Joe Swenson

Joe Swenson

Joe Swenson is an emerging playwright and member of the Dramatist Guild. He has found a voice and a way to tell stories that captivates audiences all over. Primarily his shows focus on the human experience through dramatic/traumatic moments. His show "Joey" is an autobiographical story about an abduction and subsequent abuse over a 7 year period of his life.

His plays have won several...
Joe Swenson is an emerging playwright and member of the Dramatist Guild. He has found a voice and a way to tell stories that captivates audiences all over. Primarily his shows focus on the human experience through dramatic/traumatic moments. His show "Joey" is an autobiographical story about an abduction and subsequent abuse over a 7 year period of his life.

His plays have won several awards:
A FRAGILE MIND: LA WebFest Selection 2024

AMMO BOX: SEMI-FINALIST - MKA Victoria, Australia Short Play Festival 2022

ANGEL FLIGHT: WINNER - SEPTEMBER 2022 CROWBAIT THEATER DEATH MATCH
SELECTED - 10x10 Short Play Festival - Windham Center Stage 2023
SELECTED - Monmouth Community Players Shorts 2023
SEMI-FINALIST - Stage It! Center for the Arts Bonita Springs 2023
SELECTED - Loved Ones Podcast - Broken Arts Entertainment 2024

CLOUDS: SELECTED - Loved Ones Podcast - Broken Arts Entertainment - 2024

CROSSING LINES: SELECTED - Stage Reading Schoolhouse Arts - 2024

ELEVEN DAYS: CRITICS CHOICE AWARD - PortFringe 2019

JUSTIN THYME (including series)
WINNER - MAY 2019 CROWBAIT THEATER DEATH MATCH
WINNER - Season 8 & 9 Play of the Year KING OF THE CROWS
SELECTED - VetRep 2024 Production for JTI and JTII in October 2024

JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES: WINNER - JANUARY 2023 CROWBAIT THATER DEATH MATCH

NINE MILES TO MARYVILLE: WINNER - August 2023 Playhouse Creatures Theater Company NYC

PLAY IN THE RAIN:
WINNER - MAY 2023 CROWBAIT THEATER DEATHMATCH
WINNER - Season 10 Play of the Year KING OF THE CROWS
SELECTED - Loved Ones Podcast - Broken Arts Entertainment - 2024

RIGHT AS RAIN
SELECTED - Eleven and One Theater Company March 2020 (Canceled due to COVID)
SELECTED - Cold Comfort Theater March 2020 (Canceled due to COVID)
SELECTED - Charging Moose Media/At The Table Podcast June 2020
SELECTED - Monmouth Community Players Shorts August 2023
SELECTED - Loved Ones Podcast - Broken Arts Entertainment - 2024

SCRAPS: WINNER - FEBRUARY 2019 CROWBAIT THEATER DEATHMATCH

THE FINAL OUT: SEMI-FINALIST - Center Stage Greenville SC 2023

WE ARE THE BROKEN PEOPLE: Audience Choice Award - PortFringe 2015

A Marine Corps veteran (1992-1996), he has been involved in theater for over 30 years. While in the Corps he founded the Cherry Point Players. After moving to Maine he was intricately involved in The Belfast Maskers, he was the president of The Portland Players (2010-2012), and has co-managed the Young Person's Theater Workshop for Lyric Music Theater for the last four years.

Swenson is a published author (Letter #3) and has also created a children's web series (Playground Rules) as well as a post-apocalyptic web series (The Quarantine 2038 Project). He is constantly in a state of creating.

Scripts are divided alphabetically by their length starting with 10 Minutes, One Acts longer than 10 minutes, full lengths, series.

Plays

  • Angel Flight by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 18
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: angels, military + 5 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: angels, military, flight, military death, going home, depressed, Depression
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    1st Class section of Flight 1038 non-stop from Boston to Minneapolis. The plane is also carrying four fallen soldiers, victims of an IED explosion outside of Mahatma Bahrain. This is an Angel Flight.

    In the military an Angel Flight is a flight where deceased military personal are flown home via C-130, however, on occasion they are flown via commercial...
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    1st Class section of Flight 1038 non-stop from Boston to Minneapolis. The plane is also carrying four fallen soldiers, victims of an IED explosion outside of Mahatma Bahrain. This is an Angel Flight.

    In the military an Angel Flight is a flight where deceased military personal are flown home via C-130, however, on occasion they are flown via commercial airline. We pick up in the final leg of the journey for both Joanie Clarke and her father who is one of the deceased soldiers in the cargo bay below the passengers. She doesn't know it yet, but she's repressing her feelings about the entire situation and someone has been "sent" to help her, sort of.

    WINNER - SEPTEMBER 2022 CROWBAIT THEATER DEATH MATCH
    SELECTED - 10x10 Short Play Festival - Windham Center Stage 2023
    SELECTED - Monmouth Community Players 10 Minute Theater Festival 2023
    SEMI-FINALIST - Stage It! Center for the Arts Bonita Springs 2023
    FINALIST - VetRep 2023 10 Minute Plays
  • Clouds by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    ·
    Keyword: suicide, siblings + 5 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: suicide, siblings, Clouds, original song, tragedy, ghost, plot twists
    (One Act, 10 Minutes)

    Penelope is visiting her brother Declan. It's a beautiful summer day, there's a breeze and some clouds are passing overhead, and they are calling out shapes as they pass. Something seems a little off, the dialogue gets a bit choppy and out of place. Then Penelope sings a song she wrote and it all becomes clear.

    SELECTION: Loved Ones Podcast, 2024...
    (One Act, 10 Minutes)

    Penelope is visiting her brother Declan. It's a beautiful summer day, there's a breeze and some clouds are passing overhead, and they are calling out shapes as they pass. Something seems a little off, the dialogue gets a bit choppy and out of place. Then Penelope sings a song she wrote and it all becomes clear.

