Robert J. LeBlanc

Robert J. LeBlanc

Robert J. LeBlanc is an award-winning playwright, actor, voice actor, and artist, as well as the producer, head writer, host, improviser, and designer of the comedy ensemble, Balderdash Academy, and owner of the interactive mystery-comedy company Sleuths Mystery Entertainment. He writes in several genres with a focus on comedy and the use of comedy in drama. He is the guest writer and performer of Undertow:...
Robert J. LeBlanc is an award-winning playwright, actor, voice actor, and artist, as well as the producer, head writer, host, improviser, and designer of the comedy ensemble, Balderdash Academy, and owner of the interactive mystery-comedy company Sleuths Mystery Entertainment. He writes in several genres with a focus on comedy and the use of comedy in drama. He is the guest writer and performer of Undertow: Simpson Falls episode “Firsts” and was a series developer and writer on Realm’s hit horror series Undertow: Blood Forest and Undertow: Pulse. His work can be found on stage, screen, and in various podcasts including Balderdash Academy’s On the Air.

Plays

  • Glory Days
    [SHORT PLAY FOR ONE]
    A DJ examines a long career through the lens of evolving music.
  • A Brandy to Stoke the Flames
    [5-MINUTE MONOLOGUE]
    It's 1940 and Lady Headley Maxine Regina Steadly-Proud, Countess of Crawley, addresses her guests at a fundraiser for the families affected by the war.

    Based on Robert J. LeBlanc's "Mystery at Upton House."
  • Fallout or a Ballad of Peace and David Hasselhoff
    [10-MINUTE MONOLOGUE]
    The end of the world came out of nowhere and the fallout continues.
  • Mister Frank
    [FIVE-MINUTE COMEDY SHORT]
    A fast-talking substitute talks to the class about planning ahead.
  • The Angel
    [TEN-MINUTE DRAMA]
    Jack has a terrible secret. He’s stuck with no way out until a chance meeting with a stranger in a deserted subway station gives him everything that he asked for.
  • The Blowout
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    I decided to write something silly, something in the style of Elaine May or Neil Simon. I'm not sure if I succeeded, but it was fun to write.

    2F/1M. A Manhattan couple whose relationship is based on casual infidelity, mistrust, and an idea that neither of them is meant to be tied down discover that maybe it’s best that they’re tied together. When Mike blows out a...
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    I decided to write something silly, something in the style of Elaine May or Neil Simon. I'm not sure if I succeeded, but it was fun to write.

    2F/1M. A Manhattan couple whose relationship is based on casual infidelity, mistrust, and an idea that neither of them is meant to be tied down discover that maybe it’s best that they’re tied together. When Mike blows out a seam of his pants while preparing for a friend's funeral his wife Elaine comes to the rescue by calling in a favor. When a friend's young and beautiful assistant arrives jealousy isn’t far behind.
  • Break
    [TEN-MINUTE COMING OF AGE]
    3F/1M. Sarah had her whole life planned out for her. She’s decided to take control for the first time in her life. Now with the summer after graduation coming to a close, she’s hoping that she made the right choice.
  • Breakwater
    [TEN-MINUTE DRAMA]
    Monty is a stubborn old lobsterman who might be suffering a heart attack. Mattie, his equally stubborn wife is trying to convince him to go to the hospital before she takes matters into her own hands and drags him there herself.
  • Bright Side
    [TEN-MINUTE QUARANTINE BAKE OFF CHALLENGE]
    During the buying scare early in the COVID 19 outbreak in March of 2020 two roommates try to compare shopping lists over video chat and navigate the coming pandemic the only way they know-how.

    This play was written during the COVID 19 quarantine of March 2020 and was specifically written to be performed over two smartphones via video chat. The...
    [TEN-MINUTE QUARANTINE BAKE OFF CHALLENGE]
    During the buying scare early in the COVID 19 outbreak in March of 2020 two roommates try to compare shopping lists over video chat and navigate the coming pandemic the only way they know-how.

    This play was written during the COVID 19 quarantine of March 2020 and was specifically written to be performed over two smartphones via video chat. The play was also written for the Quarantine Bake Off and had to include the following: An empty store/stadium/theater, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a virtual dance or duet, a moment of mass panic, a light in the dark, bonus points for flour/flower. The play can be traditionally staged.
  • Familiar
    [TEN-MINUTE DRAMA]
    Familiar is the funny and poignant conversation between an older and younger man. Through the tragedy of dementia, a son realizes the importance and beauty of memories and finds a way to communicate with his father who no longer recognizes him as his son.
  • The Fist of Branding
    [TEN-MINUTE SUPERHERO COMEDY]
    A proud superhero with questionable branding tries to stop a robbery
  • Heartworm
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    HEARTWORM is a touching story about a man down on his luck and his best friend
    trying to help him back on his feet.

