Webster's Bitch (One-Act)

by Jacqueline Bircher

15 MINUTE: When their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using some rather colorful profanity, the employees of Webster's dictionary find themselves at the center of a Twitter uprising over gender, obscenity, and the future of the English language itself.

15 MINUTE: When their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using some rather colorful profanity, the employees of Webster's dictionary find themselves at the center of a Twitter uprising over gender, obscenity, and the future of the English language itself.

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Webster's Bitch (One-Act)

Recommended by

  • Dan Maurer: Webster's Bitch (One-Act) by Jacqueline Bircher
    “

    A fun read and a wonderfully crafted play. Loved it. Each character was distinct in voice and nature. The dialogue was tight and inventive. Not a wasted line. This is an excellent exploration of language and how it reflects power dynamics in our society.

    A fun read and a wonderfully crafted play. Loved it. Each character was distinct in voice and nature. The dialogue was tight and inventive. Not a wasted line. This is an excellent exploration of language and how it reflects power dynamics in our society.

    ”
  • Marj O'Neill-Butler: Webster's Bitch (One-Act) by Jacqueline Bircher
    “

    Such an interesting play about language and usage. And the undertone of female bashing is very clever. We should all think before we speak give consequences these days. Thank god for the tequila.

    Such an interesting play about language and usage. And the undertone of female bashing is very clever. We should all think before we speak give consequences these days. Thank god for the tequila.

    ”
  • Lainie Vansant: Webster's Bitch (One-Act) by Jacqueline Bircher
    “

    Fun characters in a thought-provoking situation - a play about language and how we use it. This clever piece is worth the read!

    Fun characters in a thought-provoking situation - a play about language and how we use it. This clever piece is worth the read!

    ”
View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

  • GWEN
    A lexicographer at Webster's Dictionary.
    30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ELLIE
    Gwen's younger sister.
    20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • NICK
    Another lexicographer.
    30s/40s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • JOYCE
    The Senior Editor.
    50s/60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Geneva Theatre Guild, 2018
  • Reading, The Neo-Political Cowgirls, 2018
  • Reading, Clutch Productions, 2017

Production History

  • Professional, Red Barn Theatre, 2023
  • Professional, Silverthorne Theatre Company, 2021
  • Professional, City Theatre / Thinking Cap Theatre, 2019
  • Professional, Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Festival, 2019
  • Community Theater, The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 2018
  • Professional, Duluth Playhouse, 2018

Awards

  • National Award for Short Playwriting
    City Theatre
    Winner
    2020
  • Marathon of One-Act Plays
    Ensemble Studio Theatre
    Semi-Finalist
    2019