    SELECTION: Loved Ones Podcast, 2024 starring Emma Eukitis (Maine) and Cole Dzubak (Michigan)
  • Right as Rain by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 18
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: twist ending, fishing + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, mystery/thriller, tragedy
    Keyword: twist ending, fishing, death and dying, ailments, after death, cancer patient, childhood memories, memories
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)

    Buster and Hank would meet at the dock on the lake that Hank grew up on every Sunday for the past 43 years. They tell stories of the past, stories that they've told hundreds of times. Today is different though as Hank has something to tell Buster that is going to change everything. This play has two twists in it and if you're paying close attention you'll...
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)

    Buster and Hank would meet at the dock on the lake that Hank grew up on every Sunday for the past 43 years. They tell stories of the past, stories that they've told hundreds of times. Today is different though as Hank has something to tell Buster that is going to change everything. This play has two twists in it and if you're paying close attention you'll figure it out before the end of the play.

    The opening scene with Marge and Hank is optional - while it enhances the story and relationship of Hank and Marge, removing it doesn't take away from the story at all.

    AWARDS:
    Finalist for Eleven and One Theater 2020
    Finalist for Cold Comfort Theater 2020
    Semifinalist for StageIT 10 Minute Theater Festival 2022
    Finalist for Monmouth Community Players 10 Minute Festival 2023
  • Play In The Rain by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: a short drama, degenerative disease + 2 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: a short drama, degenerative disease, day in the life, Award winning
    One Act (10 Minutes)

    Winner: May 2023 Crowbait Theater Deathmatch
    Winner: Play of the Year, King of the Crows 2022/2023 Season

    David is a teenager that has a Demyelinating Disease (Such as severe MS). His only way to communicate with his family is through a tablet. His mother (Maria) loves him dearly and wants to protect David in every possible way. His father (Thomas)...
    One Act (10 Minutes)

    Winner: May 2023 Crowbait Theater Deathmatch
    Winner: Play of the Year, King of the Crows 2022/2023 Season

    David is a teenager that has a Demyelinating Disease (Such as severe MS). His only way to communicate with his family is through a tablet. His mother (Maria) loves him dearly and wants to protect David in every possible way. His father (Thomas) wishes for some normalcy in his relationship with David, but finds some of those fatherly affirmations through playing catch with the neighbors son. David just wants to be seen and to play in the rain.
  • Nine Miles to Maryville by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 10
    ·
    Cast: 
    3–10
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: mass shooting, American politics + 7 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: mass shooting, American politics, absurd gun violence, gun culture, violence against children, school shooting, Tennessee, Senator, 2nd amendment
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    SELECTION: Fight Forward Festival by Playhouse Creatures Theater Players

    Warning: Do not let the direction this play seems to be heading dissuade from the powerful twist ending.

    Senator Bobby Jenkins has to come to grips with the fact that within his district of Tennessee another mass-shooting as occurred, nine miles away from where they live....
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    SELECTION: Fight Forward Festival by Playhouse Creatures Theater Players

    Warning: Do not let the direction this play seems to be heading dissuade from the powerful twist ending.

    Senator Bobby Jenkins has to come to grips with the fact that within his district of Tennessee another mass-shooting as occurred, nine miles away from where they live. He's just gotten off the phone with a senator from Texas who recently went through the same thing to get the playbook on this sort of thing. Candace Jenkins, Bobby's wife has a different idea on how this should be handled. She wants to make a bold statement.
  • I Don't Care by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: customer service, funny + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, satire
    Keyword: customer service, funny, hilarious, Dolphins, orcas, Chase scene, dark humor, anger management, anger, spoof
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    Have you ever had a conversation with a customer support agent that you felt didn't go the best it could? Have you ever had a strong desire to know if a dolphin can outrun an orca? Well this play has both. High speed chases and low speed internet are no match for this displacement anger management patient and the employee of the month for Fiber Line Internet.
  • Justin Thyme I by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    3–4
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: comedy, spy + 4 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: comedy, spy, Drugs, airport security, TSA, short play
    (ONE ACT - 12 Minutes)
    C.I.A. agent Justin Thyme is hot on the trail of telenovela star Isabella Ringing in an airport heading towards Mexico. He's running behind and runs into a less than willing to cooperate TSA agent. Will he be late or will he be Justin Thyme?

    2020 Winner Crowbait - 10 Minute or Less Theater DeathMatch
    King of the Crows Season 8&9 Grand Champion - 2022
  • Just Like In The Movies by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 13
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, parody/spoof
    (10 Minute Script)

    Winner: Crowbait Theater Deathmatch January 2023

    Morgan is directing a Hallmark Movie, they are trying to get in the final scene, the kiss scene before leaving on a flight, however, his actors aren't really cooperating. Jennifer plays a social worker who has come back to her home town, she's method though, and truly believes she's a social worker....
    (10 Minute Script)

    Winner: Crowbait Theater Deathmatch January 2023

    Morgan is directing a Hallmark Movie, they are trying to get in the final scene, the kiss scene before leaving on a flight, however, his actors aren't really cooperating. Jennifer plays a social worker who has come back to her home town, she's method though, and truly believes she's a social worker. Devin usually plays bad guys in film, but is the love interest. Devin isn't that smart, and is easily confused. Candace plays the meddling aunt who really wants to get Devin's attention. Seems benign, right? It's not.

    This is Joe Swenson's first holiday play. It's a hoot.
  • Eleven Days (Play Version) by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    ·
    Keyword: A TOUGH DRAMA, psychological drama + 3 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: A TOUGH DRAMA, psychological drama, Kidnapping, Mob, present day
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    Jeri Fincannon is a wife and mother of a two year old. She's also an accountant and two men, Douglas and Tony mistakenly kidnap her. It's now the 11th day and they don't know what to do with her because they only "do bad things to bad people."
  • The Ammo Box by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, period + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: drama, twist + 5 more
    Genre: drama, period, tragedy
    Keyword: drama, twist, World War 1, ghosts, ghost story, Depression, coping with suicide
    (ONE ACT - 20 Minutes)
    Tiffany is a teenager who is struggling with the recent death of her father. She is forced to live with her grandmother who gives her a World War 1 era Ammo Box and tells her that she will find hope in the box. Defiantly she takes the Ammo Box and sits below an old tree in the backyard and eventually looks through the contents to find several things including letters written back...
    (ONE ACT - 20 Minutes)
    Tiffany is a teenager who is struggling with the recent death of her father. She is forced to live with her grandmother who gives her a World War 1 era Ammo Box and tells her that she will find hope in the box. Defiantly she takes the Ammo Box and sits below an old tree in the backyard and eventually looks through the contents to find several things including letters written back and forth between PFC Gregory M. Pick to Stephanie Tiffaneous Williams.
  • Scraps by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: United States Marine, soldier with PTSD + 4 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: United States Marine, soldier with PTSD, depression & anxiety, Asperger's, discussion of suicide, mental illness
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)

    Winner - Crowbait Theater Death Match February 2019

    United States Marine Corps Veteran Mark has been home from war for a couple of years. He has PTSD and as a result he's been issued a service dog that the family has named Scraps. The family has had a rough couple of years, but the last year has been the roughest. Join this family at their dinner...
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)

    Winner - Crowbait Theater Death Match February 2019

    United States Marine Corps Veteran Mark has been home from war for a couple of years. He has PTSD and as a result he's been issued a service dog that the family has named Scraps. The family has had a rough couple of years, but the last year has been the roughest. Join this family at their dinner while they feed the dog under the table.

