A WOMAN IN NEED by
10-minute noir play: on the patio of a New Orleans bar, a detective confronts a suspicious-looking woman.
Martha Patterson
Martha Patterson
Martha Patterson has been awarded numerous writing grants and has written more than 175 plays of varying lengths. Her work is published in collections by Pioneer Drama Service, Smith & Kraus, Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, the Afro-Hispanic Review, & others. Her plays have been produced Off-Off-Broadway and in England, Scotland, France, Denmark, Canada, Korea, and Australia, as well as in 21 U.S....
Martha Patterson has been awarded numerous writing grants and has written more than 175 plays of varying lengths. Her work is published in collections by Pioneer Drama Service, Smith & Kraus, Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, the Afro-Hispanic Review, & others. Her plays have been produced Off-Off-Broadway and in England, Scotland, France, Denmark, Canada, Korea, and Australia, as well as in 21 U.S. states. She earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and an M.A. from Emerson College, both degrees in Theatre. She is a member of Screen Actors Guild and Actors' Equity Association, and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, the USA. Further info at website: https://mpatterson125933.wixsite.com/martha-patterson-
Plays
A PIECE OF CHEESE by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: can we get along? older women. 10-minute, confusing female friendships + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: can we get along? older women. 10-minute, confusing female friendships, food and culture, French accent, serio-comedy, 2-character, middle age10-minute serio-comedy. Marie gets angry because Kari wants her cheese back – but is that all there is to this “friendship?”FINDING ONESELF by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, Transgender + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: LGBTQ, Transgender, monologue, politics of clothing, failed marriages, shopping addictionA monologue. To a worker at a Women's Lunch Center, a transgender female describes her life as it is today, her love of shopping, and asks for a job.OINK (re-titled) by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: comedy, roommates + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: comedy, roommates, emotional support therapy animals, pets, eviction, argument, Pig, 20-somethings5-6 minute comedy. Two roommates fly off the handle at a third roommate about a pet pig and other aggravating circumstances.SHARING THE DRESS by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, comedy + 4 moreGenre: comedy, farce, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: LGBTQ, comedy, femslash, TV characters, Mary Tyler Moore, fanfiction10-minute. Femslash is a new "fan-fiction" genre involving romantic or sexual relationships between well-known TV or fictional characters. Drawing on the personalities of Mary and Rhoda from the sitcom THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW of the 1970s, Mary and Rhoda are now roommates and have an argument about a dress, on the way to discovering their mutual attraction.
ELEANOR by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: British, death + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: British, death, bad poetry, church, awkward romance, features a great role for an older actress10-minute serio-comedy. At a funeral in a London church, chatty Charles strikes up an acquaintance with reluctant Lulu, who may be revealing more than she wants to.HAMLET'S REVENGE by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 7··Cast:2Genre: comedy, farce + 4 more·Keyword: Shakespeare, Classical parody + 4 moreGenre: comedy, farce, parody/spoof, period, political, satireKeyword: Shakespeare, Classical parody, fathers and sons, Hamlet, royalty, funny revenge5-minute comedy. Hamlet's father's Ghost wants Hamlet to avenge his murder, but Hamlet is young and foolish and says his father never paid much attention to him, anyway.AFTER THE DISSOLUTION by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 5··Cast:2Genre: drama, political·Keyword: marriage, Soviet Union + 3 moreGenre: drama, politicalKeyword: marriage, Soviet Union, Belarus, marriage infidelity, woman in her mid-thirties10-minute drama. Natasha and Sergei's marriage crumbles as they discuss the fall of the Soviet Union.RICHARD GERSTL, A Monologue by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 3 more·Keyword: History, drama + 7 moreGenre: biography, docudrama/historic, drama, period, tragedyKeyword: History, drama, discussions of suicide, bad romance, male psychology, Austria, Art and Painting, artistic aspirations, 20th Century artMonologue under 10 minutes. The play is about a real painter who was born in Austria in 1883. He committed suicide by hanging himself.GIRL BEFORE A MIRROR by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 7··Cast:3Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 2 more·Keyword: Picasso, mistress + 6 moreGenre: biography, docudrama/historic, drama, periodKeyword: Picasso, mistress, Marie-Therese Walter, Art and Painting, bad romance, infidelity, disillusionment, argument with mother15 minute