Jennifer O'Grady

2025 Stella Adler Center for the Arts/1st Place Henley Rose Award/Rising Artists Playwriting Award/O'Neill Semifinalist/Best Women's Stage Monologues 2026 and 2022/ Writer2Writer Award/The Irish Rep's New Works Readings Series Selection/NEWvember Festival Dublin Selection/Hudson Valley Theatre Festival Selection/Top 25 Plays, Panndora's Box/ScreenCraft Stage Play Semifinalist and other honors

(Full length) A fresh new take on the Brontës, CHARLOTTE'S LETTERS intertwines novelist Charlotte Brontë's two years as an unpublished young woman at a Belgian school, where she became close to her married male tutor/employer, with her friend and biographer Mrs. Gaskell's struggle to salvage Charlotte's posthumous reputation and feminist novels. In Victorian England, the novels of recently deceased author Charlotte Brontë are now widely banned for being too passionate. Gaskell intends to prove that Charlotte was innocent and her reclusive life, blameless--but when an alarming letter arrives from Brussels, Gaskell feels forced to investigate just how much of Charlotte's novels--including the bestselling but scandalous JANE EYRE--was based on her own life. A vividly theatrical play about love, friendship, and the making of art and identity.

Bechdel Group Reading Selection / 2024 Waterworks Finalist / Included in THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES

(Full length) Becca hates her psychic abilities. As if that isn't enough, she's being haunted by her dead (but still-critical) mom Linda and dead grandma Ida, for reasons none of them understands. When the spirit of a young woman appears and pleads confusingly for help, Becca turns away--but she unwittingly gives her best friend the chance to pursue a dangerous course that could harm Becca and another living woman. A play about living responsibly and being different. (Play 2 in The Ghost Trilogy of standalone plays.)

Semifinalist for the O'Neill Conference, Princess Grace Award/New Dramatists Fellowship and Panndora's Box

(Full length) Novelist Leigh wants a baby but struggles with unexplained miscarriages. Her younger sister Olivia, a parent and psychologist on the tenure track, is having trouble finishing her study of maternal filicide due to one of her subjects, whose motivations are disturbingly unclear. Leigh's husband Max wants to be done with fertility treatments so that he and Leigh can move on. As Olivia and Max begin leaning on each other for support, Leigh begins writing a new novel about filicide, and fact and fiction begin to collide and will have devastating consequences. A new play about motherhood, including its darker side.

Finalist, Southwest Theatre Productions New Play Contest

(Full length) In 1940s Hollywood aging, irreverent, wealthy and nearly-alcoholic movie star W. C. Fields--shunned by film studios and eager for work--grudgingly hires a young English manservant to get his life in order, while Fields' on-off girlfriend Carlotta and rising-actor friend Anthony Quinn vie for his attentions. But new servant Rodney brings a secret link to the past, in this imagined look at the hidden side of an iconic film star, and poignant drama about longing and belonging.

MTWorks Newborn Award / NEWvember Finalist/ Panndora's Box Honorable Mention, other honors

(Full length) Kevin and David were a loving couple, but now Kevin is dead and stuck in a boring afterlife. When David decides to marry a woman, Kevin seizes the chance to wrap up unfinished business with the aid of two dead friends, until things begin to go wrong. A play about love, loss, and the power of memory. (Play 1 in The Ghost Trilogy of standalone plays)

Selected for THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES and BEST CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUES FOR WOMEN 18-35

(Full length) When blocked sculptor Josh's wife Erin becomes seriously ill but won't slow down, Josh takes secretive measures to keep her at home. But their young daughter witnesses his ploys, bringing unwanted scrutiny from a young Catholic priest. As Erin's illness worsens, Josh must learn to let go, and try to grow up, with help from a troubled priest and a strange young woman with piercings. A play abut our need for human connection and the uncertain comforts of faith and art.