    It was written for all of my fellow neurodivergent playwrights (ADHD here) who have had experiences similar to the underlying theme.
  • The Interview
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    Alfred Milton’s dream was to be a writer. He gave up those dreams. Now, with his life in review, he might get a second chance.
  • Love • Trust • Escalation
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    1F/1M. Charles and Rachel love each other. They think that their relationship is based on love, trust, and honesty. All that changes when the truth begins to come out.

    Note: This show was originally produced with a different ending. The original never sat well with me. It was truncated from a longer piece and made the situation's punchline into an insensitive one...
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    1F/1M. Charles and Rachel love each other. They think that their relationship is based on love, trust, and honesty. All that changes when the truth begins to come out.

    Note: This show was originally produced with a different ending. The original never sat well with me. It was truncated from a longer piece and made the situation's punchline into an insensitive one. Since the play worked better as a short, I have rewritten the ending to correct the discrepancies.
  • The Naughty List
    [TEN-MINUTE HOLIDAY COMEDY]
    A humble craftsman from the North Pole leaves her life as a toymaker to pursue a felonious career change. Someone’s hall is going to get decked.
  • The Resurrectionists
    [TEN-MINUTE DARK COMEDY]
    A pair of resurrectionists discover that when the risk is too high a new way of doing business is needed.
  • Second Thoughts
    [TEN-MINUTE COMEDY]
    A bride with second thoughts seeks the help of a stranger.
  • The Adventures of Aphrodite Prime: Episode One - Aphrodite Prime and the Invaders from Venus 12 (On the Air Series)
    [TEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    It is the distant year of 1999. When the earth is threatened with invasion the United States of Space call upon an unlikely hero to save the day in this 1930s-style comedy adventure.
  • The Bonnie Tales of Captain Bellamy: Episode One - The Song of Trickery (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Navigating the waves of life, love, and adventure, Bonnie Captain Bonny Bellamy and her dastardly crew of the Seawitch are the terror of the seas but a danger to themselves. Captain Bellamy's ranking slipped in the bounty listings and decides to go after a rich bounty already claimed by her rival Captain Black Jack Malone in this 1930 high seas...
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Navigating the waves of life, love, and adventure, Bonnie Captain Bonny Bellamy and her dastardly crew of the Seawitch are the terror of the seas but a danger to themselves. Captain Bellamy's ranking slipped in the bounty listings and decides to go after a rich bounty already claimed by her rival Captain Black Jack Malone in this 1930 high seas adventure.


  • Jack Stacy Hotel Detective: Episode One - Look Up Look Out (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Jack Stacy, Hotel Detective. Trained in the art of hospitality sleuthing and justice, Jack Stacy watches over the residents and guests of the Hotel Catalonia.

    It’s two days before Christmas and thieves stole a foreign dignitary’s artifact. Can Jack solve the crime in time to save Christmas?
  • Poseidon Jones - Hero of the Deep: Episode One - Out of the Blue (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    In the distant future, when terror comes to the ocean blue, the citizens of Nautilus City calls on Poseidon Jones - Hero of the Deep! Poseidon defends the subaquatic denizens of Nautilus City from the terror under the seas. In this episode, an alien menace crashes deep into the ocean and Aphrodite Prime calls upon Poseidon Jones and the Sea Team for help.
  • Queen of the Night Greta Von Ghoul: Episode One - The Haunting at the Slaughter House (On the Air Series)
    [TWENTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Queen of the Night, Greta VonGhoul, receives a letter from a New York socialite about her haunted mansion in Maine. Greta and her trusted driver, Mister Murphy, go to investigate only to discover that not all is as it seems in this horror-filled romp of a supernatural 1930-style comedy adventure.

    Greta Von Choul was heir to VonGhoul...
    [TWENTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Queen of the Night, Greta VonGhoul, receives a letter from a New York socialite about her haunted mansion in Maine. Greta and her trusted driver, Mister Murphy, go to investigate only to discover that not all is as it seems in this horror-filled romp of a supernatural 1930-style comedy adventure.

