Aly Kantor

ALY KANTOR is a non-union actor, playwright, and educator based on LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. Above all, she is a storyteller, always seeking an opportunity to collaborate with creatives and create new and exciting work in a variety of mediums.

A lover of the artform of theatre in particular, ALY prides herself on having done just about every job in the theatre, from house management to scenic design. The process is her favorite part - opening night is just the icing on the cake!

ALY's original work tends to focus on women's stories, and she delights in creating the kinds of roles she herself would want to play. A self-professed life long nerd, she takes particular joy in creating Sci-Fi, speculative, and fantastic stories for the stage. She is also the author of devised scripts for...

ALY KANTOR is a non-union actor, playwright, and educator based on LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. Above all, she is a storyteller, always seeking an opportunity to collaborate with creatives and create new and exciting work in a variety of mediums.

A lover of the artform of theatre in particular, ALY prides herself on having done just about every job in the theatre, from house management to scenic design. The process is her favorite part - opening night is just the icing on the cake!

ALY's original work tends to focus on women's stories, and she delights in creating the kinds of roles she herself would want to play. A self-professed life long nerd, she takes particular joy in creating Sci-Fi, speculative, and fantastic stories for the stage. She is also the author of devised scripts for children, creating roles that allow each of her students to shine so that no child's first theatre experience puts them in the back row of the ensemble.

Telling stories has been ALY's lifelong pursuit.

Let's make something cool together.

Scripts

Occupied

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[90 Minutes, comedic drama - 2F, 1 any] Again and again, best friends Jac and Amelia find themselves meeting in bathrooms, while real world tragedies and paradigm shifts assert themselves on the world outside. Vulnerability, humor, and uncensored honesty reign as they are forced to grapple with the question "Has anyone ever been safe? Are we?" 'Occupied' is a critical examination of the millennial generation's...

[90 Minutes, comedic drama - 2F, 1 any] Again and again, best friends Jac and Amelia find themselves meeting in bathrooms, while real world tragedies and paradigm shifts assert themselves on the world outside. Vulnerability, humor, and uncensored honesty reign as they are forced to grapple with the question "Has anyone ever been safe? Are we?" 'Occupied' is a critical examination of the millennial generation's relationship to safety, told through the lens of female friendship, from 9-11 to today.

blowhole.

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[100 Minutes, farce, 4M, 5F] A nautical, radical, turn-of-the-century adaptation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata set in a struggling whaling village during the doldrums period of the American suffrage movement. A silly and scintillating sex farce for a dynamic ensemble of nine actors, including strong roles for women and seniors.

[100 Minutes, farce, 4M, 5F] A nautical, radical, turn-of-the-century adaptation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata set in a struggling whaling village during the doldrums period of the American suffrage movement. A silly and scintillating sex farce for a dynamic ensemble of nine actors, including strong roles for women and seniors.

The Practice Room

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[90 minutes, comedic drama - 2F, college-aged performers] Julissa is the second-chair violist in her state college’s orchestral music program. Giselle is the third chair cellist. When Julissa makes the spontaneous and risky decision to switch instruments mid-year, it upsets the carefully curated status quo that Giselle has always depended upon. That seemingly small inconvenience sets people-pleasing Wunderkind...

[90 minutes, comedic drama - 2F, college-aged performers] Julissa is the second-chair violist in her state college’s orchestral music program. Giselle is the third chair cellist. When Julissa makes the spontaneous and risky decision to switch instruments mid-year, it upsets the carefully curated status quo that Giselle has always depended upon. That seemingly small inconvenience sets people-pleasing Wunderkind cellist on a quest to retain her hard-earned seat at any cost.

The Care and Feeding of Restless Spirits

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[90 Minutes, comedic drama - 4F, 1M] Autumn, 1920. The residents of the Mary Todd Hotel for Professional Women have been through a lot. The war has recently ended, the country is still recovering from a devastating pandemic, and they’re about to vote for the first time in a national election. Still, every Tuesday, they make time to convene in the sixth-floor parlor for a single purpose—to speak to the dead.

[90 Minutes, comedic drama - 4F, 1M] Autumn, 1920. The residents of the Mary Todd Hotel for Professional Women have been through a lot. The war has recently ended, the country is still recovering from a devastating pandemic, and they’re about to vote for the first time in a national election. Still, every Tuesday, they make time to convene in the sixth-floor parlor for a single purpose—to speak to the dead.

