Friend by Jonathan Josephson
    “

    An interesting and lovely story about the power of connecting with strangers during difficult times.

    An interesting and lovely story about the power of connecting with strangers during difficult times.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

Ideally the actors will be relatively similar in age, +/- 10 years.
  • Traci
    A blogger
    20s-50s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Henry
    A lighting guy
    20s-50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, The Alternative Theater Company, 2019
  • Reading, "A Night in JJ's Shorts" - Force of Nature Productions, 2018

Production History

  • High School, Niles North High School, 2024
  • University, University of South Carolina, 2024
  • Workshop, Rebound Productions (London, UK), 2024
  • Community Theater, Fargo/Moorhead Community Theatre, 2022
  • Community Theater, Actors Studio of Newburyport, 2021
  • Workshop, Atlantic Acting School’s C2 One Act Play Festival, 2021
  • Professional, The Alternative Theater Company (Off-Broadway Showcase), 2019
  • Fringe, Midtown International Theatre Festival, 2017
  • Professional, Unknown Artists, 2017

Awards

  • Smith and Kraus Best 10 Minute Plays
    Selection
    2022
  • Short Play Festival
    The Actors Studio of Newburyport
    Winner
    2021
  • Shortlist
    Short+Sweet Dublin
    2020
  • Altered Minds
    The Alternative Theater Company
    Finalist
    2019
  • 2nd Place Winner (Top 60 of 3,000+)
    Smith and Kraus Best 10 Minute Plays
    2019
  • International 10 Minute Play Festival
    Seoul Players
    Finalist
    2018