Laura Scruggs

My name is Laura Force Scruggs and I am a published, produced and commissioned Chicago playwright, producer and now, documentarian. My play, "Punk Grandpa," is published and licensed by PlayScripts Online and was formerly published by Chicago Dramaworks (before it shut down). I performed "Punk Grandpa" as a solo show throughout Chicago and also at the NYC Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and it has also been performed with multiple characters now, at FRIGID NYC and Three Brothers. I am currently a Playwright in Residency at Three Cat Productions, where I am writing a play about Jane Addams, which will tentatively be produced in 2022. I have been produced by Three Cat Productions, Three Brothers, Unity Players, Vintage Theatre Collective, Chicago Fringe and Elgin Fringe in...

My name is Laura Force Scruggs and I am a published, produced and commissioned Chicago playwright, producer and now, documentarian. My play, "Punk Grandpa," is published and licensed by PlayScripts Online and was formerly published by Chicago Dramaworks (before it shut down). I performed "Punk Grandpa" as a solo show throughout Chicago and also at the NYC Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and it has also been performed with multiple characters now, at FRIGID NYC and Three Brothers. I am currently a Playwright in Residency at Three Cat Productions, where I am writing a play about Jane Addams, which will tentatively be produced in 2022. I have been produced by Three Cat Productions, Three Brothers, Unity Players, Vintage Theatre Collective, Chicago Fringe and Elgin Fringe in Chicagoland. I have also been produced by Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and FRIGID in New York City. I was commissioned to write an adaptation of Macbeth, set in the context of the modern day American government, by Three Brothers Theatre. My adaptation, "The Magic of Ladie M." had readings at Three Brothers' Waukegan Theatre Festival and Three Cats' New Work Festival.

My play, "Heart of Fairy," is now published by Smith Scripts out of the UK.

I am also a member of the Dramatists' Guild, Playwrights' Center and The International Center for Women Playwrights and am a Three Cat Playwright. I am a former Network Playwright of Chicago Dramatists as well.

I also created a documentary, "Uncle Fun: You're The One," about the late Chicago novelty/toystore, Uncle Fun and its Manager, Ted Frankel. It has now been screened several times around Chicago and beyond and has won a number of awards, most recently tied for Best Documentary at The 2019 Lonely Seal Festival.

I also taught theatre for ten years in a variety of environments, ranging from the Chicago Park District, to two different inner city schools, to a Jewish community center. I was formerly a Tour Guide with Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Company and am currently a part-time Companion/Respite Worker for a young lady with Autism.

I have my B.S. in Elementary Education with a Jr. High/Middle School Theatre endorsement and M.A. in Communication, Media and Theatre.

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Scripts

Emissary

by Laura Scruggs

1
Cast Size
1—5
Genre
biography,
comedy,
drama

"Emissary" is a story of someone that's sent to a woman to help her, as she has experienced a devastating loss and, therefore, struggles with her mental health. It is about hope and starting to find an unexpected new destiny. And there are fairies, too.

"Emissary" is a story of someone that's sent to a woman to help her, as she has experienced a devastating loss and, therefore, struggles with her mental health. It is about hope and starting to find an unexpected new destiny. And there are fairies, too.

Sexy Grandma

by Laura Scruggs

2
Cast Size
1—5
Genre
biography,
comedy

"Sexy Grandma" is the story of a young girl exploring her sexuality, to the dismay of many, but with the support of her sensual grandma.

"Sexy Grandma" is the story of a young girl exploring her sexuality, to the dismay of many, but with the support of her sensual grandma.

Heart of Fairy

by Laura Scruggs

Cast Size
5—10
Genre
fable/folktale,
fantasy

Sparkletasia the fairy has always been a misfit. She bravely goes forth on Fairy Godmother-inspired quests in search of romantic relationships and then fairy child bearing, in hopes of becoming whole, accepted, happy and being who she’s meant to be. “Heart of Fairy” enters a world that explores what it means to be a fairy, overcome loss and find one’s true purpose and destiny in life.