These Gilded Souls (A Great Gatsby)

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[2 Hours, adaptation, 6M, 4F, 1 any] In the ruins of a Gold Coast mansion, queer Midwesterner Nick Carraway revisits his once-gilded Jazz-age memories and confronts the ghosts of his past. A new, haunted adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

[2 Hours, adaptation, 6M, 4F, 1 any] In the ruins of a Gold Coast mansion, queer Midwesterner Nick Carraway revisits his once-gilded Jazz-age memories and confronts the ghosts of his past. A new, haunted adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

Adventurers Anonymous

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[60 minutes, comedic drama, 5F] "An agnostic paladin, an asexual druid, a perfectionist-turned-fighter, and an oversexed bard don’t walk into a bar."

The first year of sobriety is tough—but anything's easier with a sword. In this confessional-style, direct-address monologue play, five young women grapple with relationships, trauma, divinity, and the elusive nature of unicorns.

Originally devised for virtual...

[60 minutes, comedic drama, 5F] "An agnostic paladin, an asexual druid, a perfectionist-turned-fighter, and an oversexed bard don’t walk into a bar."

The first year of sobriety is tough—but anything's easier with a sword. In this confessional-style, direct-address monologue play, five young women grapple with relationships, trauma, divinity, and the elusive nature of unicorns.

Originally devised for virtual performance. If performing live music is a barrier to production, an alternate piece exists for the character 'Haley.' Reach out if you are interested in an alternate arrangement!*

You Enter the Tavern

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[100 Minutes, comedic drama, 5F] In just two short weeks, Dungeon Master Sylvie will be one year sober. In the meantime, she has to wrangle the rag-tag team of dysfunctional support characters she's gathered for her weekly, post-AA, addicts-only DnD campaign. The party is missing a healer, however, and the ringer Sylvie's brought in to fill the slot seems more eager to cause damage than to repair it. As Sylvie...

[100 Minutes, comedic drama, 5F] In just two short weeks, Dungeon Master Sylvie will be one year sober. In the meantime, she has to wrangle the rag-tag team of dysfunctional support characters she's gathered for her weekly, post-AA, addicts-only DnD campaign. The party is missing a healer, however, and the ringer Sylvie's brought in to fill the slot seems more eager to cause damage than to repair it. As Sylvie begins losing her grip on the adventure, the rest of her life follows suit. Can you really run a game when it’s clear you don’t trust the rules?

LULLABY PLAY (a liminal medea)

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[90 Minutes, adaptation/ play with music, 3M, 3F] A new adaptation of Euripides' Medea for an ensemble of six, with music and movement, set outside of time.

[90 Minutes, adaptation/ play with music, 3M, 3F] A new adaptation of Euripides' Medea for an ensemble of six, with music and movement, set outside of time.

Ice in Their Veins

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[80 Minutes, dark farce, 5f - teenage cast] Get ready with Stevie to compete her free program at the Star Spangled Grand Prix Solo Ice Dance Weekend Invitational at Lake Serenity Olympic Complex! Peyton is also there. #GRWM #RIPOctavia #Leprosy #NotSponsored

A comedy about cringe culture, the internet gaze, the feminine urge to be a plucky orphan with a tragic past, and the origin of vampires.

Written for...

[80 Minutes, dark farce, 5f - teenage cast] Get ready with Stevie to compete her free program at the Star Spangled Grand Prix Solo Ice Dance Weekend Invitational at Lake Serenity Olympic Complex! Peyton is also there. #GRWM #RIPOctavia #Leprosy #NotSponsored

A comedy about cringe culture, the internet gaze, the feminine urge to be a plucky orphan with a tragic past, and the origin of vampires.

Written for the Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange 2024.

The Rosies

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[One-Act, Competition Length, Historical Drama for Teens, 6F] In the year 1945, every single day, rain or shine, six girls sit outside for their fresh air therapy, discussing everything from boys to popular movie stars. Mostly, however, they discuss what they'll do when they finally get well and leave the TB sanatorium where they are passing their teenage years. When one girl's health takes an unexpected turn...

[One-Act, Competition Length, Historical Drama for Teens, 6F] In the year 1945, every single day, rain or shine, six girls sit outside for their fresh air therapy, discussing everything from boys to popular movie stars. Mostly, however, they discuss what they'll do when they finally get well and leave the TB sanatorium where they are passing their teenage years. When one girl's health takes an unexpected turn, they must face the reality of their condition and how much control they really have over the future.

