Daniel Guyton

Co-Written with Siddhartha Satyabrata.

An American immigrant from India recounts his journey, which involves both humorous and tragic incidents. Throughout the monologue, he explores his Hindu culture, and how it relates to his life, and affects his understanding of the world around him.

"I absolutely loved the integration of history and legend and the way the two storylines wove together. I was enthralled the whole time... never lost my attention for a second. Mad applause to everyone on this team. Great writing, acting, directing, closed captioning, etc!" (Paige Steadman Ross, Merely Players Presents, 2020)

"I especially liked the way the ending brought everything together. Very moving." (Fred Kempner, Merely Players Presents, 2020)

"That was so moving and wonderful in every way!" (Anita Eidex, Senior University of Greater Atlanta, 2024)

A corrupt businessman is reincarnated as an anteater, in this comedic monologue.

ART: OFFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - 2M,1F. One-Act (10 min), Two robots are sabotaged in a young entrepreneur's workshop in this Steampunk style universe. Part 2 of "The Legend of Steel City: A Collection of Steampunk Inspired One-Acts."

"First up is Daniel Guyton’s splendidly costumed ART: OFFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. This is a strange play, in which Bob Smith plays the hard taskmaster of two art-creating robots, played by Jeremy Clark and Cat Roche. The plot, such as it is, has taskmaster McGleetch slowly finding out that a mysterious female rival has tampered with the robots. It’s neatly constructed and well acted, and James Beck’s direction gets the utmost out of the script, which hints at a world we don’t fully comprehend." (Playgoer, theaterreview.com, 2014)

ATTIC - 3M,1F. One-Act (35 min). A dark, poetic journey into the mind of a troubled teenager; it combines poetry, audience interaction, and dark humor in a unique storytelling environment, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. Part One of The Darker Places Trilogy, a series of one-act plays centering around 3 different rooms within that teenager's home.

*WINNER of the Kennedy Center/ACTF Region IV Short Play Award in 2004*

ATTIC has been published by Original Works Publishing. For production rights, please visit www.originalworksonline.com/ATTIC-by-Daniel-Guyton_p_33.html.

"This is the most innovative, original play I've ever seen... from a college student." (Gary Garrison, executive director of the Dramatists Guild, 2004)

"Poetry, sheer poetry." (Peg Thon, actress, 2012)

"Riveting, dark... presentation of the inside of a schizoid head. I like the structure of it." (Nick Boretz, Playwright's Binge, 2012)

"Darkly funny and emotionally raw... Directing [ATTIC] was one of the highlights of my theatrical career. This is a dark, yet moving play that can be taken in many interesting directions by an intelligent and creative cast. It's deep, with a lot of facets, so have fun with it!" (Greg Campbell, Incumbo Theatre Company, 2012)

"[ATTIC] was daring, unorthodox and wonderful. The actors did a fine job with it and gave it all their talents which were enormous." (Liam Mitchell, Winner of the Sue Nims Distinguished Playwright Award, 2012)

"A riveting portrait of a schizophrenic boy, ATTIC has received wide critical acclaim." (Rikin Shah, The Red and Black Newspaper, 2012)

"It was beautifully done. Mesmerizing. Scotty Gannon was FANTASTIC as the alter ego character. Spooky story, spookily told." (Judith Beasley, Working Title Playwrights, 2012)

"Had a fantastic first day of Fringe! Got to see the chilling ATTIC... Terrific performances in that one. Be sure to check it out." (James Yates, Atlanta Fringe Festival, 2012)

"[ATTIC] is exceptional theatre... It is a beautifully written, highly dramatic and actable piece. I highly recommend it." (Joelle Re' Arp Dunham, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2012)

"I like this one. Quirky, funny, dark, and overall interesting." (Nichole Hamilton, actress, 2015)

"It was amazing... It was such an experience and such an honor to be in a role like that. That was by far the hardest challenge I've had as an actor and I think as far as my career goes up to this point, my biggest success... This is without a shadow of a doubt my favorite character I've had the opportunity to play and one of my favorite plays of all." (Hollis Gasten Warren, Columbus State University, 2014)

BASEMENT - 1M,2F. One-Act (25 min), Part Two of "The Darker Places Trilogy", a series of one-act plays centering around 3 different rooms in a troubled man's home. BASEMENT involves two women trapped in a bas... well, you get the idea. It chronicles their efforts to escape.

"As a professional actress with 30 years of experience I was lucky enough to perform in the world premiere of BASEMENT. The character was masterfully crafted, the play a gem." (Lisa Mende, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2012)

BEDFORD'S STY - 3M. One-Act (20 min), A grown man named Bedford refuses to clean up his bedroom - even when a ghost tells him he has to!

"By far the most entertaining night of theater I have seen at the Alley [Theater]... 'BEDFORD'S STY'... brought the classic Vincent Price films to mind... It explores the hell we create for ourselves. This play has taken elements of comedy and thrown in moments of psychological thrills and created a piece that culminates not
only the collection of plays within "Bits and Pieces" but also the entire Inhuman Festival occurring at the Alley Theater." (Kate Barry, Arts-Louisville.com, 2013)

"By turns twisted, surreal, cruel and hysterical, Guyton pulls out all the stops to craft a bizarre, fourth wall-breaking tale that came from the simplest origins." (Todd Ziegler, AlleyTheatre.wordpress.com, 2013

"BEDFORD'S STY by Daniel Guyton closed out the evening. Bedford's father has died and left his 4-year-old child into the care of Lucas, a sadistic money-grubbing cousin who, in fact, murdered Bedford's father. Meanwhile, the father has turned into the living room, yes, the living room. The first time he/it talks to Bedford, Bedford -- who is played by a rather large actor -- is so startled that he makes an amazingly high and graceful leap over a piece of furniture. The fourth wall is broken several times with good effect in this play, and there are wonderful surprises involving Bedford's toys and later, arsenic." (Nancy Gall-Clayton, Playwright's Binge, 2013)

"Thank you for the privilege to work on BEDFORD'S STY... At first I was a little leery , but it is fast becoming a favorite." (Dawn Shipley, Third Eye Theatre, 2012)

"Cream of the crop - imaginative, macabre, exciting!" (Todd Zeigler, Alley Theatre, 2013)

"BEDFORD'S STY by Daniel Guyton is a thriller about what happens when Bedford, a disabled man, and his caregiver... realize the past while cleaning his room." (Cosette Brown, Third Eye Theatre, 2012)

"Jack [Wells] is one of the most talented actresses I have ever watched. She did such a great job as Bedford in "BEDFORD'S STY" in Grand Guignol 4: Psychosis!" (Heather Stueck, Third Eye Theatre, 2012)

"Guyton’s final play in the collection, BEDFORD'S STY, functions as possibly his most disturbing, yet effective. Guyton’s use of absurdity hits its peak as a disabled young man, Bedford, is dually informed and enabled by the unseen voice in the living room to exact revenge upon his cousin, Lucas, for the deeds done to both of them. The ending is truly a chilling moment, particularly in the innocence of Bedford and allowing the audience and reader to see the future before he can." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"Daniel Guyton's BEDFORD'S STY directed by the playwright - Think of it as a short, punchy gloss on Hamlet, with Matthew Carter Jones as the nefarious Claudius (here named Lucas); Josh Vining as his conflicted nephew (here named Bedford instead of Hamlet, and coming across as dim and childish, in a sort of comical take on Hamlet's scenes of feigned craziness, although Bedford doesn't seem to be feigning much); and Mike Carroll as the voice of the living room, here standing in for the ghost of Hamlet's murdered father. It was wacky and comic in performance, and included bits of audience participation that truly captured the imaginations of all viewers. With memorable performances all around, it was a satisfying finish to an evening of uneven entertainment." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2017)

Play is published exclusively by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

An aspiring actress accidentally uploads an audition tape to a space alien, who believes she is just the right person to help him save his planet. Hijinks ensue!

Written as a Zoom play.

BENEATH THE MONOLITH - 2M. One-Act (10 min), A young artist struggles against the Industrial Revolution in this Steampunk style universe. Part 1 of "The Legend of Steel City: A Collection of Steampunk Inspired One-Acts."

"BENEATH THE MONOLITH is a one-act set in Victorian Era USA, with a distinctive Steampunk style. The play follows the interactions of two artists who are old friends - one who is poor and struggling against the oppressive industrialization of the Steampunk culture, the other who has embraced it and become very successful. The play showcases the politics of the culture in regards to art, and the way it affects each artists’ struggle with his inner demons." (Emma K Harr, ActorsEmbassyNY.com, 2012)

Three teenagers struggle with their own self-image and self-worth. Everyone tells them to "be themselves", but neither of them can really figure out what that means. Intended for high school or older audiences.
*Co-written with Kate Guyton*

BINGO, THE BIRTHDAY CLOWN - 1M. One-Act (10 min), Bingo attends the funeral of his best friend in full birthday clown regalia - much to the chagrin of his best friend's family.

*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"What's a birthday clown doing at a funeral? Hey, you can't spell funeral without F-U-N! Meet Bingo, he's out of his element but attempting to pay his respects to a former love. From the comedic mind of renowned playwright Daniel Guyton comes BINGO THE BIRTHDAY CLOWN." (Press Release, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2015)

BOYS NIGHT IN - 2M. One-Act (10 min), The power goes out on the hottest night of the year. As the thermostat rises, so does the tension between these two roommates.

THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF - 5M,5F. One-Act (30 min), A group of students believe their teacher is a werewolf, in this hilarious farce!

*Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta GA, 2015
*Excerpt published in "Best Contemporary Monologues for Kids 7-15" by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2015
*Excerpt published in "Audition Monologues for Young Men 2016" by Pioneer Drama Service, 2016
*Full play published by Pioneer Drama Service, 2016

"I really enjoyed THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF. Mrs. Henderson, in particular, but all the adults really, reflect the view children often have of adults as arbitrary and nonsensical, but still powerful. I think this should be great fun in production!" (Paul Donnelly, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

"I thought your play was well-written and actually had something important to say (always a good thing). I also enjoyed some of the subtle truths on display, such as how adults are perceived by children. Nice job!" (David Burton, Brooklyn Publishers, 2015)

"Did you ever wonder if werewolves could be real? That's the premise of the Riversprings Middle School play, THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF written by Daniel Guyton and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service of Denver, Colo. Chris (James Browne) is convinced he saw a werewolf outside his bedroom window. Madison (Blythe Gouker) and Benny (Katherine Teller) believe him wholeheartedly while Jacqueline (Maddie Gouker) thinks he is just making excuses about why he did not do his homework. Natalie Hawthorne (Natalie Whaley) - well, she has no idea what is going on! Throw in Detective Karloff (Chris Parrish) working a missing-person case, Principal Lonnie Chaney (Heather Watson) trying to take care of her students (while crushing on the detective), and Natalie's looney mother, Mrs. Hawthorne (Brooke Brannan), obsessed with canned hams and seeing veterans, and you have all the ingredients for a zany, full-moon adventure. To top it all off, the kids think their literature teacher, Mr. Hemming (Mason Herron) might possibly be a werewolf! Lights, sound and effects are expertly controlled by Scott Rossow and Emma Vaughn. The behind-the-scenes stage crew, Ryan Crawford, Hali Hubbard and Savannah Woellert keep the scenes changing while the players race for their lives from a cat-eating werewolf (Natalie Thomas)." (Wilhelmina Morrison, The Wakulla News, 2017)

"The kids love your play 'THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF'!!! (Mary Clair Klooster, Cornerstone Middle School, 2015)

"I read THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF - it's hilarious! I can just picture kids doing it. Very good work!" (Martha Patterson, Playwright's Binge, 2015)

THE BRASS BANYAN - 2M.1F. One-Act (10 min), Two scientists take a journey in a hot air balloon to search of the elusive "brass banyan" in this Steampunk style universe. Part 3 of "The Legend of Steel City: A Collection of Steampunk Inspired One-Acts."

Three people in a museum discover that the junction between life and art is far more complex than they imagined.

"I [enjoyed it]. Immensely! Your play was very good and fascinating. The actresses did a fantastic job!" (Scott Rousseau, Onion Man Productions, 2016)

1M. Monologue. An artist uses an unusual medium to create his masterpiece.

Santa's been in a terrible accident, and it's up to Dr. Gumball to save his life. Can he do it? Or will we lose Santa (and Christmas) forever?

CRAWLSPACE - 1M,1F. One-Act (7 min), Part Three of "The Darker Places Trilogy", a series of one-act plays centering around 3 different rooms in a troubled man's home. CRAWLSPACE shows us an early glimpse into that man's life.

"CRAWLSPACE adds a beautifully tragic climax to the show." (L Marcus Williams, A Fly on the Fourth Wall Productions, 2012)

DAFFODILS - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min); A young man and his fiance' travel to his childhood home. While there, some very dark secrets emerge to the surface.

