SMJ .

SMJ .

SMJ (they/them) is a mixed-Latiné and non-binary playwright, musical theater writer, educator, & theatermaker originally from Mount Vernon, OH. They were a 2022-2023 Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellow. Currently, SMJ is creating work with Ars Nova, The Road Theatre Company, Latiné Musical Theatre Lab, The Orchard Project, American Theater Group, and Latinx Playwrights Circle. Their work has been seen in...
SMJ (they/them) is a mixed-Latiné and non-binary playwright, musical theater writer, educator, & theatermaker originally from Mount Vernon, OH. They were a 2022-2023 Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellow. Currently, SMJ is creating work with Ars Nova, The Road Theatre Company, Latiné Musical Theatre Lab, The Orchard Project, American Theater Group, and Latinx Playwrights Circle. Their work has been seen in various forms the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, New York Stage and Film, Lincoln Center, National Queer Theater, Carnegie Mellon University, Otterbein University, Wright State University, New York University, Art House Productions, UTEP, Andy's Summer Playhouse, The Workshop Theater, The 24 Hour Plays, The Fled Collective, The Flea Theater, Open Jar Studios, Live Arts, CRY HAVOC, The Tank, and DR2 Theatre. SMJ has been a semifinalist for the O’Neill’s National Playwrights Conference (2022, 2023, & Current 2024), Princess Grace Award at New Dramatists, Van Lier New Voices Fellowship, and The Civilians R & D Group (2021 & 2022) as well as a Finalist for the 2023 Parity Development Award, Write Out Loud Contest, 5th Avenue Theater's First Draft Commission, and the Doric Wilson Playwright Award. They’re a member of the Dramatists Guild and Ring of Keys.

Plays

  • Raccoon Play by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, horror + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: ohio, raccoons + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, horror, political, satire, tragedy
    Keyword: ohio, raccoons, Christian, conservative, Republicans, a political satire, Lions Club, insurrection, January 6, conspiracy theories
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 4.14.24)
    Six young, queer conservatives run the Danville, OH Lions Club, and every year, they host the Danville Lions Club Raccoon Dinner, the largest fundraiser in the town. However, it's 2022 and the 79th Annual Raccoon Dinner is on the chopping block due to a missing member and a lack of funds. Meanwhile, the Danville Raccoon Club is facing an uproar following some...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 4.14.24)
    Six young, queer conservatives run the Danville, OH Lions Club, and every year, they host the Danville Lions Club Raccoon Dinner, the largest fundraiser in the town. However, it's 2022 and the 79th Annual Raccoon Dinner is on the chopping block due to a missing member and a lack of funds. Meanwhile, the Danville Raccoon Club is facing an uproar following some dubious election results before The Great Dinner. However, when a gun, an ominous InfoWars warning, and a raccoon insurrection come into focus, no one is sure who is on their side.

