Lucy Wang

Comic monologue written for the UNALIENABLE PROJECT. An Asian American gives tips on how to survive during the age of coronavirus. Morgen Chang performs in a youtube video.

Alex has always been a straight A student that respects authority. That is, until she is asked to reprise her role as the Chinese Dancer in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. She hates the costume she’s supposed to wear, and the movements expected of her, but finds going against her teacher and her parents opens Pandora's Box. Challenging the status quo is never easy. Alex wonders, what is the point of learning if we’re stuck in 1892 or 1954? She turns to Bruce Lee and her classmates for advice, courage and inspiration. REIMAGINE TYA FINALIST 2023, PURPLE CRAYON SEMI-FINALIST 2023, PEGASUS LAB FINALIST 2023, AMERICAN STAGE FINALIST 2023 Flexible casting. Played by teens or adults. Large cast. Diverse cast. Movement, dance, physical comedy. Play for all audiences. Family.

When a man confronts the FBI agent who arrested him long ago, he risks losing his identity to expose the vulnerabilities of the justice system and racial profiling. This intriguing urban tale is full of twists, turns and power shifts. Finalist, Heideman Award, Actors Theatre of Louisville, KY, 2001. Originally published by JAC Publishing until they closed shop July 31, 2019.

Chinese Parents. American children. Should Mom do a TV cooking show or be Dad's subservient wife? There's going to be a fight, and the kids are in the middle. A fun and sad play about the rites of assimilation. Published by JAC Publishing and Promotions until 7/31/19 when JAC closed shop. This play inspired the screenplay YOUNG AMERICANS which placed as a finalist in the Sundance Lab. Jane Chambers Honorable Mention. Mark Taper Forum New Works Festival. Urban Stages.

A Short #CodeRed Play Inspired by Events in Atlanta, Georgia, March 16, 2021, Honoring XiaoJie Tan who was murdered, #hatecrime #AAPI

Chosen for 5th Annual Faces of America Monologue Festival, monologue about librarians and books, being seen. Any gender, any race or ethnicity, any age,

Ten minute play. Annie calls upon the ghost of Hemingway for career advice. Published by JAC Publishing and Promotions until they closed for business July 31, 2019.

Traveling by plane can be stressful. Sometimes you just want to be left alone, but sometimes the person seated next to you insists on having a delightful conversation.

It’s that time of year when everyone poses for a class photo. Conflict arises when students must decide who gets to be front and center. Written for young actors and young audiences.

A hilarious, provocative comedy where contestants vie for a liver transplant on the game show, Who Wants to be an Organ Donor? Finalist for the Heideman Award, Actors Theater of Louisville, KY, 2002. Originally published by JAC Publishing and Promotions. JAC closed shop 7/31/19. All rights reverted back to author.

Monologue written expressing for actors 50+ to perform in a FUN! raiser, Red Herring Productions in Columbus, OHIO, March 9, 2020. Performed by Antoinette LaVecchia Turner for Writer's Block Radio Hour, Scotland. Performed for WIOX Radio, Open Eye Theatre, NY.

When Phoebe breaks a cup, Hera and Zeus decide it's time to recruit a new cup-bearer. Will Hera and Zeus keep with tradition and shake up the divine court by pushing boundaries? When Zeus catches sight of Ganymede, there's no turning back.

Cherylene Lee and I used to hang out when I lived in Mountain View. She enjoyed visiting me so we could swim in the pool at my apartment complex. I loved visiting her in San Francisco. We loved to dance. A few times we had to park at her ex's because parking was impossible. When I moved to L.A., I first lived across from her old high school and not far from her childhood home in Silver Lake. I asked her if she ever attended any of her high school reunions, and she would laugh and say, Are you kidding? Time's Man of the Year David Ho was in my class, who can compete with Time's Man of the Year? You can, Cherylene Lee! I'd retort back.

So when Jesse Eisenberg asked me if I'd a monologue for Cherylene Lee, I was really nervous. What would she want? What secrets am I allowed to or not allowed to reveal? Perhaps nothing she told me was actually top secret. Anyhow, this monologue is inspired by my friend, childhood actor and fellow playwright Cherylene Lee. Written for 365 Women in Theatre Monologue Project to recognize women and their achievements.

Down There is a biting comic monologue about how language can trap us and shape our attitudes about our body.

A play about how two people are drawn to each other through their hunger, and how this hunger forces them to reach outside of themselves.

A brother and sister struggle to compose the perfect obituary for their mother.

When Morticia Noir gets the promotion Luther Fang deserves, Luther gets creative. To prove his boss Belladonna Ash made a horrible mistake, Luther resorts to good old-fashioned sabotage. Luther sets Morticia up with the irresistible Johnny Devilicious because what ruins a woman faster than a man? All hell breaks loose in Hell. Music by Molly Siskin, Lyrics by Shawn Ryan.

This is a short comedy about an “older” woman finding her value, her joy, and her home in an unexpected, unconventional space.

