The Dignity Circle

by Lauren Smerkanich

What would you do if I handed you forty thousand dollars, right now, no strings attached?
Unable to resist this sales pitch, homemaker Judith is roped into A Dignity Circle, a simple gift-giving pyramid scheme that promises empowerment to the women of Sacramento while draining their bank accounts. Judith makes money, connections, and a deep friendship with the ringleader of the circle, Angela. But what will...

What would you do if I handed you forty thousand dollars, right now, no strings attached?
Unable to resist this sales pitch, homemaker Judith is roped into A Dignity Circle, a simple gift-giving pyramid scheme that promises empowerment to the women of Sacramento while draining their bank accounts. Judith makes money, connections, and a deep friendship with the ringleader of the circle, Angela. But what will happen to Judith's newly-found independence and her newly-forged connection when the truth of the con is revealed?

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The Dignity Circle

Recommended by

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: The Dignity Circle by Lauren Smerkanich
    “

    This play really hooked me. I particularly liked that the suspense was seeing the situation unfold, and hoping that the characters would realize it. This work really shows how smart people are often fooled by their own ambition. Especially found it heartbreaking and harrowing when they are made to recruit others into the fold. Really great work.

    This play really hooked me. I particularly liked that the suspense was seeing the situation unfold, and hoping that the characters would realize it. This work really shows how smart people are often fooled by their own ambition. Especially found it heartbreaking and harrowing when they are made to recruit others into the fold. Really great work.

    ”

Character Information

As Ann N., Coco K., and Meredith S. are always masked, they can be played by
Scott, Parker, and Kate C. respectively. Kayla can likewise be played by any actor other
than Heather. The play can be performed by six actors.
  • Angela
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Judith
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Scott
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Parker
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Heather
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Kate C.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Kayla
    Non-speaking role. Can be double-cast.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ann N.
    Chorus. Can be double-cast.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Coco K.
    Chorus. Can be double-cast.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Meredith S.
    Chorus. Can be double-cast.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

Production History

  • Professional, Central Works Theater, 2023