Holding Pattern by
10 MINUTES - It’s a bumpy ride for Amelia Earhart with a full bladder and a trans Atlantic flight well under way.
NOTE: This could easily be adapted for as a radio play
NOTE: This could easily be adapted for as a radio play
John Busser
John Busser
John Busser is an actor/writer/graphic artist in the Cleveland area. He is the co-runner of Cleveland Public Theatre’s writers workshop, The Dark Room which helps new and seasoned playwrights test drive new work for a friendly audience of writers and actors. In 2017, Blank Canvas Theatre presented Children's Letters to Satan (and Other Horrible Scribblings), a collection of 7 of his original plays. His...
John Busser is an actor/writer/graphic artist in the Cleveland area. He is the co-runner of Cleveland Public Theatre’s writers workshop, The Dark Room which helps new and seasoned playwrights test drive new work for a friendly audience of writers and actors. In 2017, Blank Canvas Theatre presented Children's Letters to Satan (and Other Horrible Scribblings), a collection of 7 of his original plays. His play Under A Watchful Eye was made into a short film that has been selected for the 2019 Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival and the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival. Various other of his short plays have been performed in multiple venues in the Cleveland and Columbus areas.
Plays
A Conversation About Mom by John Busser
Recommendations: 17··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: fathers and sons, cemetery + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, tragedyKeyword: fathers and sons, cemetery, dramedy, Relationships, death, illness10 MINUTE - At a cemetery, a son helps his father attempt to mend fences between him and his long lost wife before it’s too late.
Revised 09/21A First-Draft Second-Rate Love Story by John Busser
Recommendations: 18··Cast:5Genre: comedy, parody/spoof + 1 more·Keyword: staged reading, writers + 2 moreGenre: comedy, parody/spoof, romantic comedyKeyword: staged reading, writers, actors, terrible writing10 MINUTE - Will our lovers (one handed stevedore John and multiple named ingenue Vivian/Miriam/Marian) find the love that’s eluded them for so long, or will Vivian’s shocking past prove too much? Stay tuned for another exciting updated draft which may or may not answer those questions.A Long Overdue Talk With Henry by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Black comedy, reincarnation + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, tragedyKeyword: Black comedy, reincarnation, dead husband, talking to audience, rat10 MINUTE - (Monologue) A recent widow is able to keep the lines of communication going when her late husband reincarnates in an unexpected way.And Try NOT To Enjoy Your Stay by John Busser
Recommendations: 8··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: monologue, comedy + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, horror, movement/physical, pantomimeKeyword: monologue, comedy, dark comedy, Torture, pain, suffering, improv10 MINUTE - (Monologue) A tour at THIS museum is all fun and games until someone gets killed.Annnd Scene (of the Crime) by John Busser
Recommendations: 15··Cast:3Genre: comedy, parody/spoof·Keyword: Police interrogation, murder + 4 moreGenre: comedy, parody/spoofKeyword: Police interrogation, murder, improv, reenactment, comedy, changing story10 MINUTE - A suspect in a murder creates a scene during his interrogation. Many scenes, actually. And why does that one cop keep ringing a bell?A Wicked Slice by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:5Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: comedy, murder + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: comedy, murder, golf, dark comedy, Bet, office competition, severed body part10 MINUTE - Because who doesn’t enjoy a nice, friendly, cut-throat game of golf?Big Date by John Busser
Recommendations: 8··Cast:4Genre: comedy, fantasy + 6 more·Keyword: 50s sci fi, comedy + 7 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, farce, movement/physical, parody/spoof, period, romantic comedy, science fictionKeyword: 50s sci fi, comedy, date night, giant monsters, Chicago, Army, B-Movie, Amazing Colossal Man, 50-Foot Woman10 MINUTE - When the 50-ft Woman and the Amazing Colossal Man go out on a date, it’s a night on the town… literallyChildren's Letters To Satan by John Busser
Recommendations: 14··Cast:9Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: monologue, kids + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holiday, parody/spoofKeyword: monologue, kids, christmas, Satan10-15 MINUTE - (Multiple Monologues) The weather outside may be frightful, but these kid’s Christmas lists are even more so.Clairvoyáge by John Busser