*Winner of the AuditionArt.com Female Monologue Competition for Rain's Monologue, 2013*
*Finalist in the Arts & Letters One-Act Play Competition, 2015*
*Finalist in the Stageworks/Hudson's Play by Play Festival in Hudson, NY, 2013*
*Published in The Best American Short Plays 2013-2014 by Applause Books, 2015*
*Excerpt published in Best Women's Stage Monologues of 2015 by Smith & Kraus*

"I could hear Rain's voice and cadence so clearly that it was like re-living a conversation I'd had or heard. I was in tears by the time I was halfway through it." (Maggie O'Brien, Columbus State Community College, 2013)

THE DARKER PLACES TRILOGY - A collection of three one-act plays about William, a troubled teenager, boy and man, who descends into madness. The plays include: ATTIC, BASEMENT and CRAWLSPACE.

*ATTIC won the Kennedy Center/ACTF short play award in 2004.*

"If you like psychological thrillers, you REALLY need to see THE DARKER PLACES TRILOGY. With a tight script by Daniel Guyton, spectacular direction by David Crowe, and an amazing, talented cast. I was blown away." (Rachel Jones, The Alliance Theatre, 2012)

"Come see Dan Guyton's DARKER PLACES TRILOGY... David Crowe's direction is brilliant-- Dan's script is intensely, beautifully written, and [the] cast [is] outstanding." (Lory Cox, Impulse Repertory Company, 2012)

"I saw THE DARKER PLACES TRILOGY tonight at opening for the first time. Holy cow, is it good! You gotta see what the amazing David Crowe has done with Daniel Guyton's poetic, twisted mommy issues!" (Kara Cantrell, Impulse Repertory Company, 2012)

"Saw the premiere tonight - it will stick with me for a long time. Those who know me will know that I don't praise a piece if I don't like it... But I can't say enough about what the Circle Ensemble has done with Dan's trilogy." (Jerry Jobe, Rosewater Theatre, 2011)

"The idea behind this arrangement of plays by rooms -- and dark ones at that -- is provocative and vivid... The BASEMENT play is powerful and nasty." (Dr. Stanley Longman, University of Georgia, 2011)

"I never say this, but [ATTIC] was the most innovative, original play I've ever seen... well, from a college student." (Gary Garrison, executive director of the Dramatists Guild, 2004)

"CRAWLSPACE adds a beautifully tragic climax to the show." (L Marcus Williams, A Fly on the Fourth Wall Productions, 2012)

"It's been fascinating, disturbing, upsetting, and funny. In the best possible way... It's very rare to have such dark material treated with humor... I think it rings the most true, because there's humor in everything." (Kathleen Hogan, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2011)

"The Black Swan meets Seinfeld." (Lisa Mende, The Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2011)

"THE DARKER PLACES TRILOGY—three plays which center around one man's descent into madness, all taking place in "the darker places" of his mind and of his home." (Rick Rose, Flagpole Magazine, 2011)

"Poetry, sheer poetry." (Peg Thon, actress, 2012)

"Riveting, dark... presentation of the inside of a schizoid head. I like the structure of it." (Nick Boretz, Playwright's Binge, 2012)

"As a professional actress with 30 years of experience I was lucky enough to perform in the world premiere of BASEMENT. The character was masterfully crafted, the play a gem." (Lisa Mende, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2012)

"Darkly funny and emotionally raw... Directing [ATTIC] was one of the highlights of my theatrical career. This is a dark, yet moving play that can be taken in many interesting directions by an intelligent and creative cast. It's deep, with a lot of facets, so have fun with it!" (Greg Campbell, Incumbo Theatre Company, 2012)

"[ATTIC] was daring, unorthodox and wonderful. The actors did a fine job with it and gave it all their talents which were enormous." (Liam Mitchell, Winner of the Sue Nims Distinguished Playwright Award, 2012)

"A riveting portrait of a schizophrenic boy, ATTIC has received wide critical acclaim." (Rikin Shah, The Red and Black Newspaper, 2012)

"[ATTIC is] quirky, funny, dark, and overall interesting." (Nichole Hamilton, actress, 2015)

"It was beautifully done. Mesmerizing. Scotty Gannon was FANTASTIC as the alter ego character. Spooky story, spookily told." (Judith Beasley, Working Title Playwrights, 2012)

"[ATTIC] is exceptional theatre... It is a beautifully written, highly dramatic and actable piece. I highly recommend it." (Joelle Re' Arp Dunham, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2012)

DEAD GIVEAWAY - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min); Robert buys his wife an unconventional gift for Valentine's Day, which leads to an awkward conversation about love after death.

*Winner of the Judge's Choice Award in the Short + Sweet Festival in Sydney, Australia, 2017.*
Winner of the People's Choice Award in the Short + Sweet Festival in Sydney, Australia, 2017.*
*Winner of the Audience Favorite Award in the Short+Sweet Festival in Manila, Philippines, 2016*
*Winner of the A.R.T. Valentine's Day Playwriting Competition, 2015*
*Winner of the End of the Road New Play Festival Judges' Choice Award, 2015*
*Semi-Finalist in the Minnesota Shorts Festival of Plays, 2015*
*Honorable Mention in the Storefront Theatre Playwriting Competition, 2015*

"I am the bearer of great news. The independent assessor of the plays has decided [DEAD GIVEAWAY] was the BEST play of all the plays (over 70) submitted. The play was rehearsed yesterday and the actors concerned (as we piloted 8 plays) ALSO decided it was the best play. What this means is that it WILL be performed. There is still one more judging process - the audience - but the likelihood [is that] yours will be the overall winner." (Margaret Taylor, Almost Random Theatre, 2015)

"Excuse me for gushing forth, but that was a dynamite piece you brought in - a laugh-a-minute piece of entertainment... You are amazingly talented." (Hank Kimmel, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

"That was one of the best Shorts I have ever seen." (Mary Marshall, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

"On Valentine’s Day, Denise (Elisabeth Cooper) is presented with funeral arrangements as a gift by husband Robert (Charlie Miller). Their light-hearted discussion about their mortality leads to the hypothetical romantic future of each possible surviving spouse. It’s pleasant and cute." (Playgoer, www.theaterreview.com, 2015)

"This is a modern take of 'Until Death Us Do Part'. An excellent play. Well-written, and well-performed." (Anonymous audience member, Almost Random Theatre, 2015)

"Fantastic writing. Brilliant winner of the competition." (Anonymous audience member, Almost Random Theatre, 2015)

DEATH OF A SNOWMAN - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min), A snowman and a little girl discuss the afterlife in this
existential Yuletide comedy.

*Winner of the Gotta Go! Newsletter's "Favorite of the Evening" award in 2009*
*Semi-Finalist in the Play-Makers Spokane Hit & Run VII Festival in Spokane, WA, 2013*

"[Michael] Shelton and Amanda Lynn Meyer team up nicely in DEATH OF A SNOWMAN, a poignant moment between a girl who has lost her mother and her snowman, who explains the circle of life in the coolest way possible." (Elizabeth Musgrave, GottaGo.us, 2009)

"Best of the bunch is Daniel Guyton’s DEATH OF A SNOWMAN, in which actor Michael Shelton gives the best performance I’ve seen from him (and I’ve seen some fine ones) as a snowman discussing life and death with a young girl (Amanda Lynn Meyer)." (Lou Harry, Indianapolis Business Journal, 2009)

"Nor is [the festival] all fluff. One short play has a little girl charmingly but profoundly discussing death and the after-life with a compassionate snow man, for example. (DEATH OF A SNOWMAN, by Daniel Guyton)." (Hope Baugh, Indy Theatre Habit, 2009)

"I read DEATH OF A SNOWMAN and it is absolutely beautiful. You had me laughing and crying throughout the play." (Geri Albrecht, Heuer Publishing, 2009)

"Stephen [Hunt] gives a freshly poignant interpretation to the older and wiser snowman that Xmas newcomer Claire Wilcher talks to about immortality... in “DEATH OF A SNOWMAN,” by Daniel Guyton... I felt as if my face were leaking, I cried so much during this piece, but I just let the tears fall and wiped them away as needed. I never got around to voting online, but Guyton’s “DEATH OF A SNOWMAN” is probably my
favorite of all of the Phoenix Xmas pieces." (Hope Baugh, Indy Theatre Habit, 2010)

"What I love about it is that it transcends it's visual gag and becomes a very moving and poignant piece about a child coping with death and ultimately about our purpose and the meaning of life. [DEATH OF A SNOWMAN] lifts our show to something beyond sight gags, puns and songs. That's why it's the second to the last play of the evening. " (Bryan Fonseca, Artistic Director for The Phoenix Theatre, 2010)

"Daniel Guyton's [DEATH OF A SNOWMAN] presents a little girl (Claire Wilcher) in earnest dialogue with a huge snowman (Stephen Hunt) about death and the preciousness of life." (Jay Harvey, IndyStar.com, 2010)

"DEATH OF A SNOWMAN is a bittersweet little interlude between a motherless child and her come-to-life snowman. The theme is the fragility of life and the pain of loss... The play [features] the wonderful work of Indigo Colbert as Charlotte. So convincing is her performance as the sad, wistful child I cannot begin to guess at Colbert's actual age. Brava!" (John Quinn, Encore Michigan, 2011)

"The title says it all in DEATH OF A SNOWMAN (by Daniel Guyton; director Jackie Strez), in which young Charlotte (Indigo Colbert) considers the mortality of the snowman she created (Aaron Timlin), in a ponderous but ultimately touching scene. The play manages to stretch beyond its exceptional and hilarious costuming; Colbert’s little girl is contemplative without being precocious, and scene partner Timlin uses a vocal affectation that provides hilarity without hijacking the connection." (Carolyn Hayes, The Rogue Critic, 2011)

"DEATH OF A SNOWMAN by Daniel Guyton examines life, love and loss through a fanciful conversation between a young girl and the snowman she created in her backyard. Charlotte (the adorable Haley Pine) grieves the recent death of her mother and turns to her rather eloquent, if physically frosty, friend (charmingly played by Billy Flynn) for a frank and philosophical discussion of life’s biggest questions. Guyton’s piece suitably explores grief and remembrance by embracing optimism, adding a touch
of humor, and championing the well-lived life." (Veronica Bruscini, RhodeIsland.BroadwayWorld.com, 2012)

"In DEATH OF A SNOWMAN, by Daniel Guyton, a little girl, Charlotte (Haley Pine), converses with said Snowman (Billy Flynn). She is concerned that he'll be "going away soon." Her mother, you see, has passed away, so she's wondering what he thinks about the afterlife. Charlotte asks him why people die and he retorts, "Why do people live?" It's a sweet little tale about learning acceptance and appreciation." (Bill Rodriguez, The Boston Phoenix, 2012)

"Our radio show has ended... It was a glorious three year run, broadcasting well over one hundred plays. Your play DEATH OF A SNOWMAN was one of our finest moments. Thank you... for all of your contributions." (Noah Fredericks, KYRS Radio, 2014)

"What if ... a snowman could talk? DEATH OF A SNOWMAN is the story of a grieving little girl who has serious questions and no one to talk to — except her snowman. What follows is a poignant conversation she has with her older and wiser friend about humanity’s biggest questions about death and the preciousness and purpose of life. Rachel Funkhouser and Jordan Town portray Charlotte and Mr. Snowman." (Press Release, The Fairfield Ledger, 2016)

DOMINIC THE DONKEY GETS LARYNGITIS - 3M (or 2M,1F). One-Act (10 min), Dominic the Donkey gets laryngitis on the day before Christmas. Santa will be devastated, unless Dr. Stevens can come to the rescue!

"The play is VERY funny. I think it's going to be a hit with our audiences. This year's very competitive, but DOMINIC is definitely one of the strongest entries." (Spenser Davis, Hobo Junction Productions, 2014)

DON WANNABE -1M,1F. One-Act (10 min); A handsome Hollywood player actually wants to be sincere with women, but he just can't seem to do it. His inner monologue keeps taking over...

*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"Naughty, bawdy, touching, and maniacally funny in turns... A producer and an actress share a conversation over a glass of wine as he slips in and out of brilliant sporadic Shakespearian 'moments of truth.' Hysterical!" (Pat Taylor, Tolucan Times, 2013)

"From award-winning playwright Daniel Guyton, comes the zesty one-act comedy, DON WANNABE. Poor Don can't keep his inner thoughts to himself, as he is overwhelmed by the wiles of a sexy, young actress. Can he win the young lady's company... or will his seedy desires get the best of him?" (Press Release, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2014)

"I saw DON WANNABE at Fall Shorts this past Tuesday... and [it] went over extremely well. I thought it was the one of the two or three really strong shows of the night and two of the evenings best actors were cast in the leads." (Steven Korbar, Playwright's Binge, 2013)

"The Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks has a real ‘trick or treat’ for you in a series of vignettes done with comical style, varied personalities and in some not-so-ordinary situations.... [In DON WANNABE], Gregory James does an amazing performance as a man with a confused inner dialogue... Margot Danis is a model/actress with Hollywood style attitude, with a few desires of her own in an interview with a producer who has ulterior motives." (Lorenzo Marchessi, NoHoArtsDistrict.com, 2013)

"Just saw two hilarious Dan Guyton comedies, SPAT! and DON WANNABE, which were produced in DISJOINTED [LOVE] SHORTS at The Alchemical Theatre Laboratory in NYC. They took me back to some gut wrenching laughter at the Last Frontier Fringe [Festival] in June, courtesy of Dan's deliciously dark sense of humor... Paco got big laughs in SPAT! And the guy playing Don in DON WANNABE was very funny, he had a young Orson Welles persona and delivery." (Jeff Stolzer, Last Frontier Theatre Conference, 2013)

"Loved your plays last night at Disjointed Love Shorts! They were really well done... I know most of the actors, and they were just great. They do this amazing creative staging. Your plays got a great response! Congrats!" (Nina Mansfield, Ticket 2 Eternity Productions, 2013)

"Your work is really good, Daniel. I majored in LitCrit... and writers like you are not plentiful. Long may you wave!" (Kelli Brown, Town and Gown Players, 2013)

When Count Dracula gets a bad case of tooth decay, only Dr. Price can save him. Too bad Dr. Price really lives up to his name!