2022 Bechdel Group Shortlist

(Full length) Joanna is a poet and single parent working part-time in a funeral home--an odd choice, considering that Joanna can see dead people. When a dead teenage boy follows her home and secretly ensconces himself in her attic, Joanna and her teenage daughter Miranda must learn some hard truths about living and dying. (Play 3 in The Ghost Trilogy of standalone plays)

2024 Round the Bend Theatre Reading Series Selection / 2023 Moxie Incubator Finalist

(Full length in development) Janie is an older woman living alone in her New York City apartment. When Lizbeth, an old friend's granddaughter, arrives for what's supposed to be a short stay, it soon becomes apparent that Lizbeth has other, unexpected plans. A play about how we see, or don't see, women.

(10 Min) Angry about the possible extinction of her species, Bebe, a bumblebee, wants to resist. But Benny, her colleague, has something else on his mind. (Written for the 2025 Playwrights Thriving Shared Title Challenge)

(10 Min) Anna is frightened when she hears a disturbing and inexplicable sound in her house.

Selected for SCC Theatre's Short Play Festival 2024 and Guilford Center Stage Shorts! 2026

(10 Min) On the day of her big departure, Lil and her mom Carly spar over their differing ideas of religion and what constitutes "comfort" for those who remain behind.

Selected for 2026 Short + Sweet Dubai
2025 Short + Sweet Sydney Shortlist
Produced by NextStage, The Playhouse at White Lake and others

(10 Min) When a popular YA action novel appears on the shelves, a bored poetry book decides to make a little mischief.

Official Selection of The Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival
Published in THE LANFORD WILSON NEW AMERICAN PLAY FESTIVAL 2022: THE SHORT PLAYS (SEMO Press)

(10 Min) On their morning walk to school, Alex asks his friend Sofia to their Junior Prom. But Sofia's reaction isn't what Alex had hoped for--or so he thought. A play about taking risks and being ourselves.

Winner of the 2024 Phillip's Mill Emerging Playwrights Competition

(10 Min) A woman must choose between buying cupcakes for her children and tampons for herself.

(10 Min) Alan’s dishwasher is acting up. Carter, a repairman, visits and discovers that even household appliances might require some kindness. A play about dysfunctional relationships and repairs. (One of several plays about household appliances.)

Produced by White Mouse Theater

(10 Min) In 1940s Hollywood, Oscar-nominated Black actress Louise Beavers is cast as yet another maid in another Hollywood movie. But this one has a very shocking twist, and Louise finds herself forced to make a difficult decision. (Written for 365 Women a Year)

Produced by Rover Dramawerks and others

(15 Min) 54-year-old recluse Emily Dickinson and her 44-year-old Irish maid reach an unspoken understanding that, unknown to either of them, will forever alter the course of American literature.

Selected for Short+Sweet Sydney and other productions

(Short) Novelist Charles Dickens and his wife Kate Dickens speak about the legal separation Dickens initiated after twenty-two years of marriage and nine children—narratives that differ substantially from each other. A play about power and women's lives.

(10 Min) Josh finds himself stuck in an elevator with an unusual individual, who might be taking Josh somewhere he really wouldn't want to go.

Published in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2017 (Smith and Kraus)

(10 Min) At a major New York publishing house, an impoverished assistant learns that one of the world's wealthiest women--editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis--might want to bum cigarettes from her. (Inspired by a true incident)

Semifinalist for Little Fish Theatre's "Pick of the Vine" 2026

(10 Min) A family dinner is interrupted when a young woman shows up unexpectedly. A dark comedy tinged with a bit of horror.

(Written for the October 2025 Playwrights Thriving Frightfully Inspired Challenge.)

Published in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2021 (Smith and Kraus)
Audience-choice award in KIT's International Women in Comedy Festival and many other productions

(10 Min) A woman and her fridge. A play about failure and acceptance.