Recommendations: 7··Cast:4Genre: comedy, farce·Keyword: comedy, fortune teller + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farceKeyword: comedy, fortune teller, spirits, Travel Agency, Crystal Ball15-20 MINUTES - Will Janice find true love and a bargain on vacation costs? One spiritual medium shakes things up when she says “All signs point to YES!”Climbing the Corporate Bladder by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:7Genre: comedy, parody/spoof + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, office politics + 5 moreGenre: comedy, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: comedy, office politics, restroom, Pissing Contest, satire, business man, urinal15 MINUTE - A new hire finds out how to move sideways to success.Confidence Scan by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more·Keyword: Job Interview, office + 2 moreGenre: comedy, farce, science fictionKeyword: Job Interview, office, comedy, scanner10 MINUTE - Welcome to Neovation. We’re confident that this will be your dream job. As long as you are too.Death Plans A Holiday by John Busser
Recommendations: 7··Cast:4Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: comedy, death + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, movement/physical, romantic comedyKeyword: comedy, death, travel, Black comedy, physical comedy, Abnormal Couple, romantic comedy15 MINUTES - Death is definitely a headache for one unlucky travel agent.Doppel Date by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:5Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more·Keyword: double date, French Restaurant + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farce, movement/physical, romantic comedyKeyword: double date, French Restaurant, Multiple Personalities, comedy, physical comedy15 MINUTE - Table for two turns out to be a table for four. Even if two of them don’t necessarily like it.Dr. Wu Has Been Eliminated by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:4Genre: comedy, parody/spoof + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, Bond Spoof + 3 moreGenre: comedy, parody/spoof, science fictionKeyword: comedy, Bond Spoof, criminals, henchman, parody10 MINUTE - In an evil secret hideout, something has gone wrong. Dr. Wu is dead. Who did it? And why?Fifty Shades of Grayskull: An Autocorrected Play by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:5Genre: comedy, experimental + 4 more·Keyword: comedy, autocorrect + 7 moreGenre: comedy, experimental, fantasy, farce, parody/spoof, science fictionKeyword: comedy, autocorrect, He-Man, Fifty Shades of Gray, experimental, absurd farce, weird, mashup, parody15 Minute - Prince Adam has a problem with his castle and arch enemy Skeletor is bound and
determined to help him. Although HE may not be the one who is bound.
NOTE: This was an experiment to write a play using the autocorrect text feature as a way to alter the
narrative. At points in the play, I used my phone's autocorrect predictive text feature to choose what was
...15 Minute - Prince Adam has a problem with his castle and arch enemy Skeletor is bound and
determined to help him. Although HE may not be the one who is bound.
NOTE: This was an experiment to write a play using the autocorrect text feature as a way to alter the
narrative. At points in the play, I used my phone's autocorrect predictive text feature to choose what was
typed. I did not alter this procedure although I did not use it on everything. just where I wanted to
change up the narrative. I then altered the story to reflect whatever odd choices came up. This was done
to see if I could make the story work despite whatever text was written.
I don't know if this succeeded or not. You decide.Follow the Misleader by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:5Genre: comedy, experimental + 4 more·Keyword: meta, comedy + 6 moreGenre: comedy, experimental, farce, movement/physical, mystery/thriller, parody/spoofKeyword: meta, comedy, absurd comedy, theater, actors, Stage Directions, Improvisational, Murder Mystery Parody10-15 Minute - Actors in a play are at the mercy of their stage directions. Although “mercy” is probably
the wrong word.
NOTE: I wanted to try something a little different with this play and so, I have two scripts here. The first is for the Stage Directions character (who is actually in the play), whose dialogue IS the stage directions of the play. ((There ARE some actual stage directions...10-15 Minute - Actors in a play are at the mercy of their stage directions. Although “mercy” is probably
the wrong word.
NOTE: I wanted to try something a little different with this play and so, I have two scripts here. The first is for the Stage Directions character (who is actually in the play), whose dialogue IS the stage directions of the play. ((There ARE some actual stage directions specifically for the SD character that are double-bracketed.))
The second script is for the other actors and contains none of the stage directions. They will only HEAR the Sage Directions character dialogue, therefore they must listen and follow the directions OF the Stage Directions character. At certain points, I allowed some leeway to improvise for the Stage Directions character, that would let him/her direct some of the comedic moments on the stage. This could lengthen or shorten the play dependent on how much the actors are played with.
