Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Elisabeth's plays have been workshopped and/or produced throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel. Full-length plays include CATCH/RELEASE (Henley Rose Finalist) and CLYT; OR, THE BATHTUB PLAY. Her short play, “Brothers on a Hotel Bed,” is featured in Stage It! 2: Thirty 10-Minute Plays. Other work appears in Midwestern Gothic, Pidgeonholes, Three Line Poetry, CHEAP POP, and Flash Fiction Magazine.

In addition to writing, Elisabeth is an actor and director, and is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her B.A. in Theatre and English-Creative Writing from Denison University, where she studied with writers David Baker and Margot Singer, and with playwrights Peter Pauze, Mark Evans Bryan, Gretchen Cryer, and Peter Grandbois.

She...

Elisabeth's plays have been workshopped and/or produced throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel. Full-length plays include CATCH/RELEASE (Henley Rose Finalist) and CLYT; OR, THE BATHTUB PLAY. Her short play, “Brothers on a Hotel Bed,” is featured in Stage It! 2: Thirty 10-Minute Plays. Other work appears in Midwestern Gothic, Pidgeonholes, Three Line Poetry, CHEAP POP, and Flash Fiction Magazine.

In addition to writing, Elisabeth is an actor and director, and is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her B.A. in Theatre and English-Creative Writing from Denison University, where she studied with writers David Baker and Margot Singer, and with playwrights Peter Pauze, Mark Evans Bryan, Gretchen Cryer, and Peter Grandbois.

She received her M.F.A. in Fiction from Butler University, focusing on young adult fiction and dramatic writing, working with novelists Allison Lynn and Michael Dahlie on her YA thesis and with visiting screenwriter/documentary filmmaker Alix Lambert on dramatic works.

Elisabeth has studied additionally under playwrights Andrew Black, Tom Horan, Lary Bloom, cfrancis blackchild, Howard Blanning, Mark Harvey Levine, Emma Goldman-Sherman, and Caridad Svich.

Elisabeth teaches youth drama and writing and serves as the Director of the Butler Bridge Program, a creative writing program for central Indiana youth. She is an adjunct at IUPUI and Butler University, and has taught and designed courses in screenwriting, prose, academic writing, media literacy, acting, and Disney studies.

She is especially interested in exploring intergenerational relationships, themes of motherhood and parenthood, and race relations in the United States. Additionally, she is interested in adaptation, docudrama/ethnodrama, theatre for young audiences, and solo performance.

Scripts

Agnes in Otherland (A Play for Young Actors)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A one act for young actors.

Part Prince and the Pauper, part Alice in Wonderland, this play is a fun and magical romp into another world full of princesses and stepmothers, cursed beings, the Three Bears, a lion guard, and more.

A one act for young actors.

Part Prince and the Pauper, part Alice in Wonderland, this play is a fun and magical romp into another world full of princesses and stepmothers, cursed beings, the Three Bears, a lion guard, and more.

Frankenstein's Daughter (A Play for Young Actors)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A modern day monster play.

A modern day monster play.

Boxcar Kids (A Play for Young Actors)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

The year is 1992. It is summer.

A group of foster siblings in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, slip into the night with trash bags, what little they own, and a trusty copy of The Boxcar Children. Having learned they are soon to be separated, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Ren and her foster siblings find shelter in what they hope is an abandoned treehouse. They soon discover, however, not everything is...

The year is 1992. It is summer.

A group of foster siblings in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, slip into the night with trash bags, what little they own, and a trusty copy of The Boxcar Children. Having learned they are soon to be separated, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Ren and her foster siblings find shelter in what they hope is an abandoned treehouse. They soon discover, however, not everything is what it seems.

A nostalgic nod to pre-teen dreams of freedom, hot and sweaty summers, and the perils of growing up. With an approximate runtime of 50 minutes, Boxcar Kids offers 11 roles for young actors.

4 Words of Advice (5 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

4 people provide advice 4 words at a time.

Suitable for Zoom.

4 people provide advice 4 words at a time.

Suitable for Zoom.

Bartleby & Bess (5-10 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A man contemplates life, love, and airplane trips while anxiously awaiting the arrival of an old flame after 408 days of being apart.

A man contemplates life, love, and airplane trips while anxiously awaiting the arrival of an old flame after 408 days of being apart.

Before We Were Bake Sale Pies (3 Min Play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Three pies sit on a bake sale table.

This play was written as part of a playwriting Title Swap. Title gifted by Miranda Jonte.

Three pies sit on a bake sale table.

This play was written as part of a playwriting Title Swap. Title gifted by Miranda Jonte.