Good Mourning, America focuses on the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and explores how terror, tragedy and the misappropriation of tragedy stirs a melting pot, adding plenty of spice and a wicked splash of dark comedy. Friendship, hope and American ingenuity on the rebound, with a biting vengeance. Published by Original Works Publishing. Finalist, Eugene O'Neill Conference, 2005. Flexible cast. Developed at Atlantic Center for the Arts with Eric Bogosian.
https://www.originalworksonline.com/GOOD-MOURNING-AMERICA-by-Lucy-Wang_…

Gray hates to lose, and his basketball team is on a losing streak. Gray reluctantly seeks advice from Isabel, AKA Miss Smarty Pants, a master of feng-shui, in hopes of changing his luck. One act comedy, published by Youthplays.

One Minute Play Festival Coronavirus, performed/read on Zoom,

Frosty the Snowman is melting because of climate change. The Grinch has nothing to steal and give back to teach the true meaning of Christmas because 99% of the population has nothing. The Grinch joins forces with Frosty to ask former California Governor Jerry Brown to cancel Christmas to capture the country's attention and make holidays more inclusive. Why Jerry Brown? California governor Jerry Brown was never afraid to lead the way.

A young boss has a junior moment when interviewing an older job candidate. Flexible casting, any ethnicity. Gi60 20th Anniversary Festival, May 2024. Modern Classics Theatre, Long Island, Dec 2024

In a fast-paced game of liar's poker, a young Asian American woman fights her way into the clubby, high rolling world of Wall Street. Immense wealth, glamorous careers and intoxicating power are at stake in pursuit of a fat slice of American pie. Published by Original Works Publishing. Village Voice called this award-winning play "hilarious and clever." Earned Wang the moniker "Female David Mamet." "Simply Riveting" Wrote the Washington Square News. Winner of Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays and Best New Play Award Katharine and Lee Chilcote Foundation

Comic monologue about being nostalgic for letters. A person missing staying in touch the old-fashioned way.

Aimee is giving thanks for what she's had in the big bad city before she moves. It doesn't quite go as well as she had hoped.

This ten-minute play is inspired by the courage and unsolved death of Anna Mae Aquash whose body was found Feb 24, 1976. My Aim Is True is a fictional account of her interrogation by the FBI in Pierre, South Dakota.

Two-minute comedic monologue about a woman refusing to be called "Ma'am." She's fighting ageism and how women are dismissed once they reach a "ma'amhood." Social protest. Wonderful audition piece. Female-identifying. Any ethnicity, flexible casting. Finalist for Faces of America Monologue Festival #6.

Stan Lee, a 12-14 year old Asian-American boy, has learned how to protect himself and his dreams against a tide of expectations and pre-conceived notions. All he had to do was to find his own superpower. Published by Applause Books, One on One, Playing with a Purpose, Monologues for Kids Ages 7-15.

Jamie and Morgan are celebrating their first Christmas as a couple. It’s a turning point in their relationship. Are they read to take the next step? What does their gift to each other say about their expectations and intentions?

I was asked to write a two page monologue about myself for the 365 WIT (Women in Theater) Project, or let someone else write my story. That terror motivated me to craft an abridged monologue based on my "real" life. The 365 WIT project limits monologues to 2 pages. It draws from a longer monologue that was stage read in NYC as part of Motherlode, Actors Temple, October 2018 I also performed the complete monologue No Joy No Luck in my one-woman show CHINESE GIRLS DON'T SWEAR.

Lyndon struggles to please his traditional Chinese father, Charlie, and this desire grow more acute after a family tragedy. Lyndon tries to explain he is gay in Mandarin, his father's native tongue, using metaphor since he has no idea what the word for homosexual or gay is in Mandarin. These are words his father never taught him. What he lacks in words, Lyndon makes up in actions. Lyndon and Kevin adopt a girl from China, a girl who was abandoned at the orphanage. This play is set against the AIDS epidemic, and during the time when LGBTQIA parents were losing custody of their children.

One of 10 finalists of the L. Arnold Weissberger Award, and a finalist for the White-Willis Theatre.

Logline: Number One Son explores the continental divide between a traditional Chinese father and his gay investment banker son as each character` searches truth with dignity.

Work in progress.

When Sandy discovers she has a lump in her breast, she fears she is more likely to lose a breast than fall in love. Therefore, cancer forces Sandy to conquer her fears and take action. A comedy. Published by One Act Play Depot.

There is also a version where the two main characters are gay, and this one-act was chosen to be stage-read in the 30th anniversary West Hollywood Playreading Festival 2015.

Dexter can never get a good night’s sleep and recalls a story his mother used to tell him which might explain why he’s cursed. Finalist, Heideman Award, 2015.

One of the three winners for Write A Monologue for me.