    Content Warning: Adult Language, Suicide, Mental Illness, Depression
  • She Sells Seashells by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 13
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: new england, beach setting + 8 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: new england, beach setting, discussions of mental health, dementia, aging, end of life care, seashells, love, unconditional love, twist ending
    [One Act - 10 Minutes]

    Sally is entering the final phase of her life and lives in a house near a beach with her husband, George. The beach is a New England beach, not that popular, but also not vacant of people. Small town feel, but not touristy. Sally is struggling with dementia and her husband uses seashells to center her and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
  • April 11th, 2028 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: science fiction, future America + 7 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: science fiction, future America, future, Space Shuttle, curiosity, a short drama, video blog, sci-fi, space travel
    One Act (10 minutes)

    The S.S. Curiosity was the first manned flight to Mars and astronauts Sandra Marie Phillips and her crew were the first humans to set foot on the red planet. After a 3-month required stay on Mars, the S.S. Curiosity has left Mars to start the nine-month journey back to Earth. The crew of the Curiosity are able to communicate with Earth via video messages only. Hoping that it...
    One Act (10 minutes)

    The S.S. Curiosity was the first manned flight to Mars and astronauts Sandra Marie Phillips and her crew were the first humans to set foot on the red planet. After a 3-month required stay on Mars, the S.S. Curiosity has left Mars to start the nine-month journey back to Earth. The crew of the Curiosity are able to communicate with Earth via video messages only. Hoping that it's a safe journey back to see their families.
  • Dustin by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: abuse/attempted suicide (none depicted), family ghosts + 1 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: abuse/attempted suicide (none depicted), family ghosts, inspired by true events
    (Short Play 10 Minutes)

    Inspired by the real life of Justin Clark (died of an overdose on June 28th, 2017). Dustin is addicted to heroin and while he's trying to get clean, can't seem to get there. He's got a lot going on and he has two little kids and lives with his mom and the kids.

    Justin Clark was found dead by his mom on the couch after he had overdosed on...
    (Short Play 10 Minutes)

    Inspired by the real life of Justin Clark (died of an overdose on June 28th, 2017). Dustin is addicted to heroin and while he's trying to get clean, can't seem to get there. He's got a lot going on and he has two little kids and lives with his mom and the kids.

    Justin Clark was found dead by his mom on the couch after he had overdosed on heroin leaving behind his 3 and 5 year old kids.
  • Morning Brew by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: science fiction, Light Comedy + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy, science fiction
    Keyword: science fiction, Light Comedy, Romantic, supernatural elements, gifts, superpowers, a short comedy, coffee
    ONE ACT (10-15 Minutes)

    Marti is an unpublished (mostly) writer, Steve is an inspirational speaker who's down on his luck. It's autumn in Maine, downtown Portland near the piers and the sun is out and while the air has a bit of a bite to it, the sun baths downtown in warmth. The story picks up with Steve looking for a spot to enjoy his coffee, Marti is sitting minding her own business....
    ONE ACT (10-15 Minutes)

    Marti is an unpublished (mostly) writer, Steve is an inspirational speaker who's down on his luck. It's autumn in Maine, downtown Portland near the piers and the sun is out and while the air has a bit of a bite to it, the sun baths downtown in warmth. The story picks up with Steve looking for a spot to enjoy his coffee, Marti is sitting minding her own business. But things are about to change.
  • Motion Time Dilation by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: adventure, drama + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: time travel, science-fiction + 5 more
    Genre: adventure, drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: time travel, science-fiction, violence, fast paced, action, professors, university
    (One Act - 10 Minutes)

    Professor Drayton has been obsessed with Time Travel for 30 years and recently transferred to GWU for the autonomy of the program designed to help forward his study, unfortunately he is also stuck teaching uninterested kids about Einstein's Theory of Relativity. New student, Nick, is very interested in what's on his mind. There's a third, mysterious entity also interested.
  • Shakes Spear by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Shakespeare, absurd + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, satire
    Keyword: Shakespeare, absurd, four characters, present day, spoof, playwriting class, meta comedy
    One Act (10 Minutes)

    A sweet piece of meta-adjacent theater for the masses. Young William (no relation and prefers Bill) has written a play to present to a critical group of theater aficionados. There are many surprises and complete turns through the absurdity and pretention of the groups that this play pokes a little light-hearted fun at. In the end though, well you'll just have to read it...
    One Act (10 Minutes)

    A sweet piece of meta-adjacent theater for the masses. Young William (no relation and prefers Bill) has written a play to present to a critical group of theater aficionados. There are many surprises and complete turns through the absurdity and pretention of the groups that this play pokes a little light-hearted fun at. In the end though, well you'll just have to read it.

    Written for the Crowbait Prompt Shakespeare.
  • The Door by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    7
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: afterlife, ghost + 2 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: afterlife, ghost, short, ensemble cast
    (ONE ACT - 10-12 Minutes)
    Sarah has just died in a doctor's bed in Rural New England. A place where many have died. Some of the dead have remained as ghosts and witness the transformation from alive to dead to afterlife for Sarah. Dealing with the realization that she's dead, that her family isn't with her, and a door that ultimately she has to choose to go through or not. She's...
    (ONE ACT - 10-12 Minutes)
    Sarah has just died in a doctor's bed in Rural New England. A place where many have died. Some of the dead have remained as ghosts and witness the transformation from alive to dead to afterlife for Sarah. Dealing with the realization that she's dead, that her family isn't with her, and a door that ultimately she has to choose to go through or not. She's greeted by other ghosts and they are just as curious as she becomes about what is on the otherside of the door.
  • Timeline of Guilt by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    ·
    Keyword: multiple timelines, ghosts + 6 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: multiple timelines, ghosts, car accident, psychological thriller, blame, restaurant, date, American college student
    (One Act: 10 Minutes)

    Tommy and Delilah are on a Daddy-Daughter date as she's about to fly down to Oakland to attend CalArts in Berkely. Carolyn is running late and is supposed to pick up Delilah and take her to the airport for their good-byes, but something has put her on a different timeline.