    Greta Von Choul was heir to VonGhoul Castle in Transylvania until she was driven into exile by her uncle, the evil Count Svengalia. Along with her trusted driver Mister Murphy, she now stalks the supernatural, pursues the paranormal, and investigates the incorporeal from her mansion in the witch town of Salem.

    Finalist in the 2022 Marion Thauer Brown Audio Drama Scriptwriting Competition.
  • Scamps McGee, Hobo with a Heart of Gold: Episode One - The Problematic Proposal (On the Air Series)
    [THIRTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Charles “Scamps” McGee was a hero in the Great War who found himself on the wrong side of history as a banker. After the crash left him penniless he was rescued and taught the way of the road by the mysterious Flat-Footed Stranger. Now he and his dog Bindle ride the rails to try to make amends for their sinister banking escapades in this 1930s-style comedy adventure.
  • Treasure Hunter!: Episode One - Curse of the Jade Scorpion (On the Air Series)
    [TWENTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    After his parents disappeared searching for the lost treasure of Malabudu, Dirk Quartermain and his trusted monkey Coco scour the globe in search of the treasure that will bring his parents home. His trusted benefactor, Professor Alexander, put him on the path of a new artifact that could help solve the case in this 1930s-style comedy adventure.
  • Treasure Hunter!: Episode Two - The Tunnels of Dungeon Rock (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Dirk Quartermain is on the trail of pirate treasure in the haunted woods of Lynn, Massachusetts. Can he find it before the Golden Fox's goons can?
  • The Underworld of Penny Dreadful: Episode One - The Case of the Ghost and the Treasure (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    A mysterious murder, a ghost, and a stolen pirate's treasure map lead Penny Dreadful to the sewers to solve the Case of the Ghost and the Treasure.
  • The Underworld of Penny Dreadful: Episode Two - The Case of the Cider and the Rose (On the Air Series)
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Join everyone’s favorite teenage protector, Penny Dreadful, as she travels the crime-infested streets of 1880s London. It’s a time of injustice, cruelty, and of hardship with one beacon of hope against the darkness, that lovable orphan sleuth, Penny Dreadful, and her raven Poe. In this episode, there is a murder in Whitechapel. It looks like the...
    [FIFTEEN-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    Join everyone’s favorite teenage protector, Penny Dreadful, as she travels the crime-infested streets of 1880s London. It’s a time of injustice, cruelty, and of hardship with one beacon of hope against the darkness, that lovable orphan sleuth, Penny Dreadful, and her raven Poe. In this episode, there is a murder in Whitechapel. It looks like the notorious Apple Jack has struck again. Penny and her Warren of Rabbits are on the case to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice in this in this 1930-style comedy mystery adventure.
  • Van Diamond Private Dick: Episode One - Painted into a Corner (On the Air Series)
    [TWENTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    If you're in trouble and can afford $20 a day plus expenses, then Van Diamond is your private dick. A widow seeks Van's help after her husband mysteriously died after being shot with an arrow on the set of the new Robinhood picture at Paramore Studios. The police won't investigate saying it was an accident. Van Diamond has a hunch that...
    [TWENTY-MINUTE RADIO COMEDY in the ON THE AIR SERIES]
    If you're in trouble and can afford $20 a day plus expenses, then Van Diamond is your private dick. A widow seeks Van's help after her husband mysteriously died after being shot with an arrow on the set of the new Robinhood picture at Paramore Studios. The police won't investigate saying it was an accident. Van Diamond has a hunch that it was a lot more in this 1930-style comedy adventure.
  • The Angel - Audio Version
    [TEN-MINUTE AUDIO DRAMA-FAITHFUL ADAPTATION OF THE PLAY OF THE SAME NAME]
    Jack has a terrible secret. He’s stuck with no way out until a chance meeting with a stranger in a deserted subway station gives him everything that he asked for.
  • Familiar - Audio Version
    [TEN-MINUTE AUDIO DRAMA-FAITHFUL ADAPTATION OF THE PLAY OF THE SAME NAME]
    Familiar is the funny and poignant conversation between an older and younger man. Through the tragedy of dementia, a son realizes the importance and beauty of memories and finds a way to communicate with his father who no longer recognizes him as his son.
  • Motive, Means, Opportunity
    [FULL-LENGTH AUDIO MYSTERY COMEDY]
    Strangers, each with a motive to commit murder, are invited to a remote mansion under mysterious circumstances. A cache of weapons is ready for their arrival. Who invited them? Who is pulling the strings?
  • Who Killed Jolly Roger?
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Hoist the sails me hearties, there’s a mystery on the high seas.