Brothers on a Hotel Bed (15 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Sam and James, having only just met each other, and tired after a long day of driving, enter their hotel room to discover there is only one bed.

Sam and James, having only just met each other, and tired after a long day of driving, enter their hotel room to discover there is only one bed.

Catch/Release

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

FINALIST, HENLEY ROSE AWARD

NEW DRAFT COMING SOON.

FULL LENGTH: Jayne, a lifelong transient, is finally settling down in the small town of Sky, Minnesota, hoping to buy the building that hosts the town’s grocery store, which he manages. Margot, a girl of 14 ½, adopts him as her new companion and confidant. Not used to so much positive attention, Jayne finds himself charmed by her, and Todd, the local police...

FINALIST, HENLEY ROSE AWARD

NEW DRAFT COMING SOON.

FULL LENGTH: Jayne, a lifelong transient, is finally settling down in the small town of Sky, Minnesota, hoping to buy the building that hosts the town’s grocery store, which he manages. Margot, a girl of 14 ½, adopts him as her new companion and confidant. Not used to so much positive attention, Jayne finds himself charmed by her, and Todd, the local police chief, notices. As Jayne and Margot’s friendship grows, it becomes even more complicated when Caleb, a teen looking for the father he never knew, rolls into town and Jayne’s past may finally catch up to him.

A play that explores the subtle and sometimes complicated nature of multi-generational friendships, parenthood, small-town secrets, big-time prejudices, and the fallacy (or not) of memory when alcohol is involved.

Cindy/Ella

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

*Available from Next Stage Press*

ONE ACT (approx. 50 min): A modern Cinderella story: in reverse.

Princess Cynthia of Malibu has it all, yet she longs to be "normal." Wouldn't it be wonderful to be unremarkable and forgettable? When the paparazzi break the news about her husband’s foot fetish--he'd been caught forcing women throughout town to try on Cindy's shoes--she seizes her chance and embarks on an...

*Available from Next Stage Press*

ONE ACT (approx. 50 min): A modern Cinderella story: in reverse.

Princess Cynthia of Malibu has it all, yet she longs to be "normal." Wouldn't it be wonderful to be unremarkable and forgettable? When the paparazzi break the news about her husband’s foot fetish--he'd been caught forcing women throughout town to try on Cindy's shoes--she seizes her chance and embarks on an adventure to find out who she truly is. Going incognito as Ella, Cindy seeks to prove herself capable without servants and discover what the world outside of celebrity culture really has to offer. Meeting a host of quirky characters while traversing across the Kingdom of California's urban sprawl, Cindy discovers that what she's been craving most has been with her all along.

Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

*FINALIST, O'NEILL
*FINALIST, HENLEY ROSE AWARD

FULL LENGTH: Clytemnestra never launched a thousand ships, but that doesn't mean she couldn't have.

Clytemnestra has always felt a bit overshadowed, whether by her sister, Helen, her husband, or her children. She often finds solace while alone in her bath, but when her sister's abduction leads to unspeakable events, Clytemnestra's life is forever altered. A...

*FINALIST, O'NEILL
*FINALIST, HENLEY ROSE AWARD

FULL LENGTH: Clytemnestra never launched a thousand ships, but that doesn't mean she couldn't have.

Clytemnestra has always felt a bit overshadowed, whether by her sister, Helen, her husband, or her children. She often finds solace while alone in her bath, but when her sister's abduction leads to unspeakable events, Clytemnestra's life is forever altered. A modern, feminist exploration of Clytemnestra's tale, Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play is a darkly comedic, lyrical love letter to one of mythology's most misunderstood women.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Inspired by the New York Times' front page May 24, 2020.

Inspired by the New York Times' front page May 24, 2020.

DEAD & COMPANY (5 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Written for CODE RED PLAYWRIGHTS.

A young man is remembered. He dances along.

Written for CODE RED PLAYWRIGHTS.

A young man is remembered. He dances along.

Disengaged Bedfellows (1 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A couple wake in separate beds for the first time in seven years. They imagine what the other is doing.

A couple wake in separate beds for the first time in seven years. They imagine what the other is doing.

Eliana - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Written for Theatre is the Cure's Artists for Change global virtual event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A young mother reflects on her own childhood boundaries and those of her son during the time of coronavirus.

Written for Theatre is the Cure's Artists for Change global virtual event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A young mother reflects on her own childhood boundaries and those of her son during the time of coronavirus.

Fiery Hope - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

LILLIAN WALD (35) discusses the importance of a new venture with nurse Lina Rogers at Henry Street Settlement.

LILLIAN WALD (35) discusses the importance of a new venture with nurse Lina Rogers at Henry Street Settlement.