    Created for the prompt: Date Night at Crowbait Club March 2024
  • Vinterlys by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: love, dark + 4 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama, horror, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: love, dark, dramedy, classical mythology, nordic mythology, judeo-christian mythology
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    Samantha and Akuma are on their way to meet Akuma's parents after being married for 6 years. Akuma has been dragging his feet on this, but Samantha believes it's important enough to continue to pursue this so they trudge up a hill, not knowing what's on the other side. This isn't your typical couple, or is it? You decide.
  • Alpha Omega Incorporated by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: faith vs. religion, Allah/God + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, satire
    Keyword: faith vs. religion, Allah/God, big business, corporate, gender identity, evolution, belief in self
    (ONE ACT - 18 MINUTES)
    We here at Alpha Omega Incorporated recognize there's a problem with the God of the Earth. However, due to God's track record, the board of directors has been reluctant to make a change. Recognizing that belief in self has become the new normal, Alpha Omega sends in New to relieve God of his duties and send him to the vacation destination planet Eros. The evolutionary...
    (ONE ACT - 18 MINUTES)
    We here at Alpha Omega Incorporated recognize there's a problem with the God of the Earth. However, due to God's track record, the board of directors has been reluctant to make a change. Recognizing that belief in self has become the new normal, Alpha Omega sends in New to relieve God of his duties and send him to the vacation destination planet Eros. The evolutionary prompt is at stake and the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.

    Created as part of the prompt #AwkwardSilence for #FPGmonthlyprompt February
  • Divine Books by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: adventure, drama + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: one act, Young Adult Fiction + 6 more
    Genre: adventure, drama, fantasy, science fiction, young audiences
    Keyword: one act, Young Adult Fiction, Divine Being, bookstore, action adventure, science fiction, female gamer, Gamers
    (ONE ACT: 30-45 Minutes)

    Updated to new version on 1/25/2024

    Lawrence Stephens is eclectic and just slightly off kilter owner of Divine Books. A bookstore that was given to him nearly fifty years ago. Carrie Trodder is a teenager who is in the bookstore every day, It's a Blue Moon, Lawrence is wearing an oven mitt, has a pair of tongs, and is chanting something on the couch....
    (ONE ACT: 30-45 Minutes)

    Updated to new version on 1/25/2024

    Lawrence Stephens is eclectic and just slightly off kilter owner of Divine Books. A bookstore that was given to him nearly fifty years ago. Carrie Trodder is a teenager who is in the bookstore every day, It's a Blue Moon, Lawrence is wearing an oven mitt, has a pair of tongs, and is chanting something on the couch. Carrie doesn't notice, but things are about to go from calm and pleasant to absolutely crazy in this unique story.
  • Lifting the Fog of War by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: docudrama/historic, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: American military, homophobia issues + 3 more
    Genre: docudrama/historic, drama, political
    Keyword: American military, homophobia issues, Don't Ask Don't Tell, anti-gay discrimination, Closeted gay man
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes) - Formally known as "Sniper" and "Don't Ask/Don't Tell"

    The year is 1995 and Don't Ask - Don't Tell has been fully implemented into the military process. This story picks up with three Marines that are trying to find a rendezvous point for the rest of the squad. While this story is fiction, it is based on real knowledge of the bias of...
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes) - Formally known as "Sniper" and "Don't Ask/Don't Tell"

    The year is 1995 and Don't Ask - Don't Tell has been fully implemented into the military process. This story picks up with three Marines that are trying to find a rendezvous point for the rest of the squad. While this story is fiction, it is based on real knowledge of the bias of gays in the military.

    The subject matter is highly controversial.

    Playwright is a Marine Corps Veteran and while I have no specific knowledge of these events, it was implied over and over again through boot camp and Marine Combat Training.
  • Nashua 2038: Introduction by Joe Swenson
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: drama, political + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: a short Zoom play, Quarantine + 3 more
    Genre: drama, political, science fiction
    Keyword: a short Zoom play, Quarantine, complex love story, dystopian future, Episode 1
    (ONE ACT 20 MINUTES ZOOM)

    The year is 2038 and the ripple effects of an ongoing pandemic, political uncertainty has led to multiple civil wars, reshaping the United States, and a massive shift in prioritization and separation between the quarantined walls of major cities and the outlanders or rural populations. Mo-Mo and Dag are two teenagers seeking out love and speak over a video call...
    (ONE ACT 20 MINUTES ZOOM)

    The year is 2038 and the ripple effects of an ongoing pandemic, political uncertainty has led to multiple civil wars, reshaping the United States, and a massive shift in prioritization and separation between the quarantined walls of major cities and the outlanders or rural populations. Mo-Mo and Dag are two teenagers seeking out love and speak over a video call throughout.

    This show is designed specifically for Zoom, however, could be staged with two different rooms instead
  • The Mirror by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–6
    ·
    Genre: drama, immersive + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: mirror image, inspirational + 4 more
    Genre: drama, immersive, science fiction
    Keyword: mirror image, inspirational, motivational, belief in self, belief, Transcendence
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    Three humans walk into a public bathroom on a subway platform. An ordinary bathroom with multiple mirrors. Each of these people need a little dose of belief and along the way, they realize that the magic was within them all along.
  • We Are The Broken People by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    7
    ·
    Genre: drama, experimental + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: poetry slam, spoken word poetry + 6 more
    Genre: drama, experimental, movement/physical, mystery/thriller, tragedy
    Keyword: poetry slam, spoken word poetry, nightclub shooting, broken, breaking, dysfunctional, superpowers, inspirational
    (ONE ACT - 25 Minutes)
    Blending Slam Poetry/Spoken Word Monologues into a story about a night club shooting. Keying in on what can break people and yet what their superpower might be. This powerful award-winning piece of art has many fantastic visual as well as metaphorical references to it. The monologue's need to be moved at brisk pace to keep with the style.
  • Crossing Lines by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    6–11
    ·
    Genre: adventure, comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: Train Hopping, trains + 8 more
    Genre: adventure, comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: Train Hopping, trains, homeless, hobos, transient, cross-country, Gangs, adventure, teenagers, Dangerous
    (FULL LENGTH PLAY - 2 HOURS)

    What does hope mean? Can one find it if they are searching for it? Motivated by the prompt adventure, join us on a journey that will be instantly unforgettable in so many ways as we take the audience and these characters deep into the dangerous world of train-hopping.