I hope that isn't as confusing to you as it was to figure it out at first. I don't know if it will work, but I gave it a shot.Forgive Thyself by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: priest, god + 3 moreGenre: comedy, drama, faith-basedKeyword: priest, god, confession, dramedy, man and woman15 MINUTE - A priest has his job cut out for him when a very special woman drops by with a need to confess.Gag Economy by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: monologue, Angry + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, satireKeyword: monologue, Angry, harsh economy, Kidnapping, dark comedy8-10 MINUTES - (Monologue) A woman, recently downsized, finds a new way to make ends meet, with the help of all the men who kept their jobs while she lost hers.Going Out on a Limb by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, tooth fairy + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farceKeyword: comedy, tooth fairy, fingers, accident, Fireworks, body parts, unemployment, office life10 MINUTE - A Tooth Fairy on the verge of unemployment finds a new way to generate revenue that won’t cost the company an arm and a leg. The same can’t be said of the customers though.Golden Kiss by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, golden retriever + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: comedy, golden retriever, dogs, love triangle, breakup, romantic tragedy, audience address15-20 MINUTE - A love triangle between a man, a woman and a Golden Retriever with an unfortunate drinking problem.Guardian by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:3Genre: adventure, drama + 4 more·Keyword: Biological Disaster, apocalypse + 4 moreGenre: adventure, drama, horror, mystery/thriller, science fiction, tragedyKeyword: Biological Disaster, apocalypse, survivor, dogs, disease, plague10 MINUTE - All that stands between life and possible death for two survivors of a biological disaster is a good dog looking out for them both.Hanging On For Near Life by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, after death + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farceKeyword: comedy, after death, Jewish Mother and Son, ghosts15 MINUTE - A woman wants a grandchild from her son and is going to wait well past her expiration date to get it.I Love You More Than I Can Bear by John Busser
Recommendations: 11··Cast:2Genre: comedy, romantic comedy·Keyword: romantic comedy, Dinner Date + 4 moreGenre: comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: romantic comedy, Dinner Date, bears, secrets, Blondes, absurd comedy10 MINUTE - When Arthur decides to tell dinner date Orianna his big secret, things turn hairy in a hurry. Or maybe furry in a hurry is a better way to put it.In A World... by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:4Genre: comedy, fantasy + 3 more·Keyword: Voiceover, comedy + 2 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, farce, parody/spoof, romantic comedyKeyword: Voiceover, comedy, romantic comedy, movie trailer10 MINUTE - Meet Carl Dimby, a mild-mannered man who needed some help to turn him into a hero. But being a hero takes more than lip service from the world’s greatest voice-over artist.Incentive Program by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:6Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: dark comedy, car dealer + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: dark comedy, car dealer, Selling, strong-arm tactics, gunshot, buying a car10-15 MINUTE - Finch wanted a car. He’ll get a deal on it, whether he wants it or not.It's the Thought... That Kills! by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:8Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more·Keyword: film noir, detective story + 6 moreGenre: comedy, farce, mystery/thriller, parody/spoofKeyword: film noir, detective story, mystery, comedy, parody, femme fatale, Voiceover, murder10 MINUTE - Hard drinking P.I. Cliff Hammond attempts to solve a murder in his office, but everyone (including the deceased) has their own thoughts on the matter.It Jungle Out There by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:4Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more·Keyword: dating services, Tarzan + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farce, parody/spoofKeyword: dating services, Tarzan, Jane, jungle, comedy10 MINUTE - Tarzan looks for love in the Concrete Jungle.Law and Mail Order by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more·Keyword: comedy, Traffic Ticket + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farce, satire, science fictionKeyword: comedy, Traffic Ticket, Law Enforcement, online, court system10 MINUTES - The long arm of the law gets an online upgrade for one unlucky driver.Lent Me Your Ears (An Easter Tail) by John Busser
Recommendations: 4··Cast:5Genre: comedy, holiday·Keyword: Easter, family + 3 moreGenre: comedy, holidayKeyword: Easter, family, Jesus, comedy, absurd10 MINUTE - A suburban family finds out the true meaning of Easter when a Heavenly visitor drops in to set them straight. And he won’t be walking on any Easter eggshells when he does it.Letters for Eunice (A Civil War Correspondence) by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:5Genre: comedy, farce + 3 more·Keyword: Civil War, soldiers + 8 moreGenre: comedy, farce, period, romantic comedy, satireKeyword: Civil War, soldiers, Southern states, romance, comedy, affairs, Ken Burns, absurd, battle of the sexes, features LGBTQ characters10-15 MINUTES - A series of letters from a young Civil War soldier and the object of his desires opens up a
whole new front in the battle of the sexes.Moses' Nephew Ted Explains the 10 Commitments: An Autocorrected Monlogue by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: comedy, experimental + 3 more·Keyword: TED Talk, Moses + 5 moreGenre: comedy, experimental, faith-based, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: TED Talk, Moses, Ten Commandments, autocorrect, comic monologue, religion, satire10 MINUTE - A TED talk long on commitment but short on vision. Ted’s vision, that is.