She Got Better

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[75 Minutes, drama, 2F] What if Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood met at an in-patient eating disorder clinic? SHE GOT BETTER is a contemporary fairytale epilogue about women who dare to take up space in their own stories.

[75 Minutes, drama, 2F] What if Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood met at an in-patient eating disorder clinic? SHE GOT BETTER is a contemporary fairytale epilogue about women who dare to take up space in their own stories.

Odd Songs for Odd Birds

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[40 minutes, fairy tale, 3F] Emily runs a second-hand store (and Airbnb) out of an old church parsonage on an island with an aging population, where nothing ever changes... until an odd new guest arrives and begins asking questions about the local folklore.

A queer fairytale for three actors.

[40 minutes, fairy tale, 3F] Emily runs a second-hand store (and Airbnb) out of an old church parsonage on an island with an aging population, where nothing ever changes... until an odd new guest arrives and begins asking questions about the local folklore.

A queer fairytale for three actors.

Bees

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[30 minutes, dystopian comedy, 2F] FJ, the black sheep, genderqueer grandchild, has trekked from Texas to Kansas to serve as the live-in aide for their curmudgeonly grandmother, Audrey, following a recent fall. Audrey has more reason than ever to be grumpy: the world is changing, and her injury is keeping her from her garden. Stuck inside, the bickering duo have almost no choice but to connect, and soon learn...

[30 minutes, dystopian comedy, 2F] FJ, the black sheep, genderqueer grandchild, has trekked from Texas to Kansas to serve as the live-in aide for their curmudgeonly grandmother, Audrey, following a recent fall. Audrey has more reason than ever to be grumpy: the world is changing, and her injury is keeping her from her garden. Stuck inside, the bickering duo have almost no choice but to connect, and soon learn that they have more in common than DNA. A long overdue heart-to-heart reveals that it may not be too late to save a relationship, and while we can’t count on the bees, we can count on ourselves to reach out - even (and especially) when it’s the hardest.

meat cute

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20 minutes, comedic tragedy, 2F] xX_Sav_on_IceXx is lonely. Skullfucker69 is REALLY lonely. This intricate ritual might be their first, last, and only chance to be with another woman.

A dark romantic comedy and/or tragedy about finding love on the dark web.

[20 minutes, comedic tragedy, 2F] xX_Sav_on_IceXx is lonely. Skullfucker69 is REALLY lonely. This intricate ritual might be their first, last, and only chance to be with another woman.

A dark romantic comedy and/or tragedy about finding love on the dark web.

One More Hot Garbage Sunrise

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20 minutes, tragedy, 2F] Wiley has made the long trip home to attend her mother's funeral, but home isn't how she left it. A play about impermanence, obsolescence, and sisterhood in the age of climate change.

[20 minutes, tragedy, 2F] Wiley has made the long trip home to attend her mother's funeral, but home isn't how she left it. A play about impermanence, obsolescence, and sisterhood in the age of climate change.

A Voice From the Prussian Sea

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20 minutes, historical drama, 1M, 2F] Zelde Hartmann is a fledgling poet who has suddenly found herself with uninterrupted time to write for the first time in her life. She dreams of creating a record for the future... and perhaps mastering Iambic Pentameter. The problem? She lives in Germany in 1942, and she is a Jewish girl in hiding, writing from her friend Lara's cellar. When she catches a glimpse of the...

[20 minutes, historical drama, 1M, 2F] Zelde Hartmann is a fledgling poet who has suddenly found herself with uninterrupted time to write for the first time in her life. She dreams of creating a record for the future... and perhaps mastering Iambic Pentameter. The problem? She lives in Germany in 1942, and she is a Jewish girl in hiding, writing from her friend Lara's cellar. When she catches a glimpse of the handsome Marcus from her hiding place below, she must choose what she values more: temporary safety, or her voice.

A Voice From the Prussian Sea is a surprisingly funny feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid set during the Shoah.

Tracks

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20 minutes, sci-fi drama, 2F] Hadley is approaching the end of a five-year study focused on a new treatment for major depression, and she's come a long way from the person she was when the trial began. When a familiar face from her past enters the exam room, she's forced to grapple with the true costs of living with a mental illness under late capitalism. What does it cost to be altruistic, and what if the...

