15 Seconds by
A mother relives the loss of her gay son in a mass shooting.
Bruce Karp
Bruce Karp
Bruce Karp grew up in New York City, now lives in South Florida. He has written numerous short plays, which have been performed at theater festivals in several U.S. states, Canada, and India. His full-length plays have had staged readings in Florida and Michigan. Recent credits: “Clear Blue Sky,” his full-length play, was filmed and streamed by The Heights Players, Brooklyn, NY; “The Short and Short of It,” an...
Bruce Karp grew up in New York City, now lives in South Florida. He has written numerous short plays, which have been performed at theater festivals in several U.S. states, Canada, and India. His full-length plays have had staged readings in Florida and Michigan. Recent credits: “Clear Blue Sky,” his full-length play, was filmed and streamed by The Heights Players, Brooklyn, NY; “The Short and Short of It,” an evening of his short plays, was performed at Sandrell Rivers Theater, Miami; Other Zoom and live readings/productions of his short plays: “Above and Beyond,” “The Best,” “Picking Your Nose,” “The Spot” (play and musical versions),“Why Not Merman?,” “Goy Meets Girl,” “The Portrait,” and “Prom Night.” Bruce is a Member of the Dramatists’ Guild.
Plays
A Wonderful Life? by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:5Genre: comedy, fantasy·Keyword: 10 minute comedyGenre: comedy, fantasyKeyword: 10 minute comedyGeorge Braley is distraught. Financial advice that he gave his siblings failed miserably, and he wishes he had never been born. A kindly guardian angel helps him realize that his siblings would have been better off without his butting in. A twist on "It's A Wonderful Life."Above and Beyond by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: dramaGenre: dramaWritten for a Coronavirus-related play festival, with actors performing at their laptops, the play focuses on an astronaut who is on a long mission on the Space Station, and her husband back on Earth, who has contracted the virus.All the Comforts of Home by Bruce Karp
·Cast:6Genre: drama·Keyword: 1980s, familyGenre: dramaKeyword: 1980s, familyIt's the 1980's and Gloria Rand is firmly in middle age. She must deal with her overbearing, elderly, still vibrant mother, who constantly makes unflattering comparisons between her and her siblings, who left home long ago for good reasons. Gloria prefers not to participate in the onset of new technology, despite her enabling husband's best efforts. Her issues are causing so much stress that...It's the 1980's and Gloria Rand is firmly in middle age. She must deal with her overbearing, elderly, still vibrant mother, who constantly makes unflattering comparisons between her and her siblings, who left home long ago for good reasons. Gloria prefers not to participate in the onset of new technology, despite her enabling husband's best efforts. Her issues are causing so much stress that she is unable to leave her house.
After a tense Mother's Day dinner at home, a family death will lead to the unearthing of a devastating family secret, forcing Gloria to confront both her mother and her fears.Angels and Pastrami by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 6··Cast:4Genre: comedy, fable/folktaleGenre: comedy, fable/folktaleDespite his mother's objection, a young boy befriends a homeless man, who prefers living on the street to dangerous shelters. The man's only wish is to recreate the best meal he's ever had, a pastrami sandwich like the one he had at a New York deli, years earlier. An angel drops in from time to time to offer her opinions.Back to the Suture by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: comedy, Women's mid-life crisisGenre: comedyKeyword: comedy, Women's mid-life crisisAn aging actress goes to great lengths (and some surgical procedures) in an attempt to stay relevant. Her latest ploy may not turn out to be her best move.Billy's Leap Day Birthday by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: comedyGenre: comedyA couple celebrates their son's 8th birthday, on Leap Day. The problem is that the son, still living at home, is actually in his 30's.Busy Bodies by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: lgbtq comedyGenre: comedyKeyword: lgbtq comedyCharles, an older gay widower celebrating a birthday, gets the surprise of his life when a handsome young gay masseur shows up at his door as a birthday gift. But from whom?Carefully Taught by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: one actGenre: dramaKeyword: one actOld wounds resurface as formerly best friends, one black, one white, confront their past and present feelings for each other.Clear Blue Sky by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:7–10Genre: drama·Keyword: dramaGenre: dramaKeyword: dramaClear Blue Sky takes place in Maine, but is inspired by a news article about a security person who was on duty at Dulles Airport in Virginia on 9/11. The day started out as a seemingly routine day, and he did not find anything unusual about the men who came along, dressed in business casual clothing. Having no reason to suspect who they were or their intended destruction, he allowed them to pass through...Clear Blue Sky takes place in Maine, but is inspired by a news article about a security person who was on duty at Dulles Airport in Virginia on 9/11. The day started out as a seemingly routine day, and he did not find anything unusual about the men who came along, dressed in business casual clothing. Having no reason to suspect who they were or their intended destruction, he allowed them to pass through security. Guilt-ridden and unable to maintain a job, he finally, after ten years, starts to experience some semblance of stability, until a 9/11 widow moves to his town, causing old wounds and guilt to resurface. That is when the play begins.Coming Back To Life by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:5Genre: comedyGenre: comedyAfter losing his wife, Morris moves to an assisted living center and thinks it’s his “last stop.” He meets Jack, a fellow senor