    #FPGMonthlyPrompt
  • Joey (Full Version) by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 9
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abduction, child abuse + 7 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abduction, child abuse, child endangerment, trigger warning, molestation, growing up, Kansas, Washington, Kansas City Royals
    (Full Length - 90-120 minutes)

    True Story - This is the story of my abduction at 5 years old on October 3rd, 1979 in Bremerton Washington. My sister and I were abducted by my sister's biological father and his brother. We were taken from Washington State to Garden City, Kansas. My experience was vastly different than my sister's experience, which is why there are only minor references...
    (Full Length - 90-120 minutes)

    True Story - This is the story of my abduction at 5 years old on October 3rd, 1979 in Bremerton Washington. My sister and I were abducted by my sister's biological father and his brother. We were taken from Washington State to Garden City, Kansas. My experience was vastly different than my sister's experience, which is why there are only minor references to her throughout the show. This is my story.

    Warning: Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Child Abuse

    Production Note: All abuse should happen where the audience can only see through the slats of the closet doors.

    Production Note: There are many optional endings, including an epilogue, and an additional motivational/inspirational speech by the playwright. In addition, for any Q&A situations, Joe Swenson will make himself available.
  • Right as Rain (Full Length) by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama
    ·
    Keyword: fishing, pond + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama
    Keyword: fishing, pond, play with a twist, a funeral, story telling, rural America, rural Maine
    (FULL LENGHTH - 90 Minutes No Intermission)

    Buster Drinkwater and Hank Saddlestrom come from different backgrounds and take different paths throughout their lives. Every Sunday though? You will find them fishing off a dock on Thistle Pond, Monroe, Maine. Through these moments you learn about fishing, love, philosophy, and so much more. From teenagers on the dock getting into a bit of trouble to...
    (FULL LENGHTH - 90 Minutes No Intermission)

    Buster Drinkwater and Hank Saddlestrom come from different backgrounds and take different paths throughout their lives. Every Sunday though? You will find them fishing off a dock on Thistle Pond, Monroe, Maine. Through these moments you learn about fishing, love, philosophy, and so much more. From teenagers on the dock getting into a bit of trouble to old men and beyond. A perspective that is equal parts old-fashion, reflective, and collectively entertaining to each other as much as it is the audience.

    Adapted from the Award Winning Short play "Right as Rain" by the same playwright.
  • The Final Out by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    5–12
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: baseball, coming out + 5 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: baseball, coming out, complicated issues, Family. Gay. Straight. LGBTQ, full length, New York Yankees, Unintended Consequences
    (FULL LENGTH - 2 HOURS)
    Superstar Major League Baseball player, Teddy Luchesni, is at major cross-roads in his life. The World Series has just ended and he was the final out, his wife of 13+ years is divorcing him, he is a free agent, and he's working through the newness of realizing that he's in love with a man. It ends up being a really rough offseason, followed by a confusing spring-training...
    (FULL LENGTH - 2 HOURS)
    Superstar Major League Baseball player, Teddy Luchesni, is at major cross-roads in his life. The World Series has just ended and he was the final out, his wife of 13+ years is divorcing him, he is a free agent, and he's working through the newness of realizing that he's in love with a man. It ends up being a really rough offseason, followed by a confusing spring-training, an absurd decision to cover up everything, and finally Teddy has to make a choice about whether to come out or not.

    Developed based on The Playwright's Connection Prompt: Player #monthtoplay
  • Justin Thyme II by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–5
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: screenplay. short play, Paris + 4 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: screenplay. short play, Paris, spy, Russian, American, weapons
    (ONE ACT - 12 Minutes)
    C.I.A. agent, Justin Thyme, is working on a weapons deal with a Russian arms dealer and international model. He is on a train and by his side is the fiscally responsible Penny Pincier. The hilarity continues in Part 2 as this deal is taking place on a train from Paris to Lyons.
  • Justin Thyme III by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce
    ·
    Keyword: adventure, CIA + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, farce
    Keyword: adventure, CIA, Russians, Arms Dealers, war, weapons, uber, comedy, homophones
    (ONE ACT) - 10 Minutes

    The third installment of CIA agent Justin Thyme takes place in Munich Germany as the mode of transportation becomes even smaller. First a plane, then a train, and now a compact sedan Uber ride. Something is amiss and while it seems obvious, nothing is ever as it seems.
  • Justin Thyme IV by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce
    ·
    Keyword: spy, guns + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, farce
    Keyword: spy, guns, comedy, absurd farce, funny dialogue, comedic characters, hilarious, homophones
    (One Act - 10-15 minutes)

    The adventures of CIA agent, Justin Thyme take us to Nanning, a massive city in southern China. While it seems that the story meanders through with much direction, things come to a head by the end of this scene as the identity of our international spy is questioned. The hilarity continues though, through characters that are essentially to the overall arch of the story.
  • A Fragile Mind - Press The Red Button by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 11
    ·
    Cast: 
    4–5
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: mystery, Dystopian + 6 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: mystery, Dystopian, dark comedy, alternate reality, crime, drama, digital, absurd realism
    (One Act: 20 minutes)

    Show #1 - Updated January 2023

    From the messed up mind of Joe Swenson comes another mind-bending, twist laden, trip to figure out what is real and what isn't real. Press The Red Button takes place in a mind altering environment designed to rejuvenate one-off criminals that have committed a violent crime. This rejuvenation process alters the life and mind...
    (One Act: 20 minutes)

    Show #1 - Updated January 2023

    From the messed up mind of Joe Swenson comes another mind-bending, twist laden, trip to figure out what is real and what isn't real. Press The Red Button takes place in a mind altering environment designed to rejuvenate one-off criminals that have committed a violent crime. This rejuvenation process alters the life and mind of the subject that is sentenced to go through this procedure. Nothing is as it appears in this surreal mystery. Press The Red Button is the first in a series of plays called A Fragile Mind.

