Ethan Mathias

Philanthropist Stephen Aldridge was a legend in the town of Bayleigh—successful businessman, civil rights advocate, generous patron of the arts. Just days before a new exhibit honoring his legacy is set to open, his granddaughter, history professor Allison Aldridge returns home for a family funeral. She is reunited with her mentor, Kendra “Kenny” Brennan-Sharp, the first Black director of the Heartland Museum, as well as forging a special bond with Natalie Jackson, a history major home for the summer. Sorting through her family’s heritage with the devoted museum staff, Allison discovers new friends and new stories about her beloved grandfather that challenge her memories and force everyone to think carefully about how much we value truth, and which truths are most important. A twisting, turning drama with heart and humor. Please contact for more information about licensing.

When Emmaline Henderson passes away before her granddaughter’s wedding, she leaves her son and three granddaughters a sizable estate, a cottage full of cross stitches, and very specific instructions on what should happen with each inheritance.

The oldest, Vanessa, is about to marry her fiancé Robbie. Her younger sister Penny is her maid of honor, and their parents, Will and Molly, are navigating the stressful joy of the impending wedding, as they all mourn the loss of the family matriarch. Joining in the celebration and the sorrow is freshly graduated cousin Abby, her classmate Freddie, an old former attorney named Zeke, a young feisty store clerk Lana, and the county magistrate and close family friend Connie—each with their own unique affection and admiration for Emmaline.

As they all process the loss of this loving and lovable woman, old friendships and feuds are rekindled, new connections and bonds are made, seismic details emerge, and all must decide: to what extent are we beholden to the words and notions of the past? To what degree are we entitled to pursue happiness in the present? And what do we do when an unfair status quo threatens our future?

Fast-paced with an ensemble of multidimensional characters, this contemporary dramedy makes some hard twists and turns as it confronts difficult issues with humor, heart, and humanity.

Philanthropist Stephen Aldridge was a legend in Bayleigh, Indiana—successful businessman, civil rights advocate, generous patron of the arts. Just days before the local museum is scheduled to open a new exhibit honoring his legacy, his granddaughter Allison returns home for her father’s funeral. Sorting through her family’s history with the devoted staff of the Heartland Museum, Allison discovers new friends and new stories about her beloved grandfather that challenge her memories and force everyone to think carefully about how much we value truth, and which truths are most important. A twisting, turning drama with heart and humor. Please contact for more information about licensing.

From the world of the play WHERE THERE'S A WILL: Overwhelmed by the magnitude of consequences from a choice/mistake, teenager Lana Walsh is on the verge of ending things. Her boss and confidant, Zeke Todd sees her struggle and attempts to help Lana find perspective on life, and drawing on support from those who love her.

A glimpse into a meeting of CIVIC (Cecilia's Inner Voice Intra-action Council), the metaphorical governing body in young Cecilia Park's mind that shapes the messaging of her internal monologue and self-talk.
In this breath of short play, we see inside the mind of a teenage girl struggling with life's challenges and witness firsthand that the battle to maintain mental health has many fronts.

It is Christmas Eve and the Grinch’s dog, Max, goes to the Whoville Police to warn two detectives about the Grinch’s plot. A short holiday-themed “what if” play, “The Night Max Saved Christmas” reads like a scene from “Law & Order" written in a Seussian meter and rhyme scheme.

When Eliza McGinty resolves to go to bed earlier, E.B. (the facilitator of her mental faculties) and her CEO Beth (Chief Emotional Officer) seek out professionals to make the most of this new "feel estate" by capitalizing on her fears, worries, and anxieties. The diabolical consultants who made it to round two, as well as a mysterious newcomer, make their final pitch to win the contract.

After the funeral of a family matriarch, Will Anderson is tasked with being executor of his mother's estate. His wife Molly, tries to refocus on an upcoming bright spot for the family—their daughter Vanessa's wedding. The night before the bridal shower, dynamics are complicated by the arrival of Vanessa's cousin, Abigail, who has been estranged for years. Unfamiliar with Abigail, Will is forced to wrestle with honoring the posthumous wishes of his beloved mother "decidedly from a different generation" and doing right by the rest of his family in a modern world. Fast-paced with witty dialogue, this short play runs the gamut of emotions with layered characters over the course of an evening.

Undeterred by a bit of inclement weather, Alex and Quinn relax in the park one rainy afternoon, enjoying every last drop of their time together.

Three minute political play. Written for the Pence Wars Series at Khaos Company Theatre in Indianapolis.