drama. Pablo Picasso paints a portrait of his mistress, Marie-Therese Walter, in 1932 Paris, but she becomes disillusioned after having his child.CHRISTMAS EVE, MANY YEARS FROM NOW by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy, fantasy + 3 more·Keyword: comedy, post-apocalyptic + 3 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, farce, satire, science fictionKeyword: comedy, post-apocalyptic, christmas, cave people, cavemen10-minute comedy. Two-and-a-half thousand years after the Apocalypse, three cave people celebrate Christmas Eve.A THIRD SEX by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: battle of the sexes, comedy + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: battle of the sexes, comedy, David Bowie, Sisters, sexuality5-minute play. While drinking shots of vodka, two young sisters ruminate about their disenchantment with men and the possibility of a third sex.UNLUCKY, A Short Play by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: I can't breathe, African American + 6 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: I can't breathe, African American, Men, roommates, male rivalry, black lives matter, HIV/AIDS, 30-somethings10-minute drama. Former roommates Mickey, who is African-American, and Lou, who is white, haven’t seen each other in seven years and have catching up to do, including the revelation that one of them is HIV-positive. But will Lou let Mickey move in again when they're both under stress?CINDERELLA'S REVENGE by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, fairy tale + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, parody/spoof, period, satireKeyword: LGBTQ, fairy tale, Steampunk, halloween, unhappy housewife, Cinderella, female empowerment or revenge, Farce, parody/spoof10-minute farce. SYNOPSIS: A steampunk take on “Cinderella.” It is Halloween. Drizella and Jeremiah, a married couple, are arguing over how they treated a long-lost stepsister, when suddenly the gay, nouveau-riche and murderous stepsister appears.CHANG & HIS MOTHER'S GHOST by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, asian + 8 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: LGBTQ, asian, multi-generational, comedy, Edgar Allan Poe, argument with mother, family ghosts, Chinese American, Chinese customs, mother-son relationship10-minute farce. Chinese-American Chang meets his Mother’s Ghost 25 years after she died and she gives him advice on his gay love life.ON PREJUDICE & FAITH by Martha Patterson
·Cast:8–11Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 3 more·Keyword: American Southern history, Jewish history + 7 moreGenre: biography, docudrama/historic, drama, period, tragedyKeyword: American Southern history, Jewish history, KKK, child murder, infamous murder, large cast, 1900's America, Leo Frank, factoryFull-length drama. This play concerns events surrounding the murder of 13-year-old factory worker Mary Phagan in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1913. Much hatred and bigotry was stirred up during the ensuing trial. Jewish factory supervisor Leo Frank was convicted of the crime and subsequently lynched by the Ku Klux Klan, but the identity of the real murderer remains unsolved.WITH EYES CLOSED by Martha Patterson
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: 20-somethings, feminism + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: 20-somethings, feminism, failed marriages, Jane Addams, math, dating and relationships, anti-romantic, dark comedy, cab driverFull-length one-act. When a 20-something political crank named Jane meets a math-loving cab driver, sparks fly all over the place. Once married, will Jane be able to retain her love for the man who thinks she's too left-wing, or will her politics send Rich off the deep end? How does the post-Millennial generation cope in today’s world?THE FOUR SISTERS OF BAKERSFIELD by Martha Patterson
·Cast:7Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: Sisters, california + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: Sisters, california, family, Steel Magnolias, Bakersfield, love and death, large cast, adult romantic comedy, illnessFull-length. A seriocomedy in the vein of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” this play is about four sisters coping after their mother’s suicide. Katherine, the oldest, is the “sexy” one who always did what she wanted. Sarah, the kooky, neurotic sister, is divorced and has an 18-year-old son in college. Shelby represents the voice of reason but it is overshadowed by her vanity. Last but not least, sweet...Full-length. A seriocomedy in the vein of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” this play is about four sisters coping after their mother’s suicide. Katherine, the oldest, is the “sexy” one who always did what she wanted. Sarah, the kooky, neurotic sister, is divorced and has an 18-year-old son in college. Shelby represents the voice of reason but it is overshadowed by her vanity. Last but not least, sweet Alyssa is the youngest, struggling mostly with issues a young person should not have to struggle with. Suitors come and go, but in the end it is within each other where they find their true strength.THESE PEOPLE, A Full-Length Drama in