The Waterfall Scene

by James Kelsey Nelson

(ONE ACT) When Annalise shows the poem she has written to her best friend, she starts a chain reaction of overwhelming enthusiasm for her literary work. A publisher soon takes the reins, and any semblance of Annalise’s own artistic voice begins to fade away. The Waterfall Scene is a fast-paced satirical comedy about artistic creation and commercialization.

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The Waterfall Scene

Recommended by

Danielle Wirsansky: The Waterfall Scene by James Kelsey Nelson

“

The Waterfall Scene is a fast-paced, sharp, and hilarious satire on the tension between art and commercialization. With spot-on humor and perfect pacing, it’s a delightful critique of the publishing world. The witty characters and quick wit will leave you both laughing and reflecting!

The Waterfall Scene is a fast-paced, sharp, and hilarious satire on the tension between art and commercialization. With spot-on humor and perfect pacing, it’s a delightful critique of the publishing world. The witty characters and quick wit will leave you both laughing and reflecting!

”
Liam Castellan: The Waterfall Scene by James Kelsey Nelson

“

Hilarious sendup of the tension between art and commerce. It stays funny throughout, but the humor grows more bite as you empathize with the protagonist's breathless overwhelm (while part of you might still want to be in her shoes?). Nelson pushes the pace but knows when to let the audience catch our breath (or 80% of our breath) before shoving us forward into the next grinding wheel of artistic capitalism. Sharp, smart, easy-to-produce 1-act.

Hilarious sendup of the tension between art and commerce. It stays funny throughout, but the humor grows more bite as you empathize with the protagonist's breathless overwhelm (while part of you might still want to be in her shoes?). Nelson pushes the pace but knows when to let the audience catch our breath (or 80% of our breath) before shoving us forward into the next grinding wheel of artistic capitalism. Sharp, smart, easy-to-produce 1-act.

”
Alaina Tennant: The Waterfall Scene by James Kelsey Nelson

“

This show is hilarious! Everything hits - the characters, the situation, the fart joke! There’s not a dull moment. James Nelson’s pacing is spectacular. This story is a joy for avid readers and writers, and the commentary on the mainstream publishing industry rings painfully (but hilariously) true.

This show is hilarious! Everything hits - the characters, the situation, the fart joke! There’s not a dull moment. James Nelson’s pacing is spectacular. This story is a joy for avid readers and writers, and the commentary on the mainstream publishing industry rings painfully (but hilariously) true.

”

Character Information

Several minor parts of fans at a book signing should be doubled by the actors playing STEVENSENSON and ELLIE.

ANNALISE

A writer

Character Age

Any age over 30

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
BETH

Annalise's best friend

Character Age

Any age over 30

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
STEVENSENSON

A publisher

Character Age

Any age over 30

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
ELLIE

A ghostwriter

Character Age

20s

Character Gender Identity

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

Production History

Type Professional, Organization Gallery Players, Year 2026
Type Workshop, Organization Chameleon Theatre Circle, Year 2025

Awards

Meanwhile Park Playwright Prize

Meanwhile Park

Finalist

2025