    #TPCMonthlyPrompt April 2022 Rejuvenation
  • A Fragile Mind - Workplace Stressors by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, science fiction + 7 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, science fiction, psychological thriller, amnesia, matrix, flashbacks, series, corporate, accounting
    (15 Minutes)

    Show #2 Updated January 2023

    Tammy Braden is being worked very hard at her job as an accountant, but it appears that not everything is corporate. Tammy is really good at what she does and her co-workers appear to come to her defense, but everything seems to be designed to test her. Yet mysterious items continue to bubble to the surface as the boss presents new...
    (15 Minutes)

    Show #2 Updated January 2023

    Tammy Braden is being worked very hard at her job as an accountant, but it appears that not everything is corporate. Tammy is really good at what she does and her co-workers appear to come to her defense, but everything seems to be designed to test her. Yet mysterious items continue to bubble to the surface as the boss presents new challenges to push through her memory wall. Jason, Reuben, and Tracy do their best to support, but also protect Tammy and who the real antagonist is, still hasn't shown themselves.
  • A Fragile Mind - Recurring Nightmares by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 8
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: mystery, Dystopian + 6 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: mystery, Dystopian, dark comedy, alternate reality, crime, drama, digital, absurd realism
    (15 minutes)

    Show #3 Updated January 2023

    Tammy is having a horrifying recurring nightmare and has had it for as long as she can remember. She has elected to see Therapist Dr. Kelli Emery. Kelli feels an instant attraction to Tammy who reciprocates partially, but is ultimately more concerned about finding a solution to her recurring nightmares that have put her in a state of panic...
    (15 minutes)

    Show #3 Updated January 2023

    Tammy is having a horrifying recurring nightmare and has had it for as long as she can remember. She has elected to see Therapist Dr. Kelli Emery. Kelli feels an instant attraction to Tammy who reciprocates partially, but is ultimately more concerned about finding a solution to her recurring nightmares that have put her in a state of panic. The question will come up often, what is real and what isn't in this mystery series.

    #TPCMonthlyPrompt April #Rejuvenation
  • A Fragile Mind - Acceleration by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, science fiction + 5 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, radio drama, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, science fiction, dramatic, Mini-scenes, psychological thriller, podcast fiction, drama
    (Short Play - 20 minutes)

    Show #3.5

    As the accelerated memories continue to fail, something else seems to be at play. The mystery continues to build as to who Tammy Braden is and what is happening to her. Ultimately this show was necessary to build to ensure that it wasn't too much of a leap from Show #3 to #4 to set-up additional information. Created as 4 seperate scenes....
    (Short Play - 20 minutes)

    Show #3.5

    As the accelerated memories continue to fail, something else seems to be at play. The mystery continues to build as to who Tammy Braden is and what is happening to her. Ultimately this show was necessary to build to ensure that it wasn't too much of a leap from Show #3 to #4 to set-up additional information. Created as 4 seperate scenes. Each scene is between 4-7 minutes.
  • A Fragile Mind - Pretending to Exist by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, futuristic + 7 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, futuristic, sci-fi, science fiction, mystery, thriller, psychological thriller, restaurant dining, twist ending
    15 Minutes

    Show #4 Updated January 2023

    Tammy is at dinner with now girlfriend Dr. Kelli Emery. There's a gap in her recent memory and she has a hard time keeping up with everything that has transpired. Discovery and escalation continues as an antagonist is finally starting to take shape in this series.
  • A Fragile Mind - Paranoid Triggers by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, sci-fi + 6 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, sci-fi, science fiction, psychological thriller, thriller, drama, short, blending reality and fiction
    (15 Minutes)

    Show #5 Updated January 2023

    Tammy and Kelli are on the run and conveniently find Brian hiding behind a dumpster. Tammy's skepticism is wearing Kelli out and Tammy finds common ground with Brian who has a heartbreaking story to tell. Also, things are different with Brian than with Tammy and that makes the situation even more tenuous. There are more twists and turns as things shift.
  • A Fragile Mind - Brian by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: fragile, psychological thriller + 5 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: fragile, psychological thriller, mystery, Dystopian, sci-fi, science fiction, short play collection
    One Act (15 Minutes)

    Show #6 Updated January 2023

    This is the show that will answer all of your previous questions and create a ton more as we go. Tammy and Brian are on the run and find Carol, who is somehow an authority figure over Brian. Reuben is in pursuit and catches up to the two runaways. Tammy is forced to make a choice, but first Reuben unloads a lot of information. Not...
    One Act (15 Minutes)

    Show #6 Updated January 2023

    This is the show that will answer all of your previous questions and create a ton more as we go. Tammy and Brian are on the run and find Carol, who is somehow an authority figure over Brian. Reuben is in pursuit and catches up to the two runaways. Tammy is forced to make a choice, but first Reuben unloads a lot of information. Not to be outdone, Carol has a few morsels of information to share as well. Could there be more to Brian than we know?
  • A Fragile Mind - Collateral Contributions by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    6–30
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, thriller + 6 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, thriller, psychological thriller, mystery, corporate culture, superpowers, wealthy, Adaptable for a Radio Drama
    (One Act - 20-25 minutes)

    Show #7 Updated January 2023

    Welcome to the TV reality show "In Time." This show is designed to increase the philanthropic contributions of billionaires while also increasing overall brand and market value to the businesses. On today's show we have JC Grafton who became rich off of a new dating app called SideSwipe. But just like everything...
    (One Act - 20-25 minutes)

    Show #7 Updated January 2023

    Welcome to the TV reality show "In Time." This show is designed to increase the philanthropic contributions of billionaires while also increasing overall brand and market value to the businesses. On today's show we have JC Grafton who became rich off of a new dating app called SideSwipe. But just like everything else in this series, things aren't always how they appear. While this show is a stand-alone show it is also part of the increasingly interconnected web of the series.