Produced by Primal Theatre, London

(10 Min) When a gorilla at the zoo takes a surprising interest in Myra, she finds her life transforming--but for better or worse?

Published in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2016 (Smith and Kraus)

(10 Min) Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edith Wharton gives a tea party for F. Scott Fitzgerald, struggling young author of THE GREAT GATSBY, with disastrous results.

2024 Semifinalist, Sam Bass Theatre !0-Minute Play Festival

(10 Min) Corey questions reality when an alligator appears at the picnic and eats up all the guac. A play about environmental encroachment, with a talking alligator.

(10 Min) Christmas is approaching and the three Wise Men of the Nativity would like to tell their personal story on stage. What they don't yet know is that the theater they've selected is running a new play festival that doesn't quite follow "best practices" guidelines. (Written for the 2023 Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange)

Audience-choice Award in Weathervane Playhouse's 8x10 Theatrefest, and other productions

(10 Min--A Hailey Play, #1) Stuck for the weekend at her preoccupied, divorced dad's house (and never mind having to deal with Dad's new girlfriend, Sandra), 16-year-old Hailey learns that listening to old-people music can actually be life-altering.

Selected for Crafton Hills College's New Works Festival

(10 Min) 16-year-old Lucy Ball has been kicked out of her NYC drama school for being too shy and having insufficient talent. Back home with her mom, Lucy tries to figure out what if anything to do next. (Based on the life of iconic TV star Lucille Ball))

Selected for THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES 2024 (Smith and Kraus)
Finalist for Schreiber Shorts

(10 Min) Fed up with having her menopausal symptoms unacknowledged and ignored, a playwright decides to write about it. This is her play, and you'd better listen.

Produced by PlayZoomers

(10 Min) Teenager Ethan needs to defrost a meal before basketball practice but Mike, an aging microwave, refuses to open her door--forever. A play about give and take with a common household appliance. (One of several plays about appliances)

Selected for Funny Shorts Live and Caravan Theatre

(10 Min) London, 1595--The Lord Chamberlain's Men are having trouble with their new play, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. (A Will, Kempe & Ed Play--#2)

Published in THE BEST NEW TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2021 (Applause)

(10 Min) Two unemployed roommates learn the meaning of Christmas with help from a can of beans and some dental floss.

(10 Min) London, 1596 - The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are having trouble with their new and shockingly unfunny comedy, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. (A Will, Kempe & Ed Play--#3)

Produced by Rover Dramawerks and SIHF Productions

(10 Min) An imagined glimpse into Agatha Christie's troubled first marriage and the roots of her long career as a novelist.

(10 Min) Hannah learns a lesson from five unlikely sources--the life-sized figures of a Christmas Nativity creche.

Selected for The New Deal Creative Arts Center's 2022 10x10

(!0 Min) Four Abstract Expressionist women artists await the opening of their group exhibition in a condemned building in lower Manhattan. A play about the women of the 9th Street Show. (Written for 365 Women a Year)

Published in THE BEST NEW TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2019 (Applause)
Heartland Theatre Co's 10-Minute Play Festival and other productions

(10 Min) A modern riff on the myth of Persephone, forced to leave her family behind forever. This Persephone returns to give her small child an unusual gift--a new mom.

(10 Min) A New York City carriage horse ponders his life and worth. (Written for the 2025 Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange)

Selected for Stage It! 10-Minute Play Festival and other productions
Published in STAGE IT! 3

(10 Min) Traumatized by a recent loss, Elena finds it hard to leave her NYC apartment until she meets Clara, her older Czechoslovakian neighbor, and the women discover they have more in common than they realized.

(10 Min) Everyone needs a purpose. Maybe, even alphabet letters.

