Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

JESSICA FEDER-BIRNBAUM (Playwright) Her plays have had readings, workshops and productions in New York, regionally, and virtually. Recent readings/productions: Crossways Theatre Women’s Festival. Jewish Women’s Festival 14th St. Y. The Playground Experiment. Round The Bend Theatre (Bedford Playhouse). Tiger’s Heart Players (Bronx NY). Project Y (Women in Theatre Festival/HONOR ROLL MONOLOGUE SLAM); Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse Wisconsin. Code Red Playwrights Gun Violence Initiative. The Director’s Workshop Theatre of Western Springs (Illinois). Plays and Pizza Zoom Series (NYC). Coronavirus One Minute Play Festival (Queens Theatre, NYC). Bechdel Group’s 9th Overnight Writing Challenge (NYC). Clutch Productions EmpowerHER Reading Series (Primary Stages Studios NYC). Burning...

JESSICA FEDER-BIRNBAUM (Playwright) Her plays have had readings, workshops and productions in New York, regionally, and virtually. Recent readings/productions: Crossways Theatre Women’s Festival. Jewish Women’s Festival 14th St. Y. The Playground Experiment. Round The Bend Theatre (Bedford Playhouse). Tiger’s Heart Players (Bronx NY). Project Y (Women in Theatre Festival/HONOR ROLL MONOLOGUE SLAM); Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse Wisconsin. Code Red Playwrights Gun Violence Initiative. The Director’s Workshop Theatre of Western Springs (Illinois). Plays and Pizza Zoom Series (NYC). Coronavirus One Minute Play Festival (Queens Theatre, NYC). Bechdel Group’s 9th Overnight Writing Challenge (NYC). Clutch Productions EmpowerHER Reading Series (Primary Stages Studios NYC). Burning Coal Theatre (Raleigh NC). 5 Minute Jewish Play Festival- Lawrence Family JCC (San Diego). Member: Dramatists Guild Honor Roll! LPTW (League of Professional Theatre Women), Advisory Board Clutch Productions. Initiating Artist JTC (Jewish Theatre Circle).

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Scripts

FAIR HOUSING

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

Cast Size
6
Genre
comedy,
docudrama/historic,
drama,
period,
political

SYNOPSIS: FAIR HOUSING - The 1968 Fair Housing Act was supposed to prohibit racial, religious and gender based housing discrimination. Fast forward to 1972 White Plains NY. When Shirley Chisholm supporter, TINA LUCAS finds the perfect apartment, the landlady, PEGGY MANNING, refuses to accept her application because she won't rent to just "anyone."

SYNOPSIS: FAIR HOUSING - The 1968 Fair Housing Act was supposed to prohibit racial, religious and gender based housing discrimination. Fast forward to 1972 White Plains NY. When Shirley Chisholm supporter, TINA LUCAS finds the perfect apartment, the landlady, PEGGY MANNING, refuses to accept her application because she won't rent to just "anyone."

NO FEE

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
5
Genre
comedy,
period,
political

TIME: May 2018. Can a diverse group of New Yorker's with opposing political and religious beliefs set aside their differences during the high stakes business of a New York City real estate transaction?

TIME: May 2018. Can a diverse group of New Yorker's with opposing political and religious beliefs set aside their differences during the high stakes business of a New York City real estate transaction?

Pink Slippers

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

Cast Size
2
Genre
comedy,
political

Synopsis: A woman and her ob-gyn struggle to find common ground amidst their opposing political views.

Synopsis: A woman and her ob-gyn struggle to find common ground amidst their opposing political views.

SO, I KNIT.

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

Cast Size
1
Genre
docudrama/historic,
political

Based on a magazine interview, MALKA, a Kibbutz Be'eri refugee, discussses how knitting keeps her going.

*MALKA’s story was inspired by an interview and is a dramatization of factual events.

Based on a magazine interview, MALKA, a Kibbutz Be'eri refugee, discussses how knitting keeps her going.

*MALKA’s story was inspired by an interview and is a dramatization of factual events.

Mykonos

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

3
Cast Size
2
Genre
comedy

PLACE: Mykonos. TIME: 1983. Is it the real thing or just a one night stand?

PLACE: Mykonos. TIME: 1983. Is it the real thing or just a one night stand?

AROMA

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
2
Genre
comedy

Based on true events. A NYC based perfumer helps a prominent store mogul regain his sense of smell.

Based on true events. A NYC based perfumer helps a prominent store mogul regain his sense of smell.

AROMA

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
2
Genre
comedy

Based on true events. A NYC based perfumer helps a prominent store mogul regain his sense of smell.