Happy the Christmas Elf decides that he no longer wants to be a Christmas Elf. Instead, he wants to be a math teacher! Only problem? He doesn't know how to add. So, Santa enrolls him in elementary school, with the wacky gang from Bizarretown (the same characters from "A Boy Who Cried Werewolf" and "An Alien in Elementary School"). From there, hijinks ensue, as Happy (and the other students) learn a lesson about math AND about the true spirit of Christmas.

FAT DICK - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min), An overweight private detective has to solve a murder. But can he figure out what to eat for dinner first?

*Finalist in the Independent Play(w)rights 10 Minute Play Competition in 2013*
*Semi-Finalist in Little Fish Theatre's Pick of the Vine Competition in 2014*
*Published in "Best 10-Minute Plays of 2016" by Smith & Kraus in 2016*
*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"I will always vote for 'FAT DICK.' Yay!" (Scotty Gannon, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2013)

"I LOVE the title and didn't even read it - but then I read it. And quite literally laughed out loud, then had to read it out loud to my husband. Great stuff!" (Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre, Onstage Atlanta, 2013)

"The audience absolutely loved this scene! The style of speaking, the well developed story, surprises and funny lines. [It] had the audience fully entertained and laughing every night... It was gangbusters, see!" (Paul Lauden, Whitefire Theatre, 2014)

"I must say I am incredibly impressed and as close to in love as possible with FAT DICK." (Josh Vining, Onstage Atlanta, 2013)

"That was funny as hell. Reminded me of Prairie Home Companion, the private eye in the Acme building - Guy Noir - still trying to find out the meaning of life. In this case it was a donut - which is kind of perfect. It’s round (endless) with a hole the middle. Man is always searching for something with a hole in the middle that’s endless." (Nick Boretz, Working Title Playwrights, 2014)

"Next-to-last is Daniel Guyton’s FAT DICK, which, as its title suggests, involves an obese private detective. His nutritionist has been killed, and the nutritionist’s widow (the fabulous Katie Graham) is under suspicion of murder. The action takes place as a stereotypical film noir meeting in the detective's seedy office. There are clever lines, many recycled "fat" jokes, a nice flow, and an appropriate ending twist. Peg Thon is terrific as the offstage voice of a secretary... Paul Donnelly has directed the proceedings with nice blocking and a
nice flow." (Playgoer, theaterreview.com, 2014)

"I like to tell people that I broke my 'Atlanta cherry' with Daniel Guyton's FAT DICK." (Paul Donnelly, director, 2013)

"Lots of fun banter and I do like the old 40's detective film noir of the period." (Mickey Ray, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2013)

"Just wanted to let you know I saw your play FAT DICK at Spring Shorts at the Whitefire Tuesday night... The show went over very nicely and got a lot of laughs and I think you would be pleased with it." (Steven Korbar, Playwrights' Binge, 2014)

FATHER AND SON - 2M, various voices. One-Act (10 min), God becomes an atheist. Hijinks ensue.

"I just finished reading your plays and would like to add FATHER AND SON to my syllabus.. Your dark comedy would add a nice twist." (Jody Schardt, College of Lake County, 2012)

"Your play was another a huge hit for my ENG 122 students! Thank you again for letting me use it. We read it yesterday, resulting in an inspired and delightful discussion." (Jody Schardt, College of Lake County, 2013)

"FATHER AND SON provides another morbidly funny take on generational differences, as told between God and Jesus as they hear countless prayers and see God take a defeated approach towards what he has created. Guyton again tacks a tragic and sobering button to the play’s end, a clever moment slightly obscured by his clever banter throughout." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

This play was published exclusively by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net.

A group of teenagers and adults deal with fear in their lives; from terrorism, gun violence, racial tension, and more. There is hope, but they have to work together to find it.

A FRIEND TO ALL THE LITTLE GUYS - 3M,1F. One-Act (40 min); Two mob thugs pressure a poor schlub into doing their dirty work. Ey, it's freakin' hilarious.

The half-human, half-robot mayor of Steel City threatens punishment for anyone who engages in sabotage - or knows anyone who engages in sabotage in this Steampunk style universe. Part 5 of The Legend of Steel City: A Collection of Steampunk Inspired One-Acts.

GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT - 1M,2F. One-Act (15 min), A young man tries to kill himself in this dark, disturbing comedy, but an accidental murder puts things into perspective. Mature audiences only.

*Finalist in the Kennedy Center/ACTF Region IV 10-Minute Play Competition (2003)*
*Finalist in the Time to Strike! Festival in Manhattan, NY (2012)
*Semi-Finalist in the Riant Theatre's Strawberry One-Act Festival in Manhattan, NY (2005)*
*Outstanding Male Performance for Joey Folsom as Georgie (2010)*
*Great Performance for Joey Folsom as Georgie (2010)*
*Adapted into a Short Film by Emotionalism Films (2011)*
*Published in "One Acts of Note 2008" by Desert Road Publishing (2009)*
*Published in "Hilarious Nightmares" by Next Stage Press (2013)*
*Excerpt published in "The Best Men's Stage Monologues of 2014" by Smith & Kraus (2014)*
*Excerpt published in "The Best Contemporary Monologues for Men 18-35" by Applause Books (2014)*
*Excerpt published in "Monologues from the Plays of Next Stage Press" by Next Stage Press (2016)*

“Georgie Gets a Facelift” is published in an exclusive contract with Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

"In Daniel Guyton's 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT', the blackest of black comedies, the suicide attempts of the title character (played by Joey Folsom) keep getting interrupted by the telephone and the doorbell... [The other play] holds your attention, but Guyton's delightfully perverse script is the one that you'll remember." (Lawson Taitte, "The Dallas Morning News", 2010)

"Dan Guyton's 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT' opens with an image that shouldn't be as funny as it is: a young man (Joey Folsom), pointing a gun into his own mouth. But thanks to Folsom's expert delivery and Lisa Anne Haram's hilarious performance as his all-abiding mother, this darkest-of-dark-comedies had the audience in stitches." (Will Arbery,"D Magazine", 2010)

"Can suicide, serial murder and a potty-mouthed girl scout be funny? Hell yeah, as proven by Daniel Guyton's tarpit-dark comedy 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT'... The beauty lies in the writing, which is snappy, succinct and original... The opening scene in 'GEORGIE' is comic gold, and the closing line... could not be more perfect." (Mark Lowry, "Theatre Jones", 2010)

"One of the best entries in the 2010 FIT (Festival)" (Mark Lowry, "Theatre Jones", 2011)

"This black comedy... is a tidy, tiny enterprise in delayed gratification, kind of like a Thurber short story compared to a Faulkner novel. All the language and character and thematic depth exist in both, just on a different scale... Impeccable timing by a tight, focused cast ensemble with plenty of textural gravitas and dry comic delivery... This is exactly the sort of creative endeavor that matches FIT's mission and maintains a high level of artistic integrity. Joey Folsom, in a surprising, clean-shaven, buttoned-down turn, helms the play with signature crisp stage presence and distinctive voice. His lengthy, surreal, tender conversation with a dead body is an acting high point for the entire Festival. Lisa Anne Haram creates a bizarre reality, as horrifying as she is delicious to watch. Stephanie Hall masters the transitional arc [of] the play... with outstanding physical acting; the... play relies almost entirely on her convincing portrayal. And it works famously. Plan on being horrified, then amazed, then relieved; and imagine James Thurber. It's a strong start for novice director Chad Cline." (Alexandra Bonifield, "Critical Rant & Rave", 2010)

"[Stephanie Hall's] physical comedy in this part (where she channels a rag doll) is hilarious. In a festival well-known for minimalist sets, this one wins the prize for the most minimalist. Ever. There is almost nothing to distract the viewer; all the attention and focus is on the three actors." (Carol Anne Gordon, "Pegasus News", 2010)

"Just one more day in the life of a suicidal/homicidal maniac and his mother, this double bill includes Dan Guyton's 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT', a black comedy about an underachieving momma's boy with a vision and the girl scout who stands in his way." (David Meglino, FIT Festival Press Release, 2010)

"In 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT', a man is on the precipice of suicide until his mother shows up and ends things with a bang." (Roxanne MacManus, "Willamette Week Online", 2010)

"'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT' is a dramedy about a guy who loses his job, and about some of the bad decisions he's made involving himself, his mother and a girl scout. Not like you're thinking, though." (Patricia Sindelar, "The Omaha Reader", 2009)

"[Eric] Grant-Leanna... stood out in the evening's first one-act entitled 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT', portraying a suicidal schlemiel." (Mark Robinson, "Omaha Theater Examiner", 2009)

"The first offering, 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT' by Daniel Guyton, gave Liz Mulhern a chance to shine as an airhead mother pooh-poohing the problems of her suicidal and psychopathic son." (Warren Francke, "The Omaha Reader", 2009)

"Haunting, poetic, beautiful and funny."(Brian Harris, Strawberry One-Act Festival award winner, 2006)

"Wonderfully entertaining script." (Kurt Kleinmann, "Pegasus Theatre", 2015)

"I loved this play." (Craig Bond, Shelterbelt Theatre, 2012)

"Incredible story, Daniel. I am proud to have been able to play a role in the Shelterbelt's production of 'GEORGIE', especially knowing that the play helped you express things through humor that had been working on you for so long." (Liz Huse, Shelterbelt Theatre, 2015)

"From the short play by Daniel Guyton comes a slice from the worst day of George McCauley Robertson's life. The recipe for this Black Comedy: manic depressive, suicidal, homicidal college graduate + a fully loaded revolver + his Momma + a Girl Scout + Thin Mints. At the heart this film is about a young man who has invested everything of himself in the American Dream being slapped in the face with the reality that the American Dream is a lie. Hard work and dedication don't get you much when you are a member of the expendable dwindling middle class in modern America. 'GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT' tells the tale of how one college graduate deals with being pushed too far and let down by his society. After successful runs across the nation on stage, this 'delightfully dark', 'jaw dropping', 'heartbreaking', 'relevant' story is being re-imagined for the screen." (Joey Folsom, Emotionalism Films, 2011)

"In the worlds he creates, Guyton chooses characters who are often living in extremes. His Georgie, from GEORGIE GETS A FACELIFT, is a pushed too far man on the brink, almost talked down from the proverbial ledge by his kind to a fault mother. We see a slow burn of a connection established between his mother’s maternal nature, the trauma she’s experienced, and how it has in turn shaped Georgie. Her final sacrifice is a tragically honest twist in line with the only way she can carry on." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

GOT CHANGE FOR A TWO? - 3M,2F. One-Act (45 min) - Co-written with Spencer Temkin. Two friends get drunk, discuss money, and bad-mouth the opposite sex. Well... not as much as they bad-mouth each other.

GRAVE ASSURANCES - 1M,1F One-Act (10 min) - co-written with Laura Carson - A Jewish comedian and his anti-semitic mother-in-law battle it out after his wife passes away.

"The script was magnificent! I think I was the luckiest actor there! Funny, funny stuff! What a rush!" (Mary Claire Klooster, Working Title Playwrights, 2012)

"When two people meet at a grave to discuss a deceased love one, an unexpected bargain begins. Can a common ground be found amiss (sic) the sense of entitlement — and how far will a person go to hold on to a priceless treasure they so desperately crave? Several twists await in this bone-chilling drama by Laura Carson & Daniel Guyton entitled GRAVE ASSURANCES. One of 7 haunting one-acts performed in Tales from the Script!" (Press Release, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2013)

A series of short vignettes (20 min total) intended to be the framework around an evening of short holiday plays. Grimbaldt the Elf does NOT want to make toys anymore. Instead, he wants to be a pimp, and entertain the "naughty" people in the audience.

"We read '[GRIMBALDT THE] CHRISTMAS PIMP' the other night aloud. Holy s**t. That was the most hilarious and completely unproducible thing I've seen in a while... We were pissing ourselves, and at the same time desperately afraid that anyone would hear us reading it. Holy shit, that was Farrelly Brothers material." (Bob Smith, Out of Box Theatre, 2016)

"GRIMBALDT made it to the final round of selections and is very funny." (Andrew Rosdail, The World Crime League Theatre, 2017)

THE GRIM RAPER - 1M,2F. One-Act (10 min), The Angel of Death tries to pick up women the only way he knows how... With roofies.