(10 Min) London, 1597 - The Lord Chamberlain's Men have trouble with their latest play, ROMEO AND JULIET, when Will becomes jealous. (A Will, Kempe & Ed Play--#4)

Selected for Caravan Theatre
Finalist, SCC Short Play Festival

(10 Min) London, 1593 - The Lord Chamberlain's Men are having trouble with their plans for JULIUS CAESAR--and with their new and unwanted playwright. (A Will, Kempe & Ed Play--#1)

Selected by NextStage and others

(10 Min) Two bickering older French books stuck in the basement stacks of a library (and subjected to the inexplicable glares of the librarian) find themselves uniting when forced to foil a robbery plan.

Selected for Plays for Us by The Actors Center

(10 Min) In two different places two unrelated women--a parent with a missing child, and a traumatized driver--speak about recent events that, unknown to them, are tragically connected.

Published in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2023 (Smith and Kraus) and STAGE IT! 7
Audience-Choice Award, Authenticity Theater's Authentic !0 Festival
Finalist, City Theatre's Susan J Westfall Short Playwriting Award
Finalist, Gary Garrison Playwriting Award
and other honors

(10 Min) Lilia is startled when her new neighbor Jaden knocks on her door and asks to borrow sugar. But Jaden has an urgent ulterior motive that has nothing to do with sugar, and everything to do with Lilia.

Todd is trapped on a ferry with an unusual individual, who might just be taking Todd somewhere he really wouldn't want to go.

Selected for New Threads Theatre Co/Redlands Theatre Festival Short Play Festival 2024

(10 Min) Gavin struggles to tell colleagues and potential new friends about a recent traumatic loss. But how do you do that when you're sure no one wants to hear it?

(10 Min) London, 1598 - The Lord Chamberlain’s Men have trouble when their new play HAMLET is a huge success and Ed becomes resentful. (A Will, Kempe & Ed Play--#5)

Selected for Weathervane Playhouse's 8x10 Theatrefest

(10 Min--A Hailey Play, #2) It's a new year and teenager Hailey's dad is getting married to his girlfriend Sandra--except that Sandra doesn't actually know it yet. When Dad tries to surprise Sandra with an engagement ring but things go terribly wrong, Hailey comes to the rescue and proves once again that adults aren't always observant.

Winner, Phillips' Mill Emerging Playwrights Competition 2023

(10-15 Min) Two Italian-American sisters remember growing up on New York's lower Eastside and find that their memories differ. But they were happy there. Maybe.

Selected for Dramatic Question Theatre's DQTini Series

(1 Min) No one--and nothing--likes to be alone. A pandemic play for any two performers.

Produced by Rover Dramawerks and 6th Street Playhouse

(One Act/Solo) 85-year-old, former U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and computer pioneer Grace Hopper speaks about life, computer compilers, and kicking some ass in this short solo play about perseverance and passion.

Produced by Primal Theatre

(Monologue) Sky, a pet parakeet, has a request. Or three.

Selected for The Writers Block Radio Hour

(Monologue) A former princess speaks.

Produced by Primal Theatre

(Monologue) Thumper the pet rabbit describes their habit for the audience.

Selected for Stage Left Theater's Fast & Furious

(Monologue) Flash, a young goldfish, loves their new home. Really.

Selected for Gi60 US (2021) / Published in some scripts literary magazine Issue 4

(Monologue) Sometimes the best place to be is your owner's closet.

(3 Min) Two adults describe their different encounters with the police.

Selected for Mind the Gap Theatre's Housebound Series
Published in some scripts literary magazine #5

(Monologue) The six-month-old fetus of a murdered woman speaks. (CW: domestic violence; murder; fetal loss)

Selected for SFCC Spartan Theatre's 2024 Haunting Holidays Play Festival

(1 Min) Listen to Grandma. (A one-minute holiday play. )

Selected for Gi60 US (2023)

(1 Min) A tiny play about love and grief.

(Monologue) The Federal Government's Leader has had enough of Santa. A press conference has been called and a government spokesperson is about to announce the great new American figurehead of Christmas. (Written for the 2024 Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange)

Selected for The PlayGround Experiment's Faces of America Festival #1

(Monologue) Julia isn't Malala. But maybe Malala can help?

