Fiveplay

by Erica Smith

An affectionate look at polyamory and the modern family. Emerson's dating Sawyer, who's married to Monty, who's dating Ray, who's also dating Avery, who's married to Emerson. And their friend Keegan lives with them too.

This is a show about a family -- Venn House, six people who chose one another. Sure, sometimes poly people's problems are about relationships. Sometimes they're about jobs, or money, or haunted...

This is a show about a family -- Venn House, six people who chose one another. Sure, sometimes poly people's problems are about relationships. Sometimes they're about jobs, or money, or haunted antiques. And sometimes family is even more complicated than it seems.

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Fiveplay

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Rocky Nunzio: Fiveplay by Erica Smith

“

A beautiful script about found family both romantic and platonic. What truly works about this show is that despite it being centered around a polycule, the characters are never defined by being polyamorous (Though a polyamory is defined!) The characters all feel like they have lives outside of their romantic entanglements. It truly is a day in their lives as one house member is going through a recent tragedy. What we are left with is immense pathos, humor, and love in all it's many forms.

A beautiful script about found family both romantic and platonic. What truly works about this show is that despite it being centered around a polycule, the characters are never defined by being polyamorous (Though a polyamory is defined!) The characters all feel like they have lives outside of their romantic entanglements. It truly is a day in their lives as one house member is going through a recent tragedy. What we are left with is immense pathos, humor, and love in all it's many forms.

”
Erik Harrison: Fiveplay by Erica Smith

“

Hilarious, but also gently sweet and tender. This play's most radical notion isn't about upending monogamy and the gender binary - it's that people deserve love. That love - romantic, sexual, platonic - can be transformative.

Hilarious, but also gently sweet and tender. This play's most radical notion isn't about upending monogamy and the gender binary - it's that people deserve love. That love - romantic, sexual, platonic - can be transformative.

”

Character Information

Six characters. Any character may be played by any gender and pronouns altered accordingly; current script reflects original cast.

MONTY

The most organized one in the household. Easygoing, inventive. Married to Sawyer; dating Ray. (Actor also plays Sawyer’s mother Georgette in one scene.)

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
KEEGAN

Child of an abusive home. Intense, loving, guarded. Not involved with anyone.

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
SAWYER

Reserved, introspective, and a peacemaker. Married to Monty; dating Emerson. (Actor also plays Monty’s mother Mama D in one scene.)

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
AVERY

The caretaker of the found family. Will do anything for you and step over boundaries to do it. Married to Emerson; dating Ray; dating Tory and Shannon (a married couple, not in the play). (Actor also plays Sawyer’s father Wheeler in one scene and Monty's mother Mama K in another.)

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
EMERSON

Cantankerous workaholic with a hair trigger. Fiercely protective. Married to Avery; dating Sawyer.

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
RAY

Endlessly horny and constantly saying the wrong thing. Loves dad jokes. Dating Monty and Avery. (Actor also plays Sawyer’s nephew Cody in one scene and “Work” in another.)

Character Age

Adult

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s

Production History

Type Professional, Organization The Coil Project, Year 2022
Type University, Organization Cape Cod Community College, Year 2022

Genre

comedy,

romantic comedy

Subject Matter Keywords

polyamory,

group living,

queer life

Length

60-90 minutes

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 14-17,

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers LGBTQ Characters

Supporting Materials

Script Sample

Fiveplay sample.pdf

Reviews

DC Metro Theater Arts

“
One of the most interesting things about Fiveplay is what it’s not. There’s a lot of situationally appropriate hugging, kissing, and other casual affection... but no clothes come off, there are no sex acts... It’s simply their chosen everyday family, they are refreshingly at ease in it.
”