←Recommendations of Afraid of the Dark (ten-minute play)

The piece really hinges on the chemistry between the two performers, and there’s a lot of room for physicality, timing, and tonal shifts. Cosmo in particular offers an actor a chance to balance humor with something a little more layered underneath. This feels like a play that would come alive in the hands of two performers willing to fully commit to the dynamic. I can imagine two actors having a great time shaping this for an audience.

So Charlie is definitely not afraid of the dark, right? That's not how Cosmo sees it. Cosmo who has been lurking under Charlie's bed since he was five and who has no intention of giving up his privileged position as Charlie prepares to move away. Cosmo's machinations are the center of this warm, witty, and engaging play.

It's not often that I saw that a short play about a monster is CHARMING and HEARTWARMING, but ENID COKINOS has created just that. Short play festivals will delight in producing such a wonderful piece.

09.17.25 - I find it truly interesting that a literal monster under the bed is less frightening that what COULD BE lurking in the dark. Proving in a delightfully demented way that the unknown is much more terrifying than any recognized threat could ever be, Enid Cokinos' Cosmo and Charlie perfectly encapsulate how people in real life manage to deal with traumatic things. This is smart stuff when you examine it under the covers, so to speak. I really enjoyed this play.

I absolutely loved reading this play, and I identified with the monster that lives inside us—no matter where we go. We can blame the darkness for calling it out, or anything else, but it lives and thrives. It follows us, it forces compromises—whether we want it or not. I loved it.

A wonderfully original and charming short comedy with some laugh-out-loud moments. Beneath the witty dialogue and delightful jokes, I loved the powerful theme of growing up and what we take and what we leave behind. Why should we grow up? Why can't we take aspects of our childhood with us into adulthood? Perhaps indeed the whole growing up business is overrated! This play will stay with me!

I love the fact that this play has two meanings.
One, we see a real life monster under the bed whom this guy has learned to accept and become good friends, he's real right?
Two, this shows how difficult it is to leave our childhood behind, and how tempting it is too keep some of it forever.
A lovely, heartwarming short play!

Afraid of the Dark cleverly blends humor and suspense as Charlie’s seemingly perfect new life is thrown off track by his childhood companion, Cosmo. Cokinos' sharp dialogue and inventive plot leave you hooked, delivering an unexpected and delightful exploration of letting go.

Funny business. The back and forth story line was well written and the dialogue is juicy. Another story that makes you say "Why didn't I think of this?" Brava.