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT PREDICTIVE TEXT FEATURE TO CHOOSE WHAT WAS TYPED. I DID NOT ALTER THIS PROCEDURE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT USE IT ON EVERYTHING. JUST WHERE I WANTED...10 MINUTE - A TED talk long on commitment but short on vision. Ted’s vision, that is.
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT PREDICTIVE TEXT FEATURE TO CHOOSE WHAT WAS TYPED. I DID NOT ALTER THIS PROCEDURE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT USE IT ON EVERYTHING. JUST WHERE I WANTED TO CHANGE UP THE NARRATIVE. I THEN ALTERED THE STORY TO REFLECT WHATEVER ODD CHOICES CAME UP. THIS WAS DONE TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE THE STORY WORK DESPITE WHATEVER TEXT WAS WRITTEN. (I don't know if this succeeded or not. You decide.)Not Backing Up, Not Backing Down by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:6Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: comedy, dark comedy + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, movement/physicalKeyword: comedy, dark comedy, Male Aggression, standoffs, Alpha Males, Escalation, cars, Pissing Contest20 MINUTE - Two Alpha males attempt to negotiate leaving a parking lot without losing face, patience or any more car parts.Not So Close To Our Hearts by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:5Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: comedy, funeral home + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farceKeyword: comedy, funeral home, Covid-19, Italian Mob, Irish Mob, Closed Casket, dark comedy, Mob War15 MINUTE - When the Italian mob wants to pay respects to one of their own, public health concerns threaten the sendoff.Obstacle by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:1Genre: drama, tragedy·Keyword: teachers, school + 5 moreGenre: drama, tragedyKeyword: teachers, school, shooting, driver's ed, accident, monologue, drama10 MINUTE - (Monologue) Events take a wrong turn for a driver’s ed teacher trying to do what he was trained for.Old Wives' Tail (One Act) by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:3Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: hospitals, grandfather + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: hospitals, grandfather, granddaughter, Grandfather/Granddaughter relationship, family, comedy, tall tale, spinning yarnsONE ACT (APPROX 30 MIN) - An old man tells his granddaughter the real reason behind Grandma’s trip to the hospital.Opening Night (a play for Zoom) by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:4Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 5 more·Keyword: zoom, comedy + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, movement/physical, parody/spoof, satire, zoomKeyword: zoom, comedy, dark comedy, Medical Exam, audition, gynecology, actress10 MINUTE - Jacquie's got the part. Now she just needs someone to look at it.Pilates of the Carob Eaten: An Autocorrected Play by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:8Genre: adventure, comedy + 3 more·Keyword: pirates, treasure + 8 moreGenre: adventure, comedy, experimental, parody/spoof, periodKeyword: pirates, treasure, autocorrect, comedy, spoof, Workout, parody, Cap'n Jack, Parrots, puppets10 MINUTE - A pirate crew in search of a sweet treasure finds the downside of having a big booty.
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT PREDICTIVE TEXT FEATURE TO CHOOSE WHAT WAS TYPED. I DID NOT ALTER THIS PROCEDURE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT USE IT ON EVERYTHING. JUST...10 MINUTE - A pirate crew in search of a sweet treasure finds the downside of having a big booty.