*Published in The Best American Short Plays 2012-2013 by Applause Theatre Books, 2014*
*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"Daniel Guyton's THE GRIM RAPER takes its own comic barroom scene, but chillingly reverses all audience allegiances by transforming an abstraction of Death into a commonplace but horrific vision of evil." (William Demastes, Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2014)

Two people debate the merits of a possible Trump presidency in this one-minute play.

3M. One-Act (10 min), Two actors from "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof" share a jail cell with the drunk heckler who ruined their show.

HATE MALE - 1F. One-Act (10 min), An angry punk grrrl who hates men is arrested for murder. She tells us why she did it.

*Semi-Finalist in the Women in the Age of Trump Festival, 2017*

"'HATE MALE' is the story of a white trash woman (AC Smallwood), but this monologue is not comic. It starts with a vitriolic, foul-mouthed diatribe against an unseen guard on the other side of invisible bars. The woman has suffered sexual abuse, and her behavior and language alternate between sweet come-ons and hateful insults. The innocent-faced Ms. Smallwood, with a bruise around her right eye, nails the character." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2015)

"AC Smallwood, in 'HATE MALE,' a monologue, plays the role of a very angry young woman who was sexually abused wherein she attempts to seduce a prison guard. Hers is the most evocative tale. Smallwood is captivating and a bit terrifying in her portrayal of this damaged character. Keep an eye out for future offerings of this piece." (Daniel Lamb, Edge Media Network, 2015)

"Congratulations to Katlin Leslie... for [her] terrific performance last night, and to Daniel Guyton for writing yet another powerful and provocative piece." (L Marcus Williams, A Fly on the Fourth Wall Productions, 2013)

"A very special thanks to Daniel Guyton for writing [a] fantastic piece. Working on HATE MALE was fun, enlightening and definitely a challenge." (Katlin Leslie, A Fly on the Fourth Wall Productions, 2013)

"I love your Gretchen monologue from HATE MALE... I thought this one really call[ed] out to me." (Diana Pantoja, Actress, 2013)

A collection of eight 10-Minute Plays with a darkly comedic twist. Includes the titles "Georgie Gets a Facelift", "Romance is Dead", "Bedford's Sty", "Milo & Barbara", "Spat!", "Father and Son", "I'm Not Gay!", and "The Sins of Rebethany Chastain". These shows will terrify you, make you laugh, and might even make you cry - all at the same time. Come hear murderous confessions, romances gone wrong, and dreadful deeds aplenty. These dark comedies are sure to delight, offend, and most of all entertain!

Published by Next Stage Press. The full collection can be purchased here: www.amazon.com/dp/1940865387.

"No one does wonderfully dark, disturbing, character driven shows like Daniel Guyton." (Gene Kato, Next Stage Press, 2013)

"Looking for some good reads? Daniel Guyton has a wicked sense of humor and a fearless approach to storytelling." (Jeff Marker, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2013)

"Daniel Guyton's script is a riot to interpret and perform. I really hope you'll come and see just how awesome HILARIOUS NIGHTMARES is!" (Rich Sagendorf, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2013)

"At last, the canon expands to include your astonishing bizarre hilarious work - congrats!" (Mark Muro, Last Frontier Theatre Conference, 2013)

"If you like your literature offensive, humorous, biting, and truly entertaining, while being emotionally moving, poignant, and with a strong message, then Hilarious Nightmares is for you. This is a great collection of short plays, and while they will most likely shock and offend you, they all have such meaningful social commentary. Think something along the lines of South Park, except on stage. If you don't enjoy crass humor or have an open mind, this may not be the read for you. If however, you're looking for something new and exciting, pick this up! Dan Guyton is a gifted author, and so unique among the playwright community!" (Richard Sagendorf, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2015)

"Awesome show! Funny, edgy, even spiritual! I was almost offended!" (Brian Toal, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2013)

"I love everything by this talented writer and this was no exception! Well done, well written and well played! I love Guyton's sense of humor!" (Nancy Powell, Onstage Atlanta, 2015)

"Such an amazing collection of one acts. These plays are perfect for pushing the envelope while busting a gut from laughter. After you read them, you'll be looking for a stage to perform them. True brilliance." (Ron Michaud, Amazon Review, 2015)

"Aside from just being a fun read, there are two good reasons to purchase HILARIOUS NIGHTMARES. First off, Guyton has written and published a lot of plays and this collection is a very good introduction to his quirky style. His writing is at once funny, disturbing and more than just a little twisted. Secondly, if you're looking to produce a short play, say 15 minutes or less, and you want to find a unconventional comedy that leaves you feeling a bit uncomfortable (and maybe somewhat offended), you'll find it in this collection. Guaranteed. Read the first play in this collection, 'Georige Gets a Facelift', about a suicidal young man, and you will immediately see what sort of a ride you are in for. It's not going to be for all tastes, but if you enjoy it, the good news is that seven more plays follow! And if you enjoy this collection you'll probably want to purchase a few more of Guyton's plays." (Rand Higbee, Playwright, 2015)

"We really love your stuff. Do you have possibly eight or ten 10 minute pieces that are comedies? We were thinking maybe of doing a Guyton festival... rather than getting a bunch of others... Just wondering." (Bryan Rasmussen, Whitefire Theatre, 2013)

"Last night to come see HILARIOUS NIGHTMARES! Don't miss this one. The cast has put in a lot of hard work, and the writing is just phenomenal. Oh, and it's funny. And offensive. It's like South Park on stage. Or Family Guy, just without the flashbacks. Well, mostly without the flashbacks. There's a tooth fairy. And stage guns. And it's just good, alright? So no excuses. 8pm... Be there, or be not as cool as I thought you were." (Rich Sagendorf, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2013)

"Didn't like it, LOVED it - very talented man you are!" (Maria Bianchi, Mostly Harmless, 2013)

"This show is not suitable for children. It's not really suitable for adults either. In fact, we aren't really sure who it's suitable for." (Poster for Mostly Harmless Productions, 2014)

"It's a great collection! Truly great!" (Gene Kato, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"This collection of short plays is totally delightful. I've never seen any of their (many) productions - as indicated in the text - but it's easy to visualize them on stage. They are marvelously theatrical. Just as important, I think, they are very well-crafted. And absolutely "hilarious" - that's not an exaggeration. And neither is the term "nightmares." These are dark comedies, but not that dark. There's a real heart behind the outlandish comedy. Well worth reading - and producing - if you enjoy intelligent entertainment." (Bruce Bonafede, Amazon Review, 2016)

"Just had a chance to catch up on Daniel Guyton's HILARIOUS NIGHTMARES. In Daniel Guyton’s HILARIOUS NIGHTMARES, a set of eight separate plays, Guyton plays with both of the title words cleverly as he presents stories ranging from macabre, funny, honest, and disturbing to the audience with no filter in place. With careful exploration of absurdity mixed in with every day characters who we most likely we would not notice, he creates a dynamically dramatic world, one in which the audience and reader will be barely able to process the whirlwind of the previous play’s events before they are smacked in the face once again.-- In the worlds he creates, Guyton chooses characters who are often living in extremes. His Georgie, from 'Georgie Gets a Facelift', is a pushed too far man on the brink, almost talked down from the proverbial ledge by his kind to a fault mother. We see a slow burn of a connection established between his mother’s maternal nature, the trauma she’s experienced, and how it has in turn shaped Georgie. Her final sacrifice is a tragically honest twist in line with the only way she can carry on. -- 'Milo and Barbara' provides a darkly humorous twist on what happens when a married man takes on a new lover – theatre. Milo’s acting bug is steeped in fervency and short-sightedness, a flaw which ultimately sends Milo orbiting back to earth. Here, Milo’s blind ambition combined with Barbara’s voice of reason clash, but Guyton refuses to end this play with a nice little bow. -- In 'I’m Not Gay!', a short vignette taking place in a New York City building, Guyton’s Gary takes a thinly veiled approach at all questions on gay sex which seem to have haunted him for longer than we can tell. The pay-off is well done, allowing Gary to return to his repressed mindset and catapulting him to what we imagine is his next disastrous encounter. -- 'Father and Son' provides another morbidly funny take on generational differences, as told between God and Jesus as they hear countless prayers and see God take a defeated approach towards what he has created. Guyton again tacks a tragic and sobering button to the play’s end, a clever moment slightly obscured by his clever banter throughout. -- 'Romance is Dead', a monologue by 50-year-old Dr. Edward Bainsbridge, tips the scales towards the recently incarcerated Bainsbridge honestly tells of his perversion and how he slowly developed his need for this connection. The play brings to mind Neil Labute’s Wrecks in both tone, color, and effectiveness of balancing past and present within a lengthy monologue. -- 'Spat!' opens as a highly volatile, explosive argument between Mark and Wanda. Divided between a few scenes and flashback moments, and nicely softened with the comedic Paco, the play explores a couple’s inability to co-exist and the ways they find validation for their self and most base needs. -- 'The Sins of Rebethany Christian' provides a different tone than any seen yet in this collection, as we see Rebethany tell the hilariously tragic story of how a few small events can change one’s world entirely. This is written with a bit of southern trashy charm and filled with a wild warmth of description, character, and event. Rebethany is incredibly likable despite her flaws and reading this monologue made me want to see it on stage immediately. -- Guyton’s final play in the collection, 'Bedford’s Sty', functions as possibly his most disturbing, yet effective. Guyton’s use of absurdity hits its peak as a disabled young man, Bedford, is dually informed and enabled by the unseen voice in the living room to exact revenge upon his cousin, Lucas, for the deeds done to both of them. The ending is truly a chilling moment, particularly in the innocence of Bedford and allowing the audience and reader to see the future before he can. -- Guyton has created a small universe of dysfunction that exist in Hilarious Nightmares. Each story allows for moments of laughter, empathy, and deeper experiences of the relationships around us and the variety of forms they can take." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

HOW I MET YOUR SANTA - 1F. One-Act Monologue (10 min). Mrs Claus explains how she and Santa first met, in this charming one woman monologue.

*Winner of the GottaGo! Newsletter's "Favorite of the Evening" award in 2011*

"Moving without deviation in the direction of Christmas sweetness, spiced with gentle humor, was Gayle Steigerwald's monologue, HOW I MET YOUR SANTA, by Daniel Guyton." (Jay Harvey, IndyStar.com, 2011)

"Rocking into the Gotta Go spotlight this week is Gayle Steigerwald in HOW I MET YOUR SANTA, the tale of her first meeting with Saint Nick. The delightful tale is all the more sentimental because of Steigerwald's
tender storytelling ability. You will find yourself believing every word of the future Mrs. Claus' account of the Christmas she encountered the jolly elf in her childhood home. It is no surprise that this piece earns the Gotta Go "favorite of the evening" award once I realized afterward that it had been written by Daniel Guyton. You'll remember Guyton receiving my "favorite of the evening" in 2009 during Phoenix Theatre's A Very
Phoenix Xmas 4: Our Stockings are Stuffed with "Death of a Snowman." Guyton brings tender, real moments to the stage without slipping down the too-much slope." (Elizabeth J Musgrave, GottaGo.us, 2011)

"The sixth version of the Phoenix Theatre's annual holiday revue is a blend of spoken and sung comedy, poignancy and insight into the ambivalence that surrounds Christmas celebrations... Daniel Guyton's
"HOW I MET YOUR SANTA" ensures that the sentimental side is not ignored." (Jay Harvey, IndyStar.com, 2011)

"Oh, how sweet and wonderful your monologue is... I hope you receive TONS of productions of this sweet and moving piece." (Mary Steelsmith, Playwrights' Binge, 2011)

"HOW I MET YOUR SANTA... Simply amazing!" (Alison Becker, Phoenix Theatre, 2011)

I'M NOT GAY! - 2M. One Act (10 min). A gay man and a homophobe are trapped on an elevator together. Hijinks ensue. (This is also the first scene of a full-length play)

*Winner of the Best Comedy Award from the Author's Playhouse New Author Festival in 2005*
*Adapted into a short film by Baxter's End Productions in 2009*
*Official entry of the Lancaster Area Film Festival (LAFF) in Lancaster, PA, 2010 (Short film)*
*Official entry of the Artlightenment Film Festival in Nashville, TN, 2011 (Short film)*
*Official entry of the Bridgeport ComedyFest Film Festival in Chicago, IL, 2012 (Short film)*
*Official entry of the SOAPIFF Film Festival in Nashville, TN, 2012 (Short film)*

"A brilliant play about all the hypocrisy about homosexualism (sic) and people either loved it or hated it... just as it should be." (Gudmundur Ingi Thorvaldsson, Theatre Loftkastalinn, 2005)

"One of the funniest f***in plays I've ever been involved with." (Mark Adamo, actor, 2012)

"I've been involved with a lot of stage productions. This one was my favorite. So much ridiculousness." (Ron Michaud, actor, 2014)

"If you want to laugh the hardest you have ever laughed in your entire life (or be extremely offended) go watch “I’M NOT GAY!” by Daniel Guyton. It’s the freaking epitome of a closet case. I can't stop laughing!" (anonymous tubmlr review, 2014)

"Just because I like this play, doesn't mean I'm gay. I like lots of straight things too, like wrestling, football, and gladiators. Oh dear." (Barnaby Luke Camp, actor, 2014)

"Extremely well written. I love how the author developed the characters and the writing was very descriptive. I truly felt like I got to know the characters personally." (Amazon.com Review, 2014)

"Double-billed on the show is playwright Daniel Guyton, rounding out the show with the hilarious I'M NOT GAY!" (Natasha Lewin, Tolucan Times, 2013)

"Saw the show last night... Your two pieces were last on the bill and the crowd loved them. I'M NOT GAY! seemed to really hit... Good work!" (Ron Burch, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"I attended the evening of one acts at Whitefire... The play in the elevator was fun and well done." (Michael Erger, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"I was very struck by the performance of the guy that played the nerd, in the film I'M NOT GAY!... and then I got to thinking about the film and the acting job the guy did, and I thought goddamn, this is like some Jerry Lewis sh** going on in there. Very interesting. Very interesting." (Jaz Dorsey, Artlightenment Film Festival, 2012)

"In I'M NOT GAY!, a short vignette taking place in a New York City building, Guyton’s Gary takes a thinly veiled approach at all questions on gay sex which seem to have haunted him for longer than we can tell. The pay-off is well done, allowing Gary to return to his repressed mindset and catapulting him to what we imagine is his next disastrous encounter." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

Published by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

Gary is a homophobe. The play explores his prejudices in one of the funniest, most shocking tragedies of all time. Loved and hated by critics across the globe, this play nearly caused someone to choke to death on opening night in Iceland. Some say it was from laughter. Others say it was the bile in the back of her throat.
Regardless, you'll never forget the experience as Gary tries to prove how "not gay" he truly is. Mature audiences only.