Happy Holidays (or Bust) (10 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

New mom Claire is less than thrilled with her mother's choice of photo for the family Christmas card.

New mom Claire is less than thrilled with her mother's choice of photo for the family Christmas card.

Holmes Jr. High (A Play for Young Actors)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Available from YouthPLAYS

A play for young actors.

Something strange is afoot at Holmes Jr. High, and it is threatening the end of year festivities. Someone has stolen the Holmes' mascot hound costume and until it is returned, nothing can go on as planned. Jamie Watts, the principal's son, is determined to solve the mystery and enlists fellow students Cheryl Locke, Mary, and Lee Strade to help save the day. A...

Available from YouthPLAYS

A play for young actors.

Something strange is afoot at Holmes Jr. High, and it is threatening the end of year festivities. Someone has stolen the Holmes' mascot hound costume and until it is returned, nothing can go on as planned. Jamie Watts, the principal's son, is determined to solve the mystery and enlists fellow students Cheryl Locke, Mary, and Lee Strade to help save the day. A fun, comedic mystery loosely based on everyone's favorite detective.

21 speaking roles.

Icebox - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Hugh, an American researcher on a base in Antarctica, prepares for the day (and days) ahead while in COVID-19 quarantine.

Written in response to a prompt from Theatre is the Cure: Worldwide Theatrical Event.

Hugh, an American researcher on a base in Antarctica, prepares for the day (and days) ahead while in COVID-19 quarantine.

Written in response to a prompt from Theatre is the Cure: Worldwide Theatrical Event.

IOU - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Amy reflects on her losses and whether ignorance really is bliss after her mother's passing.

Written in response to a prompt from Theatre is the Cure: Worldwide Theatrical Event.

Amy reflects on her losses and whether ignorance really is bliss after her mother's passing.

Written in response to a prompt from Theatre is the Cure: Worldwide Theatrical Event.

I Have Never Met Matthew Weaver But Here's A Play About Him Anyway - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A woman admits she has never met Matthew Weaver.

A woman admits she has never met Matthew Weaver.

LOVE IS BLIND (1-2 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

On their wedding day, TIMOTHY seeks to give KAY the day of her dreams, as best he can, given the circumstances.

On their wedding day, TIMOTHY seeks to give KAY the day of her dreams, as best he can, given the circumstances.

MAKE IT KNOWN - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Sally, a high school student, uncovers a conspiracy when she is assigned an unknown playwright for a drama class project.

Written as part of the 365 Women a Year: A Playwriting Project's "Women in Theatre" Monologue Collection

Sally, a high school student, uncovers a conspiracy when she is assigned an unknown playwright for a drama class project.

Written as part of the 365 Women a Year: A Playwriting Project's "Women in Theatre" Monologue Collection

Mary Pickford First Breaks Her Silence (1 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Mary Pickford is filming a silent film. She breaks her silence.

Mary Pickford is filming a silent film. She breaks her silence.

Mementos (3-5 Minute Play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Three women sit atop piles of trash. They contemplate their past and how they define themselves.

Three women sit atop piles of trash. They contemplate their past and how they define themselves.

Mercy Otis Warren at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, 2028 - Monologue/Solo Short Play

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Mercy Otis Warren visits the Pilgrim Hall Museum in 2028 on the 300th anniversary of her birth.

Written as part of the 365 Women a Year: Playwriting Project's Women in Theatre Monologue Collection

Mercy Otis Warren visits the Pilgrim Hall Museum in 2028 on the 300th anniversary of her birth.

Written as part of the 365 Women a Year: Playwriting Project's Women in Theatre Monologue Collection

Milo & Murphy (10 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

In a rehabilitation hospital hallway, a young woman approaches a man. Coming on strong with dated movie references and sass, will she find the connection she secretly seeks, or end up instead revealing more than she meant?

In a rehabilitation hospital hallway, a young woman approaches a man. Coming on strong with dated movie references and sass, will she find the connection she secretly seeks, or end up instead revealing more than she meant?

Mother Ever After - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A woman composes a letter to an imagined daughter.

Originally composed and performed as a part of 50in50: Letters to Our Daughters by the Billie Holiday Theatre and WACO Theatre.

A woman composes a letter to an imagined daughter.

Originally composed and performed as a part of 50in50: Letters to Our Daughters by the Billie Holiday Theatre and WACO Theatre.

My Heart is a Kaleidoscope (Waiting to be Turned) (1 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A poetic performance piece for actors. Ensemble piece. Suggested: 5-7 actors.

Appropriate for young actors and audiences.

A poetic performance piece for actors. Ensemble piece. Suggested: 5-7 actors.

Appropriate for young actors and audiences.