[20 minutes, sci-fi drama, 2F] Hadley is approaching the end of a five-year study focused on a new treatment for major depression, and she's come a long way from the person she was when the trial began. When a familiar face from her past enters the exam room, she's forced to grapple with the true costs of living with a mental illness under late capitalism. What does it cost to be altruistic, and what if the price is too high?

Any Port in a Storm

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20 minutes, romantic comedy, 1F 1M] It all starts like an uninspired pay-per-view porno, when the agoraphobic Paige boldly propositions the cute handyman repairing her window. It ends a little differently.

[20 minutes, romantic comedy, 1F 1M] It all starts like an uninspired pay-per-view porno, when the agoraphobic Paige boldly propositions the cute handyman repairing her window. It ends a little differently.

An Invocation To His Muse

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10-15 minutes, historical drama, 2F] Two strangers chat in a New York City automat in 1920s New York - but perhaps they aren’t strangers.

The play tells the story of fine artist Jo Nivison Hopper, wife of Edward Hopper.

[10-15 minutes, historical drama, 2F] Two strangers chat in a New York City automat in 1920s New York - but perhaps they aren’t strangers.

The play tells the story of fine artist Jo Nivison Hopper, wife of Edward Hopper.

reANIMA

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[15-20 minutes, romantic sci-fi, 2F] Cricket totaled her meat vessel at a party—but not to worry! Her best friend has an industry hookup and made her a brand new one with all the bells and whistles she could ever want (and a few she’s slightly reluctant about). Now everything can get back to normal…right?

[15-20 minutes, romantic sci-fi, 2F] Cricket totaled her meat vessel at a party—but not to worry! Her best friend has an industry hookup and made her a brand new one with all the bells and whistles she could ever want (and a few she’s slightly reluctant about). Now everything can get back to normal…right?

Body Horror

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10-15 minutes, comedy, 2F] Middle school BFFs Mary Rose and Rosemary are having their first sleepover since The Incident at St. Anthony's back in fourth grade. Now that they have some alone time, they can finally discuss important girly sleepover topics, such as human dissection, the musical stylings of Ariana Grande, and, of course, the five wounds of Christ.

[10-15 minutes, comedy, 2F] Middle school BFFs Mary Rose and Rosemary are having their first sleepover since The Incident at St. Anthony's back in fourth grade. Now that they have some alone time, they can finally discuss important girly sleepover topics, such as human dissection, the musical stylings of Ariana Grande, and, of course, the five wounds of Christ.

The Psychopomp

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedic drama, 2F] Bethany and Christine head to a notorious haunted road to hunt for a Documented Local Specter™. Alone in the car, in the darkness, they find something much more haunting.

[10 minutes, comedic drama, 2F] Bethany and Christine head to a notorious haunted road to hunt for a Documented Local Specter™. Alone in the car, in the darkness, they find something much more haunting.

Come Back Right

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedic horror, 2F] Variations on your girlfriend's resurrection.

[10 minutes, comedic horror, 2F] Variations on your girlfriend's resurrection.

Persephone Wasn't Hungry That Day

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedy, 1M, 1F, 1 any] Who the HELL only eats 6 pomegranate seeds?! A play about owning your hunger.

[10 minutes, comedy, 1M, 1F, 1 any] Who the HELL only eats 6 pomegranate seeds?! A play about owning your hunger.

Narcissa, Narcissa

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, drama, 3F] In the wake of an assault, once-vain Narcissa can't stop studying her reflection. Will self-love be enough to convince her to pursue healing, or will she become one more girl turned into a plant for her protection? 'Narcissa, Narcissa' is a contemporary subversion of the myth of Narcissus and Echo.

[10 minutes, drama, 3F] In the wake of an assault, once-vain Narcissa can't stop studying her reflection. Will self-love be enough to convince her to pursue healing, or will she become one more girl turned into a plant for her protection? 'Narcissa, Narcissa' is a contemporary subversion of the myth of Narcissus and Echo.

After Aulis

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedic drama, 1M 1F] Many years after their fateful and unfortunate meeting at Aulis, the war hero Achilles and his almost-bride Iphigenia are reunited in the Underworld, where their roles before the war have been reversed, and they discuss what it truly means to be immortal.

[10 minutes, comedic drama, 1M 1F] Many years after their fateful and unfortunate meeting at Aulis, the war hero Achilles and his almost-bride Iphigenia are reunited in the Underworld, where their roles before the war have been reversed, and they discuss what it truly means to be immortal.