    CONTENT WARNING: Gun Violence, Transphobic Language
  • yo ho. by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: adventure, comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: pirates, lesbians getting a happy ending + 6 more
    Genre: adventure, comedy, drama, movement/physical, pageant
    Keyword: pirates, lesbians getting a happy ending, lesbians, Transgender, sword fight, anne bonny, mary read, Gender Expression
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 2.6.24)
    Aboard Calico Jack’s pirate ship, Andy & Mark are drawn to each other through mutual attraction, shared trauma, and a love of games, especially Marco Polo. They meet in a closet to hook up, but discover that they have been hiding a dangerous secret: they’re actually... Anne Bonny & Mary Read. This revelation forces them to carry on a genderqueer love story in the...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 2.6.24)
    Aboard Calico Jack’s pirate ship, Andy & Mark are drawn to each other through mutual attraction, shared trauma, and a love of games, especially Marco Polo. They meet in a closet to hook up, but discover that they have been hiding a dangerous secret: they’re actually... Anne Bonny & Mary Read. This revelation forces them to carry on a genderqueer love story in the shadows - Anne, exploring her bisexuality for the first time & Mary, discovering that they’re trans. As they are chased and haunted by a myriad of men including JACK (the polyamorous gender-questioning captain), JAMES (Anne’s ex-husband), CHAD (a mysterious crewmate who knows too much), THE GOVERNOR (a pirate hunter with a lengthy body count), & REVEREND THOMAS (a Reverend who doesn’t like pirates… or trans people), Anne & Mary must become their truest selves before their inevitable capture and ensuing demise.
  • small town icons by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 13
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, horror + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: revenge, small town + 8 more
    Genre: dark comedy, horror, movement/physical, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: revenge, small town, small town America, Our Town, religion, teenage girls, ohio, christianity, childhood friendship, high school
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.25.23)
    The night before the opening of Mount Vernon’s community production of OUR TOWN, Sabrina, is trying to rehearse at home after she was burned by her (now missing) science teacher during a failed experiment that left her with a cross-shaped scar and death threats due to an ongoing lawsuit. In quick succession, Sabrina is visited by her “friend” Kimberly, her crush Willow...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.25.23)
    The night before the opening of Mount Vernon’s community production of OUR TOWN, Sabrina, is trying to rehearse at home after she was burned by her (now missing) science teacher during a failed experiment that left her with a cross-shaped scar and death threats due to an ongoing lawsuit. In quick succession, Sabrina is visited by her “friend” Kimberly, her crush Willow, and her bully (and teacher’s daughter) Kelly. The tension boils over between the girls as secrets are revealed. A shocking revelation about where their teacher is leads to three deaths and an escape to Grover’s Corners.
  • SWAY by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 13
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: social media, Manson Family + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, horror, satire
    Keyword: social media, Manson Family, Influencer, Cults, Non-Binary, instagram, influencing, queer, fetish
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 5.24.23)
    Social media influencers Shay, Teegan, and Paige are selected for an exclusive retreat at a new Spahn Ranch with the mega-popular, Charlie. SWAY, a queer, psycho-thriller comedy, dives into the fetishization of bodies & cults, the toxicity of the mental health industry, and the exploitation of the need for human connection on social media.
  • No Mercy by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: pro wrestling, women athletes + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, immersive, movement/physical
    Keyword: pro wrestling, women athletes, championship wrestling, American Racism, Latina lesbian character, legacy, wrestling
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.1.23)
    Maya, the only Latina wrestler in Trailblazer Championship Wrestling, has been dreaming of winning her first-ever TCW Championship for her entire life. Over the span of one night, Maya must face her white girlfriend, her white rival, her white boss, and the commercialization of acceptable racism in route to finally achieving her dream. No Mercy explores women's...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.1.23)
    Maya, the only Latina wrestler in Trailblazer Championship Wrestling, has been dreaming of winning her first-ever TCW Championship for her entire life. Over the span of one night, Maya must face her white girlfriend, her white rival, her white boss, and the commercialization of acceptable racism in route to finally achieving her dream. No Mercy explores women's wrestling, legacy, family, queerness, being mixed-race, and cultural identity.
  • Stacy & Mia by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: LGBTQ, college age + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, movement/physical
    Keyword: LGBTQ, college age, dorm, intimacy issues, intimacy, roommates, comedy, dance number, love, college actors
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.29.23)
    Last night, Stacy and Mia were strangers, grinding on each other in the dark in the basement of some gross frat house. The next morning, they’re shocked to find out that they were randomly assigned roommates for their Sophomore year. Over the fall semester, Stacy and Mia try to avoid falling into something deeper, but without anywhere to really go in rural Ohio, they...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 9.29.23)
    Last night, Stacy and Mia were strangers, grinding on each other in the dark in the basement of some gross frat house. The next morning, they’re shocked to find out that they were randomly assigned roommates for their Sophomore year. Over the fall semester, Stacy and Mia try to avoid falling into something deeper, but without anywhere to really go in rural Ohio, they can’t help themselves. Through the use of text, movement, and music, STACY & MIA investigates the titular characters' relationship with class and codependence. When there aren’t even 120 square feet to go around, what could boundaries possibly look like? STACY & MIA asks whether it’s possible not to air your dirty laundry when you’re literally living in it.
  • The Holding Room by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: school, students + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, young audiences
    Keyword: school, students, student production, high school drama, high school, college, audition
    ONE ACT (Draft as of 11.5.23)
    Five seniors await their final audition at a small university in Ohio. In the holding room, they rehearse for Midsummer, wait for lunch, and ask some hard questions. The Holding Room looks at the pressure that students deal with as they audition for college - financially, mentally, and socially.
  • THE COMMAND CENTER by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: LGBTQ, women + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, movement/physical
    Keyword: LGBTQ, women, Power Rangers, ensemble, theater, apprenticeship, intern, labor exploitation, regional theatre, labor
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as 3.15.24)
    Five apprentices at a high-profile regional theater known for developing new plays are finally thrown a bone after working for a year. They get a coveted production slot in the summer season after one of the apprentices scores a commission from Hasbro to write a Power Rangers-based play. On the day of opening, the arrival of a Hasbro executive, a double-booked venue, cell...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as 3.15.24)
    Five apprentices at a high-profile regional theater known for developing new plays are finally thrown a bone after working for a year. They get a coveted production slot in the summer season after one of the apprentices scores a commission from Hasbro to write a Power Rangers-based play. On the day of opening, the arrival of a Hasbro executive, a double-booked venue, cell phones that never stop ringing, and another awkward encounter with the Artistic Director Lindsay in their housing causes the day to head into a tailspin as emotional distress that has been repressed rises to the surface: dying parents, panic attacks, body issues, food scarcity, economic anxiety, and sexual tension. THE COMMAND CENTER explores how theater isolates people, how theater creates community, and how the theater industry… and Power Rangers exploit young people.
  • OUR CHILDHOOD SUCKED by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    7
    ·
    Genre: comedy, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: reunion, former child star + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, mystery/thriller, satire
    Keyword: reunion, former child star, Disney, television, gaslighting, features LGBTQ characters
    Created & Developed by Enid Brain, Ludmila Brito, Stephanie Fongheiser, Talia Frank-Stempel, Daniel Kunkel, Alizae Powell, Danielle Truss, & SMJ