One Act by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:4Genre: drama·Keyword: female best friends, East Indian + 7 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: female best friends, East Indian, disability, close friendship, one night stand, apartment living, ex-husbands, neighbors helping neighbors, musicianOne-act, full-length drama about friendship, 1 hour and 20 minutes long. Melinda is a depressed, divorced 50-year-old former actress who now works in publishing. When her neighbor Sushila, a 25-year-old East Indian woman who works in business, gets locked out of her apartment down the hall, she knocks on Melinda’s door for help. Through their conversation, Melinda is enlightened about her own feelings of...One-act, full-length drama about friendship, 1 hour and 20 minutes long. Melinda is a depressed, divorced 50-year-old former actress who now works in publishing. When her neighbor Sushila, a 25-year-old East Indian woman who works in business, gets locked out of her apartment down the hall, she knocks on Melinda’s door for help. Through their conversation, Melinda is enlightened about her own feelings of prejudice, as well as learning about generosity in a sexual encounter with the lonely young man who lives next door. She also gets visits from her flamboyant ex-husband. But will the three neighbors become fast friends?CHARLOTTE & AMANDA by Martha Patterson
·Cast:7Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 5 more·Keyword: serio-comedy, 1920s + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, movement/physical, period, romantic comedy, satireKeyword: serio-comedy, 1920s, stage combat, heightened language, movement, 20th Century Women, close friendshipFull-length period play. An imaginative take on 1920s women, and a cross between DOWNTON ABBEY and Oscar Wilde. Two young women find their way through romance, family disturbances, and death in the 1920s.MRS. HURLBUT TEACHES HEALTH & HYGIENE, One-Act Play for Youth by Martha Patterson
·Cast:11Genre: comedy, young audiences·Keyword: tya, large cast + 7 moreGenre: comedy, young audiencesKeyword: tya, large cast, sex education, high school, middle school, one-act play, after-school special, can be performed in a classroom space, classroomTYA. 40-minute comedy for middle or early high school. 11 characters. It is the Bicentennial year. Patriotic Mrs. Hurlbut has trouble reining in her students when she teaches them about the birds and bees.THE FLAMINGO RED TEA ROOM, A One-Act Adaptation for Youth by Martha Patterson
·Cast:8–12Genre: adaptation, comedy + 3 more·Keyword: tya, fantasy and reality + 7 moreGenre: adaptation, comedy, commedia dell'arte, dark comedy, fantasyKeyword: tya, fantasy and reality, large cast, adaptation, commedia dell'arte, comedy, one-act play, restaurant settings, costumes30-40 minute TYA, large cast (8-12, depending on doubling). Adapted from a 5-minute fantasy by Thornton Wilder; material is in the public domain. Young and newly married Dora and Charles visit a New York tea room and meet an array of provoking characters, only to discover a playwright sitting on the sidelines is using the two of them for “material.”LILY, OR, THE SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: docudrama/historic, drama + 1 more·Keyword: 1900s, drama + 7 moreGenre: docudrama/historic, drama, periodKeyword: 1900s, drama, 20th century history of women, American writer, artist's creating meaning, Art and Painting, anti-romantic, attempted suicide, woman in her mid-thirties45-minute one-act. SYNOPSIS: Inspired by the status of artists in the year 1899. Set at the turn of the 20th century, a one act play about an actress who attempts suicide after being betrayed by her cruel lover. Lily successfully recovers and begins writing novels. Her new lover Mark, a painter, also feels betrayed -- by the art world. Apparently moved by Lily's story, Mark convinces Lily that...45-minute one-act. SYNOPSIS: Inspired by the status of artists in the year 1899. Set at the turn of the 20th century, a one act play about an actress who attempts suicide after being betrayed by her cruel lover. Lily successfully recovers and begins writing novels. Her new lover Mark, a painter, also feels betrayed -- by the art world. Apparently moved by Lily's story, Mark convinces Lily that together they can overcome the trauma in their lives for a new chance at happiness. But is Mark all he seems to be?A TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Martha Patterson
·Cast:5Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: surrogate motherhood, 2024 Presidential election + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, political, romantic comedyKeyword: surrogate motherhood, 2024 Presidential election, antiques, dead-end jobs, adult romantic comedy, adult women best friends, environmental crisis, recycling, best friendsSet in Boston, Massachusetts, this 5-character, full-length serio-comedy is about surrogate motherhood, environmentalism, and the 2023-2024 Presidential election. On her way to having a baby with best friend and surrogate mother Samantha, Liberal-supporting Olive opens an antique shop and auditions as an actress. But politics intervene – how will the election’s outcome affect everyone?