    Six months after a historic combined raid on a Spanish galley, the crews of five ships meet in the Tavern of Blackguard’s Bay to divvy the treasure. Each crew is led by a Captain of ill repute. The night takes a turn to the sinister when the self-proclaimed...
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Hoist the sails me hearties, there’s a mystery on the high seas.

    Six months after a historic combined raid on a Spanish galley, the crews of five ships meet in the Tavern of Blackguard’s Bay to divvy the treasure. Each crew is led by a Captain of ill repute. The night takes a turn to the sinister when the self-proclaimed Pirate King tries to swindle the rest. In “Who Killed Jolly Roger?” you’ll be whisked away to a den of pirates and thieves, bawdy shanties, and murder! There are four suspects over a dead man’s chest, can you uncover who killed Jolly Roger?

    Features four different endings.
  • Mystery at Upton House
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    When the Upstairs mixes with the Downstairs there's sure to be a body count.

    Welcome to Upton House, where the esteemed Lady Headly Steadly-Proud, Countess of Crawley, is hosting a gathering to raise money for the orphans of the War. As the Battle of Britain rages above London, Upton House provides a country respite away...
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    When the Upstairs mixes with the Downstairs there's sure to be a body count.

    Welcome to Upton House, where the esteemed Lady Headly Steadly-Proud, Countess of Crawley, is hosting a gathering to raise money for the orphans of the War. As the Battle of Britain rages above London, Upton House provides a country respite away from the nightly bombings. Mystery abounds after the events of the night turn sinister. Was it Rowley the Butler, Mrs. Cassidy the Maid, Edgar the disowned son, Maggie the mysterious woman, or Chief Superintendent Kitchen?

    Features four different endings.
  • Mystery at Grand Malarkey
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Surviving the night takes a little improvisation.

    Grand Malarkey is the funniest improv troupe in town and owner Artie Close worked hard to make it that way. Deals were cut, favors were called in, and mistakes were made – mistakes that could get someone killed. If you like 'Whose Line is it Anyway' you’ll love the...
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Surviving the night takes a little improvisation.

    Grand Malarkey is the funniest improv troupe in town and owner Artie Close worked hard to make it that way. Deals were cut, favors were called in, and mistakes were made – mistakes that could get someone killed. If you like 'Whose Line is it Anyway' you’ll love the interactive mystery comedy of Mystery at Grand Malarkey.

    Features four different endings.
  • I Love You to Death
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Too much of anything is bad, but too much mystery is just right.

    A boxer, a gangster, a rival, a tortured vaudevillian, a woman on the prowl, and a pair of star-crossed lovers enter the Irish Lyon Social Club. Who will leave the speakeasy alive? The jazz plays, illegal liquor flows, and the bodies and suspects start piling...
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    Too much of anything is bad, but too much mystery is just right.

    A boxer, a gangster, a rival, a tortured vaudevillian, a woman on the prowl, and a pair of star-crossed lovers enter the Irish Lyon Social Club. Who will leave the speakeasy alive? The jazz plays, illegal liquor flows, and the bodies and suspects start piling up in this tale of crooked deals, jilted lovers, betrayal, and mayhem. Try to pin the suspect with the crime to find out who did the deed in I Love You to Death.

    Features four different endings.
  • Trouble in Deadwood
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    There's a mystery in them thar hills.

    It’s Deadwood, 1876, and Boss Butler wants control of the town. When he makes his move to seize it from the Widow Dawson the town pushes back. Was it Sawbones the Snake Oil Salesman, the wild woman of a tracker “Catastrophe” Jones, the outlaw gunslinger Black Bart, or was it “Hawkeye...
    [FULL-LENGTH INTERACTIVE FOUR-SCENE COMEDY-MYSTERY DINNER SHOW]
    There's a mystery in them thar hills.

    It’s Deadwood, 1876, and Boss Butler wants control of the town. When he makes his move to seize it from the Widow Dawson the town pushes back. Was it Sawbones the Snake Oil Salesman, the wild woman of a tracker “Catastrophe” Jones, the outlaw gunslinger Black Bart, or was it “Hawkeye Hayes” Dawson herself? Solve the crime to find out who caused the Trouble in Deadwood.

    Features four different endings.