    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 5.7.23)
    Five former teens stars are invited back for a Disney+ reunion special and the pilot for the reboot of the show they made famous, Dating Academy. However, through s'mores, script readings, identical...
    Created & Developed by Enid Brain, Ludmila Brito, Stephanie Fongheiser, Talia Frank-Stempel, Daniel Kunkel, Alizae Powell, Danielle Truss, & SMJ

    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 5.7.23)
    Five former teens stars are invited back for a Disney+ reunion special and the pilot for the reboot of the show they made famous, Dating Academy. However, through s'mores, script readings, identical twins, and an ominous church set, they discover that something more sinister (and exploitative) may be awaiting them.
  • i wish i was her(s) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama
    ·
    Keyword: Taylor Swift, parasocial relationships + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, drama
    Keyword: Taylor Swift, parasocial relationships, lifelong friendship, pop music, country music, queerbaiting, being online, celebrities
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 12.13.23)
    Alison & Marina are childhood best friends who love music. Alison is a country singer turned mega pop star, while Marina is a fledging indie pop musician and Taylor’s co-writer. After working together for 17 years, Alison’s career is under intense scrutiny after a popular podcast makes some accusations about her private life. As midnights become Alison & Marina’...
    FULL-LENGTH (Draft as of 12.13.23)
    Alison & Marina are childhood best friends who love music. Alison is a country singer turned mega pop star, while Marina is a fledging indie pop musician and Taylor’s co-writer. After working together for 17 years, Alison’s career is under intense scrutiny after a popular podcast makes some accusations about her private life. As midnights become Alison & Marina’s afternoons, a concert of Alison’s Eras dissects parasocial relationships, queerbaiting, AI/deepfakes, and the impact of financial success on friendships.
  • At The Barre by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    11–16
    ·
    Genre: comedy, movement/physical + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: Big Musical, mime + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, movement/physical, musical, pantomime, romantic comedy
    Keyword: Big Musical, mime, Non-Binary, LGBTQ, ballet, alternative musical theater, stage combat, Mental Health, Transgender, gender dysphoria
    MIME MUSICAL (Draft as of 3.10.24)
    Book & Lyrics by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Natalie Myrick / Original Music by Sarah Flaim

    Catherine, the talented principal dancer at ABT, and Shawn, a non-binary and overweight mime, are thrust into each other's lives after an insane audition. In the wake of personal tragedies and lingering doubts, Catherine and Shawn search for their inner...
    MIME MUSICAL (Draft as of 3.10.24)
    Book & Lyrics by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Natalie Myrick / Original Music by Sarah Flaim

    Catherine, the talented principal dancer at ABT, and Shawn, a non-binary and overweight mime, are thrust into each other's lives after an insane audition. In the wake of personal tragedies and lingering doubts, Catherine and Shawn search for their inner beauty and how to make a connection in a cluttered and overly talkative world.
  • this old haunt by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: childhood friendship, broken friendship + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy, musical
    Keyword: childhood friendship, broken friendship, cabin in the woods, Taylor Swift, close friendship, small town, American musical
    MUSICAL (Draft as of 1.23.24)
    Book by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Maggie Marie Rodgers / Directed & Developed with Rebecca Wahls

    Hetty, Selina, Caroline, and Penelope reunite at their high school choir teacher's cabin in the woods, which she has left to the group in her will. A giant hole opens up in the floor, and relationships are tested as these four old friends slip in and...
    MUSICAL (Draft as of 1.23.24)
    Book by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Maggie Marie Rodgers / Directed & Developed with Rebecca Wahls

