Steven Hayet

Steven Hayet

Steven Hayet is a New Jersey playwright whose work has been performed from Los Angeles to London and New York to New Zealand.

He is currently Playwright-in-Residence at Roaring Epiphany Production Company, an inclusion theatre company providing opportunities for actors with disabilities. His Willy Wonka-inspired EVERLASTING CHOCOLATE THERAPY was named Runner-Up for Best New Play by the...
Steven Hayet is a New Jersey playwright whose work has been performed from Los Angeles to London and New York to New Zealand.

He is currently Playwright-in-Residence at Roaring Epiphany Production Company, an inclusion theatre company providing opportunities for actors with disabilities. His Willy Wonka-inspired EVERLASTING CHOCOLATE THERAPY was named Runner-Up for Best New Play by the BroadwayWorld Oklahoma Awards as well as a Semi-Finalist for both the Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival and B-Street Theatre’s New Comedies Festival. His short play DATE WITH DEATH has been performed over 50 times, including at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe opening the Big Bite Size Breakfast Show (Shortlist Winner, The Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award.)

His short film, KEEP THE MUSIC GOING, written and recorded entirely on Zoom, had its world premiere at the Lighthouse International Film Festival (MovieMaker’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World 2020), and screened at the Life, the Universe, & Everything Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy where it received The Hope Award for its theme of connection and perseverance.

Other scripts include HUGO SAVES CHRISTMAS...IN MAY! (Semi-Finalist, Bay Area Playwrights Festival), and short plays PLAYING WITH FIRED (Smith & Kraus's Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2019), TALKING POINTS (City Theatre), DINOSAUR (Short+Sweet Sydney), & THE PRESIDENCY OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON IN REAL TIME: A 10 MINUTE PLAY (Stray Kats Theatre Co.).

He is a proud graduate of the College of William & Mary and Rutgers University.
Member of the Dramatists Guild. www.stevenhayet.com

Plays

  • Everlasting Chocolate Therapy by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 15
    ·
    Cast: 
    5–9
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: willy wonka, chocolate + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, parody/spoof
    Keyword: willy wonka, chocolate, childhood trauma, Childhood, Classic Literature, blue, parody, adapting to change, candy, roald dahl
    FULL LENGTH: Fifteen years after touring the famous chocolate factory, the former gum-chewer Bo returns to confront the man who made her blue only to discover that Chuck, a fellow golden ticket finder, is now in charge of operations. Since being hand picked as an eleven year old, Chuck has struggled to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, and the frustrated orange workers of the factory want a change,...
    FULL LENGTH: Fifteen years after touring the famous chocolate factory, the former gum-chewer Bo returns to confront the man who made her blue only to discover that Chuck, a fellow golden ticket finder, is now in charge of operations. Since being hand picked as an eleven year old, Chuck has struggled to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, and the frustrated orange workers of the factory want a change, reuniting Chuck and Bo with the three other contestants to determine who should be the next Chocolate Man.

    Everlasting Chocolate Therapy explores the bittersweet reality of the five not-so-lucky golden ticket finders and their attempts to overcome the consequences of childhood decisions.
  • Hugo Saves Christmas...in May! by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: christmas, american christmas + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, holiday
    Keyword: christmas, american christmas, family, childhood memories, judaism, nostalgia, commercialism, family traditions, friendship, comedy
    FULL LENGTH: A year-round Christmas store is going out of business and Hugo, a longtime loyal customer, refuses to accept the news.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company
    Semifinalist - 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival
  • 12 Hangry Jurors by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    13
    ·
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    ·
    Keyword: Comic One Acts, Court Trial + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    Keyword: Comic One Acts, Court Trial, jury, large cast, One Act Competition, ensemble cast, courtroom, Classical parody, flexible cast
    ONE ACT: After hours of heated deliberation, twelve jurors struggle to come to a consensus...on what to order for lunch.

