Daniel Prillaman

CHRISTMAS CURSE COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: The executor of the Wrathburn Estate must inform the estranged Willa Wrathburn of the family curse she is about to inherit. Unfortunately, it’s more than an inconvenient curse. It’s also stupid.

Content Warning: W.

SEMI-HOSTAGE STONER COMEDY ADVENTURE
FULL-LENGTH: When their car breaks down and leaves them stranded by the side of the road, Casper and Denton encounter a mysterious girl in a deer mask, a woman who may or may not be a human police officer, and loads of unexpected (and unwanted) free time. At least Denton has weed. A semi-hostage stoner comedy adventure about the things we have control over, the things we don’t, and the difference between the two.

Content Warning: Drug use, excessive fucking language, depiction of panic and anxiety.

DYSTOPIAN SECURITY GUARD SHENANIGANS
FULL-LENGTH: TODAY ONLY! AT ART PLAZA! THE STATE-SANCTIONED ART IS WAITING FOR YOU TO VIEW IT WITH YOUR EYEBALLS! Please don't ask questions or bother the Security. They are just doing their job. Remember, if you make it weird, they're here to kill you, not themselves.

Content Warning: Graphic discussion of violence and suicide. Characters point guns at and fire at one another, but resulting violence is depicted offstage.

HORROR FANTASY WAR SONG
FULL-LENGTH: At the ashen remains of a war-torn city, two queens meet with a rebel terrorist to negotiate terms of a peace treaty. However, their talks are soon interrupted by the appearance of a disquieting stranger, whose words set the women down a dark and frightening path of madness. Part Horror Fantasy, part war song, "The Ashen Crown" is a tale of violence, why we cause it, and what it causes for us.

Content Warning: Graphic violence.

DYSFUNCTIONAL INTERVENTION FAMILY COMEDY
FULL-LENGTH: Petey Shepard has a problem. Now, sneaking out in the middle of the night to shave the wool off other people’s sheep is a mostly harmless problem. But it needs to stop. And it will, because early this morning, the rest of the family has gathered for an intervention, and it will either go well, or tear apart the fabric holding them all together. A weirder living room comedy about our vices, our faiths, and our families, and the fact we only get to choose some of these things.

DARK OFFICE GRIEF COMEDY
FULL-LENGTH: When their supervisor commits suicide, Two, Three, and Four struggle to keep their composure while navigating promotions, new hires, and the unique, emotionally arduous nature of their office job, killing the roughly 150000 people who die each day.

Content Warning: Depiction and discussion of suicide, sexual misconduct.

QUARANTINE CINEMA PLAGUE HORROR
FULL-LENGTH [Open to Development]: After the sudden death of her roommate to a mysterious virus, an English Major finds herself in quarantine, which slowly takes a disturbing, increasingly surreal toll on her mental health. Or perhaps she’s just dealing with grief in a completely normal way.

Content Warning: Sexual content, violence.

PLAYWRIGHT’S NOTE:
The draft of this play was written in 2016, about four years before the Coronavirus pandemic reached the US. Quite literally, it has become a pre-Quarantine quarantine play. It has become a piece of a different time, when I was a different playwright and different person.

I’ve thought often about this script over the past years, and must honestly say I don’t exactly know what this play is anymore, or where its existence stands in a world forever altered by COVID. I offer it here to share with any who may be interested in checking it out, in its current form or whatever it may become. If you have any thoughts, I would love to hear them.

Please enjoy.

FINALIST - Princess Grace Award, New Dramatists, 2023

COSMIC HORROR IDENTITY THRILLER
FULL-LENGTH: Newlywed Laura Beth Gardner has it all. A loving husband, a baby on the way, and a usually delightful job. But this weekend, tasked with reading through her publishing house’s slush pile, she encounters a mysterious manuscript that claims she isn’t human. That her husband isn’t who he says he is. And that she’s a vessel for her unborn child, who is actually the Second Coming of an ancient darkness that will devour the world. It has to be some sort of joke. …But what if it’s not?

A cosmic horror about identity, creation, and things we’ll do to realize our dreams.

*This play is published with Ghost Light Publications, who have graciously allowed free access to the script for perusal purposes through www.danielprillaman.com and the New Play Exchange. For performance/royalty rights, send inquiries to [email protected] or visit their licensing page at ghostlightpubs.com.

MELODRAMATIC KEENING TRAGICOMEDY
FULL-LENGTH: I mean, pretty self-explanatory, innit? She’s yearning for her husband to return. Odd thing is, her husband’s BEEN home. For some years at least. So why won’t Julia Jennifer Rafferty come down from the widow’s walk? Is she doing a bit? Or is something dreadfully wrong with her brain? Also, Ichabod really needs to shut up and go away. Sigh.

Content Warning: Violence

NEW DRAFT - 3/21/24

MEDIEVAL DARK FANTASY ADVENTURE
FULL-LENGTH [In Development]: When an unknown illness places King Aymon upon his deathbed, the Princess Friede embarks on a journey west in search of an apothecary who might hold the knowledge needed to save his life. Along the way, she must enlist the assistance of a woman in the only profession older than nobility, an Owl Hunter, who puts others in their graves in exchange for coin.

