Jennie Webb

Jennie Webb

Jennie Webb is an LA-based playwright and dramaturg (she created and ran the new play development program, Seedlings, at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum and co-created EST/LA's Ignite Project) with works including “Currency," “Yard Sale Signs,” “Smiling Cat Candy Heart,” "Carry On," "Remodeling Plans,” "Unclaimed Assets," "Reach," "On Tuesday," "It...
Jennie Webb is an LA-based playwright and dramaturg (she created and ran the new play development program, Seedlings, at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum and co-created EST/LA's Ignite Project) with works including “Currency," “Yard Sale Signs,” “Smiling Cat Candy Heart,” "Carry On," "Remodeling Plans,” "Unclaimed Assets," "Reach," "On Tuesday," "It's Not About Race," “Rebecca on the Bus,” “Brand New Script” and "Buying a House" produced locally by The Road Theatre, Inkwell Theater, Rogue Machine Theatre, EST/LA, Santa Monica Rep, Virginia Avenue Project, Theatre of NOTE and La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW Festival as well as in Canada, the UK, Iran, India and Iceland. Her plays have been developed by Great Plains Theatre Conferences, The Playwrights’ Center, Moving Arts MADlab, Blank Theatre, PlayGround, National Winter Playwrights Retreat, Little Black Dress INK Festivals, Protest Plays Project, Climate Change Theatre Action, Rogue Artist Ensemble’s Rogue Lab, Road Theatre Summer Playwrights Festivals and “Under Construction” at the Road. National recognition includes Finalist (O’Neill Playwrights Conference, Gulfshore Playhouse, City Theatre Short Play Festival) and Semi-Finalist (O’Neill, PlayPenn, Athena Project, Trustus Theatre Festival) nods; she is the recipient of Max K. Lerner Playwriting Fellowships and a Women in Theatre Red Carpet Award. Member: the Playwrights Union, EST/LA, Honor Roll!, Dramatists Guild; co-founder: LA Female Playwrights Initiative (LAFPI). jenniewebbsite.com @jenniewebbsite

She lives in Northeast Los Angeles with her housecats Molly and Mick.

Plays

  • adaptation.resilience by Jennie Webb
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: climate change, emergency management + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, experimental
    Keyword: climate change, emergency management, Relationships, grief, love
    Jess and Bev have been together longer than either of them thought they would be. And in their respective fields—Climate Change and Emergency Management—things are heating up, affecting them in ways they didn’t see coming. "adaptation.resilience" is a play about sustaining love and navigating grief in times of extreme disruption.
  • Dead People's Dishes by Jennie Webb
    Cast: 
    7–15
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Hope, trauma + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, docudrama/historic
    Keyword: Hope, trauma, disasters, Los Angeles history
    A play about what we hang onto, what we let go of and the weight of our losses, DEAD PEOPLE'S DISHES is made up of stories which move through Los Angeles history to look at how we get through things, over and over again.
  • Temporary Measures by Jennie Webb
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama
    ·
    Keyword: caregiving, legacy + 1 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: caregiving, legacy, deaf awareness
    Angel is a woman at a crossroads. She’s moved in to be with her dying father for his final days, but those days keep extending and now there’s no end in sight. TEMPORARY MEASURES s is a dark comedy about legacy and the different shapes it can take when our journey is not straightforward.

  • Footprint by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: loss, grief + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: loss, grief, suicide, public transportation, mortician, digital afterlife, social media, Online Legacy, Los Angeles
    Anna is suddenly having difficulties navigating her life in LA—is it being without a car or being stalled by a “Denver Boot of Sorrow?” And then there’s that body following her around, in a new reality where death gets up close and virtual in ways we might not expect. FOOTPRINT is a play about loss, mystery and leaving one’s mark.
  • Carry On by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: loss, aging + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: loss, aging, community
    CARRY ON finds a woman of a certain age weighing her losses and what she carries—how she’s been carrying it—as she looks ahead at a new and uncertain leg of her journey.

