Morning Ritual by
A seemingly peaceful retreat for trauma proves that it can't solve everything, especially when one of its patients wakes up too soon.
Serena Norr
Serena Norr
Serena Norr is a writer, editor and playwright who has been writing plays since 2003. Most recently, her play “Run for Cover” was accepted into the Omaha Fringe Festival and her short, “Morning Ritual” was performed at White Plains Performing Arts Center. In the age of zoom, her play “The Dividing Demons” was performed with Primary Stages, “Zoom Like No One is Watching” was performed with Sister Shakes for the...
Serena Norr is a writer, editor and playwright who has been writing plays since 2003. Most recently, her play “Run for Cover” was accepted into the Omaha Fringe Festival and her short, “Morning Ritual” was performed at White Plains Performing Arts Center. In the age of zoom, her play “The Dividing Demons” was performed with Primary Stages, “Zoom Like No One is Watching” was performed with Sister Shakes for the Show Must Go Online Play festival and "The Bookstore" was performed in the Westchester CollaborativeTheater online festival. She is also a member of the Dramatists Guild and Westchester Collaborative Theater.
Plays
Baby or the Demise of Baby Johnson by Serena Norr
·Cast:8Genre: dark comedy, tragedy·Keyword: former child star, stalker + 4 moreGenre: dark comedy, tragedyKeyword: former child star, stalker, mothers, son, mother and son, celebrity obsessionFormer child and teen star Baby Johnson is trying to find her way back to stardom. Now, at 40-years-old with a 12-year-old son, she can't escape her past that was filled with pills, drinking, a fire, and issues with her mom (and former manager). When she meets a new manager, it seems that everything she ever dreamed will finally come true, but his intentions may not exactly be what Baby needs to get her to her ultimate goal, an Oscar.Run for Cover by Serena Norr
·Cast:4Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: running, 2 women + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, tragedyKeyword: running, 2 women, concentration of power, car accidentsMARIGOLD is an avid runner who suddenly gets struck by a BETTY's car. As MARIGOLD is healing, she accuses BETTY of intentionally hitting her; while BETTY says that MARIGOLD intentionally ran her over in this who-down-it suburban caper.$5 Dollah, $5 Dollah by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: NYC, bags + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: NYC, bags, hustling, comedy, contemporary New York City, ChinatownAvon is hustling to sell bags in Chinatown to a faceless boss when Dale, a sweet girl from Texas, arrives at his table. Adventure and confusion ensue.The Dividing Demons by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: anxiety attack, anxiety + 3 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: anxiety attack, anxiety, corona virus, accountant, 3 minute MonologueRoy Donaldson is back to work as an accountant at The Dividing Demons. It is 2021 and he can't shake his anxiety and uneasiness, which has been heightened since he is back at the office. Here, he tells his boss, Ken, exactly how he feels.Another Stupid BBQ by Serena Norr
·Cast:5Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: BBQ, Suburbs + 2 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: BBQ, Suburbs, Housewives, a dark comedyIt's the hottest day of the year and GRETA is hosting her annual BBQ when unexpected guests JANE and DAR arrive. Questions arise over who invited them, leads to a discovery of the unsavory side of GRETA's perfect suburban BBQ.It's the Michelle Jennings Show by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, comedy + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: 2 minute monologue, comedy, Zoom play, tv host, QuarantineMICHELLE is a modern woman who seems to have it all. But during quarantine her persona started to unravel that was surrounded by an affair, uneasy temperament, and more that she covered in her new book and wants to address to her audience. Driven by power and her ego, she is actually just propelling the illusion of who
she was as there’s actually no one in the audience.Waiting and Wanting by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, COVID 19 + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: 2 minute monologue, COVID 19, Zoom play, good teacher, breakdownBAIN is a nervous yet eager to please young teacher who is thrown into the world of online schooling due to COVID. With the new teaching situation, he finds himself drained and alone as his students never join his Zoom class. On the verge of a nervous breakdown, he reveals his anguish and a behind the scenes look at his
situation.Mama, Can You Hear Me? by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, good roles for young women + 3 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: 2 minute monologue, good roles for young women, coma, flute, pleasing mothersREAGAN’s mother BRYLEE has been in a coma for months, following an incident with BRYLEE’s boyfriend. Every day after her school, REAGAN comes to the hospital to visit her mother and play for her. With the weight of the emotional abuse in her ear and pressure to be perfect, REAGAN wants the impossible: for her mother to