VERONIQUE, a Mystery/Thriller in One Act by Martha Patterson
·Cast:4–6Genre: drama, mystery/thriller·Keyword: thriller, classic mystery + 5 moreGenre: drama, mystery/thrillerKeyword: thriller, classic mystery, contemporary mystery, bad romance, Russian character, one-act play, half-hour playHalf-hour script. Tormented by the death of her lover, Veronique is shocked to learn she is the prime suspect.WHAT REMAINS, A One-Act by Martha Patterson
·Cast:4Genre: drama·Keyword: Irish immigrant, marriage infidelity + 3 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: Irish immigrant, marriage infidelity, seacoast, one-act play, A Family drama35 minutes. Drama with happy ending. At their summer cottage in coastal Maine, Jean tells her grown daughter Madeleine about an affair Madeleine’s proud, deceased, Irish-born father had, as Jean agonizes over the affair and the business of selling their vacation home. Through flashbacks, we see the disastrous result the affair had on Jean and Emlyn’s marriage. Meanwhile, the daughter, Madeleine, is trying to...35 minutes. Drama with happy ending. At their summer cottage in coastal Maine, Jean tells her grown daughter Madeleine about an affair Madeleine’s proud, deceased, Irish-born father had, as Jean agonizes over the affair and the business of selling their vacation home. Through flashbacks, we see the disastrous result the affair had on Jean and Emlyn’s marriage. Meanwhile, the daughter, Madeleine, is trying to resolve her relationship with a young man she may marry. Will Jean and her daughter reconcile themselves to their sad past, and keep their beloved summer home?UNDER THE STARS by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: LGBTQ, Campfire + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: LGBTQ, Campfire, comedy, blooming romance, 20-somethings10 minutes. LGBTQ. Short, darkly comic play. A young woman, fed up with her devil-worshipping, womanizing boyfriend, goes camping with a friend and they strike sparks of a different kind that what's usually found at a campfire.AN UNROMANTIC ENCOUNTER by Martha Patterson
·Cast:2Genre: docudrama/historic, drama + 2 more·Keyword: Battle of Britain, a war story + 7 moreGenre: docudrama/historic, drama, period, politicalKeyword: Battle of Britain, a war story, 30-somethings, outdoor setting, awkward sexual situation, seduction, soldier, accents, A man's faith and vulnerability to women. What does the sexual seduction process look like? Man's weakness.10-minute drama. During the Battle of Britain, an English soldier and a faithless Dutch nurse meet by accident and, despite the soldier's reluctance, "get it on" on a rampart overlooking a harbor.TARGET OF RIDICULE by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: doctor-patient relationship, cocktail party + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: doctor-patient relationship, cocktail party, humiliation, embarrassment, middle ageShort comedy. At a cocktail party, a man is embarrassed to meet his proctologist.A HALLOWEEN HIGH by Martha Patterson
·Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: halloween, ghosts + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holiday, parody/spoofKeyword: halloween, ghosts, millennial humor, comedy, legal marijuana, apartment living, roommatesPG-rated. 10-minute Halloween comedy in which Millennial roommates get stoned eating brownies and meet a ghost.A CONSTANT MAN by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: one act, dementia + 5 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, tragedyKeyword: one act, dementia, adult child with aging parent, early onset dementia, aging, caring for elderly parents, disabilityA 30-minute one-act about a man who, growing up, can't save his mother from dementia.A GOOD DEFENSE by Martha Patterson
·Cast:4Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: Criminal Justice, American justice system + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, politicalKeyword: Criminal Justice, American justice system, Seven Sisters, American college students, woman defense lawyer, ethical issues10-minute play. At a Seven Sisters college, a young woman who will attend Harvard Law supports the idea of defending someone who one believes is guilty.FAMILY AFFAIRS, A Farce in Two Acts by Martha Patterson