citizen, who helps him realize that there’s no reason to give up on life just yet. (It's a comedy...)Copycat by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:4Genre: comedyGenre: comedyAn aspiring playwright goes to a theater to see a famous playwright’s new work and realizes she has stolen his play.Cupcake by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:4–5Genre: dramaGenre: dramaJarrod is a 13-year-old outsider, who takes matters into his own hands when he is taunted by the school bully.Dragged Out by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: LGBTQ StoryGenre: dramaKeyword: LGBTQ StoryGavin has recently come out, moved to New York from small-town Missouri, and now faces a visit from his strait-laced and religious mother, who may or may not know about his recent lifestyle choices.Easy Come, Easy Go by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: comedyGenre: comedyKeyword: comedyWhile going through their late father’s belongings, a brother and sister discover a lottery ticket that could change their lives.Flirtation by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedyGenre: comedyAn older man and a younger man, both gay, share a smile at the post office, leading to discussions with their unseen friends, as to "what might have been."Fronds With Benefits by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: comic fantasyGenre: comedyKeyword: comic fantasyA widow, with the help of a handsome gardener and a wild dream, is able to step back into her life again.Go Junk Go by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: dark comedyGenre: dark comedyKeyword: dark comedyA housewife calls on a junk removal service to remove some "dead weight" from her home.Goy Meets Girl by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: comedy, holidayGenre: comedy, holidayMimi is a nice Jewish girl whose mother is pushing her to find a nice Jewish boy. Surprises ensue.Hail, Cheeser! by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedyGenre: comedyDr. Cheddarofsky, Nobel Prize winner and the inventor of cheddar cheese, is not happy with the flavor of his native Swiss cheese. He hears that playing music where the cheese is aging can improve the cheese's flavor. To save the Swiss economy, he experiments with several music genres. His last hope is a local hip hop artist who is willing to help.HOLLY (Audio Play) by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:5Genre: drama, radio drama·Keyword: family dramaGenre: drama, radio dramaKeyword: family dramaIt is 1973, Roe v. Wade has just become the law of the land. Holly Shay, 15 and pregnant, now has a choice. Or does she? Opposition comes from her mother, who has her own reasons for opposing an abortion.Incoming Male by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: LGBTQ+ issuesGenre: dramaKeyword: LGBTQ+ issuesDaniel is a young gay man advertising for a new roommate and is surprised when his old high school bully answers the ad.Inn and Out by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: drama, mystery/thriller·Keyword: one actGenre: drama, mystery/thrillerKeyword: one actAn elderly couple arrives at a roadside inn to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. But things are not what they seem, setting off a series of unexpected events that turn deadly.Mr. Right by Bruce Karp
·Cast:5Genre: dramaGenre: dramaAfter 20 years of marriage to Ann, Jeff meets Jim, and must confront his homosexuality.Murder, She Caused! by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 7··Cast:4Genre: dark comedy, farce·Keyword: dark comedy, Dealing with AgeismGenre: dark comedy, farceKeyword: dark comedy, Dealing with AgeismA once-famous Broadway actress, now better known for her role in a long-running television show, has her show cancelled. She is not pleased and decides to end the series with a bang.Naming Paint by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: comedyGenre: comedyWho wouldn’t want to have a job sitting around, creating names of paint colors? The answer: Desmond and Jenna, who have such a job, and ponder whether or not they might be on the wrong career path.Permission by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, fable/folktaleGenre: comedy, fable/folktaleIn this fantasy, a young man who lost his young wife is ready to move on to a new relationship, but needs to receive permission from his late wife, who may or may not be on board.Picking Your Nose by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:4Genre: comedy, fable/folktale + 1 more·Keyword: Comedy with fantastical elements.Genre: comedy, fable/folktale, young audiencesKeyword: Comedy with fantastical elements.A teenager with an unusual nose wants to change it. A famous literary character and an actress, both with unusual noses, appear and try to convince her that being different can be a good thing.Prom Night by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 6··Cast:3Genre: comedyGenre: comedyA cautionary comic tale about a teenage girl and boy, the senior prom, a romantic bluff overlooking their city, and a new car with a lot of safety features.Proud Of My Name by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: drama, young audiences + 1 more·Keyword: Black women's monologueGenre: drama, young audiences, zoomKeyword: Black women's monologueIn this monologue, Beneatha, a young Africa-American woman, is upset when a fellow student "disses" her over her unusual name. Now older, she has recently been mistreated by policemen who mistook a diabetic episode for drunkenness. A kind older African-American man tries to help but is ignored. Ultimately, the policemen realize their error, and the older man compliments Beneatha on her beautiful name, lifting her spirits.Red Light Madness by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedyGenre: comedyA man, accused by his wife of not being spontaneous, is confronted by a very long red light and must decide if this is the moment to break out.Rights by Bruce Karp