Performed and published in The COVID Monologues by Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble

(Monologue) CBS news producer and my high-school friend Maria Mercader died during the COVID pandemic in New York. This was written to celebrate Maria and her life.

(Monologue) Orobas, a demon, is greeting a new arrival.

(1 Min) Where are all the people? Who cares? There's grass! (A pandemic play with goats.)

Selected for Gi60 US (2022)

(Monologue) Scout the dog explains the new invisible fence to a potential playmate.

Selected for "Natural Distancing" at Civic Theater of Greater Lafayette

(Monologue) Scout the dog explains the new invisible fence to a potential playmate.

(Monologue) Bella, age twelve, ponders her mom’s reaction to Bella's interest in hanging out with the new girl at school, who isn’t like everyone else.

(Short) Things with Kitty don't work out quite the way Tyler expected. (Or: a stray cat seeks vengeance)

Written by invitation for Brave New World Rep's "Over and Above" and performed by Laura San Giacomo

(Monologue) A middle-aged bar owner has some words for her ageist male customer--after she locks the door.

(5 Min) Frustrated by the play she's writing for Matthew Weaver's birthday, Jennifer brainstorms with Matthew. A unicorn might appear. (Included in 40ish Short Plays About Matthew Weaver compiled by playwright Matthew Weaver)

Selected for Gi60 Houston 2026

Evil Queen learns a lesson from her magic mirror.

Published in Frozen Women/Flowing Thoughts: Unmasking Womanhood -- A Symphony of Monologues, curated by Venus Theatre Company's Founder Deborah Randall (2024)

(Monologue) A woman struggles to remember the son now lost to her.

Selected for Gi60 US (2024 and 2019)

(1 Min) Max the cat is seriously pissed off--a new kitten has moved in and expects Max to share everything including the litter box. A tiny play about jealousy and transformation.

Selected for St. Paul's Arts Council's Short New Play Festival, The Factory Theater at Greenville U's New Play Festival and by other theaters around the country

(Monologue) A Catholic priest remembers a tragedy in his past. (Written for CodeRed Playwrights)

Selected for Gi60 UK (2019)

(1 Min) A tiny play about the frustrations of dog-ownership.

Selected for The Mother-logues by Red Herring Productions and Empower Her Voice U.K.

(Monologue) At a weekly gathering for moms and babies, Lauren makes an unexpected confession.

Finalist for PGE’s Faces of America Monologue Festival #5

(Monologue) Nineteen-year-old Anthony speaks about his readiness for the military.

Selected for SFCC Spartan Theatre's Haunting Holidays 2025

A biologist gets more than he bargained for while pursuing Bigfoot.

(5 Min) A father's love spans twenty years in five minutes; a daughter's love survives an unthinkable tragedy. (Written for CodeRedPlaywrights)

(Monologue) A street outside Cup Foods, Minneapolis, speaks to us.

Produced by Tutti Bravi Productions

(Monologue) Award-winning Greek-American costume designer Theoni V. Aldredge speaks about what women and immigrants can do.

Published in Feels Blind Literary

(5 Min) Mackenzie wants to help; Caroline wants to forget. A play about growing up in today's United States.

A human being's auditory hallucination speaks to us.

(CW: contains references to mental illness, self-harm, violence, death and blood)

Selected for Caravan Theatre

(10 Min) An unexpected loss helps forge a new connection. (CW: Pet loss)

(10 Min) Three kings--Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior, along with the unhappy son of one of them--meet up in the desert, intending to proceed to Bethlehem where a new king has been born. When Balthazar displays the gold he has brought, his son hatches a plan to gain his father's attention--or land himself in prison. A Christmas play about fathers and sons.

(5 Min) A 10-year-old's love of baseball, and the man he will never become due to a life cut short by gun violence. (Written for CodeRedPlaywrights)