    Hetty, Selina, Caroline, and Penelope reunite at their high school choir teacher's cabin in the woods, which she has left to the group in her will. A giant hole opens up in the floor, and relationships are tested as these four old friends slip in and out of time as they revisit their past selves in order to shape the future of their group.
  • i'm fine though by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, musical + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: LGBT Mental Health, Youtube influencer + 4 more
    Genre: dark comedy, musical, satire
    Keyword: LGBT Mental Health, Youtube influencer, Youtube compatible, Youtube, internet fame, the pursuit of fame
    MUSICAL (Draft as of 2.26.24)
    Book & Lyrics by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Natalie Myrick

    Rae is a person you can describe as a “disgruntled content factory.” Writing, producing, recording, she has fallen into a dark decline after a series of huge (seemingly life-changing) rejections and days upon days of being unable to do anything except watch YouTube. Armed with a camera, a timer,...
    MUSICAL (Draft as of 2.26.24)
    Book & Lyrics by SMJ / Music & Lyrics by Natalie Myrick

    Rae is a person you can describe as a “disgruntled content factory.” Writing, producing, recording, she has fallen into a dark decline after a series of huge (seemingly life-changing) rejections and days upon days of being unable to do anything except watch YouTube. Armed with a camera, a timer, an audience, and their instrument, Rae has two hours to decide whether to give up on creating or not. I'm Fine Though explores our personalities when we are alone & online, how we interact with an audience, our mind, our body, & our music, and the desperate need to be famous.
  • OnlyFriends (10 minute play) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: A Comedy for Two Actors, actors + 3 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: A Comedy for Two Actors, actors, roommates, onlyfans, being online
    10 MINUTES (Draft as of 2.1.24)
    With rent due, roommates Kara & Erica look to jump-start their acting careers after their holiday jobs end.
  • sundays in the park with clay & cher (10 minute play) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, experimental
    ·
    Keyword: colonialism, pigeons + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, experimental
    Keyword: colonialism, pigeons, pigeon, Central Park, contemporary New York City
    10 MINUTE (Draft as of 9.28.23)
    When a horrible adult softball league displaces Clay & Cher from their favorite baseball field in Central Park, Cher comes up with a plan for taking their territory back.
  • late nights in the park with jordan & jim (10-minute play) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: pigeons, security guards + 4 more
    Genre: dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: pigeons, security guards, Central Park, American capitalism, NYC, Hunting
    10 MINUTES (Draft as of 11.17.23)
    Jordan and Jim are hired by the Mayor of NYC to keep watch of the Great Lawn during the late nights. However, the enemy they are trying to ward off might be too overwhelming
  • Duck & Cover or A Dinner Party in the 1950s (10-minute play) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, parody/spoof + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: misinformation and propaganda, propaganda + 3 more
    Genre: dark comedy, parody/spoof, political
    Keyword: misinformation and propaganda, propaganda, president of the united states, nuclear attack, existential fear
    Based on the old US government propaganda video of the same name, the 1956 Wilton, NH Duck and Cover Club invite The President via handwritten letter to visit them to quell their fears of an impending nuclear attack.
  • cards. (a 10 minute zoom play) by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: adult romantic comedy, strip poker + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy, zoom
    Keyword: adult romantic comedy, strip poker, long distance, a Zoom play
    10-MINUTE ZOOM PLAY
    Kayleigh is in Nebraska. Jude is in NYC.
    It's Sunday night. It's time to get the week started on a high note.
  • She Makes Me Feel Like Juliet (a monologue) by SMJ .
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: romantic comedy
    ·
    Keyword: wedding, based on Shakespearean characters + 4 more
    Genre: romantic comedy
    Keyword: wedding, based on Shakespearean characters, Juliet, love, marriage, college monologue
    She's got a lot of thoughts based on her recent wedding.
  • Superheroes Aren't Allowed to Fuck (a monologue) by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: female superhero, superhero + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, satire
    Keyword: female superhero, superhero, real-life superheroes, marvel, DC Comics, DC
    A fan who paid $250 to a convention for "exclusive access" to their favorite superhero gets more than they bargained for...
  • a youtube apology (a monologue) by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    ·
    Keyword: monologue, satire + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, parody/spoof
    Keyword: monologue, satire, Youtube
    A MONOLOGUE
    oh no. jaime messed up and has to hold themself accountable. they mean it this time.
  • my last video :( (a monologue) by SMJ .
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: comedy, satire
    ·
    Keyword: Youtube influencer, Youtube + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, satire
    Keyword: Youtube influencer, Youtube, Influencer, monologue, contemporary satire
    cj is an influencer. unfortunately, this is the end of her channel.