·Cast:10Genre: drama·Keyword: women's rights, gay rightsGenre: dramaKeyword: women's rights, gay rightsThe story, presented in three scenes titled “Life,” “Liberty,” and “The Pursuit of Happiness,” revolves around Holly Shay, who will struggle with personal social issues at three key moments in America’s history over a 40-year period. In these scenes, she will face issues such as abortion, reconnecting with a child previously given up for adoption, same-sex marriage, and the difficulties of being different in a...The story, presented in three scenes titled “Life,” “Liberty,” and “The Pursuit of Happiness,” revolves around Holly Shay, who will struggle with personal social issues at three key moments in America’s history over a 40-year period. In these scenes, she will face issues such as abortion, reconnecting with a child previously given up for adoption, same-sex marriage, and the difficulties of being different in a country where all are supposed to be equal. The play’s originality lies in its look at lives lived during three important socially historic periods. In some cases, multiple roles can be played by one actor, lowering the amount of required actors to eight.Shy and Retiring by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: older coupleGenre: dramaKeyword: older coupleAn older couple, he retired, she about to retire, meets on the Staten Island Ferry and realize they have a tragic family event in common.Stupid Little Virus by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:4Genre: dramaGenre: dramaIn a room, waiting to move on to “the next level,” run by an efficient but emotionless nurse, two elderly people discuss the irony of living through terrible world crises during their youth, only to be taken down by a “stupid little virus.” The nurse also experiences an unexpected emotional shock. A timely story about pandemics and injustice. (Formerly called "The Waiting Room".Survivor Guilt by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: drama·Keyword: Dramatic rapGenre: dramaKeyword: Dramatic rapAn elderly gay man expresses his guilt at surviving the AIDS crisis, when so many of his friends have been lost.Swiping Right by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedyGenre: comedyTwo friends, a gay man and a straight woman, feeling old and invisible, lament their frustrated love lives in a gay bar...on Wet Underwear Night.The Best by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: dramaGenre: dramaA police officer comes home from a racial injustice protest in his small town, claiming to have hit a deer with his car while driving home. As the story unfolds, his wife and fellow police officer begin to have doubts about his story. Will the truth come out?The Gates of Hell - A Comedy by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: romantic comedyGenre: romantic comedyAndrew has put his personal life aside in favor of his work. After he wakes up from a crazy dream, he decides to be more aggressive for a change, and pursue an old flame.The New Baby by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedyGenre: comedyA play without dialogue, the play chronicles the early days of parenthood for a husband and wife getting accustomed to their first child.The Next Hero by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: familyGenre: dramaKeyword: familyA mother who lost her fire fighter husband on 9/11 locks horns with her college-age son, who wants to drop out of school and follow in his father's footsteps by joining the New York City Fire Department.The Portrait by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 5··Cast:3Genre: dramaGenre: dramaA rising artist receives a surprise visit from an old friend, who is ill and has a special request for the artist.The Spot by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama + 1 moreGenre: comedy, drama, fable/folktaleIn this fable, which takes place in Central Park with trees ablaze in Autumn colors, two of the trees, planted together eighty years earlier, act like an old married couple, talking, philosophizing and giving comfort, verbal and otherwise, to an elderly neighborhood woman, who has visited the trees her whole life. Her son starts to worry about her when she reveals that she talks to the trees.The Value of Gold by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:7–9Genre: drama·Keyword: family dramaGenre: dramaKeyword: family dramaJacob Gold is a young orthodox Jew, and closeted gay man. His only outlet is a gay video store, which he frequents regularly, and where he witnesses a brutal murder. He faces a moral dilemma, where he must decide whether to help the police find the killer, which would reveal his secret life and upend his family relationships. In the process, he comes to terms with how he must live his life.Where's Mom? by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 2··Cast:6Genre: comedy, dramaGenre: comedy, dramaOne night, Audrey isn’t where she is supposed to be to get picked up from work. Her family recounts the story of the night she seems to have gotten lost. Secrets are revealed, but not necessarily the ones you expect.Who Do You Think You're Talking To? by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dramaGenre: dramaTransgender adult child/mother with dementia confront difficulties in communicating with each other.Why Not Merman? by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 3··Cast:3Genre: comedyGenre: comedyTyler’s assignment is to write an essay on a person who has made a great contribution to American society. He chooses to write about Broadway star Ethel Merman. His gay Uncle Ronald and Ms. Merman band together to find out why...or why not?Win for Life by Bruce Karp
Recommendations: 4··Cast:5Genre: comedy·Keyword: Screwball ComedyGenre: comedyKeyword: Screwball ComedyA comedy in the 1940's style (think "His Girl Friday"), an old-line publisher runs a contest where the winner receives large monthly cash payments - for life! The company has chosen a winner, but can't afford to pay the ongoing prize - and the winner is coming to collect! It's all hands on deck, trying to figure out how to get out of paying the winner.