    This show does not flow chronologically with the other shows other than it takes place at some point in the past, but could also run congruently with the flow of the other shows.
  • A Fragile Mind - Senses by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: drama, Dystopian + 7 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: drama, Dystopian, Unique Gifts, superpowers, sci-fi, science, Fiction, dark and twisted, water dripping
    (One Act - 15-20 Minutes)

    Show #8 - Updated January 2023

    Reuben has elected not to bring Tammy into the center and instead let her actually sleep. He sleeps as well. In an attempt to disable the tracking device in Tammy's shoulder, he inadvertently resets her memory to a time before she killed her husband. The tension rises as Tammy doesn't recognize who she is or what...
    (One Act - 15-20 Minutes)

    Show #8 - Updated January 2023

    Reuben has elected not to bring Tammy into the center and instead let her actually sleep. He sleeps as well. In an attempt to disable the tracking device in Tammy's shoulder, he inadvertently resets her memory to a time before she killed her husband. The tension rises as Tammy doesn't recognize who she is or what she is supposed to remember or not. Reuben is stuck and calls Tracy in to help. Tracy is by the book, has her eye on the end game. However, she is thrown by a revelation and now must decide whether she's the by the book employee or is there now a higher calling.
  • A Fragile Mind - Divergence by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, drama + 5 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, drama, sci-fi, science fiction, telepathy, Unique Gifts, running out of time
    (One Act 15-20 Minutes)

    Show #9 - Updated January 2023

    Tammy is on the run, but this time as Jenny as she has no memory of Tammy Braden at all. Tracy and Reuben, two of her four handlers, are with her as they arrive at Doug's house. Things are definitely divergent from what we've come to believe is Jenny Stapleton's story. But there are more items unraveling in this...
    (One Act 15-20 Minutes)

    Show #9 - Updated January 2023

    Tammy is on the run, but this time as Jenny as she has no memory of Tammy Braden at all. Tracy and Reuben, two of her four handlers, are with her as they arrive at Doug's house. Things are definitely divergent from what we've come to believe is Jenny Stapleton's story. But there are more items unraveling in this twist-a-minute series of shows. Though just when you get a sense as to who the good guys are, it changes again.
  • A Fragile Mind - Safe House by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 3
    ·
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: drama, science fiction
    ·
    Keyword: series, Dystopian + 7 more
    Genre: drama, science fiction
    Keyword: series, Dystopian, dystopian America, science fiction, dystopian future, telepathy, strength, drama, psychological thriller
    Series (15 minutes)

    Show #10 = Updated January 2023

    Tammy (AKA Jenny), Doug, Jason, and Reuben end up in a Safe House that Jason has organized. Jenny and Doug have a few things to work out and then Carol shows up and sets things in motion for the rest of the series. Doug is reluctant to go, is hiding some baggage as well. Jason and Reuben volunteer to be part of the effort to bring down The Rejuvenation Center.
  • A Fragile Mind - Reunion by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    7
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: Dystopian, thriller + 6 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, science fiction
    Keyword: Dystopian, thriller, superpowers, mystery, telepathy, rejuvenation, projects, science fiction
    (20-25 Minutes)

    Show #11 - Updated January 2023

    Tammy Braden/Jenny Stapleton/Stephanie Bradley is struggling with her identity, her "Unique Gifts", and her relationships with her friends. All are still in the Safe House as JC and Brian show up under the direction of Carol who is amassing these people for a very specific task. With the fragility of Brian, the paranoia of...
    (20-25 Minutes)

    Show #11 - Updated January 2023

    Tammy Braden/Jenny Stapleton/Stephanie Bradley is struggling with her identity, her "Unique Gifts", and her relationships with her friends. All are still in the Safe House as JC and Brian show up under the direction of Carol who is amassing these people for a very specific task. With the fragility of Brian, the paranoia of JC, the depressed nature that Doug feels, and the lost feeling that Jenny has, this group couldn't be further from the heroes they have been in past lives. The stakes continue to rise as information becomes more confusing and clear at the same time. Is your mind up for the task?
  • A Fragile Mind - Uprising Begins by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 2
    ·
    Cast: 
    10
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: science fiction, Adaptable for a Radio Drama + 5 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller, radio drama, science fiction
    Keyword: science fiction, Adaptable for a Radio Drama, dark thriller, Dystopian, dystopian future, devised finale, series
    (One Act - 40 Minutes)

    Show #12

    This is the finale and while the show skips around similarly to Shows #1-#4, there's a lot to unpack and it's done using Brian's EMC (Extra-Mental Capability) but with Jenny. The stakes couldn't be hire with Center Kill or Capture Squads surrounding the group of Center escapees. It begs the question, if you can see the future, can you change it?
  • Joey Age 5 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 12
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: biography, drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abduction, abuse + 4 more
    Genre: biography, drama
    Keyword: child abduction, abuse, child abuse, stolen children, traumatic memory, trigger warning
    (One Act: 10 Minutes)
    True Story - This is the moment that Joey is taken by his sister dad and uncle believing that he was his dad. It is October 3rd, 1979 and Joey would live with the guilt that the abduction was his fault because of how he answered the questions that were asked.

    This is the first of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about...
    (One Act: 10 Minutes)
    True Story - This is the moment that Joey is taken by his sister dad and uncle believing that he was his dad. It is October 3rd, 1979 and Joey would live with the guilt that the abduction was his fault because of how he answered the questions that were asked.

    This is the first of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 6 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 12
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: true story, child abuse + 6 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: true story, child abuse, child abduction, imaginary friend, trigger warning, graphic, short play, series
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - It is early 1981 in Garden City, Kansas. Joey was abducted from his mother in 1979 along with his sister. They are now a year and a half into the abduction. During the abduction, Joey is a abused in so many ways and often, this is the first time he experiences an imaginary friend though.

    This is the second of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose...
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - It is early 1981 in Garden City, Kansas. Joey was abducted from his mother in 1979 along with his sister. They are now a year and a half into the abduction. During the abduction, Joey is a abused in so many ways and often, this is the first time he experiences an imaginary friend though.

    This is the second of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 7 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 12
    ·
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction + 6 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction, imaginary friend, autobiography, Trigger Waring, physical abuse, verbal abuse, child sexual abuse
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - It is December 1981 in Garden City, Kansas. Joey was abducted from his mother in 1979 along with his sister. Joey is now 7 years old and they are two years into a 7+ year kidnapping. During the abduction, Joey is a abused in so many ways and often, the imaginary friend keeps reappearing.