Iphis and Ianthe at the Courthouse

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, romantic comedy, 1 M/intersex, 1F] A contemporary re-telling of the myth of Iphis and Ianthe, set in a courthouse right before their wedding.

[10 minutes, romantic comedy, 1 M/intersex, 1F] A contemporary re-telling of the myth of Iphis and Ianthe, set in a courthouse right before their wedding.

Pandora's Box of Donuts

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, dark comedy, 2 any] Two friends discuss the nature of hope.

[10 minutes, dark comedy, 2 any] Two friends discuss the nature of hope.

Hot Blood Sundae

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedy, 2F] In a world in which nobody is REALLY sure what constitutes a HIPAA violation, two cold, tired, sexually-frustrated women choose to self-diagnose.

This play appears in the Smith & Kraus "The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2023" anthology.

[10 minutes, comedy, 2F] In a world in which nobody is REALLY sure what constitutes a HIPAA violation, two cold, tired, sexually-frustrated women choose to self-diagnose.

This play appears in the Smith & Kraus "The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2023" anthology.

Little Red Handed

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10 minutes, comedy, 2F, 1M] Red has come back to Granny's house, but she's not so little anymore... and she has an agenda.

A twisted sequel to Little Red Riding Hood.

[10 minutes, comedy, 2F, 1M] Red has come back to Granny's house, but she's not so little anymore... and she has an agenda.

A twisted sequel to Little Red Riding Hood.

TEARJERKER

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

Nicky has a unique superpower that should make it easy to be a good person. It doesn't.

Nicky has a unique superpower that should make it easy to be a good person. It doesn't.

My Beloved, My Axiom

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10-15 minutes, comedy, 1F 2M] A hopeless romantic is ready to give up on finding “the one,” but fate – and at least one foreign government – have other ideas.

[10-15 minutes, comedy, 1F 2M] A hopeless romantic is ready to give up on finding “the one,” but fate – and at least one foreign government – have other ideas.

Fish Tank

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[10-20 minutes, horror, 1F 1M] Taking place on an invasive two-way video platform, a woman is assessed by a non-descript government agent, but as the conversation goes on, just who is in control of who becomes less clear.

[10-20 minutes, horror, 1F 1M] Taking place on an invasive two-way video platform, a woman is assessed by a non-descript government agent, but as the conversation goes on, just who is in control of who becomes less clear.

Two of Every Animal

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[20-30 minutes, climate drama, 2F] Most of humanity has chosen to leave Earth and seek greener pastures, but two young scientists have chosen to stay behind as stewards of the genetic memory of the natural world. When one scientist’s interest in a specimen turns into an obsession, both women begin to understand the weight of the sacrifice they have made to secure a future for the many species the human race has...

[20-30 minutes, climate drama, 2F] Most of humanity has chosen to leave Earth and seek greener pastures, but two young scientists have chosen to stay behind as stewards of the genetic memory of the natural world. When one scientist’s interest in a specimen turns into an obsession, both women begin to understand the weight of the sacrifice they have made to secure a future for the many species the human race has failed.

This piece was written for the 2021 Aphra Behn Festival, as part of Slightly Askew Theatre Company's "Season of Do Overs."

Mixed Signals

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[5 minutes, sci-fi drama, 2F] Aurelia and Katherine are driving to meet Aurelia's mom, but they're both getting mixed signals. A little down-to-earth chat clears things up... or does it?

[5 minutes, sci-fi drama, 2F] Aurelia and Katherine are driving to meet Aurelia's mom, but they're both getting mixed signals. A little down-to-earth chat clears things up... or does it?

The Rekindling

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[1 minute, comedy, 1F 1M] When is pillow talk more than pillow talk? A play about loving your partner through their many transformations. Literally.

[1 minute, comedy, 1F 1M] When is pillow talk more than pillow talk? A play about loving your partner through their many transformations. Literally.

Terra Cotta, or What We Leave Behind

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[1 minute, drama, 2 any] Skye is leaving today. Fern is worried they forgot something important.

[1 minute, drama, 2 any] Skye is leaving today. Fern is worried they forgot something important.

An Endangered Species

by Aly Kantor

Synopsis

[1 minute, comedic drama, 1F, 1M, 1 any] A knight. A princess. A dragon. You know the drill.

[1 minute, comedic drama, 1F, 1M, 1 any] A knight. A princess. A dragon. You know the drill.