"A brilliant play about all the hypocrisy about homosexualism (sic) and people either loved it or hated it... just as it should be." (Gudmundur Ingi Thorvaldsson, Theatre Loftkastalinn)

"Artistically flawed... morally repugnant... I'M NOT GAY! [belongs in] a category of its own - the theatre of the obnoxious." (Grant Tyler Peterson, offoffonline.com, 2005)

"One of the funniest fu**in' plays I've ever been involved with." (Mark Adamo, actor, 2012)

"I'M NOT GAY! is a competent play in which prejudices collide like go-kart cars and bounce off the walls with laughter... I don't know if I'M NOT GAY! will serve to lessen or increase prejudice towards homosexuals, but one thing is for sure - people in the audience were choking with laughter... The characterisation was unusually good and it is rare to find such a great cast, in which each and every actor was absolutely brilliant. The language in the show is foul, but it serves the point. The tolerance of the prudes who see this show will be put to the test, because the language is basically a dictionary of the anus." (Dagblaðið, 2005)

"I've been involved with a lot of stage productions. This one was my favorite. So much ridiculousness." (Ron Michaud, actor, 2014)

"If you want to laugh the hardest you have ever laughed in your entire life (or be extremely offended), go watch “I’M NOT GAY!” by Daniel Guyton. It’s the freaking epitome of a closet case. I can't stop laughing!" (anonymous tubmlr review, 2014)

"Just because I like this play, doesn't mean I'm gay. I like lots of straight things too, like wrestling, football, and gladiators. Oh dear." (Barnaby Luke Camp, actor, 2014)

"Extremely well written. I love how the author developed the characters and the writing was very descriptive. I truly felt like I got to know the characters personally." (Amazon.com Review, 2014)

"In I'M NOT GAY!, a short vignette taking place in a New York City building, Guyton’s Gary takes a thinly veiled approach at all questions on gay sex which seem to have haunted him for longer than we can tell. The pay-off is well done, allowing Gary to return to his repressed mindset and catapulting him to what we imagine is his next disastrous encounter." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"Double-billed on the show is playwright Daniel Guyton, rounding out the show with the hilarious I'M NOT GAY!" (Natasha Lewin, Tolucan Times, 2013)

"Saw the show last night... Your two pieces were last on the bill and the crowd loved them. I'M NOT GAY! seemed to really hit... Good work!" (Ron Burch, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"I attended the evening of one acts at Whitefire... The play in the elevator was fun and well done." (Michael Erger, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"I've no idea if you've worked as an actor - but the way you put words on a page makes it remarkably easy to take them from the page and give voice and character to them. It's refreshing. I searched for three days to find a monologue that was interesting enough to remember, and exciting and varied enough to perform. When I found I'M NOT GAY! I did a little dance... It's perfect - hilarious, shows a beautiful range of emotion and out of all the monologues I've read it's the only one that allowed me to instantly visualize who the character is - and it's completely appropriate for the role I'm going for." (Jarryd Williams, actor, 2014)

"I was very struck by the performance of the guy that played the nerd, in the film I'M NOT GAY!... and then I got to thinking about the film and the acting job the guy did, and I thought goddamn, this is like some Jerry Lewis sh** going on in there. Very interesting. Very interesting." (Jaz Dorsey, Artlightenment Film Festival, 2012)

"I was recently at a high school drama competition. While there, I was fortunate enough to see a young man perform a monologue from your play "I'M NOT GAY!" I thought it was the most hilarious monologue I had ever heard... I watched the nine minute clip on your website and I love your sense of humor." (TJ North, Actor, 2014)

"I want to say I was moved by Michael's monologue in I'M NOT GAY! I could picture that scene in my mind and it was really touching." (Crimson, Fiberead.com, 2015)

A young girl imagines she is a military soldier. However, the nurse who keeps interrupting her fantasies would suggest otherwise.

*Created for the Nugget Fringe Festival's 3-Hour Plays, 2017

IN THE SHADOW OF A WAR - 2M. One-Act (10 min), A nod to Samuel Beckett, and a satire of this blasted war. Two roommates await the cannon fire of an impending army.

"IN THE SHADOW OF A WAR, by Daniel Guyton, is a cut above. It's highly reminiscent of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," but seems to take place in some sort of dungeon in which two prisoners cower and read from a blank book, awaiting a coming war. The dialogue is opaque and repetitious, but very nicely delivered by Jerry Jobe and Bob Winstead. Julie Taliaferro's direction prevents the action from becoming static. It provokes thought, [and it] needs to be done to perfection to work on all levels." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2013)

"A great little script by Daniel Guyton." (Jerry Jobe, Academy Theatre, 2013)

JANUARY'S ALIBI - 1F. One-Act (10 min), January is a poor woman, accused of murdering the father of her child. In this interrogation sequence, she explains what really happened.

*Excerpt published in "Best Women's Stage Monologues of 2016" by Smith & Kraus.*

"'JANUARY'S ALIBI' is spoken to police interrogators who are questioning a woman (Tanya Freeman) in the shooting death of her child’s father. There’s a lot of foul language in this play... but it’s repeatedly followed by "excuse my French," with some questioning of how crude the French must be to come up with all these cuss words. There are a lot of comic elements in the writing, but the tone isn’t fully comic. This woman seems unusually enthusiastic about her young son, Allegro Junior (although his father has an entirely different first name). Since four-year-old Allegro was at least a witness of the murder, the tone wavers a bit between comedy and seriousness... The blocking and acting are first-rate." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2015)

"Daniel Guyton, one of my favorite playwrights and director, I can't thank you enough for choosing me to give January a voice. She's f-ing funny to me (excuse my French)." (Tanya Freeman, Atlanta Fringe Festival, 2015)

An awkward widower prepares for a blind date - the first since his wife has passed away, in this comedic-dramatic monologue.

A group of children are performing a school play about friendship and teamwork outdoors, when a magical fairy tells them to stay away from their tree. When the teacher calls in the ghostbusters, all chaos breaks loose.

6M,7F. One-Act (30 min), A book-smart elementary school student removes a mysterious "motherboard from the stone" and becomes queen of Game-A-Lot, where she and her fellow nerds invent the greatest video game of all time, in this hilarious spoof of the King Arthur legend.

*Top 10 Finalist in the Moonlit Wings Playwriting Contest, 2016*
*Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA, 2015*

"I really enjoy this playwright and writer, Daniel Guyton. He thinks, and writes, outside the box. If you're looking for material to read or perform, look no further. You'll become better for doing it!" (Lisa Soland, playwright, 2017)

"Thank you for writing such a fun and funny script!" (The Cast, Crew, and Families of the Junior Players, 2015)

"I've just read your play and love it... That is just what we are looking for. The title is perfect, too." (Steven W Rogers, Infinity Stage, 2016)

"KIM ARTHUR AND THE NERDS OF THE ROUND TABLE is great!!! I'm planning on doing it this fall at Cornerstone School." (Mary Claire Klooster, Cornerstone Middle School, 2016)

LAST OF THE TANNENBAUMS - 3M (or 2M,1F). One-Act (10 min), Eddie the Evergreen desperately wants to be a Christmas tree, until a little bird tells him what really happens to Christmas trees...

"The first play, Daniel Guyton's LAST OF THE TANNENBAUMS works. In it, the lone tree in a clearing of what was once a grove of evergreens (Sarah Zuk) bemoans her lonely lot. She is titillated and curious when her bird friend (Laura Schirmer) explains the human tradition of Christmas trees, and looks forward to the arrival of a lumberjack (Aaron Gotlieb). There's a line indicating that the future she anticipates won't come to pass, but the cheery and slightly off-kilter tone sustains throughout. William Thurmond has directed a terrific start to the evening, aided by fine costumes, a beautifully minimalist set, and endearing performances from all his actors." (playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2016)

"LAST OF THE TANNENBAUMS is adorable - well, Eddie (the Evergreen) may not think so but this human thinks it's very cute." (Geri Albrecht, Heuer Publishing, 2014)

"Loved John Schmiederer and Scott Ziobrowski in this! Laughed sooooo hard!" (Rebecca Vavala, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2014)

When a metal shortage threatens the infrastructure of the Steampunk-inspired land of Steel City, scientist
Isabella McGleetch goes on a quest for the infamous Brass Banyan - a tree that grows solid
brass. Meanwhile, a group of political dissidents and saboteurs have been disrupting the daily
life of the city, and making things very different for Mayor Gunson - a half-man, half-machine
dictator whom the citizens fear. Some of the 10-minute scenes can also be produced on their own, with titles: "Beneath the Monolith"; "Art: Official Intelligence"; "The Brass Banyan"; "The Sapphire Saboteur"; "Friends, Robots, Countrymen"; "Optical Aleutian"; "In the Saboteur’s Lair"; "Only So Much Hot Air"; "Paint By Numbers" and "The Stainless City".

MACABRE-CADABRA - 2M,1F. One-Act (20 min), A magician with a very dark secret receives an offer that he... really should refuse.

*Official Selection of the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, AK, in 2012*
*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"A professional magician thought he had everything he ever wanted, until he gets a taste of the real thing. Will he choose tricks over treats? Or is he happy waving his wand and pulling out a rabbit? Find out in this inquisitive comedy/drama by Daniel Guyton, 'MACABRE-CADABRA'!" (Press Release, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2013)

Ollie the Elephant just wants to sleep, but the other animals in the jungle want to play. In his frustration, Ollie snaps at everyone - including his friends, and a vindictive snake who tries to get revenge. The jungle animals all have to band together to help one another, and learn a lesson about friendship and cohabitation.

*Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta GA, 2018*

A MERRY COUGAR CHRISTMAS - 1M,2F. One-Act (10 min), Two old ladies head to the mall in search of hot young men to spend Christmas Eve with.

*Honorable Mention from the 15th Annual Estrogenious Festival, 2015*
*Excerpt published in "222 More Comedy Monologues" by Smith & Kraus, 2016*

"Thanks for submitting A MERRY COUGAR CHRISTMAS for consideration for our New Works Winter Festival 2015. I really enjoyed reading about the food court cougars. You are absolutely fearless when it comes to pushing comedy to the edge." (Tom Berry, ACME Theatre, 2014)

MILO & BARBARA - 1M,1F. One-Act (15 min), Barbara's life is turned upside-down when her husband suddenly vanishes without a warning. When he returns four weeks later, they each try to pick up the pieces.

*Finalist in the Kennedy Center/ACTF Region IV 10 Minute Play Competition in 2002*
*Produced as a short film by Baxter's End Productions in 2010*

"MILO & BARBARA by Daniel Guyton... has an intriguing set-up, and an ironic ending, as a husband returns home after an unexplained absence of four weeks to discover some unexpected changes have occurred. It is psychologically interesting, and gifted actors Matt Benton as Milo and Courtney Lomelo as Barbara find both the intensity and the humor, and create an intriguing portrait of a marriage leaving a lot to be desired. The work is directed by Melissa Flower, who found the energy and pace." (Jim J. Tommaney, Houston Press, 2013)

"MILO & BARBARA provides a darkly humorous twist on what happens when a married man takes on a new lover – theatre. Milo’s acting bug is steeped in fervency and short-sighted[ness], a flaw which ultimately sends Milo orbiting back to earth. Here, Milo’s blind ambition combined with Barbara’s voice of reason clash, but Guyton refuses to end this play with a nice little bow." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"Milo & Barbara" was published by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

*Commissioned by ACTNET Entertainment Studios*

A young girl goes missing, and her classmates try to find her, in this gripping drama that helps warn children about "stranger danger" and the things they can do to protect themselves.