NAIL BITER (5-10 minute play for Zoom)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

KARA calls her best friend JANICE to give her the bad news about her being unable to attend JANICE's first-ever girl-boy party tonight.

KARA calls her best friend JANICE to give her the bad news about her being unable to attend JANICE's first-ever girl-boy party tonight.

Nights from Now On (5 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

In the not-so-distant future of 2045, a boy and his father contend with strict guidelines in the hopes of saving the near-extinct firefly.

In the not-so-distant future of 2045, a boy and his father contend with strict guidelines in the hopes of saving the near-extinct firefly.

NIXIN' NIXON (10 Minute Play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Jane, a college student, comes home with exciting news: her longtime crush is coming over. Tonight. Her one problem? Her roommate Maggie's preferred bathroom decor. Will Jane convince Maggie to redecorate before it's too late?

Contains strong language.

Jane, a college student, comes home with exciting news: her longtime crush is coming over. Tonight. Her one problem? Her roommate Maggie's preferred bathroom decor. Will Jane convince Maggie to redecorate before it's too late?

Contains strong language.

OUT BY THE CREEK (5 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Lorraine runs home to tell her Daddy about a man she and Johnny saw out by the creek.

Written in response to Justin Guidroz's THE COORDINATES PROJECT, Round 1

Lorraine runs home to tell her Daddy about a man she and Johnny saw out by the creek.

Written in response to Justin Guidroz's THE COORDINATES PROJECT, Round 1

Potholes & Potluck (10 Minute Play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Frank Stone has had it with the pothole on Barkhurst. His wife, Vivian, worries over her holiday potluck. Their daughter, Sara, hasn't emerged from her room in days.

Frank comes up with a creative solution to fill the hole and ends up lifting everyone's spirits in the process.

Frank Stone has had it with the pothole on Barkhurst. His wife, Vivian, worries over her holiday potluck. Their daughter, Sara, hasn't emerged from her room in days.

Frank comes up with a creative solution to fill the hole and ends up lifting everyone's spirits in the process.

PROMAPALOOZOOM! (A Play for Virtual Theatre)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

ONE ACT:
This isn't your average Zoom conference call. This is PROM 2020.

When a group of high schoolers -- some friends, some strangers -- log in to their assigned "prom pod" for their senior prom, they try to make the best of the situation at hand.

ONE ACT:
This isn't your average Zoom conference call. This is PROM 2020.

When a group of high schoolers -- some friends, some strangers -- log in to their assigned "prom pod" for their senior prom, they try to make the best of the situation at hand.

The Pumpkin Pact (10-15 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Two middle school girls in the fall of 2004 make a powerful pact in a cornfield.

A slightly shorter, max 10-minute version is available under "script sample."

Two middle school girls in the fall of 2004 make a powerful pact in a cornfield.

A slightly shorter, max 10-minute version is available under "script sample."

Safe Passage (10 Minute Play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Jerome's first day on the job as a salmon cannon worker in the PNW goes a bit differently than planned.

Jerome's first day on the job as a salmon cannon worker in the PNW goes a bit differently than planned.

Shoelaces (10 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Union Station, Washington, D.C. A young girl lies about her age to a man waiting for a train, but is she the only one who's lying?

Union Station, Washington, D.C. A young girl lies about her age to a man waiting for a train, but is she the only one who's lying?

SEVENTEEN - A Monologue from Catch / Release

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Jayne reflects on the night of the big game. He was seventeen.

Jayne reflects on the night of the big game. He was seventeen.

Starting Small - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A domestic violence survivor reflects and advises.

Written for Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus call for monologues on domestic violence.

A domestic violence survivor reflects and advises.

Written for Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus call for monologues on domestic violence.

Suburban Buffalo Sighting - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

It's exactly what it sounds like...or is it?

It's exactly what it sounds like...or is it?

the humans are all wearing muzzles now - Monologue

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

Dog observes. Dog worries. Dog focuses on what dog can control.

Dog observes. Dog worries. Dog focuses on what dog can control.

These aren't meant to be worn (5 minute play)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A poetic performance piece for 2 actors and art.

Two childhood friends meet, years after jealousy and puberty tore them apart.

THE ARTIST and THE CRITIC are roles open to any gender, sexual orientation, race, age, human.

A poetic performance piece for 2 actors and art.

Two childhood friends meet, years after jealousy and puberty tore them apart.

THE ARTIST and THE CRITIC are roles open to any gender, sexual orientation, race, age, human.

Three Tons of Earth (This is a Mother) (5 min choreopoem)

by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

Synopsis

A group of people share the one about the 51 year old woman...

A group of people share the one about the 51 year old woman...