It's Not What It Looks Like

by Ava Love Hanna

10-MINUTE: It's not what it looks like – unless it is. A dead body, stolen valuables, and a host of hidden agendas fuel this fast-paced, farcical murder mystery. As the characters desperately try to explain themselves, it becomes clear that everyone's guilty of something – even if it's not what it looks like.

B. Iden Payne Award Nominee: Outstanding Original Short Script & Outstanding Production

10-MINUTE: It's not what it looks like – unless it is. A dead body, stolen valuables, and a host of hidden agendas fuel this fast-paced, farcical murder mystery. As the characters desperately try to explain themselves, it becomes clear that everyone's guilty of something – even if it's not what it looks like.

B. Iden Payne Award Nominee: Outstanding Original Short Script & Outstanding Production

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It's Not What It Looks Like

Recommended by

  • Noah Masterson: It's Not What It Looks Like by Ava Love Hanna
    “

    I saw the world premiere of "It's Not What It Looks Like" in 2025, and it was the resounding highlight of a full night of great short plays. It's a comedy of manners taken to the extremest of extremes, with seemingly dozens of delightful twists compacted into 10 minutes. This one's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

    I saw the world premiere of "It's Not What It Looks Like" in 2025, and it was the resounding highlight of a full night of great short plays. It's a comedy of manners taken to the extremest of extremes, with seemingly dozens of delightful twists compacted into 10 minutes. This one's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

    ”
  • John Busser: It's Not What It Looks Like by Ava Love Hanna
    “

    02.27.26 - Reading this I was taken aback by how boring and unfunny it is but don't worry, it's not what it looks like. I'm merely overcome with intense white-hot jealousy that I didn't think to write this hilarious romp first. Ava Love Hanna is firing on all cylinder here and this play should be produced quickly before I try to steal the idea.

    02.27.26 - Reading this I was taken aback by how boring and unfunny it is but don't worry, it's not what it looks like. I'm merely overcome with intense white-hot jealousy that I didn't think to write this hilarious romp first. Ava Love Hanna is firing on all cylinder here and this play should be produced quickly before I try to steal the idea.

    ”
  • David Hilder: It's Not What It Looks Like by Ava Love Hanna
    “

    My favorite brand of ridiculous. Hanna has built a mousetrap of human size, made of whimsy, hilarious repetitions, and plot-convenient amnesia. A delicious winner.

    My favorite brand of ridiculous. Hanna has built a mousetrap of human size, made of whimsy, hilarious repetitions, and plot-convenient amnesia. A delicious winner.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • David
    Smart, crafty, definitely trying to get away with something.
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Emma
    Posh, conniving, bit of a thief, engaged to Sam.
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Sam
    Distinguished, absent minded, slight accent. Reminiscent of Major-General Stanley.
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Dead Body
    It’s not what it looks like. Or is it? I guess we’ll find out.

Development History

  • Reading, ScriptWorks Salon, November 2024
  • Reading, Playwright Group, 2024

Production History

  • Professional, Theatre Reset - Columbus, OH, Sept 2025
  • Professional, Theatre Reset - Columbus, OH, May 2026
  • Professional, ScriptWorks - Out of Ink, Hyde Park Theatre, Austin, TX, June 2025
  • Professional, Diva Theater, Jan 2026

Awards

  • Nomination: Outstanding Production of a Short Play
    B. Iden Payne Awards Council
    Selection
    2025
  • Nomination: Outstanding Original Short Script
    B. Iden Payne Awards Council
    Selection
    2025
  • Publication: Out of Ink: In Step Anthology
    ScriptWorks
    Selection
    2025