Content Warning: Graphic violence, sexual content, false imprisonment.

(I am actively welcoming feedback at this time. If you have any thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to email me at [email protected])

MEDIEVAL DARK FANTASY ADVENTURE
FULL-LENGTH [In Development]: As the King’s health continues to decline, Princess Friede and Mærwynn arrive in Mithun only to find it decimated by plague, the target of their search dead. As they struggle to determine their next course of action, a shocking death reverberates throughout the Capital city, setting off a chain of events that threaten to upheave the throne itself.

Content Warning: Graphic violence, false imprisonment, brief description of sexual assault.

(I am actively welcoming feedback at this time. If you have any thoughts you wish to share, please feel free to email me at [email protected])

ABSURD BUDDY IMPRISONMENT COMEDY
FULL-LENGTH: Hat and Glasses are being held captive in a pit. It’s their life now. It’s a simple one. One completely upended when their captor dumps a third victim into their space. A story of intrusion, dealing with change, and what to do with your poop when you live in a pit.

Content Warning: False imprisonment, assault, violence, partial nudity.

HOLIDAY FRIENDSHIP DICKENS PARODY
ONE-ACT: In a swashbuckling homage to the classic Dickens tale, the nicest pirate in the world must be taught the error of her friendly ways by the ghost of her former, mean-spirited first mate. (Appro-"pirate" for all ages).

HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY PARTY
ONE-ACT: When a group of junior high students find a dead body at their Literary Detective Club’s Halloween party, they must solve the mystery of how it got there, and if one of their own was responsible.

ABSURD ENSEMBLE ZOOM COMEDY
ONE-ACT: Two eccentric Petras employees lead a focus group over Zoom to test out the company’s new product. It does not go to plan.

Or does it? A comedy about the things we'll do for some extra cash.

ROMANTIC HORROR BREAD COMEDY
ONE-ACT: After getting the unlimited bread deal at the Italian Garden Factory, Arlo and Val are both stuffed and ready for the check. But their server doesn’t bring them their check. They bring them more bread. They keep...bringing them more bread. They won’t stop. They won’t ever stop. The bread is unlimited. And there is no escape. A romantic horror comedy about the hard truth that nothing lasts forever, except maybe bread.

Content Warning: Sexual content, violence.

SURREAL POSSESSION ENCOUNTER
ONE-ACT: In an empty tavern, Roan and Vesper drink and game together. Haunted by dark circumstances, Vesper confesses that she is possessed by some manner of demon. Haunted by Vesper’s words, Roan realizes she is Vesper’s possessor.

CHILDREN'S CAMP CONTAGION
ONE-ACT: It’s lights out. But one fire remains lit, as three counselors sneak some alcohol in effort to loosen up. Finn, Libby, and Parker are deeply shaken by some of the campers' recent and disturbing behavior. There’s something wrong with the kids.

And it’s spreading.

CONTEMPORARY POE ADAPTATION
ONE-ACT: Monty legit, honest to God, has a vending machine full of Pink Moscato in his basement. Fortune wants to see it. Monty will show her. Monty will show her a lot more than that. Because his revenge is going to go perfectly. A contemporary re-imagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.”

Content Warning: Assault, false imprisonment with intent to murder, violence.

KILLER GRASS FABLE
ONE-ACT: There's grass. It used to kill people. It still is. Emerson's gonna save people today. She has to.

IRREVERENT CLOWN ENSEMBLE MYTHOLOGY
ONE-ACT: Atalanta (not that one) and Antigone (that one) must determine what should be done when laundry day is interrupted by the appearance of a dead lady, especially after she comes back to life.

Content Warning: Depiction of suicide, violence.

SPOOKY STORIES WOODS TWO-HANDER
ONE-ACT: Every year, Max and Charlie meet at an old well in an old forest clearing to tell scary stories, eat S'mores, and just hang out. This year will be like every year. Or will it?

Content Warning: Drug use.

POISON FANTASY DRAMA
TEN MINUTE: In a village too small for a name, an apothecary has made a name for herself, selling poison to those with strange tastes and desires. Today, two villagers want her gone. And they will not take no for an answer.

Content Warning: Violence.

GOOSE THERAPY THRILLER
TEN MINUTE: Two patients discuss a unique, goose-related problem with their therapist.

Content Warning: Violence.

VIKING VAMPIRE FAITH CLASH
TEN MINUTE: In 798 A.D., a young boy encounters a fearsome Viking invader, fangs and all.

Content Warning: Graphic violence.

PANDEMIC ZOO ANIMAL BANTER
[A Terrence & Ling-Ling Adventure]
TEN MINUTE: April, 2020. A penguin and a panda meet each other (and the other’s respective species) for the first time.

BAR SWINGERS CRINGE COMEDY
[Set in Gaelen and Ashleigh's Universe]
TEN MINUTE: Michael has been having an off year or five. Nox suggests maybe he should just try saying "yes" more. But what happens when it's Gaelen and Ashleigh making the request?

Content Warning: Graphic violence, sexual content.