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT PREDICTIVE TEXT FEATURE TO CHOOSE WHAT WAS TYPED. I DID NOT ALTER THIS PROCEDURE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT USE IT ON EVERYTHING. JUST WHERE I WANTED TO CHANGE UP THE NARRATIVE. I THEN ALTERED THE STORY TO REFLECT WHATEVER ODD CHOICES CAME UP. THIS WAS DONE TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE THE STORY WORK DESPITE WHATEVER TEXT WAS WRITTEN. (I don't know if this succeeded or not. You decide.)Programming (T)error by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: monologue, comedy + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, horrorKeyword: monologue, comedy, comic-horror, IT Personnel, phone call, tech support10-12 MINUTE - (Monologue) Blue Screen of Death? Call our Tech Support wizards today. We’ll help you out... or die trying.Quentin Tarantino's PG-13 Crime Movie by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:5Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L Jackson + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, farce, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L Jackson, Disney, Movies, comedy, Daniel Day-Lewis, monkeys10 MINUTES - Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino have made many classic films. But what happens when they fall into a mousetrap?Quentin Tarantino's G-Rated Crime Movie (a 1 minute companion piece to Quentin Tarantino’s PG-13 Crime Movie) by John Busser
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy, fantasy + 2 more·Keyword: Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L Jackson + 3 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, farce, parody/spoofKeyword: Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L Jackson, Disney, Movies, comedy1 MINUTE - A film that will probably never happen...Release the Karen! by John Busser
Recommendations: 7··Cast:4Genre: comedy, docudrama/historic + 4 more·Keyword: comedy, spoof + 6 moreGenre: comedy, docudrama/historic, fantasy, farce, parody/spoof, periodKeyword: comedy, spoof, Ancient Greece, Siege Warfare, Karen, Complaining, Ask for Management, Historical Farce(10 MINUTES) - A city under siege in 332 BC is attacked by their foe’s most fearsome weapon of all, and she’s not leaving till she finds some olives.Right For The Part by John Busser
Recommendations: 10··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: audition, actors + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: audition, actors, directors, accents, Bob Dylan10 MINUTE - An actor proves he’s got the right stuff to take on any role. Even the wrong one.Schrödinger’s Highway by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Schrodinger's cat, late night drive + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, mystery/thrillerKeyword: Schrodinger's cat, late night drive, accident, dark comedy, dark night, sleepy driving10 MINUTE - A tiring, late-night drive on the interstate takes a turn for the weird when a couple has to decide whether the car hit something or someone... or notSomething Borrowed... by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Sisters, family + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: Sisters, family, dark comedy, rivalry between siblings, death, borrowers, gardening10-15 MINUTE - A woman tending her garden decides she’s had enough of her little sister borrowing everything from her, and decides she wants one very important thing back.Stiff Competition by John Busser
Recommendations: 16··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: killer, science fair + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, horror, satireKeyword: killer, science fair, students, dark comedy, parent teacher conference, body parts, death10 MINUTE - A literal “killer” science fair project prompts an after school discussion between a father and teacher.Taylor-Made by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: pregnancy, baby + 7 moreGenre: comedy, drama, science fictionKeyword: pregnancy, baby, Future of Technology and Humanity, sexuality, Married couple, abortion, dramedy, family, nanobots15 MINUTES - A couple get their greatest wish, a baby on the way, but both have a few ideas about customizing the package before the big day.Temporal Physiques by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:5–6Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more·Keyword: comedy, weight loss + 7 moreGenre: comedy, farce, parody/spoof, science fictionKeyword: comedy, weight loss, christmas, halloween, Thanksgiving, new years, time travel, scientists, infomercial10-15 MINUTE - Scientists trying to invent a time machine accidentally stumble onto a greater discovery; how to shed those unwanted holiday pounds.The Admission by John Busser
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, farce·Keyword: monologue, comedy + 3 moreGenre: comedy, farceKeyword: monologue, comedy, Mother Teresa, workplace, snakes10 MINUTE - (Monologue) Mother Teresa takes a cigarette break from SainthoodThe Cost of Dying by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more·Keyword: assassin, restroom + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, mystery/thriller, tragedyKeyword: assassin, restroom, poison, killer, drama10-15 MINUTE - Two men have a conversation in a restroom that will have dire consequences for one of them.The Dieting of Anne Frank: An Autocorrected Play by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:9Genre: dark comedy, experimental + 4 more·Keyword: dark comedy, experimental + 5 moreGenre: dark comedy, experimental, horror, parody/spoof, period, satireKeyword: dark comedy, experimental, autocorrect, dieting, World War II, Anne Frank, Spelling Mishaps10 MINUTE - In WWII, a young girl hiding out with her family must deal with confinement, boredom and the paparazzi amidst the horrors of war. (Also, the author had an unfortunate tendency to spellcheck with the autocorrect on)
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT...10 MINUTE - In WWII, a young girl hiding out with her family must deal with confinement, boredom and the paparazzi amidst the horrors of war. (Also, the author had an unfortunate tendency to spellcheck with the autocorrect on)
NOTE: THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENT TO WRITE A PLAY USING THE AUTOCORRECT TEXT FEATURE AS A WAY TO ALTER THE NARRATIVE. AT POINTS IN THE PLAY I USED MY PHONE'S AUTOCORRECT PREDICTIVE TEXT FEATURE TO CHOOSE WHAT WAS TYPED. I DID NOT ALTER THIS PROCEDURE ALTHOUGH I DID NOT USE IT ON EVERYTHING. JUST WHERE I WANTED TO CHANGE UP THE NARRATIVE. I THEN ALTERED THE STORY TO REFLECT WHATEVER ODD CHOICES CAME UP. THIS WAS DONE TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE THE STORY WORK DESPITE WHATEVER TEXT WAS WRITTEN. (I don't know if this succeeded or not. You decide.)