·Cast:8Genre: comedy, farce + 3 more·Keyword: christmas, Armenians + 6 moreGenre: comedy, farce, holiday, romantic comedy, satireKeyword: christmas, Armenians, blind ambition, clock ticking on marriage and babies, Adult Siblings, middle-aged marriage, full of heart, Brother-Sister RelationshipsFull-length farce for all ages. An Armenian-American family celebrates Christmas. Solicitous neighbors come and go during the holidays; Mr. Gregorian collects junk he finds at yard sales and pays zero attention to the family; kindhearted Mrs. Gregorian quotes Armenian proverbs. Their daughter Susan is depressed after a failed love affair. Their son Evan is bent on becoming a bestselling author, and is...Full-length farce for all ages. An Armenian-American family celebrates Christmas. Solicitous neighbors come and go during the holidays; Mr. Gregorian collects junk he finds at yard sales and pays zero attention to the family; kindhearted Mrs. Gregorian quotes Armenian proverbs. Their daughter Susan is depressed after a failed love affair. Their son Evan is bent on becoming a bestselling author, and is engaged to an older woman studying to be an OBGYN who desperately wants a baby. Will this contentious woman have the wedding of her dreams, or will the family collapse in a series of rash and hilarious confrontations?NEW YORK'S FINEST, A Play in One Act by Martha Patterson
·Cast:4Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: cops, mother daughter relationship + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: cops, mother daughter relationship, Lower East Side, one-act play, New York City, life in nyc, 30-somethings25 minutes. Serio-comedy about a young woman living on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Fiona is disappointed with the quality of her life in New York, even though her mother visits to cheer her up, but it is the appearance of a cop investigating a murder in her building that really lights a fire under her.THE LOVE SEAT by Martha Patterson
·Cast:4Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: one-act play, multi-ethnic characters + 3 moreGenre: comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: one-act play, multi-ethnic characters, adult relationships, Asian-American, Asian and Black relationsHalf-hour one-act. In three vignettes revolving a love seat, we find out why Asian-American Toni keeps turning men down. But is the third man the charm?GOING GREEN by Martha Patterson
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, romantic comedy·Keyword: husband & wife, kitchen + 6 moreGenre: comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: husband & wife, kitchen, argument, domestic life, environmental consciousness, marital relationships, short, foodIn their kitchen one night, a wife and her husband argue about food, the environment, and their relationship - but with happy results.SOD OFF by Martha Patterson
·Cast:3Genre: drama, movement/physical + 1 more·Keyword: high school appropriate, adolescent bullying + 6 moreGenre: drama, movement/physical, young audiencesKeyword: high school appropriate, adolescent bullying, bicycles, tya, Latino, Multiracial, english/spanish, Alienated teenager10-minute, 3-character play for high schoolers, about bicycles and bullying.THE FAIRY SHOEMAKER, A Short Radio Play by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: fable/folktale, fantasy·Keyword: features LGBTQ characters, leprechaun + 6 moreGenre: fable/folktale, fantasyKeyword: features LGBTQ characters, leprechaun, under 10 minutes, audio play, Irish accents, Based on a Fairy tale, outdoor setting, IrelandShort fantasy. While traveling to meet a potential boyfriend, a young man meets a leprechaun and helps save his gold.GENEROUS TIPS by Martha Patterson
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, football + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: comedy, football, Relationships, sports, taxi, cab driver5-minute comedy. A lady cab driver gives football-obsessed Gary advice on his love life.