  • The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (or, Would-be Elks) by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: cocktails, girls night out + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: cocktails, girls night out, BPOE, Elks, membership, community, activism, nachos
    A comedy about negotiations, acceptance and belonging, The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (or, Would-be Elks) tracks the cocktails and confessions of a group of larger-than-life women who regularly meet to drink and dish. But on this particular evening of excess, a girls' night out becomes a surreal exploration of female bonds in a changing world.
  • Reach by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, zoom
    ·
    Keyword: Deaf culture, black lives matter + 2 more
    Genre: dark comedy, zoom
    Keyword: Deaf culture, black lives matter, white privilege, Covid-19
    A short comedy about the ways in which we connect, or try to, REACH takes a peek at socially-distanced friends during a very specific time: when the dual pandemics of Covid-19 and Racism hit Los Angelenos—and brought them together—in rather revealing ways.
  • Not Cake by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, docudrama/historic + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: abortion, Race + 5 more
    Genre: dark comedy, docudrama/historic, experimental, political
    Keyword: abortion, Race, privilege, class, cultural appropriation, Los Angeles history, Reproductive Rights
    Set in 1924 and 2024, NOT CAKE is the story of a singular woman in a multi-cultural Los Angeles neighborhood who’s determined to use her gifts to help other women. But after 100+ years of fighting for change, doesn’t she deserve a break? NOT CAKE is a new play about privilege and class, appropriation and agency.
  • Into the Gobpile by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: LA Riots, coal mining + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, political
    Keyword: LA Riots, coal mining, trauma, Southern Illinois, race politics, environment, socio-political, Presidential Election, violence, early feminism
    Unsettled by the LA riots, a young woman goes "home" to heal in a place she's never lived: a small town called Perseverance, in the heart of Southern Illinois Coal Country. INTO THE GOBPILE is a play about lost connections and shifting landscapes.
  • Space Available by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: Reproductive Rights, identity + 1 more
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: Reproductive Rights, identity, trauma
    This is the story of Jane, who’s managed to survive an absurd litany of profound misfortunes in a world where the words "womanhood" and "motherhood" are used interchangeably. But when she comes face to face with a surreal future that no one should have to live with, she takes a closer look at what it means to have options. SPACE AVAILABLE is a play about a woman’s place and what (& who) we let define us.
  • Jilt by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, political + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: rape, rape culture + 6 more
    Genre: dark comedy, political, satire, science fiction
    Keyword: rape, rape culture, future, Academia, sexual violence, Transgender, class, power
    In the not-so-distant future, the .1% is ensconced in the Ivory Towers of Academia, having broken off from the Center States. There, a privileged few pride themselves on creating a culture of fluid gender identity, filled with celebrity and free of sexual violence. A young woman named Aika may have something to say about that. Except that no one can hear her. Of course. So who will tell her story in a world...
    In the not-so-distant future, the .1% is ensconced in the Ivory Towers of Academia, having broken off from the Center States. There, a privileged few pride themselves on creating a culture of fluid gender identity, filled with celebrity and free of sexual violence. A young woman named Aika may have something to say about that. Except that no one can hear her. Of course. So who will tell her story in a world that’s lost the words to deal with unspeakable crimes? JILT is a play about power, beauty and justification set in a post-rape culture
  • Currency by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: sharing economy, love + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, romantic comedy, satire
    Keyword: sharing economy, love, unemployment
    CURRENCY is a love story set in changing times of overextended trust and inflated intimacy. After sharing a night of unexpected romance, a 40/50-something couple is waylaid by even more surprises and left searching for value in a world that’s moving way too fast.

    It’s the “morning after,” and Dan and Helen are navigating toast and coffee in Helen’s enormous bedroom when Dan receives a phone call...
    CURRENCY is a love story set in changing times of overextended trust and inflated intimacy. After sharing a night of unexpected romance, a 40/50-something couple is waylaid by even more surprises and left searching for value in a world that’s moving way too fast.

    It’s the “morning after,” and Dan and Helen are navigating toast and coffee in Helen’s enormous bedroom when Dan receives a phone call: there’s been a horrible family tragedy. Life’s sometimes like that.

    But in today’s surreal age of virtual connections, hyper-consumption and global financial meltdowns, who’s got a way of getting through life that still works? What truly has worth and meaning anymore? Is the only real thing we have left to hang onto, each other? And is that enough?
  • Crazy Bitch by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, experimental
    ·
    Keyword: Violence against women, jellyfish + 2 more
    Genre: dark comedy, experimental
    Keyword: Violence against women, jellyfish, rogue taxidermy, Los Angeles
    CRAZY BITCH is play about jellyfish and genealogy and rogue taxidermy. In a world where unbelievable brutality happens every day, three women in Los Angeles find themselves suspended between the extraordinary and real life expectations.

    After Eva, a respected scientist, is savagely attacked late at night when walking in LA, the women in her life—her ex-lover, her sister and her cousin—try to...
    CRAZY BITCH is play about jellyfish and genealogy and rogue taxidermy. In a world where unbelievable brutality happens every day, three women in Los Angeles find themselves suspended between the extraordinary and real life expectations.

    After Eva, a respected scientist, is savagely attacked late at night when walking in LA, the women in her life—her ex-lover, her sister and her cousin—try to assemble a picture they can live with: of the events surrounding Eva’s attack, of the nature of Eva’s work with the immortal jellyfish, and of their future, where “forever” may be a real possibility and evil really exists.

