Coping with Autumn

by Megan Ann Jacobs

Autumn finds herself locked away in a psychiatric facility for murdering her boyfriend. The only thing is…she doesn't recall doing it. Autumn’s psyche has been evolving to protect her from the abuse of her youth, but her mental defense mechanisms Dee, Joy, and Vera are not sure Autumn can stand the stresses of a trial. Will the truth be revealed, or will Autumn crumble under the weight of the past that Dee has...

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Coping with Autumn

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Wolfgang Jones: Coping with Autumn by Megan Ann Jacobs

“

A sweeping display of the human psyche. Jacobs presents a potent story for the characters and the audience alike.

A sweeping display of the human psyche. Jacobs presents a potent story for the characters and the audience alike.

”
Lucy Fields: Coping with Autumn by Megan Ann Jacobs

“

Subjects like abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness are never easy to talk about in fiction let alone real-life. However, Jacobs tackles each subject with bold creative strokes and unflinching honesty. And in doing so she provides the language and messages of hope, resilience, and healing necessary to spark further dialogue. In that sense, Coping with Autumn is an utter triumph.

Subjects like abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness are never easy to talk about in fiction let alone real-life. However, Jacobs tackles each subject with bold creative strokes and unflinching honesty. And in doing so she provides the language and messages of hope, resilience, and healing necessary to spark further dialogue. In that sense, Coping with Autumn is an utter triumph.

”
Theatre Unchained: Coping with Autumn by Megan Ann Jacobs

“

Coping with Autumn is an honest and heartfelt story that not only presents emotional and sexual trauma in ways I’ve never seen on stage, but also shows how compassion can lead to survival, even if it is taking it one day at a time. Having seen it performed in various states, this is the perfect show for a small company, but it is also a show that has the presence for a fully realized production. There are characters to love, sympathize with, and hate - and as a show that centers women, I'd recommend to any interested theatre company.

Coping with Autumn is an honest and heartfelt story that not only presents emotional and sexual trauma in ways I’ve never seen on stage, but also shows how compassion can lead to survival, even if it is taking it one day at a time. Having seen it performed in various states, this is the perfect show for a small company, but it is also a show that has the presence for a fully realized production. There are characters to love, sympathize with, and hate - and as a show that centers women, I'd recommend to any interested theatre company.

”

View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

The piece is meant to be ensemble-based with 9 characters. However, it is acceptable to break out the ensemble roles, except for Ensemble Member 2 who plays: Father, Steven, and Lawyer, it is important that those 3 roles be played by the same actor. If doing this you could have anywhere from 9 to 15 characters, if desired.

Autumn

A woman in her twenties haunted by emotions and feelings that she cannot seem to control or understand.

Character Age

20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Dee

Autumn's savior. She is strong, steadfast, and silent. A larger woman with a powerful stage presence, even in silence.

*It is encouraged that Dee, Joy, and Vera all be cast with diversity in mind. While they are all part of Autumn, they were not intended to look identical.

Character Age

Any age 20+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Joy

Autumn's adventurous side. She is beautiful and energetic, but incredibly naïve.

*It is encouraged that Dee, Joy, and Vera all be cast with diversity in mind. While they are all part of Autumn, they were not intended to look identical.

Character Age

20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Vera

Autumn's protector. She is powerful, fearless, and full of rage.

*It is encouraged that Dee, Joy, and Vera all be cast with diversity in mind. While they are all part of Autumn, they were not intended to look identical.

Character Age

Any age between 20-40

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Ensemble Member 1

Plays the roles of Dakota and Kasey

Character Age

20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Ensemble Member 2

Plays the roles of Father, Steven, and Lawyer

Character Age

Any age between late 20s and late 40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Ensemble Member 3

Plays Mother and Jury Member

Character Age

40-50

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Ensemble Member 4

Plays the roles of Jake, The Monster, & Alex

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Ensemble Member 5

Plays the roles of Dr. Weber & Judge. (Can be any gender, simply change pronouns accordingly.)

Character Age

Any age between late 30s and late 50s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Rapture Theatre (Indianapolis, IN), Year 2020
Type Reading, Organization District Theatre (Indianapolis, IN), Year 2018

Awards

Third Place of Spring 2021 Full Length Playwrighting Contest

Mixing It Up Productions, LLC (New York, NY)

Finalist

2021
Bloom Playwrighting Competition (New York, NY)

Stay True Theatre

Finalist

2021
Woodward/Newman Drama Award (Bloomington, IN)

Finalist

2020
First Run Theatre’s 17th Annual Play Reading Festival (St. Louis, MO)

First Run Theatre

Finalist

2019
2019 New Works Project (Indianapolis, IN)

Fat Turtle Theatre Company

Winner

2019
NAP Series (New York, NY)

Normal Ave

Semi-Finalist

2019
Southeastern Theatre Playwriting Competition (Hammond, LA)

Southeastern Louisiana University

Semi-Finalist

2019
New Works Festival (Los Angeles, CA)

Garry Marshal Theatre

Finalist

2019

Genre

drama,

immersive,

mystery/thriller,

tragedy

Subject Matter Keywords

Mental Health,

domestic violence,

Depression

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

9—15

Age of Intended Audience

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Reviews

Plays with John and Wendy

“
This ain’t “Inside Out.” The two adolescents and child that represent portions of
Autumn’s psyche are neither cartoonish nor comic relief. The dissociation is handled respectfully in smooth transitions with Lyster so that we easily see the four actors as aspects of the same woman.
”
Nuvo

“
Jacobs brings us to the gates of reality. She shows us as we are, wrapped in our flag of disharmony and dissonance, amidst a din of voices clamoring for a perceived ‘right’ that proves in itself a wrong dictate. Flapping at our doorways is a banner jangling against common sense.
”
Broadway World

“
Every character was well thought out-they had impulses, expressions, and body language that drew us into the show in such a human way. This kind of show and direction is to be applauded, particularly when depicting such intricate and imperfect personalities.

”
A Seat on the Aisle

“
Coping with Autumn is an amazingly expressive undertaking by all involved. It is articulate, poignant, and delves into matters of depression, abuse, suicidal actions, and parental challenges with a powerful insight. Its form is unique in style and presentation. It is a highlight of the theatre season.

”