7M,7F (flexible gender). Full Length (90 min), Based on a poem described in The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky; and written in rhyming Iambic pentameter. The Virgin Mary travels to hell to comfort the souls in torment. While there, she condemns her own soul to save those of all mankind - much to God's dismay. What erupts is a war between Heaven and Hell, with all of our souls in the balance.

*Winner of the Helen-Jean Play Contest 'Literary Creativity' Award, 2015*
*Honorable Mention in the Triad Shakes New Play Competition, 2017*
*Official Selection of the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, AK, 2014*
*Semi-Finalist in the Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship in 2014*
*Performed as a staged reading with the legendary Judith Malina in the title role, 2010*

"Tightly structured, with an amazing premise... THE MOTHER OF GOD VISITS HELL by Daniel Guyton, directed by Sylvia Bush, was just ducky. The story captivates you. It has a premise that is delectable to the nth degree. The actors pulled it off in spades. Mary (Calli Dunaway) defies God (Eric Ruiter) her Father, her Son, and moseys down to hell to minister to the damned. She makes a deal with Satan (Paul Knox) to stay down there so the damned can leave (Would Janine Garofalo do the same thing for the prisoners at Guantanamo?). Mary does just what Christ did, the ultimate self-sacrifice. Satan does what he does best. He deceives. In so doing, [Mary] inspires God to show a little compassion. He does but only after realizing that mother knows best. The acting draws you in. Calli Dunaway’s Mary was an inspired performance. Not only does she have to be meek, humble, and virginal, she has to also show some moxy to pull off this Mother Teresa act. Dunaway captures all that. Eric Ruiter, who plays God, has that same “Okay, yeah, I’m the Almighty but while I’m up here I might as well have some fun” attitude that Christopher Walken has in the Fatboy Slim “Weapon of Choice” video. He’s omnipotent but he’s also not a little vain. Ditto for Knox’s Devil." (What the Butler Saw theatre website, 2009)

"THE MOTHER OF GOD VISITS HELL has my strongest recommendation. It holds out the hope that American playwrights will move above realism. What's more, Mr. Guyton's talents as a poet and a dramatist are stellar, and the script is a model for other dramatists." (Steve Capra, The Living Theatre in NYC, 2009)

"THE MOTHER OF GOD VISITS HELL... was absolutely terrific! Daniel’s wonderful writing provides a Shakespearean poetry and characters that are totally engaging! The event, at the Academy Theatre in Atlanta, was sponsored by Working Title Playwrights. Daniel’s got a real winner with this play and I hope to see it on the stage!" (Bill Gibson, Working Title Playwrights, 2012)

"With an opening sequence that begins in Heaven and encompasses a mother-son argument of philosophical magnitude between two spiritually and Biblically iconic beings, the elevated language... is quite justified - and effective. It's a tale of a journey from home in the vein of Hesse's "Siddhartha," but with a more philanthropic aim for the titular Mary... Mr. Guyton's gift for lush language is a gem for any reader, and it demands as many live readings as possible." (Sean Polite, Town & Gown Players, 2012)

"The most professional performance, and one that intrigued me, was Daniel and Kate Guyton's piece with Christopher Hall. It combined poetry, theatre, and Israeli Gaga dance... Simply costumed and expertly presented by both the actors and the dancer, the use of the Gaga movement lent a surreal aura to what would otherwise have felt like
straight theater." (Amy Howton, The Backstage Beat, 2012)

"[THE MOTHER OF GOD VISITS HELL] is quite fantastic! I like the way, in iambic pentameter, you had so many rhymes within the middle of the lines... I thought your work with this aspect of the play was remarkable. I especially liked the characters of Mary and Satan. I imagine they would be fun and rewarding to play... I am so impressed by
you and this piece of work, which might be called 'religious' or 'epic' or 'poetic'... It tells a simple story of Mary getting people/bodies out of Hell into Heaven, but in such a poetic and complex and delightful way. The additional characters (like the Cobbler) work excellently as well." (Martha Patterson, playwright, 2015)

"This play manages to take what appears, on first examination, to be an absurd premise, and uses it to explore profoundly serious issues. At the same time, it manages to not only be entertaining but also an excellent literary result." (Official Feedback from the Helen-Jean Award Committee, 2015)

"Daniel's plays... are witty, a little off-center and always entertaining. He is a wonderful playwright and an audience favorite." (Lorenzo Scott, The Living Theatre, 2012)

"All the things I value in a good play: it's full of onstage action, it's brainy, and it wrestles with moral issues. I can't wait to see it performed." (Peter Marino, playwright, 2009)

"Wow!" I just finished reading it! What an amazing piece of work. Quite impressive.  Kept me reading to the end. Thanks for sharing it with me. You deserve all the credit given." (Elly Rakowitz, Playwright's Binge, 2016)

MRS. CLAUS GETS MENOPAUSE - 1M,1F One-Act (10 min). Chaos erupts at the North Pole on the night before Christmas! As Santa gets ready for the busiest night of the year, Mrs. Claus lays a doozy on him. She is going through menopause and isn’t very happy about it. Furthermore, she’s heard some terrible rumors about him and one of his elves. Now Santa has to remind her of what Christmas is all about–before it all gets out of hand.

*Semi-Finalist in the Minnesota Shorts Festival of Plays in 2012*

"With patrons’ eyes still aglow with laughter, Tobin and Wood donned Mr. and Mrs. Claus outfits for MRS. CLAUS GETS MENOPAUSE. Santa is preparing to make his Christmas Eve run when Greta Claus reveals that she has been to see Hermey the dentist’s brother Hymie, who’s training to be a gynecologist. Hysterical chaos erupts as Mrs. Claus succumbs to a menopausal meltdown about rumors of Santa and one of his elves, being left alone Christmas Eve and the fact that she will never have children. The audience doubled over with laughter as Wood exclaimed to Tobin’s dumbfounded Santa, “Is it my fault we haven’t done the Christmas Kringle in almost 20 years?” (April Boyle, Portland Press Herald, 2016)

"Daniel, that play was so much fun. The performers were great, and you wrote a wonderful script." (Noah Fredericks, KYRS Radio, 2014)

Play is published by ArtAge Publications. To produce this play, please visit: www.seniortheatre.com/product/mrs-claus-gets-menopause/

When a mysterious asteroid lands in their town, a group of elementary school students suspect that their new classmate just might be a space alien.

Published by Brooklyn Publishers.

Three soldiers pay tribute to their fathers, who died in three separate wars.

"It is so well written, it directs itself. This short play is suitable for patriotic events, religious services, political rallies, or almost any public gathering where veterans are honored. It is a moving, inspiring, reverential, compassionate, and understanding depiction of military service families, the legacy they share, the price they pay, and the honor their valor commands. Hardly a dry eye in the house!" (Robert W. Gardner, South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2018)

"Daniel Guyton... used three different vets from three different wars to talk about how proud they were to have served. Each of them held the flag and told their story. One was in the Navy, another in the Marines and the third actor, a young girl, flew drones. It was just a wonderful play. Everybody went wild for it. There was not a dry eye in the house when it was over." (Laura Pfizenmayer, Mullet Wrapper, 2018)

A deranged man reminisces with three corpses about the manner in which he killed them. But then the corpses come to life... It's perfect for Halloween!

Ignatz the Christmas Elf makes a terrible decision involving gingerbread cookies and cocaine. Perfect for Zoom performances and/or live theatre.

In this One Minute Play, a guy and girl argue over an offensive Facebook post.

In this one-minute play, a young couple argue after the cat gets out of the house. During the course of the argument, deeper issues emerge.

1M. Monologue (1 min), A petty thief explains how he lost his teaching job in this comedic-dramatic monologue.

"Stealing paper towels may seem like a victimless crime, but if it's all you've got, you hit it with the full force of the law." (Bob Smith, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

A teenage girl commits suicide after a "sexting" incident goes public. Her boyfriend deals with the fallout.

"I am very intrigued with your character 'Christian' and his monologue following his arrest and girlfriend's suicide and I would love to perform this for my class, possibly the anti-bullying assembly my school has coming up." (Trey Cowan, actor, 2015)

PIGTAILS AND BOBBY SOCKS - 1M,1F. One-Act (15 min), A young girl and a pervert meet at a park bench. It doesn't turn out quite the way you'd expect...

POISONED APPLES - 1M,2F. One-Act (10 min), Two old women plan an unforgettable Halloween celebration for the children in their neighborhood.

*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

POLE DANCES WITH WOLVES - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min), A stripper and a strip-club owner get into a huge argument after a prominent customer gets a little too "touchy-feely" with her.

POOR BASTARD - 2M. One-Act (10 min), A homeless man finds a dead body in an alley - a RICH dead body. Who vaguely resembles himself. What would YOU do if you were him?

*Published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"I love POOR BASTARD and looking forward to seeing it again today. I'm forever a Daniel Guyton fan!" (Tanya Freeman, GOOD Works Theatre Festival, 2013)

One-Act, 4F. A collection of monologues about women in prison. Includes HATE MALE, JANUARY'S ALIBI, SAY HI TO AGNES FOR ME, and THE SINS OF REBETHANY CHASTAIN. (each one is also listed individually on NPX)

"PRISON MONOLOGUES, PART I by Daniel Guyton​, produced by Liberal Eye Productions is a series of solo performances drawn on emotional power, subtle explorations of message, and dark, evocative imagery that made this exhibition truly one of the powerhouses of this year's Fringe. All of these narratives are powerfully delivered and bring something very interesting to the table... Keep an eye out for future offerings of this piece." (Daniel Lamb, Edge Media Network, 2015)

"Mr. Guyton’s writing is incredibly assured and effective. So many lines are laugh out loud funny and horrifying at the same time. At one point, January, a confirmed non-vegetarian (unlike her late unlamented ex) wonders, “If God didn’t want us to eat animals, why did he make them out of meat?” a line that both tickles the funny bone and cleverly reveals how her mind actually works. These characters spring from the page, fully formed, fully human, fully frightening in their innocent fall into guilt... Congratulations on a beautiful event and an enthralling descent into the terrifying wellspring of the female soul." (Bradley Rudy, Atlanta Theatre Buzz, 2020)

REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS - 1F,2M One-Act (10 min). Mrs Claus reveals how she almost married Arthur Kringle, Santa's rebellious older brother.

"I absolutely love this piece... I truly think REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS will be one of the strongest and most memorable shows of the evening." (Sylvia Veith, Onstage Atlanta, 2011)

"Loved [REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS] at the Phoenix. So much fun, such a hoot. And they really brought their A game - great actors, of course, but the costume design was especially inspired. Great show!" (Eric Pfeffinger, Playwright, 2014)

"The dark side of Christmas is more searchingly explored in "REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS," with [Dave] Ruark portraying a generic lost soul from the 1950s, pompadoured and leather-jacketed. The wayward brother of the boy who would grow up to become Santa Claus comes to a bad end. His example turns out to prescribe the Jolly Old Elf's naughty-and-nice division of juvenile humanity every Christmas Eve. So now we know... Flashing Through the Snow is topnotch entertainment poised on that boundary. It's under the mistletoe all the way, and deserves a smooch." (Jay Harvey, JayHarveyUpstage.com, 2014)

"I finally got to see REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS and it was delightful, as I expected it to be. Really funny, but with a nice little touch of poignancy that kept it from going over the top... I thought the costumes were great - a nice melding of Christmas and the 1950s." (Mark Harvey Levine, playwright, 2015)

"The sketches themselves are strong [including] the flashback story of how Santa Claus and his wife fell in love... The whole show is much-needed alternative to the sometimes saccharine shows produced around the holidays." (Melissa Hall, StageWriteIndy.com, 2015)

"Ha! That was fun!" (Joseph Cascio, audience member, 2015)

A monologue about a nebbishy guy deciding to resign from his job because his boss is a real jerk. However, as you read the monologue, you realize that the boss might not be the problem...

"I watched the show on Friday, and the audience responded great to 'The Resignation', the actor was interrupted with laughter a few times and it ended with a long clap." (Irena Saric, Riverside Theatre, 2016)

ROMANCE IS DEAD - 1M. Monologue (15 min). "I sleep with dead people..." Dr. Edward Bainsbridge has been arrested for a terrible crime - interfering with a dead body. Four dead bodies, to be exact. Come hear his terrible confession, which will shock you, repulse you, and might even make you laugh...