Based on true events. A NYC based perfumer helps a prominent store mogul regain his sense of smell.

Antar The Magnificent

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
4
Genre
comedy

Synopsis: A small town actress helps a NYC immigrant family make peace. TIME: Back in the Day.

Synopsis: A small town actress helps a NYC immigrant family make peace. TIME: Back in the Day.

JUST A NUMBER

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
2
Genre
comedy

On New Year's Day MARISSA and her "talking" SCALE have a heart-to-heart.

On New Year's Day MARISSA and her "talking" SCALE have a heart-to-heart.

Hair Halacha. Hair Ervah.

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
3
Genre
drama,
faith-based,
political

ADINA, an Orthodox Jew defends her decision on whether or not to cover her hair after marriage.

ADINA, an Orthodox Jew defends her decision on whether or not to cover her hair after marriage.

The Red Stuff

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
2
Genre
adaptation,
drama,
fable/folktale,
faith-based

Esau confronts his mother Rebekah after he learns that his brother Jacob has stolen his birthright.

Esau confronts his mother Rebekah after he learns that his brother Jacob has stolen his birthright.

Sweet, Sweet Girl

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
3
Genre
biography,
docudrama/historic,
drama,
political,
tragedy

A typical morning for veteran grocery bagger TERI in King Soopers Super Market shortly before the mass shooting in Boulder Colorado on March 22nd 2021.

A typical morning for veteran grocery bagger TERI in King Soopers Super Market shortly before the mass shooting in Boulder Colorado on March 22nd 2021.

The Congressman

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

3
Cast Size
4
Genre
docudrama/historic,
drama,
political

Three generations of women grapple with the patriarchal power structure of working for a revered government official.

Three generations of women grapple with the patriarchal power structure of working for a revered government official.

At Fault

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
2
Genre
drama,
political

A Black male soon to be law student and a white female building superintendant's vehicles and lives collide on The Major Deegan Highway.

A Black male soon to be law student and a white female building superintendant's vehicles and lives collide on The Major Deegan Highway.

Diet Coke

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
2
Genre
dark comedy

It's the early 1980s. Days of big hair, punk music, recreational drug use and living for the moment. How much is too much to ask of a friend?

It's the early 1980s. Days of big hair, punk music, recreational drug use and living for the moment. How much is too much to ask of a friend?

Good Year. Pay Fair.

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
3
Genre
docudrama/historic,
political

A ten minute courtroom drama inspired by events leading up to the passing of the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

A ten minute courtroom drama inspired by events leading up to the passing of the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

Call Sometime

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
2
Genre
dark comedy,
docudrama/historic,
political,
radio drama

Based on a true New York story. Who is the lifeline for who? The elderly GUSSIE and her younger cousin by marriage JENNA attempt to cope as the first five months of the 2020 pandemic unfold.

Based on a true New York story. Who is the lifeline for who? The elderly GUSSIE and her younger cousin by marriage JENNA attempt to cope as the first five months of the 2020 pandemic unfold.

Mid Life Choice

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

3
Cast Size
1
Genre
drama

Monologue: A middle aged woman faces an unexpected pregnancy.

Monologue: A middle aged woman faces an unexpected pregnancy.

Rainbow Cookies

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
3
Genre
comedy

10 minute play - Joey has sworn off wheat and sugar and her boss Grace takes all the credit.

10 minute play - Joey has sworn off wheat and sugar and her boss Grace takes all the credit.

Lady Augusta Gregory

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
1—2
Genre
biography,
docudrama/historic,
period

Monologue: Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory reminisces about her work behind the Irish Literary Revival.

Monologue: Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory reminisces about her work behind the Irish Literary Revival.

A Gutte Neshuma

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

3
Cast Size
3
Genre
comedy

5 minute play - Harry Blitstein seeks to honor his recently departed dog with a synagogue memorial plaque.

5 minute play - Harry Blitstein seeks to honor his recently departed dog with a synagogue memorial plaque.

Toppings and Sides

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

2
Cast Size
1—2
Genre
comedy,
drama

Monologue: Tara teaches Julie to up sell but not sell out at Earl's Burgers.

Monologue: Tara teaches Julie to up sell but not sell out at Earl's Burgers.

Patient Responsibility

by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

1
Cast Size
2
Genre
drama,
political

10 minute play - While patient Yvonne receives a harrowing diagnosis and a surprise medical bill, office manager June must decide to stay in or go out of network.

10 minute play - While patient Yvonne receives a harrowing diagnosis and a surprise medical bill, office manager June must decide to stay in or go out of network.