ANIMAL MUSEUM ESPIONAGE
[A Terrence & Ling-Ling Adventure]
TEN MINUTE: June, 2020. On an excursion to the museum, Terrence encounters a familiar face.

ABSURD RETAIL SATIRE
TEN MINUTE: Please come in. We are open.

Content Warning: Violence.

SURREAL PARTY HORROR
TEN MINUTE: Lora and Cassidy are at the party. They do not want to be at the party. Everyone else wants them to be at the party.

Content Warning: Violence.

ANIMAL SIDEKICK ROMANCE
TEN MINUTE: Nora loves Patrick. But, alas, she knows not what to say to win his heart. Thankfully, she is friends with a bird who has some ideas.

TERRIFYING DOCTOR VISIT
TEN MINUTE: A patient goes to the doctor for chest pain. It's nothing major. Right?

Right?

INTERRUPTED BONDAGE FAMILY COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: If someone interrupts your bondage session, it's always hard to explain yourself to them. It's even harder when the person is your ten-year-old son. A comedy about honesty, sex, and the surprising number of ways to have them.

Content Warning: Strong sexual content. 

INTERRUPTED DRUG TRIP FAMILY COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: If someone interrupts your trip, it's always hard to explain yourself to them. It's even harder when the person is your sixteen-year-old daughter. A comedy about unwinding, drugs, and the surprising number of ways to use them.

Content Warning: Drug use.

INTERRUPTED SATANISM FAMILY COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: If someone interrupts your Satanic ritual, it's always hard to explain yourself to them. It's even harder when the person is your six-year-old daughter. A comedy about being yourself and the surprising number of ways to hail Satan.

HOLIDAY ROMANTIC COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: It is time for the Community Sacrifice of Midsummer Solstice Harvest. There's just one problem. Veruth does not enjoy the Community Sacrifice of Midsummer Solstice Harvest! How will this truth affect her companionship with Piotr?

Content Warning: Violence

AI ARTIST COMEDY
TEN MINUTE: Moxi's seeking representation as an artist. Only problem? She's an AI, and her portfolio isn't exactly the most original artwork in the world. It's pretty stolen, actually.

Content Warning: Tech bros.

ANIMAL SPAGHETTI DINNER "DATE"
[A Terrence & Ling-Ling Adventure]
TEN MINUTE: Ling-Ling arranges a way for the nervous Terrence to practice for his upcoming date with Millie. Unfortunately, Millie's stand-in doesn't not make things weird.

NOT SO SWEET 16
TEN MINUTE: Mandy flipped the table at her sweet sixteen. Her Uncle Dan attempts to convince her to tell him why. But if she does, will he believe her? And will it even matter?

Content Warning: Drug use.

GRAVE TEEN THRILLER
TEN MINUTE: In the middle of the forest, Harriet digs a fairly large hole. Audrey doesn't help. But they both talk about why.

COVID-19 PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
TEN MINUTE: Sick and Less Sick await the result of a COVID-19 rapid test. Will the show go on? Or down?

And does the test actually make that difference?

ROMANTIC TORTURE COMEDY
[Set in Gaelen and Ashleigh's Universe]
TEN MINUTE: Ashleigh is "Audition"-ing Kenny in his own man cave. Only problem is that she and Gaelen had planned to do the activity together, so what happens when Gaelen catches her in the act?

Content Warning: Graphic violence, inferable spoilers for Takashi Miike's 1999 film, "Audition."

SUPERNATURAL INVESTIGATION HORROR
TEN MINUTE: A clairvoyant helps a troubled man determine the exact nature of his recent supernatural experiences.

Content Warning: Domestic violence/abuse (auditory).

*This play was developed during Playdate Theatre’s 2021 New Work Development Conference.
*This play is published with Smith & Kraus in "The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2023"

BASEBALL PANDEMIC METAPHOR
TWO MINUTE: Two outs. Bases loaded. Everything is on Gonzalez' shoulders as he steps up to the plate.

RAKES RAKES RAKES
[Set in Gaelen and Ashleigh's Universe]
TWO MINUTE: The Solis' rake is missing. What happened? Ashleigh took it. Why? That question has a more interesting answer.

Content Warning: Substance abuse.

SUBURBAN PARTY PREP WHOOPS
[Set in Gaelen and Ashleigh's Universe]
ONE MINUTE: Ashleigh and Diana are prepping for a fire pit get-together in the backyard. Then Ashleigh says out loud the thing she meant to say in her head.

Content Warning: Graphic violence.

DESERT SURVIVAL ADVENTURE
ONE MINUTE: A crash survivor struggles in a vast desert.

SMOKING EXCHANGE SCENE
ONE MINUTE: Two smokers share an encounter amidst the sounds of the city.

EXPERIMENTAL MAGIC BULLYING
MONOLOGUE/TEN MINUTES: Emma tells us, the audience, about a school assembly that took an unexpected turn.

MATTHEW WEAVER PHILOSOPHIZING
MONOLOGUE/TWO MINUTES: A human who has never met Matthew Weaver talks about Matthew Weaver.