*Semi-Finalist in the Spotlight On: One Person Play Competition (2012)*
*Excerpt published in "The Best Men's Stage Monologues of 2014" by Smith Kraus in 2014*

"Extremely well-written and deplorably funny." (Geri Albrecht, Heuer Publishing, 2007)

"Your show is wonderful. I feel that it is one of the strongest pieces in the [Grand Guignol Festival]." (Ravyn Jazper-Hawke, Third Eye Theatre, 2011)

"I've read Dan's play and it's sick. And very, very good. I wish I'd written it." (Mark Cornell, Playwrights' Binge, 2012)

"Thanks for writing such an awesome piece. I've had a great time with this role and I haven't been this excited about an opening night in a long time. It's stuff like this that made me fall in love with acting in the first place." (Charlie Pierce, Third Eye Theatre, 2011)

"ROMANCE IS DEAD, a monologue about 50-year-old Dr. Edward Bainsbridge, tips the scales towards the recently incarcerated Bainsbridge honestly tells of his perversion and how he slowly developed his need for this connection. The play brings to mind Neil Labute’s 'Wrecks' in both tone, color, and effectiveness of balancing past and present within a lengthy monologue." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"The actor who is doing ROMANCE [IS DEAD] is an old friend of mine... I sent him a copy of the script. He loved it! I forgot how twisted his sense of humor is. He is doing amazing things with the script and we are both enjoying the rehearsal process." (Deborah Smola, Black Sheep Theatre Ensemble, 2013)

"OMG! ROMANCE [IS DEAD] and [THE SINS OF] REBETHANY [CHASTAIN] are some fine pieces of dark comedy! Thank you for your twisted mind! Haha! I say that with the utmost respect and love." (Diane Mashia, Black Sheep Theatre Ensemble, 2013)

"I am playing Bainsbridge in the Black Sheep Theater (Rochester, NY) production of ROMANCE IS DEAD. Love the piece - very funny and challenging... Getting deeper and deeper into this intense role... I love the role and the audience seemed to enjoy it very much (they laughed in all the right places, and seemed creeped out in certain parts - exactly what you intended, I believe)." (Dan Plumeau, Black Sheep Theatre Ensemble, 2013)

"Daniel, I have to tell you, I absolutely love "ROMANCE IS DEAD" and Tony [Yajko] loved it too. Definitely one to shoot for, for "Tales From the Script" come Halloween season!" (Mickey Ray, Darkhorse Dramatists, 2015)

Play is published exclusively by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

ROSIE, THE RETIRED ROCKETTE - 4F, One-Act (10 min). 86-year old Rosie is in a nursing home, but she still thinks she's back in her fabulous Rockette days.

"I love it. It's just a lovely piece of black humor, yet heartwarming, and real. It's edgy, and sweet and funny... and a bit warped." (CJ Ehrlich, Playwrights' Binge, 2011)

"ROSIE THE RETIRED ROCKETTE: An elderly ex-chorus girl relives her glory days when her granddaughters arrive for a holiday visit. A raucous, hilarious and moving story. Written by Daniel Guyton, Directed by Linda Nile." (Press Release, BroadwayWorld.com, 2013)

"When Dawn and her two daughters visit Dawn's mother, Rosie, in a nursing home, Rosie believes that she is in her dressing room at Radio City and that her granddaughters are two new Rockettes. While the granddaughters enjoy Rosie's scandalous stories - Rosie was a wild one - Dawn needs her mother to see and recognize her. The acting was lovely, the direction was quite good, and the story was moving." (Wendy Caster, ShowShowdown.blogspot.com, 2012)

"I saw your play in the Estrogenius Festival... It was GREAT! I took a friend of mine and she also LOVED your play. So moving and also funny. We were both in tears at the end." (Vanessa Shealy, Emerging Artists' Theatre, 2013)

"The Academy Theatre folks did two short plays, [including] the touching ROSIE, THE RETIRED ROCKETTE about an elderly woman living in a rest home being visited by her daughter and two granddaughters at Christmas. I quite loved [it]." (Linda M Young, HolidayHarbour.blogspot.com, 2012)

"I saw this twice last week, once at Merry Little Holiday Shorts and then at ARTC's Atlanta Christmas. Good show!" (Matt Lupo, Working Title Playwrights, 2012)

"We went to see Holiday Shorts yesterday at Onstage Atlanta. We loved it! 'ROSIE, THE RETIRED ROCKETTE' by Daniel Guyton was exceptional. Great Holiday experience. Tonight's the last night. Go see it!" (John Stutte, Onstage Atlanta, 2012)

The statues of Robert E Lee, George Washington, and Christopher Columbus try to prepare themselves for their inevitable demise at the hands of angry protesters. (All three should be played by actors of any gender, age, or ethnicity - the more diverse the casting, the better).

Mrs. Claus uses unconventional methods to teach naughty children how to behave. However, one naughty person seems to really enjoy their punishment a bit too much.

1M.1F. One-Act (10 min), A woman dressed in blue convinces an artist to destroy his entire life's work in this Steampunk style universe. Part 4 of "The Legend of Steel City: A Collection of Steampunk Inspired One-Acts."

1F. One-Act (10 min), Jess is an older woman in an all-female penitentiary, here helping a younger prisoner learn the ropes.

*Excerpt published in "Best Women's Stage Monologues of 2016" by Smith & Kraus.*
*Full script published by Next Stage Press in "Hilarious Nightmares II", 2016

"The last play is 'SAY HI TO AGNES FOR ME,' starring Peg Thon as a prison-hardened woman speaking to what appears to be a new cell-mate. The overall menacing tone is relieved by a variety of anecdotes, but by only a couple of comic elements. This is a bleak, wonderfully acted piece that truly captures the psyche of a woman marked by her criminal past, but also twisted by her time in confinement. It’s powerful stuff." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2015)

"This was a spectacular show... Peg Thon nearly scared the pee-pee out of me. Parents, teach your children well to keep them out of prison!" (David Fisher, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

"Riveting, Peg! I was just enthralled from beginning to end. Boy, are you good! You rock!" (Barbara Bruce, Atlanta Fringe Festival, 2015)

A year after the first Nativity, Joseph laments being a step-dad to the Lord on High.

A veteran attempts to get care at a local VA hospital, and realizes that things are worse here than they were on the battlefield.

Pantomime Play for Very Young Audiences.

Shannon is very excited because she/he/they has found a new dog and wants to convince their parent to keep it. The only problem? The dog is actually a fire-breathing dragon!

Betty severely dreads her first New Years Eve party after becoming sober for the first time ever. When her husband's boss shows up with a six-pack, things get pretty intense.

THE SINS OF REBETHANY CHASTAIN - 1F, One-Act (10 min). A prison inmate shares her zany story about how she got arrested, in this one woman monologue.

*Excerpt published in The Best Women's Stage Monologues of 2014 by Smith & Kraus, 2014*
*Excerpt published in Best Contemporary Monologues for Women 18-35 by Applause Books, 2014*

"First up is 'THE SINS OF REBETHANY CHASTAIN.' In this beautifully blocked monologue, Kate Guyton tells the story of what sent Rebethany to prison. Ms. Guyton has a white trash twang, and the tale she tells is a comic set of grievances centering around a bicycle and jealousy of a girl in her class. Yes, there’s a crime involved, but it’s a convoluted path in the telling. It’s beautifully rendered, by playwright, director, and actress alike." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2015)

"'Prison Monologues, Part I' by Daniel Guyton... is a series of solo performances drawn on emotional power, subtle explorations of message, and dark, evocative imagery that made this exhibition truly one of the powerhouses of this year's Fringe. All of these narratives are powerfully delivered and bring something very interesting to the table... Keep an eye out for future offerings of this piece." (Daniel Lamb, Edge Media Network, 2015)

"Last is Daniel Guyton’s THE SINS OF REBETHANY CHASTAIN. Reprising her role in this monologue from last year’s Atlanta Fringe Festival is the fantastic Kate Guyton, in a tour-de-force performance of a white-trashy young woman whose actions represent the "sins" of the title. It’s brash and profane and energetic and given lively direction by the playwright, ending the night on a high note of hilarity." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2015)

"Black Sheep Theatre included this piece in our Halloween event this year. It was brilliant!" (Deborah Smola, Black Sheep Theatre Ensemble, 2013)

"OMG! 'ROMANCE [IS DEAD]' and 'REBETHANY' are some fine pieces of dark comedy! Thank you for your twisted mind! Haha! I say that with the utmost respect and love." (Diane Mashia, Black Sheep Theatre Ensemble, 2013)

"Dan's piece demonstrated his remarkable skill on all levels -- it was bawdy, clever, touching, surprising and wonderfully spirited. A big bonus was to see the performance of Kate Guyton, who admirably brought to life the first of the four monologues." (Hank Kimmel, Working Title Playwright, 2015)

"This was a spectacular show... Kate (Guyton) surprised me as a real comedic talent... Parents, teach your children well to keep them out of prison!" (David Fisher, Working Title Playwrights, 2015)

"The show was great. Kate Guyton is fierce and fabulous!" (Laura King, Lionheart Theatre, 2015)

'THE SINS OF REBETHANY CHASTAIN provides a different tone than any seen yet in this collection, as we see Rebethany tell the hilariously tragic story of how a few small events can change one’s world entirely. This is written with a bit of southern trashy charm and filled with a wild warmth of description, character, and event. Rebethany is incredibly likable despite her flaws, and reading this monologue made me want to see it on stage immediately." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

"I just performed part of this monologue for my theatre class. It was my first comedic monologue ever and I got lots of good feedback. This writer's material is amazing!" (Khaya Osborne, actress, 2016)

Published by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

SPAT! - 2M,1F. One-Act (10 min), A man and wife have a horrible argument over the wife's affair with an illegal immigrant.

"Just saw two hilarious Dan Guyton comedies, SPAT! and DON WANNABE, which were produced in DISJOINTED [LOVE] SHORTS at The Alchemical Theatre Laboratory in NYC. They took me back to some gut wrenching laughter at the Last Frontier Fringe [Festival] in June, courtesy of Dan's deliciously dark sense of humor... Paco got big laughs in SPAT! And the guy playing Don in DON WANNABE was very funny, he had a young Orson Welles persona and delivery." (Jeff Stolzer, Last Frontier Theatre Conference, 2013)

"Double-billed on the show is playwright Daniel Guyton, rounding out the show with the hilarious 'I’M NOT GAY!' and the well-timed 'SPAT!'" (Natasha Lewin, Tolucan Times, 2013)

"Saw the show last night... Your two pieces were last on the bill and the crowd loved them. 'I'M NOT GAY!' seemed to really hit. And lots of laughs in 'SPAT!' especially with the boyfriend. Good work!" (Ron Burch, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"Dan Guyton's SPAT! was the hit of the evening... I attended the evening of one acts at Whitefire and your play SPAT! was a big hit. I was the main laugher. All of the actors were very good and well cast and it was great to have just several hard laughs... The main guy had hair that looked slightly better than a toupee which helped in some strange way and the actor playing Paco delivering the line "JES" just cracked up the whole house. I laughed right off the bat when he said I hate you, I hate you more, you're a slut... I dunno, I like that s**t, man." (Michael Erger, Playwrights Binge, 2013)

"SPAT! opens as a highly volatile, explosive argument between Mark and Wanda. Divided between a few scenes and flashback moments, and nicely softened with the comedic Paco, the play explores a couple’s inability to co-exist and the ways they find validation for their self and most base needs." (Michael Weems, Next Stage Press, 2015)

Published exclusively by Next Stage Press, as part of "Hilarious Nightmares". To produce this play, please contact Next Stage Press at https://nextstagepress.net/.

Three upper crust women in Victorian Era England must face a brutal reality when the patriarch of the family passes away, leaving them with no money and with little hope for the future. When a strange man appears at the doorway, it seems that hope may be restored. Or will it?