Sparkletasia the fairy has always been a misfit. She bravely goes forth on Fairy Godmother-inspired quests in search of romantic relationships and then fairy child bearing, in hopes of becoming whole, accepted, happy and being who she’s meant to be. “Heart of Fairy” enters a world that explores what it means to be a fairy, overcome loss and find one’s true purpose and destiny in life.

Laughing Forever or Claus Community, With a Touch of Oz, or Santa is the Baum

by Laura Scruggs

Cast Size
5—12
Genre
adaptation,
comedy,
holiday,
young audiences

This is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "A Kidnapped Santa Claus." Santa is kidnapped by the daemons; what will the fairies do to help save Santa and Christmas? Some say Baum was illustrating the necessity of evil in the world through this short story.

This is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "A Kidnapped Santa Claus." Santa is kidnapped by the daemons; what will the fairies do to help save Santa and Christmas? Some say Baum was illustrating the necessity of evil in the world through this short story.

Fairy Christmas

by Laura Scruggs

2
Cast Size
4—7
Genre
adaptation,
holiday,
young audiences

An adaptation of the story by Clement C. Moore, who also wrote "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." It's a story of two little girls, who are left home alone on Christmas, as their parents had to go and visit their sick brother, who is far away. It is a tale about helping others and finding happiness.

An adaptation of the story by Clement C. Moore, who also wrote "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." It's a story of two little girls, who are left home alone on Christmas, as their parents had to go and visit their sick brother, who is far away. It is a tale about helping others and finding happiness.

Punk Grandpa

by Laura Scruggs

5
Cast Size
1—6
Genre
biography,
comedy

"Punk Grandpa" is like a modern-day Auntie Mame, with genders reversed. It’s all about being yourself, not worrying about what others think, embracing life and humor and the value of the grandparent/grandchild relationship. The show takes place one magical weekend Laura spent with her grandpa at 5 3/4 years old, portrayed through storytelling, dance, music and vintage family movies and photos. Grandpa was the...

"Punk Grandpa" is like a modern-day Auntie Mame, with genders reversed. It’s all about being yourself, not worrying about what others think, embracing life and humor and the value of the grandparent/grandchild relationship. The show takes place one magical weekend Laura spent with her grandpa at 5 3/4 years old, portrayed through storytelling, dance, music and vintage family movies and photos. Grandpa was the free-est, most inappropriate person Laura ever knew and this show demonstrates how he set Laura free to be herself through his humor and unpredictable, wild ways. It also touches on the topics of Alzheimer's (as Laura's grandpa passed away due to Alzheimer's and the show has been used as a fund-raiser for various Alzheimer's Associations) and Big Band/Jazz music. It'll put hair on your chest.

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Magic of Ladie M.

by Laura Scruggs

1
Cast Size
8—10
Genre
adaptation,
comedy,
drama,
period,
political,
tragedy

Set in Washington, D.C. and the magical realm in the near future, this is an adaptation of Macbeth in the context of the American government. The concept of a woman as president is explored, focusing on the magic and sexuality of the story.

Set in Washington, D.C. and the magical realm in the near future, this is an adaptation of Macbeth in the context of the American government. The concept of a woman as president is explored, focusing on the magic and sexuality of the story.

Bossy

by Laura Scruggs

Cast Size
8—10
Genre
comedy

Bossy is the story of a young lady and her encounters with the politics and red tape of working as a Drama Instructor at a park in New York City. Also, lots of weird, complicated and (maybe?) humorous encounters with her grandma and the odd ways she shows her love for the young lady.

Bossy is the story of a young lady and her encounters with the politics and red tape of working as a Drama Instructor at a park in New York City. Also, lots of weird, complicated and (maybe?) humorous encounters with her grandma and the odd ways she shows her love for the young lady.