My monologue was inspired by my effort to sell my 2003 Porsche Boxster, which I named the "Silver Menace." A trainer from my gym said he might know a buyer. I showed the trainer my car, and he was impressed by its great condition and very low mileage. He seemed genuinely taken with the car, so I said, "Maybe you want to buy it. How about taking a spin in my Boxster S?" The trainer, who is African-American, immediately responded. "Are you kidding? Have you seen GET OUT? If we go riding in this car together, the police will arrest me for kidnapping you. If I take your car out myself, the police will arrest me for grand theft auto. I can't buy your Porsche, I'm black!" He had me in stitches because it was hilarious, and often the best comedy reflects uncomfortable elements of truth.

https://nycp.blogspot.com/2017/10/nycplaywrights-write-monologue-for-me…

A tenured professor proposes a name change to CRT so that it will gain more acceptance and be taught more widely.

Mabel, a 13-14 year old Asian-American girl, feels lucky she gets paid to tutor the most popular, best looking boy in high school until he pays her a compliment. This monologue is published in One on One, Playing with a Purpose, Monologues for kids ages 7-14, Applause Books; Audition Monologues for Young Women #2, Meriwether Publishing; JAC Publishing.

A comedy that illuminates how our relationship to food affects our relationship to each other.

This monologue is an excerpt from my play GOOD MOURNING, AMERICA. I'm posting it here because I often receive requests for monologues written for Asian Americans. This monologue was originally written for an Asian American male actor.

The Sensuous Gourmet teaches Trevor that if you know how to eat, you know how to make love.

Asian American tries to break (defy) the stereotype of bad Asian driver, and break into Hollywood. Playground Experiment Faces of America

Written for the New Shokan Kitchen Island Project, Put A Woman On A Pedestal
Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, a 16-year-old girl, struggles with her decision to lead a big women’s suffrage parade in New York City that’s expected to draw 10,000 spectators.

Scene: Mabel’s bedroom, the evening before the momentous parade.
Time: May 3, 1912.

JAMIE shows up at CHRIS’ apartment, unannounced and carrying two large bags.

Caren wants to welcome Karyn to the neighborhood, and offers her an unusual housewarming present. Is Caren being thoughtful, or is it racial profiling? This is a short comedy about the first impressions we make, how we want to do good and connect, but how awkward it can be.

When widower Charlie pressures his son Lyndon to settle down and produce grandchildren, Lyndon has to come out to this father. Since he doesn't know the word for gay in Mandarin, Lyndon is forced to improvise.

James Thurber is playing William Tell with his older brother William when William accidentally shoots Jamie in the eye. Naturally, Jamie fears for his future. Luckily, a ghost visits and gives him hope, shows Jamie that being blind in one eye will end up being a gift. This short play was performed at Caesar Ford Theater, Xenia, Ohio, outdoor ampitheatre. Zoom friendly.

Tracy's life is turned upside down when her mother walks out. Her father can't cope, her brother's too young, and they're about to lose their home. But if Steve Jobs once called the President of Hewlett-Packard while he was still in high school, why can't Tracy call her favorite mogul and ask for a job? With a little push from her English teacher, Tracy leaps for the brass ring, but it's going to take some unlikely allies to help her navigate the prickly paths of success and save her family, her house and herself in this play inspired by a true story. Published by YouthPlays. Bookheaded, LLC selected a scene from this play for StudySync, 2017.

A love triangle. Ruth loves Peter, but she used to love Kendall. Kendall still loves Ruth in spite of himself, and proposes Ruth return her love in another way. Romantic comedy. Published by JAC Publishing and Promotions until 7/31/19 when they closed shop. All rights reverted back to playwright.

Ten-minute play which can be stretched to fifteen if everyone wants to ham it up. When two artists (a composer and a playwright) discover the hottest five-star restaurant has jacked up its prices, the pair must find a creative way to pay their bill. Flexible casting. Any age, any ethnicity.
 

Sometimes the shortest distance is the longest commute, and a walkable feast.

Miss/Mister Lewis loved living across the street from John Marshall High. All she/he/they had to do was roll out of bed, get dressed and walk across the street to teach. It was the best commute ever, until one of her students needed to see her after class.

When Glenn learns his new tennis dates is an old flame and now a transgendered male, the news threatens to knock him off his game. This play is inspired by and dedicated to a second cousin who went from Stephanie to Al. An earlier draft was read on Hey Playwright podcast. Staged Reading, July 15 and July 17, 2023, LaJolla Theatre Ensemble, LaJolla, CA.

Europe's most famous transgender, Romy Haag, explains how she stood up for love, freedom and David Bowie during the Berlin Wall years.

When two old friends meet, they struggle to present their best selves, even though they are both hurting inside. Studies show that in this age of social media, people feel more isolated. Everyone posts highlight reels that make their lives look perfect, and yet, nobody's life is perfect.

Claire and Aaron meet up and pretend they're okay until their inner private selves emerge. Their private selves know better, and push their public selves to open up with honesty, compassion, and humor. Our public selves may differ from how we see ourselves which allows for flexible, nontraditional, and fun/comic casting. The play is set in a restaurant where the actors may also play with their food.

This monologue is excerpted from my full-length play GOOD MOURNING, AMERICA. It is a popular audition monologue for male actors so I've decided to share it here.