*Winner of 7 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards for Best Overall Performance of a Play, Best Director, Best Ensemble Acting, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Costume Design, and Best Lighting Design, 2018*

*Top Ten Semifinalist in the Stanley Drama Award Competition, 2017*

*Finalist in the Kitchen Dog Theatre's New Works Festival, 2017*

*4 Monologues Published in "Best Women's Monologues 2018" and "Best Men's Monologues 2018" from Smith & Kraus*

"I love it. Great dialogue, twists, and stories... just fantastically written, dark, and humorous through and through." (Michael Weems, Cone Man Running Productions, 2017)

"THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON brings belly laughs in a smart, poignant small cast play. It has all the fun of 'The Importance of Being Earnest', but with a little fantasy, a little sex, and much more empowered women. I highly recommend this for open-minded groups who want to work on a challenging and hilarious play." (Joelle Re Arp Dunham, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2018)

"Wonderful, Funny, Weird, and Frightening Fun!" (Beverly Austin, Working Title Playwrights, 2017)

"There are reasons why I was drawn to new plays, to theatre. Seeing something brand new take shape, witnessing creative artists giving all they can to bring a new work to life, and just the love I have for a writer that can use language but also in doing so tell a damn good story. Daniel Guyton does all this and more in THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON. This tale is almost beyond original in that it is cracking open something that peeks into another realm. Something fiercely new and ancient at the same time. It is what great art should be - transformative." (James Beck, Onion Man Productions, 2017)

"We enjoyed the Oct 13th opening night of the world premiere in Chamblee of THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON. Written by Daniel Guyton, and directed by Scott Rousseau, the dark comedy kept us laughing and had surprising suspense. The acting is so good! The set design/costumes are so creative! Beware - Rated R for nudity! (He's gorgeous)" (Anonymous review, NextDoor App, 2017)

"Went to see #ThreeLadiesofOrpington last night at Onion Man Productions in Chamblee. GO SEE IT!!! Daniel Guyton has written a deliciously wacky script that is authentically brought to life by Tyler Buckingham, Sadye Elizabeth, and company. Perfectly directed by Scott Rousseau. (Mature Audiences Only)" (Jayson Werner Smith, actor: The Walking Dead, 2017)

"It's not often a play arrives in DeKalb County mixing laughs, wit, heart, axe murder, betrayal, a true interpretation of the Victorian era and provides opportunities to take the art of local theater to new heights... THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON proves to be an exception... One of [the play]'s main strengths is in its script. Guyton's ability to combine tragedy and comedy seems to come as second nature. Neither is lingered upon too heavily and audiences will find themselves both laughing and crying at the fortune and misfortune of the characters... THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON is a strange and wonderful addition to the realm of theater that arrives on cue for Halloween. The play captures the gothic, the Victorian, the familial tragedy and sardonic comedy of exam-ining an era in which there seemed to be little, if any benefactors. Both laugh-out-loud funny and tissue-worthy tragic, it's good to know plays like this are still being written and making their debut at local theaters such as Onion Man Productions." (R. Scott Belzer, The Dekalb County Chamption, 2017)

"It's always delightful when the last moment of a play ties up everything that's only been hinted at before. Daniel Guyton's THREE LADIES OF ORPINGTON is such a play. The final sound effect of a glass jar being shattered explains why window panes are broken to gain entry to a house and why a character appears wet on the driest of days. There's a supernatural element to it all that... all ties together with a satisfying spookiness. Amy Levin's sound design works quite well, with surround sound effects adding to the sense of impending dread in the material. Musical interludes cover the frequent set changes, with the music getting spookier and more insistent as the play proceeds... Nancye Hilley's costumes do a good job of setting the time period. This is a handsome production, including Chris Franken's props; fine makeup all around, particularly for Sadye Elizabeth and Lisa Gordon; fine blood effects in Tyler Buckingham's kinetic fight choreography; James Beck's charming lighting design, which includes an evocative fireplace effect; and Scott Rousseau's set that uses a minimum of set pieces to portray various locations within a house... The blocking is first-rate throughout... Overall, this is a terrific production that makes wonderful use of the tiny Onion Man stage and tells an intriguing tale audiences are lapping up." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2017)

THE TOOTH FAIRY GETS AIDS - 2M, One-Act (10 min). The Tooth Fairy gets some really bad news...

"Oh my god... this was one of the funniest skits I have ever seen." (Matt Holden, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2013)

TOTALLY BUZZED - 2F. One-Act (10 min), A young woman loses her vibrator right before her "big date!" Can the kindly old woman at the coat check counter help out?

A devastated woman is arrested for having a miscarriage, thanks to a draconian new law.

URINE TROUBLE NOW - 2M. One-Act (10 min), A young man's job interview is going swimmingly! Until he learns the results of his unfortunate "piss test."

*Excerpt published in "Best Men's Stage Monologues 2016" by Smith & Kraus.*
*Excerpt published in "222 More Comedy Monologues" by Smith & Kraus, 2016*

"Daniel Guyton’s URINE TROUBLE NOW was very funny, and had one of the best lines, which I can only paraphrase: 'I’ve always wanted to be a telemarketer.' (You probably had to be there, but trust me, it was a riot.)" (Babs Lindsay, Changing Scene Northwest Theatre, 2015)

"I think it's hysterical." (Kurt Kleinmann, Pegasus Theatre, 2015)

1F. One-Act Monologue (5 min), Gingerbell, the Christmas Elf, welcomes people to Christmas Village. Unfortunately, she gets a little distracted by a handsome audience member, and has trouble keeping her lines right.

*Excerpt published in "222 More Comedy Monologues" by Smith & Kraus, 2016*

"Hahaha!!! I adore it! I love it! Very funny and charming!" (Sylvia Veith, Onstage Atlanta, 2013)

"What a fun and cute monologue!" (Sarah Mason, Onstage Atlanta, 2013)

THE WEDDING NIGHT TWEETS - 1M,1F. One-Act (10 min), A newlywed husband discovers a problem with his wife's over-zealous affinity for social media on the day after their wedding.

*Winner of the Arkansas Theatre Collective's Spring Cleaning Festival, 2016*

"Congratulations! We have decided to use your play THE WEDDING NIGHT TWEETS for our one-act play festival and could not be more excited! We received hundreds of submissions and decided on four incredible plays." (Eleah Burman, Quirky Productions, 2015)

"Your play was great! You received many laughs." (Jillian Walzer, Process Theatre, 2015)

"It was wonderful! Great people, warm house, they loved your play!" (Hila Ben Gera, Lama Theatre Company, 2015)

"WEDDING NIGHT TWEETS got a terrific response... Very timely." (Carmen Desena, Relationship
Theatre, 2016)

"Thank you for sending WEDDING NIGHT TWEETS. The audience loved it & it was also my
favorite." (Rachel Washington, Arkansas Theatre Collective, 2016)

WHERE'S JULIE? - 5M,4F. Full length (90 min), 15-year old Julie runs away from home to escape her abusive father, her delusional mother, and her autistic younger brother, only to find herself "knocked up" by her drug dealing boyfriend, harassed by her selfish older sister, and shunned by her Born-Again Christian friend. But, when she contemplates abortion, that's when the play gets really funny. Mature audiences only.

*Winner of the Kennedy Center/ACTF Region II Playwriting Award in 2001*
*Published in Best Student One Acts Volume 7 by Dramatic Publishing Company in 2002*
*Winner of the Northwest Zone High School Drama Festival Best Production, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Sound Awards in 2008*
*Translated into Chinese and Published by Fiberead, 2016*
*Excerpt published in "222 More Comedy Monologues" by Smith & Kraus, 2016*

"WHERE'S JULIE? is a dark, comedic, melodramatic ride through the life of Julie and her less than typical family and friends... Daniel Guyton... has done a fantastic job of creating likeable characters out of what may at first appear to be less than desirable stereotypes. WHERE'S JULIE? may at times be offensive, crass, and in your face. But that’s the point. Sometimes life is exactly that. If you only take one thing away from this performance, let it be this: sometimes life can be downright miserable, but there’s always room for laughter if we don’t take ourselves too seriously... If you like dark, offensive comedy (think 'South Park' or 'Family Guy'), with a good deal of wit and character, then this is your kind of theater!" (Richard Sagendorf, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2012)

"WHERE'S JULIE?, a play written by Kennedy Center short-play award winner Daniel Guyton, takes audiences on a journey through the lives and living room of an exceptionally crazy American family!... If you enjoy the humor of 'South Park' or 'Family Guy', you are sure to enjoy Guyton’s dark comedies, of which this play is one of the best." (Kat Reynolds, Savannah College of Art & Design, 2009)

"I'll never forget seeing WHERE'S JULIE?... The Nintendo plugged into nothingness, the audience, the involvement of the Stage Crew and their Romeo and Juliet, the Catholic guilt. It took me back to being a kid in the 80s in a creepy, discomforting, and revelatory way." (Ryan Wilson, University of Georgia, 2010)

"Expect a good laugh (and maybe a lesson) when the question WHERE'S JULIE? is answered at the Dancing Goat Theatre... The play centers around Julie, a pregnant teenage runaway, and her autistic brother and alcoholic father. And while it's funny, Guyton also hopes the audience will find some poignant moments, as well." (Ann Marie Quill, The John's Creek Patch, 2012)

"It's not called a melodrama for nothing; 'WHERE'S JULIE?' is structured as a parody of the typical after-school special, employing swelling musical cues and sappy dialogue spiced with inventive profanity that serves to create a uniquely humorous view on what would normally be taken as very serious issues. The said issues presented are never cheapened or devalued, and this is where Guyton succeeds; under the language and off-color humor is a rich strain of meaningful sentiment. He enables one to laugh at the situation without forgetting its possible real-life repercussions, a key element required of successful black comedy. 'WHERE'S JULIE?' is able to pull the rug from under the feet of the audience and hit them with moments of staggering sincerity; the confrontation between the father, Harold, and his autistic son, Jeffrey, is one of the most powerful and heartbreaking moments I've ever seen on stage... I would recommend 'WHERE'S JULIE?'... to those searching for underrated quality comedies geared towards a more mature audience. Guyton delivers." (Daniel Ferris, Mostly Harmless Productions, 2012)

"Sure, you could keep it simple. Your local high school is probably performing a nice, safe musical you could see. Nick at Nite might have an episode of "Friends" you've seen only 499 times. Or you could attend a scathing adult comedy, 'WHERE'S JULIE?' by local playwright Daniel Guyton... C'mon out and think a little!" (Jerry Jobe, The Dancing Goat Theatre, 2012)

"Daniel Guyton's WHERE'S JULIE? is not your standard dramatic fare. It quite literally explodes the fourth wall, making the running crew an integral part of the onstage action and extending the playing area into the audience. The comedy is often off-kilter, but it's mixed with a lot of heart. The play quite simply defies categorization... It's the tie-up at the end of the show that is its most successful part. The action moves into absurdity, with just enough chaos to heighten the resolution that follows... The strange, quirky, foul-mouthed, sacrilegious text produced by Daniel Guyton hits its high point at the end, leaving a nice aftertaste of raucous comedy as the audience applauds." (Playgoer, TheaterReview.com, 2012)

"No smoke, [WHERE'S JULIE?] was the best play I've seen in awhile (similar in themes to [AUGUST] OSAGE [COUNTY]). If people really pay attention, they're not uncomfortable because of the language or characters' actions, it's because they RESEMBLE us all, those situations occur everyday, everywhere. Breaking the fourth wall was an excellent mechanism to put an exclamation point on that commonality of good, as well as bad... I have sympathy and see pathos in all of those characters." (Brad Corbin, Dancing Goat Theatre, 2012)

"In the hilarious and thought-provoking play "Where's Julie?", Daniel Guyton has captured something special. At first blush, the crude humor and seemingly thin characters give us something to laugh at—then the twist. The humor and facade are the characters' way of coping with the impossibility of their everyday lives. As the characters struggle against seemingly impossible odds to make sense of the crazy world they (we) live in, they become increasingly complex, eventually smashing the fourth wall and forcing us to engage in the questions they are struggling with. This meta-theatrical funhouse brings an absurdist twist to contemporary issues." (Tim Bohn, Arkansas State University, 2017)

"Dan Guyton masterfully presents some of our own darkest thoughts that we often cannot admit to ourselves, and finds not just the hilarity in them, but the humanity. 'WHERE'S JULIE?' is about a young woman who finds herself pregnant at 15 with a shaky support system - her verbally abusive father, her Pollyanna mother, her autistic brother, her jealous older sister, her drug-addicted boyfriend, and her judgmental best friend. At the surface, it would seem there is no hope for Julie and no hope for the child she might bear. But as the play progresses, we see that, flawed though Julie's situation may be, the people around her truly do care for and love her. If you're looking for a play outside the ordinary, you won't be disappointed with this one!" (Amy Tallmadge, Dancing Goat Theatre, 2012)

"Having produced this show in Houston, I cannot recommend it higher. WHERE'S JULIE? lives in a world that is equal parts melodramatic, experimental, and grounded - a combination that functions perfectly as the show progresses. Audiences have connected so well to the character of Jeff (who brought me to tears), Mom (an at first seemingly 50s housewife who we learn is at the end of her rope), Julie's friend the incredibly unhinged and hilariously pious Margaret, and the sweetly pot headed Hector. In fact, Julie's problems seem increasingly (sic) every day as we progress further into this world and find how everyone has their own struggles. I won't spoil the ending, but the twist on reality truly is hilarious and well earned. We we were very fortunate to be able to share this in Houston and hope it continues to travel the world." (Michael Weems, Cone Man Running Productions, 2017)

"Great show - laughed the whole way through.... There was a good bit of subtle physical business that played along with the dialog and kept the pace zipping. Congratulations to the Cast and Crew for a Job well done." (Jeff Marshall, Circle Ensemble Theatre, 2012)

"May i just say that your play is brilliant. I find that it doesn't hide anything and shows everything from everyone's point of view!" (Tiffany Charlton, actress, 2014)

5M,5F,1T. Full length (120 min), A gay, black inner-city detective arrives at a rural ski resort for some much-needed R&R. Instead, he discovers racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, sexual assault and murder. Can he figure out whodunit before there's another victim?

Trigger Warning: Adult Language, plus all of the issues mentioned above.

YOU TRIPPIN? - 4M. One-Act (10 min); 4 teenagers plan to shoot up their high school. But first they want to play some video games and smoke a bowl. Are they for real? Or are they just "trippin?" It's a very dark comedy.