    Published by Pioneer Drama Service.
  • Date with Death by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 19
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: dating, murder + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, horror, romantic comedy
    Keyword: dating, murder, awkward, rejection, online dating, awkward romance, death
    TEN MINUTE: Dating is hell. Rather than deal with the awkwardness of turning someone down, Angela prefers murder. However, this time, her baggage does not go unnoticed.

    Shortlist Winner: The Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award (as part of The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show)

    "A darkly humorous take on online dating..." - Daily Business Magazine
  • Keep The Music Going by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 10
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: drama, science fiction + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: post-apocalyptic, astronaut + 6 more
    Genre: drama, science fiction, zoom
    Keyword: post-apocalyptic, astronaut, international space station, zoom, connection, separation, friendship, loneliness and isolation
    TEN MINUTE: Written for Zoom, 'Keep the Music Going' is a story about the last two humans and their friendship, thousands of miles apart.

    It’s been 734 days since the world ended and Commander Jessica Caldwell is alone on the International Space Station, playing music over the radio frequency for anyone on Earth who may have survived.
    For the past 734 days, Jessica hasn’t...
    TEN MINUTE: Written for Zoom, 'Keep the Music Going' is a story about the last two humans and their friendship, thousands of miles apart.

    It’s been 734 days since the world ended and Commander Jessica Caldwell is alone on the International Space Station, playing music over the radio frequency for anyone on Earth who may have survived.
    For the past 734 days, Jessica hasn’t received a response, but today, another woman is able to radio her back.

    (Stageplay version also available.)

    Winner of The Hope Award at the 2022 Life, the Universe, & Everything Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy
  • Playing With Fired by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 18
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, holiday
    ·
    Keyword: Job Interview, Santa Claus + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, holiday
    Keyword: Job Interview, Santa Claus, interview, Ambition, Toys, office, christmas
    TEN MINUTE: In order to get the job of her dreams, a young ambitious candidate has to fire the man who currently holds the position.

    First Place: Smith & Kraus' Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2019
  • A Clue in the Library by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 12
    ·
    Cast: 
    2–3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: clues, Murder-mystery + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, mystery/thriller, parody/spoof, young audiences
    Keyword: clues, Murder-mystery, library, Academia, murder, detective, whodunit
    TEN MINUTE: A man is dead and Professor Plum & Miss Scarlet are on a quest to find the murderer…as soon as they conquer the Library of Congress cataloguing system.

    "An excellent costumed comedy delight." - Sydney Arts Guide
  • Battle of the Sexist by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–7
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Tennis, sexism + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, political
    Keyword: Tennis, sexism, outrage culture, sports, media, brand identity, battle of the sexes
    SHORT: When professional tennis player John MacDougal is pressured into facing 16 year-old YouTube phenom, Connie Powers, there’s more on the line for John than his record.
  • BFFL's Remorse by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: friendship, grief + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: friendship, grief, death, loss, funeral, best friends, jealousy, blame, responsibility
    TEN MINUTE: After Kate's sudden passing, two of her friends wish they had done more...than the other friend.
  • Dinosaur by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: dinosaurs, Mental Health + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: dinosaurs, Mental Health, anxiety, gun violence, friendship, heroes, Movies, purpose
    TEN MINUTE: Scared of being eaten by a dinosaur, Spencer refuses to leave her room.

    Two monologues included in Applause's The Best Women’s Monologues from New Plays 2020
  • Dream Job by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    ·
    Keyword: Job Interview, padding resume + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    Keyword: Job Interview, padding resume, interview, office comedy
    TEN MINUTE: To get the job of her dreams, a job seeker is willing to take some liberties with her resume.