finally hear her.Asleep at the Wheel by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: ghost town, cars + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, horrorKeyword: ghost town, cars, a young couple, creepyA young couple, COLE and JULIA, wake up in their car in a ghost town. JULIA starts to realize that COLE may have more interest in the town that he lets on.The Best Man Who Ever Lived by Serena Norr
·Cast:4Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: a funeral, rich family + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: a funeral, rich family, three characters, contemporary mysteryIt is Harbor's funeral, a billionaire who was considered the best man who ever lived. Two guests sneak away into his wife's den to search for clues into his death, which he believes was a set up.Zoom-A-Ference 2022 by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: comedy, great roles for young women + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: comedy, great roles for young women, 2 minute monologue, Zoom play, computerABBY is a young woman in her early-20s who is also the founder and CEO of Dr. Bob. A protege in the tech world, she is also troubled by the past and specifically the actions of her mother and sister that still haunt her, no matter how successful she is. She is also a bit over the top and wiry as she talks about personal aspects of her life that she never revealed before.Behind the Bars by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: jail, computer + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: jail, computer, 1 minute monologue, good roles for young womenMILLIE is a young woman in her mid-20s, who 5 years prior shot her fiance. She is now in prison, seeking counseling via a new platform, Dr. Bob, with COVID looming in the background.Deep in Night Thoughts by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: mom problems, 2 minute monologue + 1 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: mom problems, 2 minute monologue, mom issuesJulie is an anxious mom of two who often “talks” to her husband Reggie at night, though he doesn’t listen as he is asleep. This sounding board is her only way to share how she feels and process her day, and, ultimately her actions from 5 years ago.Dr. Bob by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, mothers + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, experimentalKeyword: 2 minute monologue, mothers, adult depression, computersClaire, a suburban mom of 3, is trying to solve her problems with the help of Bob, a computer database of licensed professionals.Blank Canvas by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: artist, adult relationships + 1 moreGenre: comedy, drama, tragedyKeyword: artist, adult relationships, Hudson ValleyCARYS is a struggling artist who is secretly obsessed with trying to hit it big. Her boyfriend, SHAW is jovial and lighthearted but very supportive, almost to a fault who CARYS feels gets in the way of his work.
Secrets and Lies by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: bi-racial relationship, a young couple + 3 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: bi-racial relationship, a young couple, marriage, adult relationships, mixed ethnicityDAX and BECCA are set to get married in 3 days. They are excited to build a life together, but after a dinner with DAX’s mother, BECCA tells DAX that she is half-Black. DAX’s reaction sets the evening on a tailspin as he reveals how he really feels, and perhaps who he really is.Meeting of the Minds by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: drama, horror + 1 more·Keyword: haunted churchGenre: drama, horror, mystery/thrillerKeyword: haunted churchBABY is a washed up teen star looking for her come back role. Her manager, RICK, is secretly obsessed with her and asks to meet in an abandoned church to discuss her next big role. When noises are heard in the church and a creepy priest arrives, Baby has to perform her biggest role yet: fight to save her life.Items to Return by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: drama, tragedy·Keyword: adult relationships, breakupsGenre: drama, tragedyKeyword: adult relationships, breakupsThe 10-minute play follows the reunion of Lucas and Rosie in a coffee shop. They recently broke up and Rosie wanted to meet to get back some of her old possessions. Although they meet on neutral pretext, their past relationships slowly interweave into their conversation and things are said ultimately ruins one of the character's delicate ego.Lab Rat by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dramaGenre: comedy, dramaDR. GUNDER found the cure for cancer until his assistant, TEDDY trips and unplugs the wires in the lab.The Meat Man by Serena Norr