The Fast and the Führer-Less by John Busser
Recommendations: 9··Cast:5Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: comedy, time-travel + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, farce, political, science fictionKeyword: comedy, time-travel, Hitler, charlie chaplin, dark comedy, scientists, baby, groucho marx, Jewish history10-15 MINUTE - The scientists of a newly-invented time machine attempt to put an end to an old matter of some importance to them.The High School Yearbook Picture of Dorian Gray by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:6Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 5 more·Keyword: Dorian Gray, High School Comedy + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, farce, horror, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: Dorian Gray, High School Comedy, Picture-Taking, photography, dark comedy, curse, portrait10-15 MINUTE - It's Picture Day at Lipincott High School and not quite everyone is excited to get their yearbook picture taken.The Shelf on the Elf: A Brick Fistula Mystery by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:8Genre: adventure, comedy + 6 more·Keyword: comedy, holiday comedy + 8 moreGenre: adventure, comedy, dark comedy, farce, holiday, melodrama, mystery/thriller, parody/spoofKeyword: comedy, holiday comedy, detective story, Santa Claus, film noir, Elf, mystery, parody, hard-boiled, murder15 MINUTE - It's a murder at the North Pole. Did Santa slay? Brick Fistula, hard-drinking, fast-talking, private eye is gonna find out who’s naughty... and who’s guilty!The Wrap Up by John Busser
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy, docudrama/historic + 2 more·Keyword: King Tut, Pyramids + 1 moreGenre: comedy, docudrama/historic, farce, periodKeyword: King Tut, Pyramids, Ancient Egypt10-15 MINUTE - Two low-level pyramid builders learn all about job security when their newest client moves in prematurely.They're In There by John Busser
Recommendations: 7··Cast:1–3Genre: horror, mystery/thriller·Keyword: horror, Infestation + 6 moreGenre: horror, mystery/thrillerKeyword: horror, Infestation, sleeplessness, dark, dread, Scratching Sounds, Chewing Sounds, madness10-15 MINUTE - A man has trouble getting to sleep due to some unwanted visitors that are a lot closer than he thinks. If they're even there...Time Travelers Can Apply Yesterday by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:5Genre: comedy, fantasy + 2 more·Keyword: time travel, comedy + 2 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, farce, science fictionKeyword: time travel, comedy, ensemble, alternate timelines15 MINUTE - A man applies for a job he already had… or has? Will he or did he get the job? It’s a tense(s) situation.Ugly Doctor Hospital by John Busser
Recommendations: 5··Cast:5–6Genre: comedy, farce + 3 more·Keyword: radio play, soap opera + 7 moreGenre: comedy, farce, melodrama, parody/spoof, radio dramaKeyword: radio play, soap opera, doctor, Hospital, sound effects, comedy, spoof, Farce, melodrama10-15 MINUTES - (A radio play) Unless he learns to work with ordinary-looking physicians, new Doctor Vaughn will find himself in over his head, because he’s too handsome to practice medicine at... Ugly Doctor Hospital!Under A Watchful Eye by John Busser
Recommendations: 7··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: christmas, hospitals + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, holiday, tragedyKeyword: christmas, hospitals, drama, family, Fathers and Daughters10-15 MINUTE - (Monologue) A few days before Christmas, a woman visits her comatose father in the hospital, and tells him why she will always be there for him.Up Against the 4th Wall by John Busser
Recommendations: 3··Cast:6Genre: adventure, comedy + 4 more·Keyword: parody, action hero + 6 moreGenre: adventure, comedy, farce, melodrama, parody/spoof, periodKeyword: parody, action hero, 1920s, comedy, meta, talking to audience, heroes and villains, adventure10-15 MINUTE - It's curtains for intrepid adventurer Dash Malone as he runs up against his own worst enemy, his big mouth.Wetworking From Home (a play for Zoom) by John Busser
Recommendations: 6··Cast:4–6Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: comedy, dark comedy + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, parody/spoof, satire, zoomKeyword: comedy, dark comedy, Covid-19, Self-quarantine, hitman, zoom, Mob Killings15 MINUTE - It’s hard to make a living in a pandemic economy. Especially when you’re a hitman who’s a bit of a high-risk germaphobe.