    Written for Theatre Unmasked's PLACES! Virtual Play Festival.
    Play is written to be performed both on Zoom or on stage.
  • Everlasting Chocolate Therapy: A Ten Minute Play by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: wonka, willy wonka + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, fantasy, parody/spoof
    Keyword: wonka, willy wonka, chocolate, childhood trauma, Classic Literature, choice, blue
    TEN MINUTE: Fifteen years after touring the famous chocolate factory, Bo returns to confront the man who made her blue only to discover who is now in charge of operations.
  • Ex Gets The Square (A Zoom play) by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Hollywood Squares, Game Show + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy, zoom
    Keyword: Hollywood Squares, Game Show, zoom, celebrity couples, Relationships
    TEN MINUTE: While filming an episode of Hollywood Squares, a celebrity couple has to answer questions about their relationship in addition to general trivia.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company.
  • George Orwell’s 1989: A “Swift” 10 Minute Adaptation by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 15
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: adaptation, comedy + 4 more
    ·
    Keyword: George Orwell, 1984 + 4 more
    Genre: adaptation, comedy, farce, parody/spoof, satire, young audiences
    Keyword: George Orwell, 1984, nineteen eighty four, Taylor Swift, 1989, high school
    TEN MINUTE: In a world where government controls what music can be heard, Winston longs for the freedom to change his tune. A parody of George Orwell’s classic “1984” where Taylor Swift is Big Sister.
  • Held Momentarily by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: New York subway, subway + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: New York subway, subway, supervillain, Toxic Masculinity, mta, female superheroes
    TEN MINUTE: This train is being held momentarily by the Dispatcher.
  • Joint Adventure by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Alzheimer's Disease, grandfather + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: Alzheimer's Disease, grandfather, granddaughter, family, generations, dementia
    TEN MINUTE: Saturday is Emily's day to watch her grandfather.

    “A moving conversation between a young woman and her grandfather... ” - Ewing Reviewing
  • Never Have I Ever 2047: A Zoom Play by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, science fiction + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: close friendship, gender neutral casting + 2 more
    Genre: drama, science fiction, zoom
    Keyword: close friendship, gender neutral casting, pandemic, future
    TEN MINUTE: It's 2047. With the pandemic still going on outside, three friends celebrate a birthday on a Zoom call by playing an "old" game called Never Have I Ever.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company.
  • The Presidency of William Henry Harrison in Real Time: A 10 Minute Play by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 10
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: william henry harrison, President + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, political
    Keyword: william henry harrison, President, USA, hall of presidents, legacy, significance, American politics, U.S. Constitution
    TEN MINUTE: Due to overcrowding, the Hall of Presidents can only keep the most significant Commanders in Chief. Will William Henry Harrison make the cut?
  • Respects by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: friendship, grief + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: friendship, grief, death, loss, funeral, best friends, murder, true crime
    SHORT: While paying respects at the wake for her friend Jessica, Kathy meets the last person she’d expect: Jessica’s murderer.
  • Sidequest by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, fantasy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: first date, online gaming + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, fantasy, romantic comedy
    Keyword: first date, online gaming, female gamer, dating, ten minute play, MMORPG, Role Playing Games
    TEN MINUTE: Two online gamers decide to meet IRL for a date.
  • Stage Mom by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: mother and daughter, bad parenting + 4 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: mother and daughter, bad parenting, jealousy, Little Orphan Annie, metatheatrical, rehearsal process
    TEN MINUTE: While waiting for their children to finish dance class, two moms sit and chat, sharing opinions, gossip, and everything but their daughters’ spotlight.
  • Super (A Zoom Play) by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    TEN MINUTE: A superhero calls a meeting of the Defenders of Justice to announce her resignation.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company.
    Play inspired by survey responses from the cast members.
  • Talking Points by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 27
    ·
    Cast: 
    2–6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, holiday + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: breakup, Thanksgiving + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, holiday, political
    Keyword: breakup, Thanksgiving, press conference, family
    TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

    "This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

    "The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a...
    TEN MINUTE: Mike holds a press conference, during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, to announce his recent separation.

    "This is the hands down winner, and a delightful opener..." - Florida Theater On Stage

    "The comedy that flows from that stylized setup is clever, but at the end, 'Talking Points' digs deeper to reinforce a family’s caring support for a young man grieving a lost love." - Miami Herald

    "A tender, funny tale..." - Miami Art Zine
  • Watch Party: A Zoom Play by Steven Hayet
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: pandemic, binge watching + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, zoom
    Keyword: pandemic, binge watching, tv show, New Normal, high school actors
    TEN MINUTE: What happens when the pandemic affects two best friends and the production of their favorite TV show?