    Sure, life must go on. But in this particular corner of Los Angeles, what happens next? Can a wild taxidermy creation breathe new life into tragedy? Can genealogy research create connections that really matter? And what if Eva never recovers? Who’ll take care of the jellyfish, then?
  • Separate Loads by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: abortion, Reproductive Rights + 1 more
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: abortion, Reproductive Rights, social media
    A dark comedy about choices, actions and options, at the heart of SEPARATE LOADS is a couple contemplating an important decision. During a time in which America is connected—and divided—in very revealing ways, it becomes clear to one woman that not making a choice is a choice in itself.
  • Smiling Cat Candy Heart by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, political
    ·
    Keyword: parenthood, language + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, political
    Keyword: parenthood, language, pre-teens, Mansplaining, Trump, communication, texting, emojis
    SMILING CAT CANDY HEART is a short play about the big battles in the world and the little things we do to navigate through them. When two separated parents meet for their regularly scheduled child exchange, their usual communication challenges take an unexpected new twist.
  • Rebecca on the Bus by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: rape, rape culture + 2 more
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: rape, rape culture, metoo, feminist
    Oh, that Rebecca, always running late. Only this time, when she meets her friends at their local coffee spot, her unexpected (or is it?) excuse pulls back the curtain on what living in a rape culture could really mean. REBECCA ON THE BUS is a very dark comedy about a most absurd reality.
  • About What Matters by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: power, women + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy
    Keyword: power, women, privilege
    A short, pointed play about, among other things, priorities, boundaries, certainties and letting life get to you. Waiting together for an acknowledgement that may never come, two friends find themselves caught up in a dangerously circular game of logic and loyalties, as they realize they’ve probably missed lunch.
  • Chicken Shoot by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: military, Sisters + 2 more
    Genre: dark comedy
    Keyword: military, Sisters, fathers, aerospace
    When two half-sisters visit an abandoned aerospace compound, absurd government secrets shed an unexpected light on toxic family truths. CHICKEN SHOOT is a short comedy about crimes and validation.
  • It's Not About Race by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: Race, Race relations in America + 1 more
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: Race, Race relations in America, feminism
    A black comedy at the beach. A visit to Santa Monica's "Ink Well" gives two friends an unexpected perspective on what it means to belong, and to be "the other."
  • Brand New Script by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: prescription drugs, high school
    Genre: dark comedy, satire, young audiences
    Keyword: prescription drugs, high school
    A short, dark comedy about drama, denial & permission that takes a slightly absurdist look at the role of prescription drugs on high school campuses.
  • Blood Replacement by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: gay rugby, women + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: gay rugby, women, trauma, Relationships
    A comedy about drama and authenticity and finding stand-ins, Blood Replacement finds three women waiting for a rugby match to begin. Only there’s something a bit off about this particular playing field. And are they there to heal old wounds or rip them open?

    All sorts of lines are crossed in this somewhat ruthless exploration of women’s relationships—to men and to each other—and our sometimes...
    A comedy about drama and authenticity and finding stand-ins, Blood Replacement finds three women waiting for a rugby match to begin. Only there’s something a bit off about this particular playing field. And are they there to heal old wounds or rip them open?

    All sorts of lines are crossed in this somewhat ruthless exploration of women’s relationships—to men and to each other—and our sometimes desperate need for connection and validation, to not be alone.
  • Yard Sale Signs by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: mother, daughters + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: mother, daughters, absurdism, identity, shopping, clothing
    A dark retail comedy about mothers and daughters and other things that imply some sort of responsibility, YARD SALE SIGNS is set in unmistakably female terrain: a discount clothing store's communal dressing room. Yet on this shopping trip, the characters find themselves examining much more than their fashion choices. With an absurdist edge, the sometimes ruthless journey throws light on the stuff we...
    A dark retail comedy about mothers and daughters and other things that imply some sort of responsibility, YARD SALE SIGNS is set in unmistakably female terrain: a discount clothing store's communal dressing room. Yet on this shopping trip, the characters find themselves examining much more than their fashion choices. With an absurdist edge, the sometimes ruthless journey throws light on the stuff we accumulate as we move through life, and the rather circuitous paths we follow to convince ourselves we're rid of it.
  • On Tuesday by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy
    ·
    Keyword: suicide
    Genre: dark comedy
    Keyword: suicide
    A play with an end which considers possibilities, ON TUESDAY takes a dark and slanted look at our innate desire to have some control over the events and people around us, to make a connection and have an impact. How powerful is our need to make sense of the inconceivable, in any way we can?
  • The Complete Story of the War by Jennie Webb
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, experimental
    ·
    Keyword: Violence against women, abusive relationships + 2 more
    Genre: dark comedy, experimental
    Keyword: Violence against women, abusive relationships, war, media overload
    "The Complete Story of the War" is a dark, dense play set in a place without walls where unseen forces are at work. In it there are two women who support, betray, condemn, love, and really, really hate each other. Together, they grapple with memories and engage in all too familiar battles; but are they fighting as one, or against one another? The play is an absurd yet powerful exploration of women’s...
    "The Complete Story of the War" is a dark, dense play set in a place without walls where unseen forces are at work. In it there are two women who support, betray, condemn, love, and really, really hate each other. Together, they grapple with memories and engage in all too familiar battles; but are they fighting as one, or against one another? The play is an absurd yet powerful exploration of women’s relationships to the volatile world we live in, to cultural expectations, to men, and—of course—to other women.

    Layered upon a  score pulled from the fabric of American life, "The Complete Story of the War" taps into raw emotions and uses cutting humor to mine dangerous territory: the perpetuating cycle of abuse and violence against women.