    This is the third of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose...
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - It is December 1981 in Garden City, Kansas. Joey was abducted from his mother in 1979 along with his sister. Joey is now 7 years old and they are two years into a 7+ year kidnapping. During the abduction, Joey is a abused in so many ways and often, the imaginary friend keeps reappearing.

    This is the third of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 8 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction + 2 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction, trigger warning, Autobiographical
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - Joey is now 8 years old, it's been three years since he and his sister were abducted by his sister's real dad. Joey has been brainwashed to believe that Willis is his real dad and that his mom is a monster and has been abused in many ways. This is a normal day in the life of little Joey who is getting older, but the abuse is still full force.

    ...
    (ONE ACT - 10 Minutes)
    True Story - Joey is now 8 years old, it's been three years since he and his sister were abducted by his sister's real dad. Joey has been brainwashed to believe that Willis is his real dad and that his mom is a monster and has been abused in many ways. This is a normal day in the life of little Joey who is getting older, but the abuse is still full force.

    This is the fourth of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 9 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abuse, accepting death + 4 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abuse, accepting death, mathematics, imaginary friend, child abduction, trigger warning
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)

    True Story - Spring of 1984, Garden City Kansas. It has now been four and a half years since Joey was abducted by his sister's biological father. While Joey had been enrolled in school and attended enough to pass from grade to grade, he has been allowed to play little league, but it's his mathematical abilities that have really started to excel. They have...
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)

    True Story - Spring of 1984, Garden City Kansas. It has now been four and a half years since Joey was abducted by his sister's biological father. While Joey had been enrolled in school and attended enough to pass from grade to grade, he has been allowed to play little league, but it's his mathematical abilities that have really started to excel. They have excelled to the point where he is getting noticed for his math skills.

    This is the fifth of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 10 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 7
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: trigger warnings advised, child abduction + 4 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: trigger warnings advised, child abduction, child abuse, Kansas City Royals, Kansas, imaginary friend
    (ONE ACT - 15 MINUTES)
    True Story - It's the fall of 1984 and exactly five years since Joey was abducted from his home in Bremerton Washington and taken to Garden City Kansas. He is in fifth grade and becoming more and more aware that his world is not a normal world. As Joey's world evolves, so does his relationships with characters in the show, and with the outside world.

    This...
    (ONE ACT - 15 MINUTES)
    True Story - It's the fall of 1984 and exactly five years since Joey was abducted from his home in Bremerton Washington and taken to Garden City Kansas. He is in fifth grade and becoming more and more aware that his world is not a normal world. As Joey's world evolves, so does his relationships with characters in the show, and with the outside world.

    This is the sixth of 9 plays in a series called Joey. The purpose of these plays is to bring awareness about abuse, break the stigma that children of abuse are doomed to repeat the cycle of abuse, and the incredible powers that each survivor possess.
  • Joey Age 11 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 4
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abuse, drowning + 3 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abuse, drowning, Trigger Warnings, child abduction, imaginary friend
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    True Story - 1985, Garden City, Kansas. It's been almost six years since Joey and his little sister were taken by his sister's biological father and uncle. This part of the story will be hard to hear and throughout the story, my internal responses are in-line with the Imaginary Friend's responses. I'm sure you will feel similarly.

    This is the...
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    True Story - 1985, Garden City, Kansas. It's been almost six years since Joey and his little sister were taken by his sister's biological father and uncle. This part of the story will be hard to hear and throughout the story, my internal responses are in-line with the Imaginary Friend's responses. I'm sure you will feel similarly.

    This is the seventh of the 9 shows about Joey. The true story of my abduction in 1979 from Chester Ave, Bremerton, Washington.
  • Joey Age 12 by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 5
    ·
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama
    ·
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction + 4 more
    Genre: drama
    Keyword: child abuse, child abduction, liars, secrecy, on the run, imaginary friend
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    True Story - Joey is in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on the run because Joey's mom has found them. It's been a peaceful year for the most part. Things have definitely changed for the better in Joey's life and he is thriving. There are two major pieces that need to be resolved first.

    This is the 8th play of 9 in the series. Joey was abducted on October...
    (ONE ACT - 15 Minutes)
    True Story - Joey is in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on the run because Joey's mom has found them. It's been a peaceful year for the most part. Things have definitely changed for the better in Joey's life and he is thriving. There are two major pieces that need to be resolved first.

    This is the 8th play of 9 in the series. Joey was abducted on October 3rd, 1979 from Bremerton, Washington. This has optional complete show - ending spots. After the dialogue with Joey and after the first epilogue. The optional endings should be considered based on what the audience is expecting.
  • Joey Adult (Optional Series Ending) by Joe Swenson
    Recommendations: 6
    ·
    Cast: 
    1
    ·
    Genre: biography, drama
    ·
    Keyword: motivational speaking, inspirational speech + 5 more
    Genre: biography, drama
    Keyword: motivational speaking, inspirational speech, Joey Series, abuse, superpowers, want, need
    (MONOLOGUE - 10-15 MINUTES)

    Optionally 9th and final show in the Joey series. This is an optional ending, designed for motivational/inspirational purposes.

    Inspirational - want vs. need monologue. Must have watched/read the entire series as this is the final chapter in the Joey series. Imaginary Friend retakes the stage as Joe Swenson and delivers an inspiring monologue taken from...
    (MONOLOGUE - 10-15 MINUTES)

    Optionally 9th and final show in the Joey series. This is an optional ending, designed for motivational/inspirational purposes.

    Inspirational - want vs. need monologue. Must have watched/read the entire series as this is the final chapter in the Joey series. Imaginary Friend retakes the stage as Joe Swenson and delivers an inspiring monologue taken from Joe Swenson's real life motivational event in 2019. (See link)
  • Eleven Days (Adapted for Short Film - Rough Script) by Joe Swenson
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    ·
    Keyword: A TOUGH DRAMA, psychological drama + 3 more
    Genre: drama, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: A TOUGH DRAMA, psychological drama, Kidnapping, Mob, present day
    (SHORT FILM ROUGH SCRIPT - 30 Minutes)
    This is the non-contracted version with flashbacks to give more context to the original version (15 minute version). Jeri Fincannon is a wife and mother of a two year old. She's also an accountant and two men, Douglas and Tony mistakenly kidnap her. It's now the 11th day and they don't know what to do with her because they only "do bad things to bad people."