    Commissioned by CGL Acting Studio
  • Weather the Storm: A Zoom Play by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    ·
    Keyword: weather, extreme weather + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, zoom
    Keyword: weather, extreme weather, meteorologist, gender neutral casting, a short Zoom play, reporting, journalism
    TEN MINUTE: With climate change causing weather to become more and more unpredictable, Morgan, an employee at the Weather Channel, is tasked with the responsibility of training new hires to be onsite weather reporters.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company.
  • The Wrong Jen Harper by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: acting, audition + 5 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: acting, audition, stardom, dreams, doppelganger, identity, Ambition
    TEN MINUTE: An aspiring actress’ plans for stardom hit an unexpected bump when a new star emerges with the same name.
  • Zoom Date (A Zoom Play) by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: date, bad date + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy, zoom
    Keyword: date, bad date, zoom, romance
    TEN MINUTE: Cameras on. Hearts open.

    Commissioned by Roaring Epiphany Production Company.
    Play inspired by survey responses from the cast members.
  • Denial by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: metoo, celebrity + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: metoo, celebrity, consequences, honesty, shaggy, it wasn't me
    FIVE MINUTE: A short play about Celebrity Sex Rehab inspired by Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me."
  • Justinstein by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, horror + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Frankenstein, justin bieber + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, horror, parody/spoof
    Keyword: Frankenstein, justin bieber, pop music, music industry, Frankenstein's Monster, monster, high school
    FIVE MINUTE: Loosely inspired from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Dr. Vic knows that pop stars are created and not born.
  • Passover Justice by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Passover, Jewish + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, holiday
    Keyword: Passover, Jewish, ten plagues
    FIVE MINUTE: When Rebecca's father won't let her and her friends go to Jacob's graduation party, the only way to change his mind is to unleash a series of plagues.

    "A hilarious take on the Passover story, perfect for all ages" - ArtsBoston
  • The Pineapple Line by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 11
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: taboo, pineapple + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: taboo, pineapple, pizza, incest, cannibalism
    FIVE MINUTE: When it comes to taboos, nothing is more divisive than pineapple on pizza.
  • Letter of the Law by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 15
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, holiday
    ·
    Keyword: christmas, Supreme Court + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, holiday
    Keyword: christmas, Supreme Court, mother and daughter, Santa Claus, presents
    A ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Seven year-old Sydney is not happy with her Christmas present.
  • McIntosh by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 15
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, young audiences
    ·
    Keyword: Wizard of Oz, metatheatrical + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, young audiences
    Keyword: Wizard of Oz, metatheatrical, acting, school play, drama club
    A ONE-MINUTE PLAY: The cast list is posted and two students discuss their new parts in the Wizard of Oz.
  • My Mare Lady by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: dance, high school + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof, young audiences
    Keyword: dance, high school, MY FAIR LADY, dressage, horses, prom
    A ONE-MINUTE PLAY: A high school girl asks a boy to teach her to dance.
  • I’m a Chef on a Reality Cooking Show and You’re Damn Right I’m Going to Make Risotto! by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    ·
    Keyword: monologue, chef + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    Keyword: monologue, chef, cooking, competition, reality tv, food network, television, confidence, determination, delusion
    MONOLOGUE (Approx 2 Minutes): Speaking to a confessional camera, a chef on a reality TV cooking competition show defends his or her strategy to make the frequently attempted and frequently failed dish.
  • General Rush by Steven Hayet
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, political
    ·
    Keyword: coronavirus, theatre + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, political
    Keyword: coronavirus, theatre, Broadway, Covid-19, ticket sales
    A ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Two friends sit outside a theatre.

    Part of The One-Minute Play Festival's The Coronavirus Plays.