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: Boxer, meatGenre: comedyKeyword: Boxer, meatA call at 3am has JACOB, an aging boxer, questioning his wife, BELINDA, on a recent meat order that might be more than what it seems.Country House by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: childless couples, broken marriage + 3 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: childless couples, broken marriage, wine, country house, anti-loveBEN and CLAIRE finally have the chance to be alone during an escape to a country house. But the years of neglect in their marriage is taking its toll when they can finally be still and alone from their busy lives.The Book Store by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: future, book store + 2 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: future, book store, ex husband and wife, arguing coupleIt is 2021 and JENNY is about to open up her new book store, Books and Nooks. GERALD, her ex-husband is the only one attend the opening.VS. by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: interviews, job interviews + 5 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: interviews, job interviews, good roles for two women, 2 women, Great Role for older women, younger women, NYCA job interview is never easy. Jennifer, a young hopeful, will have to pass the ultimate test if she wants the job.Oh, To Return to those Chocolate-Covered Sunday’s by Serena Norr
·Cast:8Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more·Keyword: satire, twilight zone-like + 1 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, experimental, satireKeyword: satire, twilight zone-like, chocolateWhat does it mean to find joy in simple things or horror in the complex or to simply want chocolate on Sunday?Sweet Sixteen by Serena Norr
·Cast:5Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: twilight zone-like, sweet 16 + 1 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, experimentalKeyword: twilight zone-like, sweet 16, a dark comedyIn this perfect world, everyone must transition and lose their useless full capacity brains and achieve their full potential with no anger, pain, jealousy. But Jane know that succumbing to the surgery will mean that she will lose everything that makes her special and no longer be a "free thinker," becoming a "robot" to this society and these new norms. Can Jane escape her fate before her 16th birthday?DFS (Discontinued Food Society) by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: dark comedyGenre: dark comedyWelcome to a meeting of the Discontinued Food Society. It's Daisy's first meeting.Blood Dawgs by Serena Norr
·Cast:5Genre: drama·Keyword: Boxing, boys + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: Boxing, boys, fightingFRITZ is the owner and undefeated champion of his underground boxing rink. But he finally meets his match when gets paired with his ex-coach, BILL BONES, and his new prodigy, RICCO.World Traveler by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: fellow travelers, a rivalry between brothers + 4 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: fellow travelers, a rivalry between brothers, competitive brothers, identical twins, wine, adult relationshipsMILES' twin brother, SYMON, is visiting from his recent travels with a job offer that sounds too good to be true. LIZA, a wannabe model, is intrigued by the offer as she wants the promise of the life MILES has never been able to give her.You Know You Need This by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: adventure, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: stealingGenre: adventure, dark comedy, dramaKeyword: stealingCADY and MERYL, both 21, are in a trendy boutique when CADY suggests that MERYL should steal to feel alive. Will she do to finally feel something?Junked Out Life by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, absent father + 2 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: 2 minute monologue, absent father, junkyard, good roles for young womenERIN, is confronting her absent father, HAROLD, in the junkyard. She is reaching out for help after years of being away.Slice of Cherry Pie by Serena Norr
·Cast:1Genre: drama·Keyword: 2 minute monologue, argument with mother + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: 2 minute monologue, argument with mother, cherry pieSable is visiting her mother after being away for years. She addresses her in her childhood kitchen with a slice of pie.Just Cause by Serena Norr
·Cast:4Genre: drama·Keyword: A family drama, brothersGenre: dramaKeyword: A family drama, brothersJust CauseThree Sisters Who Are Not Sisters by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: Sisters, A family dramaGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: Sisters, A family dramaThe complexity of sisterhood with these 3 sisters who often don't feel like sisters.Cupcake Therapy by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: A family drama, cupcakes + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: A family drama, cupcakes, drinking, mental institutionAnthony recently returned from a three-year stint in a mental institution, bringing back the demons from the past with him.Zoom Like No One is Watching by Serena Norr
·Cast:2Genre: romantic comedy·Keyword: zoom, corona virus + 2 moreGenre: romantic comedyKeyword: zoom, corona virus, blind date, dateDavid and Hilly go on their first date in a Zoom chat.DND by Serena Norr
·Cast:3Genre: drama, tragedy·Keyword: lending money, motel + 1 moreGenre: drama, tragedyKeyword: lending money, motel, crimeMarc is trying to uncover the work of Anno, his boss, to the feds. But he needs the help of his loyal henchwomen, Riley to get the job done.